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Lulu’s Little Kitchen

4.4 (221 reviews)
Open • 11:30 am - 7:30 pm

Lulu’s Little Kitchen Photos

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LULU’S LITTLE KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

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Moderate noise
Hipster
Casual
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Recommended Reviews - Lulu’s Little Kitchen

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Knafeh pancake- under desserts. So good, order with a cup of coffee!
Ashley W.

Great food! The toum Caesar salad is a must, especially if you like garlic. They are very generous with their Brussels sprouts as well. The seasonal corn succotash dish was okay, not enough corn. The knafeh pancake- divine. Not too sweet and if we ordered a cup of coffee to go with it, it would have been the perfect combination. The chicken kebab was also delicious. A little disappointed fries didn't come on the side but they came inside the kebab. The meat was plentiful and very juicy. I would definitely come again. It is self service and the food comes out very quickly!

Falafel Fennel Scented Bowl
Daniel S.

4 stars $19.84 Fennel Scented Falafel Bowl was: delicious and vegan. Best falafel balls I've had though I can say if that's high praise. Still, very good and worth eating again. Vegan. $ was OK too.

Toum Caesar Bowl
Matt J.

I'd been wanting to try Lulu's ever since I'd seen the menu when it was still a table service restaurant and it did not disappoint. I can't compare the new order-at-the-counter model to the original, but it was an excellent meal that lived up to my excitement for the Toum Caesar Salad specifically. I am generally wary of Caesar salads given overly creamy dressings, but as a vegetarian who usually steers clear of undisclosed anchovies, I was intrigued by the vegan version. I mean this in the best possible way when I say it was satisfyingly non-Caesar-like. Where the stereotypical Caesar is salad only in name (with cheese and croutons making it more of a sandwich featuring greens), Lulu's was a unique, veggie-forward take on the standard that features a light garlicky flavor profile. Similarly, I was worried the crispy Brussels might be overly fried as so many are, but they were refreshingly roasted to a perfect degree, allowing their flavor to really shine. The za'atar furikake was the perfect complement to the hero flavors. My main criticism is the price. For not having a main protein included, it's a pretty steep cost by counter service standards. Plus, the website is somewhat misleading in showing this dish with both an avocado and an egg. These ingredients are NOT included. Admittedly, they aren't listed on the menu, but it isn't in good faith to have them displayed so clearly online. I suggest that the restaurant remove that photo....or better yet, include one of those fixings in the dish to justify the cost. That said, it was a delicious meal and I will be back. Thanks to very friendly servers who guided my menu choice and made us feel welcome.

Lamb Bowl ($19)
John D.

Kitchen Little Formerly "Lulu on Solano," they temporarily closed in late January of this year to revamp from a full-service Palestinian-meets-Cali brunch and dinner joint into a more fast-casual** café that serves unique coffee creations, as well as a full menu of Palestinian-inspired wraps, bowls, and salads. The Good: * Friendly service at the counter and at the table, but there were some issues (see below). * Halal (حلال) *Veg-head friendly and gluten-free options are available * Their toum (garlic sauce) will surely keep the vampires at bay. * My Lamb Bowl was delicious and all the veggies tasted super fresh. *We came here to try their viral Knafeh Pancake and it did not disappoint. We were a little hesitant at the $20 price tag, but it was 100% worth it. Subtly sweet with rose water syrup and crunchy from the ghee toasted kataifi combined with the cheese and pancake bottom made this an irresistible treat. The Meh: * It's a busy place, and the interior only holds maybe twenty people at a time, so be prepared to wait to dine in. * Carissa felt like her chicken could've been on the grill for maybe an extra minute or so--not that it was undercooked, but it just needed a touch more texture. * Free street parking only, which can be difficult, but not impossible to find during busier days/times. The Ugly: * I realize they just reopened and might still be working out the kinks, but the staff bringing out the food seemed confused about which orders went where, despite a huge table number we were assigned, and my bowl was brought out a good ten minutes before Carissa's was--and that includes a snafu where they tried to bring out the same bowl (mine) twice! Conclusion: Overall, it was a tasty bite and well worth the schlep up from the South Bay to Albany. We're definitely bringing my sister the next time she visits. **Order at the counter, and food is brought out to your table.

Dining area
Jay K.

Was so delicious! We got the lamb roti wrap- meat was so tender and the sauces were so flavorful. The chicken roti wrap was so tasty and the sauce was phenomenal. The vibe of the place is so cute. We were in there closer to 5ish so it wasn't super busy. Got our food within minutes! Also got to try a Palestinian cola- great that when boycotting CocaCola there are ways to support an alternative Palestinian brand!

Menu as of 3/2025
cristina p.

Lulu is one of my absolute favorite brunch spots!!! I came here for my birthday last year and fell in love with their shukaquiles and other beautifully presented dishes! Gorgeous, fresh, and delicious! Everything I've tried on the menu is so good! I've tried their baklava french toast, turkish eggs, shukaquiles, loaded toum fries with braised lamb, habi-bimbap bowl, rose brûlée cappuccino, and baklava brûlée cappuccino. We tried the loaded toum fries recently and the lamb was so tender; all the ingredients worked so well together!!! It was also our first time having the habi-bimbap bowl and I love all the fresh and vibrant ingredients that were being incorporated with the perfectly cooked and seasoned chicken thighs! They are currently closed until Valentine's Day to rebrand and make adjustments and transition to "Lulu's Little Kitchen". Hoping some of these items will stay on the menu, but can't wait to see what amazing dishes Chef Mona Leena has in store!

Brûlée rose cappuccino
Brittany D.

#28 of 2026 My cousin really wanted to come back here on a Monday (MLK weekend) but they were closed. She rarely asks to revisit a place but this is one of the exceptions. During our first visit, we spoke to the proprietor who named the restaurant after her childhood nickname meaning Pearl. Such an endearing story. We were impressed with the service which was quick but maybe because we were there right when they opened. What we got: - shukaquilles (THE BEST THING I ATE) - knafeh pancakes (SECOND BEST THING I ATE) - I honestly don't remember what it was called but it was pretty sweet and rich, not a huge fan, but I'm glad we tried it. So yummyyyyyyyyy. I def wanna go back for brunch. My friend and I tried the dinner which was also delicious but I think the brunch takes the cake (or the knafeh?)

Johnny W.

Summary: A disappointing fall from grace Details: Given all the other positive reviews, MAYBE I went on an off day, where everything just combined for a really disappointing experience, but y'all can check the deets and decide for yourselves. For context, I was a huge fan of Lulu when I first went years ago to their previous location: in fact, it was the first time I learned about, and fell in love with, knaffeh, and I've always wanted to go back for it. Cue the move, and it being our birthdays, so we decided to head over the bridge for a birthday brunch to celebrate. And, well, the dishes were forgettable and lacking in flavor relative to before (which is saying something, given that we eat lighter), the service was pretty non-existent, and the place was unbearably LOUD: the first two of which, admittedly, could be one-offs. It wasn't clear to me if they were just short-staffed that day, between the combination of what seemed like a larger birthday group and only having one (?) waitress, or if it was the larger industry problem if it being hard to find service staff these days. However, the volume issue is a deeper problem: the restaurant itself is split into three partitioned rooms with high vaulted ceilings and zero sound deadening, so even without people talking too loudly, the sound just carries and echoes on and on, causing people to talk louder, ad infinitum. So... you know, for a day of celebration, it was just a bad combination of things to happen all at once. Heck, even the knaffeh wasn't as amazing as I remember, though still the highlight of the meal. I can't really see myself coming back though, if not just because of the design issue. Accessibility: Some of these rooms are a little on the more narrow side, but for the most part, seating and movement should be fairly wheelchair friendly.

Knafeh pancake $21
Scott F.

4.8/5: Baklava french toast $21: Outstanding. They use specially made baklava that works great. You don't need maple syrup. 4.5/5: The Knafeh pancake $21 is good, but a little too mushy/soaked inside. I think maybe the traditional knafeh might be better. 2.0/5: The cardamom valrhona mocha is not strong enough.

Imee V.

Delightful spot in Albany that just reopened a month ago. Walk up to the counter and order your food and grab a spot in the dining area. No formal wait staff, just hosts at the counter and bringing out your entrees. Surprisingly wonderful, hearty and healthy cuisine perfect for sharing (brunch). Don't let the greens alone fool you - packed with layers of flavors and appetizing with each bite!

Knafeh Pancake
Crystal N.

Food was okay. We ordered the Shakquiles which had a gentle crunch but very earthy flavors that didn't seem well balanced. The cardamom latte was delicious. The knafeh pancake was too sweet and thick, we could barely eat 1/4 each before we gave up. Everything was presented beautifully but a few dollars more than I'd expect. The place was busy for a Sunday morning and our server politely asked us to leave to turn the table over. On the way out, we noticed at least 3 other 2-person tables that were empty... so I'm not sure what the logic was for asking us to leave while we were trying to finish up a conversation and digest in a leisurely manner. Although the experience itself was fine, being asked to leave a few minutes after paying so they could turn over a table leaves a bad taste. I miss the days when customers weren't rushed out to make more money.

1/31/2026 menu. The salads, lamb shawarma, and have-bimbap bowl will remain. Everything else is gone for good.
Michelle F.

Parking near by on all streets has a 90 minute time limit, except for on Sundays and holidays. Located directly across the street from the Albany cinema, Sakana & Yasai sushi, and Max's liquor store. Tried the lamb carnitas hummus and one of their salads, with chicken, crispy protected, mandarin oranges and just everything yummy. The hibiscus Palmer Fri k was refreshing. They are revamping their space and menu so soon it'll only be salads, and rice bowls. But I would return in a heartbeat for one of their salads!

Knafeh Pancake this is an absolute must
Camie K.

Lulu is a beautiful light filled restaurant with pastel tasteful interior fixtures while highlighting Palestinian cuisine. We started with a cup of spiced dated latte and a cup of rose brûlée cappuccino. Both delightful though I think I favor the former since it was less sweet than the cappuccino. Between the four of us: - fried rockfish and fries - "bibimbap" style bowl with saffron rice, meatballs, spice blend with roasted crunchy sesame and crudités - fattoush salad with a side of halloumi (highly recommend this) - knafeh pancake with orange blossom(?) syrup - soooo good Everything we've gotten is fresh, colorful and equally spiced/flavorful. Variety of texture is also thoughtfully assembled for every plate. Our stunning server cannot be even more attentive and exceptional. With a watchful eye she attended to our every need gracefully and with a friendly smile. Parking was a bit challenging to find for my group although we were lucky to snatch a street parking a block away. Highly recommend. I do agree with other Yelpers - it can get quite loud inside since they don't have any sound dampening material on the wall. Perhaps some hung tapestry should do.

Bimbap bowl, Turkish Eggs, Mansaf Roti Roll, Knafeh pancake

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Reviews are largely positive. People highlight the creative, flavorful food, friendly and attentive staff, and a vibrant, cozy atmosphere.

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Delicious - each thing we ordered was unique and special, and one of the best versions of that dish I've had.

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8 months ago

The Lamb, here was exceptional and their pita we both fluffy, and had a great crumb on the outside. I would definitely come here again.

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Ask the Community - Lulu’s Little Kitchen

Desserts not in the menu, is there a separate menu?

Yes! There is a separate seasonal dessert menu on the drink menu.

Is there outdoor seating and can I bring my dog?

I don't believe there's outdoor seating!

6/14/2025. Is the Baklava French Toast and Trout Rillettes still on the menu?

Is the meat here halal?

I heard it was but did not ask specifically.

Do they do takeout?

Yes they do. Try them, they are good.🙏❤️👍

View All 7 Questions

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Zaytoon Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar - Chicken shawarma wrap

Zaytoon Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar

4.3(853 reviews)
0.0 mi
•$$

Zaytoon on Solano in Albany, Palestinian-owned spot named after the Arabic word for olive and the…read morefood makes that heritage feel meaningful. Kefta wrap was the move, well seasoned meat, warm pita, comes together right. Lamb shawarma plate with the saffron rice and yogurt sauce was the other highlight, big cubes, proper seasoning. Mint lemonade is a must, fresh squeezed with just enough tartness. Room is bright with skylights and blue walls, feels elevated without being stiff. Sunday brunch is worth knowing about, they run the full lunch menu alongside brunch options.

STEPH JUDGEMENT: Great modern Mediterranean spot…read more We came here for dinner with local friends on their recommendation and had a lovely time. It had appealing upscale modern decor and the service was very friendly. I started things off with a Coffee Date cocktail, which was excellent. Our group shared: - Complimentary crackers and dips (great) - Mezze platter with babaganouj, hummus, tzatziki, tabbouleh, pita (all our favorites, done well) - Mujadarra (absolutely delicious lentils and rice with caramelized onions and veggies) - Vegetarian moussaka (eggplant-forward, which was fine with us) - Brussels sprouts (good, but not particularly Mediterranean) Our friends also had a beef kebab dish that they enjoyed. It was a very nice dinner overall--a bit pricey but great for a special occasion.

Photos
Zaytoon Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar - Dining room

Dining room

Zaytoon Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar - Mezze Platter

Mezze Platter

Zaytoon Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar - Mazza platter and eggplant salat

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Mazza platter and eggplant salat

Jerusalem Organic Kitchen - Chicken swarma wrap

Jerusalem Organic Kitchen

4.1(440 reviews)
1.2 mi•East Solano Ave, Berkeley Hills
•$

My co workers and I were out at Solano avenue stroll all day. We had walked about 5 miles and it…read morewas really hot. I was very tired and extremely famished. The only thing on my mind was "I need some food that will lift up my spirits". We happened to stumble upon Jerusalem because it was at the end of Solano Avenue and we did not have the strength to go anywhere else for food. I can say with full confidence that that was the best decision we made! The food was 10/10 experience. Maybe my hunger made it taste better but you really can't say their food is not good. I got their combination platter with chicken and lamb. Perfect seasoning that went well with the saffron rice, hummus and pita. It was so refreshing!! Additionally, the portions are so big! I could hardly fit everything on my plate. I was so so happy about that. The restaurant itself is easy to miss in my opinion and seems a bit old but that gives it a nice aesthetic. The service was good but they were quiet busy with other customers so they could not really focus on us. I didn't care though, I was just so focused on finishing up the delicious meal. Safe to say, I left feeling very satisfied. This is definitely one of the best middle eastern dishes I've had. I loved everything about this place and I can't wait to go back.

4+ stars $29.76…read moreCombination Skewer Platter: everything was seasoned perfectly. The skewers were dryish, but nothing the sauces couldn't fix. I ate with relish. Happy to return but I'll refrain from picking the (understandablly) most expensive meal.

Photos
Jerusalem Organic Kitchen - Side wall with small framed pics

Side wall with small framed pics

Jerusalem Organic Kitchen
Jerusalem Organic Kitchen - Menu 3/8/26

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Menu 3/8/26

Chez Mansour - Lovely dinner

Chez Mansour

3.8(198 reviews)
0.4 mi
•$$
Vegan friendly
Gluten-free friendly

What a wonderful dining experience! The incredible grilled lamb chops are not to be missed! It's…read morerare to find grilled lamb chops on a restaurant menu, and these were absolutely delicious, accompanied by a choice of flavorful basmati rice or roasted potatoes and a fresh, delicious salad with a wonderful light dressing. The grilled salmon was equally delicious, as was the fabulous roasted cauliflower with roasted garlic and a delicate sauce. Everything was so fresh, healthy, and flavorful! The portions were generous enough that we even enjoyed leftovers! The wine list by the glass or bottle is great and the Russian River Pinot Noir was fantastic! The ambiance is equally special. Located in a beautiful historic building with high ceilings, a lovely wood bar, gorgeous lighting, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, this restaurant is truly a sanctuary on Solano Avenue in Albany! The friendly chef/owner and his wife made the experience even more enjoyable. There was a birthday party scheduled after our dinner, and I can certainly see why this would be a fabulous place for a celebration, gathering with friends, or a quiet, romantic dinner. Be sure to check their entertainment schedule, too! The atmosphere has a wonderful European feel, and the excellent selection of wines is another highlight, which makes perfect sense since it's also a wine bar! I've always loved the Solano Avenue area, going back to my college days several decades ago, and discovering this restaurant made me appreciate it even more. Outstanding Mediterranean cuisine, beautiful surroundings, wonderful hospitality, and fantastic wines. We can't wait to return! Highly recommended!

We went to Chez Mansour expecting to eat because, well, it says "RESTAURANT" in large letters right…read moreoutside the window. Apparently, this was our first mistake. We sat down and the server who is also the chef's wife, a fact she made sure we understood throughout the evening, asked what we wanted to order. We asked how many lamb chops came with the lamb chop plate. She explained that they were priced by weight and that, because it was dinner, they could only serve us a large plate. Fine. We ordered the large plate. She then began repeatedly reminding us that they are not a restaurant. Despite the giant "RESTAURANT" sign behind her. According to her, it is a wine bar. This distinction became particularly important because we had five people in our party, including a two kids. We tried to order an item off of the kids menu and were told they don't serve it at dinner because, again, this is a wine bar, not a restaurant. Okay. We ordered beef, lamb and chicken shawarma, a chicken kebab plate, and the large plate of lamb chops. Then things got weird. The chef, the husband, came out with a plate of 3 small lamb chops. I had read a previous review mentioning that someone felt they'd been shorted on the portion size by the wife, so I very specifically asked him whether the plate was the small or large portion. Without hesitation, he said small. I told him we had ordered the large. He looked confused and said, "I can get you whatever you want." At this point, the wife came storming outside and insisted that it was a large portion. She then proceeded to show me photographs of the raw lamb chops placed on a cutting board on her phone as visual evidence of the weight of the meat. All while I was eating. I suggested she speak with the chef about it, at which point she very aggressively said: "HE'S MY HUSBAND!" And I said, "Well, I never denied that fact." I was no longer sure if I was at dinner, witnessing a marital dispute, or participating in an episode of reality television. The food, unfortunately, did not redeem the experience. It was terrible, even for a wine bar that insists it is not a restaurant. The vibes were completely unhinged. And, as if the evening hadn't already provided enough entertainment, at one point a baby fell down at the bar. Five stars for the experience if you enjoy chaos and confusion. One star for the food and hospitality. I still have no idea whether we ate at a restaurant or a wine bar. One thing is for sure, I'm not going back!

Photos
Chez Mansour - Lamb Kabab

Lamb Kabab

Chez Mansour - Baba ghannouge

Baba ghannouge

Chez Mansour - Chicken Shawarma

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Chicken Shawarma

Halal King kitchen - Beef Shawarma Plate

Halal King kitchen

4.8(86 reviews)
1.8 mi

I recently spent three days in the area and ended up eating here twice--that's how much I enjoyed…read moreit! The staff was incredibly friendly and provided excellent customer service. I tried the beef shawarma plate, chicken wrap, and beef wrap, and everything was flavorful, well-seasoned, and reasonably priced. The portions were also generous, so you definitely get a good amount of food for your money. They even offered complimentary tea while I waited for my food, which was a really nice touch. Overall, great food, great portions, great service, and great value. I'd definitely come back next time I'm in the area!

I wanted fried chicken and stopped across the street to Krunchy Chicken but they wouldn't sell me…read morethe piece I wanted so I stopped at Halal King to pick up dinner. Thank you Krynchy., this place is terrific and I never would've known. They are a window in a gas station building and don't let that dissuade you. The food is excellent. I don't know what halal is and could google it but I don't care what it is if this food is representative of its rules. I bought the shawarma plate. I ate 1/2 and will enjoy the rest for breakfast. It's a bit spicy for me (just a bit.) My daughter says my ability to handle spice is "White Girl Zero so take that into account. Price is more than fair with the order filling a compartment take out box. My 340 pound grandson would consider it a snack but for a shrinking grandfather it's enormous.

Photos
Halal King kitchen - The front counter

The front counter

Halal King kitchen - Chicken Zurbiyan

Chicken Zurbiyan

Halal King kitchen - Outside

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Outside

Lulu’s Little Kitchen - mideastern - Updated October 2026

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