I've been to this restaurant for many times, but never left a review before. I dined at this restaurant again last Saturday and tried the skewer platter. It's so good that I have give this place a 5 stars, and this place is one of my favorite places for middle eastern food. So why would I like this place? 1) They have one of the best falafel. The falafels were fried to a perfect golden brown color, crispy on the outside, soft on inside. I've tried falafels at many other places, most places were either over fried the falafels to an unappealing color or the inside is too dried 2) The skewer is really delicious. I believe it's mixed with lamb and chicken, and probably some bread too. It's very tender, juicy and flavorful. 3) The side of salad is very fresh and aromatic. The salad and herbs were chopped with a mezzaluna knife right before it's served. That releases the aroma of the fresh salad and herbs. And yes, of course I'll be back to this place again. read more

Jerusalem Organic Kitchen - Falafel platter with hummus - Middle Eastern Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Have you ever had the experience where smells, tastes sounds, etc. transported you to another place from your past??? And if that place was pleasant, then the memory is a good one. Mine... It was March 1976, my family: brothers, mom, pops and grandparents were on a 3 week trip in Israel. We were on our final leg in Haifa, where we would stay a week. I woke up late that day, didn't feel like going on the planned tour of some ancient relic or site with the tour group. So instead, I took a bus from the hotel to one of the main drags where locals and tourists alike eat, meet and hang out. We ate at this one burger place before, because the tour guide mentioned they featured American fare. This day, an absolutely gorgeous Israeli woman took my order of burger and fries. But she did not ring me up. She looked at me with her light green eyes, and said "you are in Israel, you should try to eat what we love and maybe you too will love Israel." What... I'm no idiot! I said ok and asked her to pick what she wanted me to eat. Just to be sure she and I weren't going to try to start a global romance, she pointed to an Israeli Soldier eating alone staring at us suspiciously, and said, "that is my boyfriend, I will give you what he loves." This guy was very skinny, had a unibrow and a close cropped beard, but it was the automatic weapon sitting on the empty table next to him that was why I gulped audibly. He looked at me then his gun then smiled and said "Shalom". Feeling at ease, I looked at his plate. I didn't understand what it was but it looked like a bunch of hush puppies, the size of golf balls on a bed of veggies and what looked like lumpy cement next to triangular cut flat bread. I sat down and we glared at each other while I waited. He took some of the cement smeared it into his bread took a golf ball and topped it with some veggies. He Rolled it up and ate it. This he repeated two more times before mine arrived. She dropped off a white pasty bowl of something to him prior to delivering my platter. I blushed as this gorgeous woman, perfect olive skin, dark wavy hair tied up in the back, leaned in to show me how to build my first falafel. I looked at her green pools then at her boyfriend. He muttered something in Hebrew. They both laughed and she backed away. I caught the hint, they wanted to amuse themselves watching the stupid American try to eat a falafel and or my reaction to it. I am a quick learner! I expertly built my first perfect bite but I was not ready for the explosion of textures, flavors crunch coming from that bite... So I have been transported back to Haifa circa 1976. I got a falafel wrap and chicken one to go. Fresh clean and Delish were both. This will be the new spot. It's so good I am expecting to see my Israeli princess and her unibrow boyfriend the next time I go which at those prices may be 3-4 times a week!!!!! read more

Jerusalem Organic Kitchen - Limited outdoor seating but they do have - Middle Eastern Near Me - Berkeley, California

A great fast casual place for a shawarma wrap and plates. Simple menu with options to offer and the food has great flavors. Between the lamb and chicken options? I think chicken is the clear winner in terms of flavor. The menu posted on here, is still current. To order either call ahead or order at counter. I ordered at counter and waited about 10mins for food at peak dinner time. Will definitely order again. read more

The food was great!!! This is like healthy fast-food. Don't expect pleasantries or good service because the staff is always busy. Although the store is small, seats are comfortable-- indoor and outdoor. read more

Delicious. I just had a great dinner. Lettuce wrapped lamb burger and fries. So good.

Wonderful! Very nice people, excellent and fresh food. The hummus and dolma were some of the best I ever had and the falafel was crisp and creamy. They were very nice to our dog too. read more

I was in the mood for a falafel wrap. I had heard of this place and saw the decent reviews. First time I went, it was inexplicably closed. Lights out, chairs on table. Decided to try again a few weeks later. It was open. The first thing that struck me was how disgustingly filthy the place is. If you go, look on any surface. The lights hanging down are all covered with a thick goo of dust. Two lights were out, one was flickering. But everywhere you look, filthy. Floors, tables, everything. Ordered the falafel wrap. Elderly woman at register had the warmth and personality of a rock. Took my money and that was it. No "thank you, it'll be ready in a few minutes" or anything. Do I stand there? Move over? What? When I got my wrap, went back to my office and ate it. Maybe I don't know what a falafel wrap is and if that's the case, I apologize. It was just a soggy mushy mess with no ingredients identifiable. I thought there would be falafel balls in there A month later I had that hankering, but this time went to Troy's a few doors down. Polite, clean and delicious falafel wrap. Just as expected. I doubt I'll try this place again, but if I do and they just had a bad day, I'll revise my review. But little makes me want to try this again. Maybe if it wasn't so grimy. read more

I did have a customer service issue but i NEVER let that influence my review as i believe it should be about the FOOD. I had the chicken shawarma wrap. First sign of trouble is that it is actually not a "wrap" per se, it is actually a burrito as they use a large packaged tortilla and then grill it. Secondly, I'm no chef but i do know not to put cold salad into a wrap and then grill it on a hot stove, but that is precisely what they do here. What you end up with inside is soggy wilted salad, lettuce etc. In terms of portions the wrap looks big from the outside but the ratio of chicken is pretty minimal see pic, it is mostly lettuce. The chicken itself was pretty lacking in seasoning as well. The "hot" red sauce tasted like blended up pace salsa for real. For me it is worth driving to a different spot to get this type of food, and there are plenty, or just walk down half a block is also an option. There were other issues as well but I'm done typing. read more

Jerusalem Organic Kitchen - 90% lettuce / spinach? Also they put it on the hot grill with the salad inside of it, but it was edible - Middle Eastern Near Me - Berkeley, California

Absolutely the best Mediterranean cuisine in the area............and the prices are great! Fresh generous delicious food! My husband loves the salmon in any way ......plate or wrap! I love the hummus, falafel, dolmas and of course the salmon also! They have this amazing tahini sauce that you can put on anything .......also I love their chicken salad! Wonderful welcoming helpful staff! read more

NOT organic! Maybe they were organic once, but I went in (1-2 months ago) and was told by someone who appeared to be an owner, sitting at one of the dining tables chatting with someone else, that nothing they sell is organic. If I understood correctly, they mentioned sourcing issues. It's possible, but other places claim that they have organic items. More likely, it might cut into the margin more than they feel their pricing can sustain. They score good points for being straight in answering me, though. They'd get even more points if they put a sign outside to offset the false impression created by the name of the store. The falafel and hummus in which I dipped them were tasty enough. read more

Always delicious! Friendly man at counter. Our go-tos are the falafel plate, salmon plate, lamb shawarma wrap. Yum!

Came here for some quick dinner on a Saturday night. Called in the order and it was ready 15 min later for pick up. There was no wait and we were able to grab the food quickly and pay. Got the large falafel platter to split with a friend and it was the perfect size! The falafel tasted really fresh and was not super dry. The babaganoush could have had the more smoky flavor but overall it was pretty good. I would definitely come back here! read more

Jerusalem Organic Kitchen - Falafel Platter - Middle Eastern Near Me - Berkeley, California

Very friendly staff. Informal atmosphere. Counter service. Drove out here because I was craving a hummus plate and salad. Ordered the chicken shwarma plate. Surprised that it came very heavily covered in parsley and sesame seeds. Food was hot and fresh, but the flavors didn't cohere and mostly just tasted like sesame seeds and parsley. I wouldn't order again, but might come back to try something else. read more

I have been getting takeout from this restaurant for probably 10 years. I've eaten at the restaurant a couple of times. The food is consistently good and so is the service. Their falafel is the most perfectly cooked and flavorful falafel. And their baba ganoush is the best! I usually get a falafel platter and they make it gluten-free for me. I used to get the sandwich wraps before I gave up gluten, and they were delicious too. But their flavors and quality have stayed very good through the years. Give them a try. One comment to the owners, although I haven't used your bathroom in over a year, if you haven't updated it, please consider doing so. It is the one downside of your restaurant and doesn't match the quality of your food and service. read more

Solid Mediterranean food. First off, the french fries are a rarity: Thick cut, usually fried crispy, and covered with what looks like za'atar. I always get at least a small order from here. I'm also a fan of their Jerusalem falafel wrap and their hummus is some of the best I've had. read more

Fresh and flavorful ingredients, huge portions, great price, and friendly staff! This was one of my last spots eating take out during my trip to Berkeley and for once I was not disappointed at the taste and quality I received. Unlike a lot of other restaurants that have seemed to downgraded during Covid which is totally understandable, but this place was really great. Missing the food already!! read more

Jerusalem Organic Kitchen - Falafel plate w/pita - Middle Eastern Near Me - Berkeley, California

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As it turns out, the Jerusalem Falafel sandwich is a delightful middle eastern burrito. The falafel is different than your standard falafel with a seasoning I can't identify, or maybe it's the sauce. Either way it's tasty. Overall it was a little sweet to me but balanced when I got bites with hummus. Service was quick at lunch and I appreciate the relatively quiet environment without blaring music. Also, anytime I can get a lunch under $10, it's a WIN read more

Our new go-to for quick healthy and super tasty lunch. Their hummus and falafel are excellent and yesterday I had their salmon burger which was also great. A definite step above most Mediterranean food I've had around the bay. Small unassuming place but check it out! read more

Yum yum YUM! I will happily join the chorus singing the praises of a place that has the integrity to serve generous portions of delicious food at fair prices despite their prime real estate location. I've spent a lot of time in Israel and Eastern Europe and the occasionally crusty customer service just adds to the authenticity. It's not personal. Come back three times and get over yourself and you will find this is a secretly loving place. It's like family that way ;) I've munched my way like Pac-Man up, down and sideways the length of Solano Avenue, and for me, this is the healthiest option, hands down. The salad greens are bright and clean, the chicken shawarma piquantly marinated, and the hummus is homemade. The tiny pots of tahini sauce and harissa are the perfect condiments. Meats are lean and of good quality. You can watch the staff cook with care and concentration while the proprietress deliver authentic Middle Eastern/Russian acerbic attitude over a big heart. This is the same rootstock as Katz's deli, not Chez Panisse. Thank G-d!!! Non-locals beware: overstuff the parking meter or the relentless and rabid Berkeley meter minions will nail you in a heartbeat. Rumor has it they sometimes loiter nearby til your meter expires. Taking off 1/2 a star to encourage more frequent table wiping, window scrubbing and trips upstairs. Betayavon! (Good appetite) read more

If you are lover of Mediterranean food at cost-effective prices - this is the place! No frills, no fuss service, unpretentious place with super delicious food is perfect for takeout (they even bring it out right to your car!) or have a feast inside - our host Natasha was fun & friendly. Will visit again and again! read more

Falafel wrap was soooooo good. Also tried shawarma chicken skewers that comes with rice. The rice was really good too-buttery and flavorful.

When placing order via phone, I asked a question on the menu and potion and was told when I am ready to call back. The person answering did not want to help and was very rude. read more

Ordered about 15 wraps for a gathering and they were outstanding! Everyone was super impressed! Fresh and delicious

I wondered in off the street - almost didn't stop. Total hole on the wall place. I ordered the Mediterranean plate with falafel and it's delicious & gorgeous and totally exceeded my expectations, especially fir the price. Hundred percent recommended. I'll be back! read more

Fantastic salmon platter, Jerusalem falafel, chicken soup, and hamburgers. Can't get enough of this wonderful little corner restaurant!

Great food! Yummy and great service. The menu online doesn't reflect the prices after covid. We called in our order and the actual cost was about $3 higher per dish than the menu price on YELP. We ordered the following: salmon sandwich, chicken Shawerma, a small babaganoush, and the chicken salad. Everything was fresh and tasty. It was $56 and the portions were generous. Will be back. read more

I came in for the chicken shawarma, after looking at their menu I saw that they have a lamb shawarma and ordered that. The lamb was cooked to perfection and all the ingredients in the wrap were fresh and complimented each other. The staff are friendly and hard at their job, clean tables and kitchen which I like in a restaurant. All in all the prices are good and the wrap was filling best Mediterranean food in the area. read more

Jerusalem Organic Kitchen - Land shawarma - Middle Eastern Near Me - Berkeley, California

Dined at Jerusalem Organic Kitchen for lunch on a Saturday afternoon and ordered the Falafel Platter. The falafels were cooked perfectly, the hummus and baba ganoush were well made, and the portion size for the price was well worth it. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating. Since it was a nice day outside, I opted to sit outside. There's free street parking if yoy don't mind walking a little bit. Check it out :) read more

I've been obsessed with Israeli food lately and can't believe I've never tried this place on Solano after so many years in Berkeley!! It is absolutely delicious and the prices are super affordable Pros: - The falafel plate is really filling and such a steal for 10$! I highly recommend it! It comes with two different salads, one with lettuce, tomatoes and the other with quinoa. Both are yummy and make you feel good afterwards - the falafels themselves are nice and fried on the outside, which is great because plenty of times I get soggy ones at other places! - the venue has outdoor patio seating which is awesome for dogs! Super dog friendly, they even let me go inside to order with my pooch in tow before sitting outside! You order inside, but they bring your food to you! - the red pepper jalapeño sauce is to die for, I had leftovers and asked for extra sauce to take home! I found out they make all their sauces in house which is so awesome and fresh - nice hunk of feta cheese to go with your salad - service is very friendly and helpful. They talked me through the menu - Very vegan friendly!! Very little dairy except for cheese in their menu and lots of falafels for those who don't eat meat Cons: - the babaganoush was not as flavorful as I've had at other places. If they roasted the eggplants more It would have an earthier taste. - wish they gave more pita bread because I always run out before I finish my sauces - don't take American Express and have 10$ minimum for credit cards ( I just paid in cash because they prefer it) Overall, this place was awesome and I'm definitely coming back! For 10$ and a whole plate of salad and hummus and babaganoush, it's a great deal. Also I always love dog friendly restaurants! read more

This is one of my favorite restaurants! I get take-out from here frequently with my dad and the quality of the food is amazing and affordable. 10/10 recommend. * The photo is from my takeout and I forgot to snap a picture before I started eating * read more

Jerusalem Organic Kitchen - (Beef) Skewer Platter - Middle Eastern Near Me - Berkeley, California

I love the falafel wrap here! The addition of the pickles is a game changer. It's so fresh, flavorful, and the falafels aren't dry. It's a perfectly saucy wrap and great value. read more

Bad food, bad experience. I ordered two shawermas and a platter, and the total surprised me. I asked the woman and she said the menu (that she herself had handed me a few minutes ago) was old. While I was put off, I took a seat and hoped for the best. The lamb shawerma should be renamed "salad burrito." It is served on a gummy white flour tortilla with very little meat. The chicken shawerma was slightly more generous with meat. I wonder if they ripped me off since I ordered takeout. The hummus tastes like ground chickpeas with no lemon, garlic, or tahini. The hummus at TJ's tastes better. A lot of people were ordering burgers, so maybe that is the way to go. My husband refused to eat this $30 of takeout and is out getting tacos. read more

Jerusalem Organic Kitchen - Shawarma is a grilled white tortilla with a small amount of lamb. It's like a mediocre burrito you may buy in New Jersey. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Berkeley, California

This was the worst Mediterranean food that I've ever had. I purchased a chicken shawarma plate with an order of fries and it looks pretty, but has absolutely no flavor. I asked for extra napkins and the lady insisted that there was one in the bag. The chicken was tough. I took two bites and threw the $25 meal in the garbage. Definitely won't be back! read more

Eaten here at least 20 times since 2018, more often since I moved to the area. We always get the salmon platter with hummus and sub salad for rice. Had the rice once, it's great! The salmon is wild caught, perfectly cooked, and seasoned nicely with fresh herbs. My mother is obsessed with Israeli food, so her approval means it's authentic! She enjoyed her meal as well. My fiancé usually picks up but I did this weekend and noticed they installed a plexiglass barrier at the cash register, and staff are wearing masks. One customer inside at a time, I felt safe. The staff are always really nice to us, so we love giving them repeat business. Please support your local restaurants and give them a try! read more

Disappointing service. I didn't want the Jerusalem salad in my wrap because it had tomatoes but I wanted it on the side and they wouldn't give it to me on the side and told me to order the platter if I wanted it on the side. It makes no sense as I ended up paying for the wrap which has the salad in it but didn't get it. They also wouldn't let me use my credit card to buy baklava and had to pay in cash. read more

Hate to do this to a seemingly nice place with super sweet staff but we picked up 2 platters tonight and both the baba ghanoush and the cheese on it were spoiled. The place feels exceptionally dirty so it's not a huge surprise but I'm bracing myself for food poisoning. Tread lightly. read more

Our favorite falafel wrap place in Berkeley because it has a lot of fresh vegetables in it and a great sauce that keeps the wrap moist. The owner is super nice. Affordable price as well. read more

So good, you can't stop eating! Just ordered takeout for the third or fourth time from the Kitchen and I will be coming back many more times. The lamb kebab is absolutely delicious. I was comparing this to some other local kebabs during dinner, but it's not even fair. Jerusalem Kitchen blows away the competition with their flavorful, tender kebabs. The only thing that threw me off was that the kebab was ground up with spices, like koobideh, instead of chunks, but I was not disappointed at all. The owners are very nice people as well. I was chatting with one of them and he showed me the difference between their lamb shawarma and the typical hunk of meat on the spit that you normally see. Similar to the kebabs, there is no comparison because their shawarma is actual sliced meat instead of an mash of overcooked blah. Get it all, because it's going to be delicious. read more

I have eaten here many times and while the staff may not have the best bedside manner in the world (I rarely eat out for emotional support) the food is excellent and their falafel second to none. And they give you a substantial amount of food at a very reasonable price. Also try their veggie burger, loaded with falafel and lettuce. For take home, a large container or two of their hummus goes great with crackers and bread. Yes, I shall be back... again and again. read more

Been coming here for more than 10 years Always good & fresh never disappoints, lamb burger is on point very delicious, staff is very friendly read more