Had this on my list for over a year now after a cool friend recommended it to me. Went to the Jewish Museum for the Paul Klee exhibition and finally had my chance to stop in for lunch. Perfect casual place with great food. Got a gorgeous mezze plate for a solid price. Just wish they had more drinks than the cans in the cooler. Service was kind, straightforward, and quick. So glad I was able to finally try it! Thank you read more

Lava Shawarma - Mezze plate with chicken - Middle Eastern Near Me - New York, New York

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Hi! Stopped into the UES' Lava Shawarma for the second time, and everything was - once again - excellent. The two young men who work behind the counter there (at least in the early evening hours) were friendly, polite, professional and hardworking. The environment is welcoming, and the food is so yummy. Both times I've been there, I ordered the falafel wrap. It was super delicious -- and full of fiber and protein, without feeling heavy on my tummy; I might just become a more regular customer, even though I'm trying to be mindful about my food budget these days. : ) (Their pricing is affordable to most, I simply mean that as a general comment.) Thank you for taking such good care of me, gentlemen! Stay warm and well-fed, Kat PS The only thing I'd humbly suggest, if I may, would be to put out a few containers of olive oil for customers -- to drizzle on their falafel goodness. read more

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Small restaurant with a couple tables inside that would be good for a small group of 1-4 people. Mostly takeout. We ordered 2 lamb & beef wraps with an order of tater tots. The wraps were incredible!! The presentation was great and came with tahini and hot sauce on the side. The meat was soo juicy and had a ton of flavor. Tater tots were extra crispy. Everything was seasoned well. Service was friendly and offered some complementary spiced tea. Very quick. Wish we could take this place home with us. read more

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Currently one of my favorite shawarma spots in the city. Authentic and delicious every time. Sandwiches are a really good size and I love the combo that comes with fries and a drink (get the Hawa cola). The chicken shawarma with garlic sauce and pickles is my go-to. I also love their beef sambousak Highly recommend if you're in the area. Only taking off 1 star because a few times my delivery order was messed up (missing something or didn't read instructions) read more

Lava Shawarma - Hawa cola - Middle Eastern Near Me - New York, New York

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They have a few tables spread throughout, but no restroom from what I could see. We also didn't get cups for water so don't think they provide that either. I ordered the vegan mix platter which had falafel (okay), fried eggplant, and cauliflower (both delicious) with babaganoush and salad that were both good. It comes with pita slices. I'd get this again and I ain't vegan. The lava chicken shawarma arabic had a good wrap, but the chicken wasn't seasoned as much as I'd liked. The fries were seasoned too which I appreciated. I'd come back here to see if the other meat options are better seasoned. read more

Lava Shawarma - Vegan mix platter and chicken shawarma Arabic on right - Middle Eastern Near Me - New York, New York

My new favorite lunch spot! The guys put a lot of love into making the food. The chicken shawarma lava was presented beautifully, and it tasted delicious! Service was fantastic. It's a small place, but there's some booths and small tables if you want to sit down for a meal instead of ordering to go. Wonderful restaurant. I'll be back again soon. read more

Lava Shawarma - Chicken Shawarma lava - Middle Eastern Near Me - New York, New York

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Tiny place door entrance is small about 12 seats Guy at front doesn't like questions. Could be a bit more helpful. I ordered Lava mix plate friend ordered chicken shawarma plate. He liked his meal. I liked mine too. But the lamb was way too salty. Like inexperienced salty. Wtf. Chicken was tender. Not salty. Lamb rice salad white sauce were great. I would eat again. But hopefully it's not overly salty. I also tried a Lebanese soft drink. It sucked a s s. Don't try it. 2 meals 2 drinks $41 plus everyone in the northeast robs you w card svc fee. Here it was 4%. Which is bullshit. So about $43 total. Give it a try see what you think. I believe they have four locations. read more

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Lava Shawarma is located on 3rd Ave. just off of East 92 St. It's a small place with about 5-6 tables & very busy with take out orders. The ambiance is bright & modern, the staff is small but very efficient & polite, service is pretty quick & the food is 'big' as in delicious!!! It's well proportioned & filling. The Lamb Burger was big & juicy with melted cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, Lebanese pickles & a delicious special sauce. The flamingo toothpick was a nice touch! The Baklava was 2 sweet flaky yummy squares & moist. I just had to tell the manager/owner how delicious that lamb burger was! I'll be bringing friends here next time & try out some more stuff on the menu. read more

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Our falafel wraps were freshly made and delicious. Served with fresh veggies and tahini, and the wrap itself was just right, grilled to perfection. Yum! read more

Had no idea this was a chain and I don't think I care. It was absolutely delicious and I can't wait to go back. The falafel wrap is where it's at. read more

The Food is exquisite and very flavorful. The Manager and staffs are so accommodating. Will aurely be back again with my family. read more

Lava Shawarma - Middle Eastern Near Me - New York, New York

Chicken shawarma wasn't marinated as much as I'd like. Lots of toppings but doesn't fully justify the cost of a bowl for me read more

Lava Shawarma - Chicken Shawarma bowl - Middle Eastern Near Me - New York, New York

I found this place actually on DoorDash often and I find restaurants that way, but I would like to make sure where they're located before ordering but I was favorably impressed. I've been very careful with food lately ordering somewhere new but the place is new about eight year old clean and the guys were very nice there. They even placed my Diet Coke that was missing from the order and the food is excellent and they seem to make it fresh read more

Always delicious! And friendly. They use yummy ingredients ans use Sumac. I love the people who work there, they are very friendly.

I'm a lover of shawarma and had a lot over the last three years in London on Edgware Road. I had high expectations for Lava. Unfortunately I found the major elements - pita, chicken, white sauce (no sesame or garlic) and hot sauce lacked the flavor and the spices I love. The texture of the pita seemed off. I wasn't offered any vegetables. When I asked, they happily added some cucumber tomato and some lettuce, but I didn't see or taste onions and turnip pickles! Overall it was a shawarma you might expect somewhere in the Midwest. They have a much more extensive menu, and I only had chicken in a pita once. At $14 it wasn't a good deal, either. read more

Got their chicken biriyani and the flavor balance was heavenly . Perfect for a quick meal, was really filling and so delicious! Definitely coming back again read more

So glad they opened in UES- used to go to their. Chelsea location all the time. Absolutely delicious! Lava Shawarma serves the most flavorful and juicy shawarmas I've ever had. The perfect blend of spices and fresh ingredients made every bite heavenly. Highly recommend for all shawarma lovers! read more

Falafel was fresh and delicious. The staff were warm and hospitable. They offered tea while I was waiting in a cold rainy night. Will come back soon. read more

Never had drier meat in a shawarma wrap before. Do not get the lamb/beef sinc eit is sooooo overcooked! Hard to chew! Avoid! My husband said the chicken was also very over cooked and dried out too. read more

Incredible service and food! Absolutely delicious--we had lamb shawarma and mint lemonades!

Food is exceptionally good, so fresh, such a nice combination of spices. Babaganoush is to die for.

Amazing shawarma very filling. Will probably come here every time I visit New York. Went with my family and we all enjoyed it

delicious food, and very good people me and my son we go for lunch there he loves their food .

Delicious new shawarma spot. Great service and food. Will definitely be coming back !

the vegan arabic sandwich was actually life changing i will be back !! so few restaurants in the area w/ good vegan options

My new favorite restaurant on the upper east side!! I ordered the falafel sandwich which was fresh, super tasty and visually appealing. Their prices are very reasonable and portion sizes are big enough to be full and still have left overs. The staff is goes above and beyond in terms of hospitality! They are so friendly and welcoming. Amazing dining experience all around. Wish I could give them 6 stars! read more