Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Kabab Express

    4.6 (480 reviews)

    Kabab Express Photos

    Business Info

    KABAB EXPRESS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Kabab Express

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    18. Beef & lamb Gyros Plate
    Paul M.

    Our first visit was so enjoyable that my wife and I were really excited to return to this Mediterranean restaurant. We were greeted by a very friendly guy behind the counter, which reminded us of how friendly the staff was on our first visit. He was also patient and helpful, as I asked a lot of questions. My wife got the Gyros Plate, just like last time. I opted for the Chicken Koobideh. I'm not sure why, since I like the Gyro so much. Maybe it was that the Koobideh was promoted as their most popular item. After ordering, we sat down to wait for our meals. We waited, and waited, and waited some more. It took way too long to get our food, particularly considering ours was the only order they were working on. The food finally came, and there was plenty of it. I tried to remember to take a photo, but I was so hungry by this time that I forgot. Upon first bite, I realized I had made a mistake. My Chicken Koobideh was not bad, it just wasn't that good. It lacked flavor and was a little mushy. I have had Koobideh at other restaurants that had a better, firmer texture. I decided that the Tzatziki sauce on my wife's Gyro might be good on my Koobideh - maybe give it a little more flavor. So, I looked around to find the nice guy we ordered from. He was nowhere to be found. In fact, no employees were in the dining room, or evident in the kitchen, the entire time we were eating. No one checked up on us to see if we were enjoying our meals. This was very unfortunate, and I left disappointed. So, why the four stars? Because my wife's Gyro Plate was great. She enjoyed every bite, and I will definitely know what to order next time.

    Family Special #2
    Lauren R.

    Just moved here from Thousand Oaks and very familiar with this cuisine. Granted, I don't think I ever pick places that have the potential of being sub par, but my overall feeling so far is the customer service just seems higher than average in (many places) in Orange County, and this was no exception - friendly and welcoming. Food was excellent quality and taste. I found the value to be decent. Got a 2 person platter. Kebabs were very tasty, fresh, rice was so fluffy, taboon (I think that is what it's called, like grilled pita) bread was yummy, chewy and lightly charred as they make it fresh. Comes with salad, and you are more than full. My big mouth and foodie self inquiring about things always leads me to buying more stuff. I wound up buying their house made toum (garlic spread) which was soooo tasty. It should be so good that your breath wards off vampires til the next day, and so it does. Thank you for your nice, kind service. I hope to be back soon to try their ash reshteh and types of rice pilaf. I would say to give them some time to make your food. The wait is not long at all, but mind you they are making everything fresh, and it's worth it.

    Lamb tongue sandwich
    Tammy L.

    We were surprised to learn of a place that was open so late in our area and decided to check it out. We arrived around 8:45 and ordered, took a number and found a table. So, people were generally nice. There was a manager (owner?) walking around to greet people and one of the two girls working the cash register was very friendly...the other was new-ish. Anyway, long story short, the food is GREAT. I got chicken + beef koobideh platter (chicken was slightly better) and hubby got the lamb tongue sandwich which he loved. We also shared a falafel platter. BIL ordered he thought was chicken but was given a steak kabab ??? Couldn't really tell as the meat was blackened but the texture was that of steak. Whatever it was, it was pretty tasty. We were given a ton of taftoon (flat bread) for our entrees. That being said, the food did take a LONG time. By the time we got out of there, it was 10:30pm. I mean, we're pretty patient people but were getting a little hungry when our food finally arrived. Except BIL's. His took another 15 minutes and when we inquired, we were told the chicken takes longer to cook??? So I want to say it was over an hour by the time we got all our food. Not sure if we'll be back - will likely stick to to-go orders but it was nice to know we have an option for late night eats that isn't a drive-thru. The place was inexplicably packed for 10pm on a Friday night, with a party of 20 people showing up for a birthday party. Check it out but make sure you have plenty of time.

    Cin-Yee S.

    Incredible food and service in an unassuming Lake Forest plaza. A must stop for me from now on every time I'm in town. Some of the best kashke badjeman I've ever had, and I eat this roasted eggplant dish at nearly every establishment I can find it. The fluffy bread and well-seasoned koobideh were absolutely delicious. Hospitality is a hallmark of the culture, and the staff here were just so welcoming and wonderful. The owner even came around to ask all the diners how everything was going, which I thought was a nice personal touch. See everyone again for some more delicious food when I'm back in SoCal.

    Beef Koobideh Sandwich
    Lara C.

    Amazing food and service! We came in around 4pm on a Sunday afternoon. We were greeted and were given recommendations. I like that they helped us out and gave us details on some of the dishes! We ordered the beef and chicken koobideh combo and beef koobideh sandwich. Both were delicious and filling. I recommend coming here if you're craving Persian or Mediterranean food!

    Family menu #1
    M K.

    Food and service was great! The good came out very fast and the prices are very reasonable as well! Came here with my kids and the manager was very friendly and offered us hot tea on the house.

    56. Kalleh Pacheh (Lamb Head and Lamb feet)
    Mahshid F.

    Whenever I'm in Southern California, I can't resist the urge to drive to Lake Forest for a bite at this amazing spot! I hope this shows just how fantastic they really are!

    Victoria C.

    $75 for this is unbelievable. I couldn't even enjoy my food bc I was in disbelief of the price. And the gentleman in the front was not welcoming or helpful. I didn't understand the menu too well and not once did he budge in to ask if I needed help. Yes, I could've looked at prices before but I thought it would be average just as other establishments.

    Vanessa L.

    We were so happy to find this gem! Same owner as the Hen House (now closed). I got to have my favorite chicken koobideh today and my stomach was very happy! The owner was there today and he's super nice. Will definitely be back!!!!!!!!!!

    Kabob sandwhich
    Ashley S.

    Best Persian restaurant in OC! We've tried countless Persian restaurants in the area and have finally found the best one. Definitely worth the drive from San Diego where unfortunately it has been difficult to find quality Persian food as of late. The kabob is fresh and juicy. It's cooked perfectly with all the right spices and flavor. They make their bread in house and it's delicious. The kabob sandwhich is my go to, but I've also had the olivieh salad and gormeh sabzi, which were both amazing. The inside is nice and clean with plenty of seating. They are located in a big shopping center with lots of parking available. The GM Mike is very kind and welcoming. He remembered us even though it had been a few months since our first visit. We've already taken several friends here and everyone has been impressed with the quality of the food. They get extra points for staying open so late too.

    Marie S.

    The food here is absolutely amazing!! I started coming to this company when they were located in Irvine and named Hen House. I followed them once they moved to Lake Forest because I can't give it up. My friends and I love coming here for a late night bite. I highly recommend their tea as well!

    Falafel plate, hummus and freshly baked taftoon bread.
    Kathleen A.

    Wow! I found this place by accident, after a really long day. I came in around 9pm, place is packed! I patiently waited, as is looked like one person taking orders, serving, and bussing. Got the falafel plate, side salad, hummus, and fresh baked taftoon bread. Absolutely delicious, the bread... sigh. Falafel was crunchy outside, and tender inside. Perfect. I even have leftovers for lunch tomorrow. Ambiance was lively, I think it was a big family party, happy noise. Next time I'm in OC, I'm coming back. Need to try some more dishes.

    Naan
    Gertrude H.

    Such an awesome find in the Laguna Hills area! About the same price as Luna Grill for their beef koobideh but you get twice the portion and tastes better. The naan is a must try with their garlic dip. Mike, who I believe is the owner, let us know that the garlic dip is dairy free. It is so good that I even put some on my beef. Mike was a great host. Very friendly and accommodating from the moment we ordered. He also introduced us to cardamom tea which I recommend as well. It is a nice palate cleanser and perfect for the cool weather. I am definitely coming back to try the other dishes on their menu.

    See all

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tarek A.
    8
    141
    62

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alan M.
    8
    28
    14

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 2
    Photo of F T.
    0
    40
    14

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    #1 kebab. Amazing food, amazing staff. I will definitely be back!! Me and my girlfriend loved it

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Fred M.
    83
    20
    2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Y P.
    1
    11
    25

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tim S.
    112
    153
    13

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of K K.
    61
    487
    666

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ron T.
    7
    56
    5

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jason G.
    17
    104
    0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alex F.
    216
    9
    1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rick L.
    18
    16
    29

    2 years ago

    Food was authentically precise. Service was amazing. Very short order wait time. Extremely clean and organized.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Daly Y.
    31
    118
    26

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mar I.
    0
    85
    6

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lexy M.
    228
    384
    256

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy H.
    0
    31
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Hang O.
    5
    333
    32

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Absolutely delicious and open late too! Friendly people clean and nice, I also love their deserts

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Bad service and wrong food l will not recommend. He gave me a wrong food very loud place and not friendly .

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 4 of 12

    Kabab Express Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Kabab Express

    Is the meat halal?

    Hello ,, Sure all product we serve at our restaurant they are Halal. Thank you

    Do you have a catering menu?

    Thank you for considering us serving you and your guest . Please text me at 949-424-4227 Mike (Mehrdad)and I will text you all detail you may need to know for your Eventh and… Read more

    Do you have buffet on weekends? Hours and price if you do please? Do you have air conditioning in the dining area?

    Hello Mr Mark,, Hope all is well and thank you for the opportunity to serving you earlier. We do… Read more

    Does your hummus have garlic in it?

    Hello , Yes we use fresh garlic.

    View All 9 Questions

    You might also consider

    M Cafe & Grill - My delicious rice with Sumac sprinkled on with the NOT Dry I repeat NOT DRY M1. Chicken and Beef Koobideh

    M Cafe & Grill

    4.3(535 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    It was our first time in the area, and as a fan of Mediterranean food, I found this place on Yelp…read moreand decided to give it a try. I'm really glad we did. The portions were large, and the atmosphere was very relaxing during our visit. The server Habibi!!! was friendly and attentive. I'm usually very particular about food, but this place did not disappoint. We ordered the mixed platter for two, and it was excellent. I'm a big eater, but my wife and I still couldn't finish everything. It was so good that we packed the rest to go. Out of all the places I've tried, this one really stands out for both taste and quality. If I'm in the area again, I will definitely come back.

    I really wanted to like this place, but the experience was honestly disappointing from the moment…read morewe arrived. We showed up around 1 PM, which should be prime lunch time, and the place was completely empty. Not just quiet, I mean literally no one there, which immediately felt off. Even finding the entrance was confusing, especially if it's your first time. The exterior didn't help either. It looked sun-damaged and like it hadn't been maintained in a while, which set the tone before we even walked in. Once inside, things didn't improve. A guy greeted us briefly and ran to the back, and then another staff member asked if we wanted to sit inside or outside. The first thing we noticed was how stuffy it felt. No airflow, no ventilation, and when I asked if the AC was on, he said no. At that point, it just didn't feel comfortable staying. My friend and I looked at each other like, are we really about to eat here? That feeling alone says a lot. They do have an outdoor seating setup with what looks like Persian-style lounge seating, which could actually be really nice, but even that area didn't look clean or maintained. It had potential, but it just didn't feel inviting. We ended up leaving, and shortly after, another couple walked in and chose to sit outside, probably for the same reason we didn't want to stay inside. Honestly, this place feels like it could have a good vibe if it were busy and properly maintained, but right now it just feels neglected. Between the confusing entrance, lack of upkeep, and uncomfortable indoor environment, it was an easy decision to walk out.

    Photos
    M Cafe & Grill
    M Cafe & Grill - See how big this dish is! My hands are small btw

    See how big this dish is! My hands are small btw

    M Cafe & Grill - Sugar and saffron rock candy style stick to mix into tea!

    See all

    Sugar and saffron rock candy style stick to mix into tea!

    Chili Chutney Afghan Restaurant - King's platter 7/10 Was just enough for 4 of us

    Chili Chutney Afghan Restaurant

    4.1(884 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    Food 5/5 Service 5/5…read more Ambiance 5/5 I have been dining in for many years. They just opened again for lunch buffet it was good . $16.99 I recommend it They are open for lunch buffet and ordering from 11 am to 3

    TLDR: Unassuming from the outside, eccentric from the inside. The food is what I expect from…read morerestaurants. Something that I cannot make, something that I've tried, yet the establishment still finds a way to give me a different and enjoyable experience. Boneless Chicken and Beef Koobideh Combo: One of the most dangerous things to order, as both things can either come out as dry, or start off as great, then dry up before you can finish. None of those scenarios happened here. The chicken was soft, juicy, seasoned very well, and it stayed that way. The beef koobideh had this smoky flavor profile, which is different from what I normally expect, and I liked it. Potato Boloni: I've never had boloni in my life, and the closest comparison I have is a Chinese or Korean pancake. The boloni had areas of spiciness, and I think it had room to go higher. It's definitely an appetizer, and I won't mind having it again. Service: There were only 2-3 occupied tables when we went. I think the staff had plenty of time to take our orders, give us water, and the food arrived within a reasonable time. Ambiance: You could tell that the restaurant was designed to host wedding receptions or larger parties in mind. Stage, lights, and a bunch of stuff that may be overwhelming for some. I didn't mind. Good food is all that matters.

    Photos
    Chili Chutney Afghan Restaurant - Indoor dining

    Indoor dining

    Chili Chutney Afghan Restaurant - Mantu

    Mantu

    Chili Chutney Afghan Restaurant - Stage

    See all

    Stage

    Bahar Restaurant - Entrance

    Bahar Restaurant

    4.1(591 reviews)
    4.8 mi
    $$
    Family-owned & operated
    Private events

    Still such a yummy spot! I got the appetizer with the crispy rice and the three toppings. The three…read moretoppings happened to be my favorite three dishes! So I love that they have that on here I don't remember it being here about 10 years ago. I also got the stew with celery artichoke and beef. It was really nice! I love that it's lightweight. I'll probably get a fuss in June to go just because it's my favorite. I absolutely love the Persian tea! I do order it with my food which always throws people off but that's how I do it lol I've had the creepy day etc. here before so I know that's good but I'll definitely order that next time to go.

    This review is for Bahar Catering: We had Bahar catering for…read morea 51st birthday at an event venue. I highly recommend Bahar catering. From the planning to the actual event, they handled everything professionally and stayed in constant contact with me prior to the event. The food quality was exceptional. They provided a beautiful set up with the coffee, tea and cookies. The food was set up beautifully and the food temperature was perfect. The server adapted and problem-solved. I really couldn't have asked for a better caterer. I was able to enjoy the party because there was nothing that was missing--everything was provided exactly as was agreed and they went above and beyond. Thank you for making our event memorable.

    Photos
    Bahar Restaurant - Interior

    Interior

    Bahar Restaurant - TAHCHIN WITH CHICKEN KABOB

    TAHCHIN WITH CHICKEN KABOB

    Bahar Restaurant - Boneless chicken combo kabob

    See all

    Boneless chicken combo kabob

    Kabab Express - mediterranean - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...