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    YAFO Kitchen

    4.5 (255 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

    Order YAFO Kitchen Takeout or Delivery

    YAFO Kitchen Photos

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    YAFO KITCHEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Good for kids

    Recommended Reviews - YAFO Kitchen

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    Reviews With Photos

    Group BYO Bowl
    Tameka G.

    I have been loving YAFO for years. It's where I go to get a balanced meal on the go. I have been doing to go orders and they are surprisingly fast at preparing them. I have been ordering the salad bowl and it's been so delicious. I ordered the falafel for the first time and it was so good. It's not easy to find good falafel. It's always clean when I visit and the staff are friendly. Great restaurant with many great options.

    Byo bowl
    Kate S.

    Yafo is one our go to weeknight dinner places. We love that it has the perfect balance of being healthy and delicious but also fast and affordable. The service is always friendly and they love accommodating our 4-year-old daughter. She is the one who is most often requesting that we come here for an easy week night dinner and since it is so affordable and healthy, we are happy to accommodate.

    BYO Bowl - Shawarma Chicken
    Bailey D.

    If I lived in Charlotte, I think I would eat here everyday. I was visiting the city for a work trip and my colleague and I grabbed a late lunch here on a Tuesday. The concept is similar to Chipotle and CAVA, but I liked the options a bit more. I built my own bowl, and went with the shawarma chicken as my meat, which was tender and juicy. All of the veggies were fresh, and the sauces are fun and flavorful (especially the Green Schug). The service was fast and friendly, and while we were some of the only ones eating in, they were consistently cranking out online takeaway orders. I couldn't finish my bowl in one sitting, but this made excellent leftovers later on that evening. The team even gave me some extra sauce to-go. I would love for YAFO to expand to the Nashville area, pretty please!!

    Melody McCord S.

    Fresh, Fast, and Full of Flavor! Connor, the GM, took incredible care of us--making sure we could try whatever we wanted. The food? Absolutely amazing. Super fresh, packed with flavor, and made to perfection. Their watermelon and strawberry drinks (made in-house!) are a must-try--truly gems. The line was quick and smooth, the staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and the atmosphere was simply lovely. YaFo is must try--can't wait to come back!

    Build Your Own Grain Bowl
    Hannah L.

    SO GOOD!! The bowls are amazing and so are the sauces to top. It's a little pricey but it's high quality food and they give you so much so it's worth the price. Will be a regular spot for me for sure.

    Stef L.

    Over the years Yafo has become one of our staples in the neighborhood and it's always good food. You can get a dinner for under $20 and honestly I always have left overs so it's even more affordable. The food tastes fresh and the customer service has been great. I always went with the stuffed avocado bowl but yesterday I put together my own bowl and added fresh falafel! Omg it was soo good. We mix it up between take out and sit down! In the cold winter months we like to get cozy at home with our food but on a nice day, getting a bowl at the location in plaza and then go local shopping around the neighborhood is also fun! If you haven't tried it, this is your sign! Oh by the way their signature bowls start at $11! Such a good deal!

    Falafel Bowl
    John B.

    Signs describe the surrounding neighborhood as "historic", which in this case means that it is rather difficult to drive or park in due to the small roads. I found some space a block behind the restaurant. The entrance was a bit confusing, but once I figured out that I needed to bear left to find the beginning of the line, I was treated to a quick fast casual build a bowl experience with great options. Greens as well as grains were available to start, and their kale with colorful shredded vegetables mixed in was a worthy choice. There were plenty of vegetable toppings, including even grape leaves, and I was treated to a colorful arrangement. Their falafel was tasty and dusted with extra salt, but still not overwhelmingly salty. The hot sauce and bread that came on the side were excellent enhancements to the flavor of what was already a pretty dynamic bowl. They had a lot of fountain drinks and I might have gotten some if I hadn't overloaded with other beverages. It's not a cheap bowl, but the quality is there and until I actually try such a cafe in Israel, I can only hope this is the sort of food I'd find there.

    Kibbeh Pita Tacos
    Shawn W.

    Yafo never lets me down. The food is always delicious and fresh. This was my first time trying the Kibbeh Pita Tacos and it will not be my last. They were sooo good! The portion size filled me up before even touching my side of hummus. Also, be sure to have your hummus dressed up and garnished. You'll thank me later! The tacos will take a bit longer to prepare than the food that's already prepared. They are so good and worth the wait. The staff is also very friendly and helpful. If you have any questions or need suggestions, they're your go-to. Parking can be a bit tight but you also can park at the apartment complex next door inside and in their garage in designated retail parking spots. Also, the music inside can be a bit loud so just be prepared for that ahead of time.

    Mother & daughter having lunch together on International Women's Day!
    Cheryl M.

    Parking? Horribly limited and very tight spaces. Customer service? Great! They're very friendly. Food? Delicious. Give them a try. It's best to place an order and pick up in the 15 min parking spaces because otherwise there is shared street parking between several other restaurants.

    Brittanie H.

    YAFO is still one of my favorite places to eat in Charlotte. Now that they've expanded locations, it's even easier to get the Yafo I love without trekking to South. The ambiance is rustic and casual, with indoor and outdoor seating options. The service is always prompt, keeping the line from being too long, even during peak times. Their food is incredibly fresh. Their scratch kitchen commitment is evident in every bite. I love their lamb and falafel and get it in their bowl as it allows me to enjoy all the layers of flavor the best. I get a side with half brussels sprouts and half mac and cheese or half mac and cheese and half potato wedges. All three sides are delicious, but the mac and cheese is the show-stopper for me. The Greek yogurt is the perfect complement to the creamy cheese sauce. Yafo is one of the most consistently perfect, fast casual dining experiences in Charlotte and beats out chain options like Cava every time.

    1/2 Rotisserie Chicken and 2 Mezzes
    Jazzlyn V.

    Stop what you're doing and go here for food !!! The food tasted so fresh and was a decent portion for what you are paying. The ambiance was clean and the staff was super friendly. I got the rotisserie chicken with garlic potatoes and mac and cheese. GET IT. My husband got a build your own bowl (not pictured)- we loved it so much we went the next day and got some more items on the menu. SO GOOD

    Chicken Yafo Shawarma Bowls
    Grace M.

    Dear Yafo, I love you. Your Greek yogurt mac n cheese is TO DIE FOR. The unlimited toppings on your SUCCULENT bowl - absolutely amazing. Your staff is so amazingly chill- always going to extra step to make sure I'm comfortable and prepared. Your ambiance is similar to viva chicken, not my first choice but the outside seating is very pleasant. GO TO YAFO - GET THE GREEK YOGURT MAC N CHEESE AND A CHICKEN SHAWARMA BOWL, NOW!

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    1 month ago

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    7 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    Remy T.

    Thank you, Cherly. Happy to hear that our staff and food are great!

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    Remy T.

    Thank you for the great review, Alex! We are so glad you enjoy Yafo!

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    Hi Eva- thank you for the excellent review!

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    11 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    A tasty & fresh lunch option. Plenty of seating both in and outdoor. Similar to CAVA. Fast casual Mediterranean food.

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    Remy T.

    Glad you enjoyed your meal, Devin. Come back soon!

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    5 years ago

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    Glad you enjoyed your meal, Cherrelle. Come back soon.

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    Thanks for the review, Crystal!

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    Page 1 of 7

    YAFO Kitchen Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - YAFO Kitchen

    Where's the best place to park?

    There's a small surface lot that YAFO shares with Pilot Brewing and AM Snooze. Not busy during the week, but I'm sure it is packed on weekends. I took a lyft here last time to avoid parking. Whatever you do, do not park across the street- they… Read more

    Is the food there halal?

    I certain it isn't but double check to be sure.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    La Shish Kabob

    La Shish Kabob

    4.2(528 reviews)
    3.3 miEastland
    $$

    whenever i have a stop in charlotte La Shish Kabob is hands down one of my favorite spots in…read moreCharlotte. The food is consistently fresh, flavorful, and made with care. The kabobs are perfectly seasoned and cooked, the rice is amazing, and the portions are generous enough that you definitely won't leave hungry. The lentil soup and garlic sauce are must-tries. Service is friendly and welcoming, and the whole place has that comforting, no-frills vibe where the food speaks for itself. Whether you're dining in or taking it to go, it always hits the spot. If you're craving authentic, satisfying Mediterranean food, this place is a gem. Highly recommend.

    Visited this place recently and had a really warm welcome, starting right from the tea they served…read morewhen we sat down. They have a huge menu with plenty of options, and everything we tried tasted great. It's primarily a restaurant, but you can also buy packed food items which is a nice bonus. We thoroughly enjoyed the food here. They served generous portions of babaganoush and hummus -- both were delicious. They also gave us complimentary lentil soup, and it was surprisingly good. For entrees, we ordered the lamb shank, which was juicy, tender, and absolutely amazing. The adana kabab was top notch with incredible flavor. The chicken shawarma and chicken kabab could have been a bit more tender, but still enjoyable overall. They also have a large selection of desserts on the menu, so definitely save some room if you can. Overall, we had a great experience at La Shish Kabob -- warm hospitality, big portions, and flavorful food. Would definitely go back!

    Photos
    La Shish Kabob
    La Shish Kabob - Hummus Dip

    Hummus Dip

    La Shish Kabob

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    Al-Basha Halal Grill - Mixed Grill

    Al-Basha Halal Grill

    4.8(13 reviews)
    3.9 mi

    The food was great! I had the mixed grill…read more Very flavorful and good portions I can see why it has so many 5 star reviews. First time having food from here. Ordered takeout and staff were great. They said my food wasn't ready when I arrived but I got there before it was scheduled to be ready and they brought it out before the expected time from my order. I will be back and look forward to try Ming something new.

    From the moment we walked in, we felt incredibly welcomed. Mido (I hope I'm spelling that right!)…read moretruly went above and beyond. His energy was amazing, and you can tell he is genuinely passionate about his family's business; as he absolutely should be (it's a true gem). He even gave us fantastic recommendations for what to try on our next visit! ​The food? Phenomenal! ​I've been craving food like this since moving down from NY some years ago. I always feared that if I found a place, it wouldn't measure up. Not the case here! The flavors are truly top tier and tasted just as good as they looked and smelled. That alone is a 5/5, but the incredible customer service just puts this place over the top. ​We live about 30 minutes away and were just in the area, so we ordered takeout. Let me tell you, the smells on the car ride home were torture (in the best way!). While it's not right in our neighborhood, I will absolutely travel for food this good;it is certainly worthwhile. ​We will definitely be back to work our way through the rest of the menu! Highly recommend.

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    Al-Basha Halal Grill - The Pyramid Wrap

    The Pyramid Wrap

    Al-Basha Halal Grill
    Al-Basha Halal Grill - Recommended dishes

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    Recommended dishes

    Le Kebab Grill - Greek Salad

    Le Kebab Grill

    4.3(660 reviews)
    6.7 miUniversity City
    $$

    Stopped in for dinner as I was in town on business and it was super close to my hotel. I had the…read moregrilled chicken plate and it came with two sides. I elected the fresh veggies(squash, carrots and broccoli) and fries. It was a little weird that my fries were served to me within minutes of placing my order. They were hot and seasoned well. By the time my chicken meal came the fries were gone. I was not sad as I was hungry but it was a little strange to me. The chicken was a good portion and great flavor. It was also served with a dipping sauce that resembled taziki sauce but not sure it was. Regardless it was tasty. This is a place I would go to again. They had a decent crowd as there was a buffet available if one chose. I stuck to the menu and stayed clear of the buffet. First time in NC but I was introduced to a "dine in" fee. It is not a tip but for the privilege of eating at the restaurant. It was 10%. I have never heard of this in Texas.

    Best falafel I've had in a long time! I ordered the falafel…read moresalad for dine-in. Large space than I expected, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor seats, and the staff are very nice but the it's not somewhere you would go if you're in a rush. The staff did take time to attend to me to take my order, bring my check, etc. I probably could have gone to the front counter to request someone quicker. They were busy with both dine-in and takeout orders. The salad was a great portion and for a little extra they added feta cheese to it for me. There is a 10% service charge for dining in (don't worry I added an additional 10%!)

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    Le Kebab Grill
    Le Kebab Grill - Grilled Chicken, Half

    Grilled Chicken, Half

    Le Kebab Grill - Hummus

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    Hummus

    YAFO Kitchen

    YAFO Kitchen

    4.4(204 reviews)
    2.1 miDilworth
    $$

    As someone who spent years in the San Francisco Bay Area, I really missed having reliable…read moreMediterranean and Greek options when I moved to Charlotte. One of my favorite spots back then was Nick the Greek--the bowls were simple, flavorful, and consistently satisfying. So naturally, I went on a little search mission here to find something that could scratch that same itch. That's how I landed at Yaffo Kitchen. Close, but no cigar--but still very good. I visit both the Dilworth location off East Boulevard and the Plaza Midwood spot fairly often, and they've become dependable places when I'm craving Mediterranean flavors. The atmosphere is casual, bright, and welcoming. I especially appreciate the option to sit inside when it's blazing hot outside, and when the weather is nice, their covered patio with umbrellas is a great place to linger over a meal. Now let's talk about the schnitzel--because that's the star for me. I know schnitzel isn't the first thing people expect at a Mediterranean-style restaurant, but they do it right. It's made to order, thin, crispy, and coated in panko, served with a fresh slice of lemon that brings everything together. I usually pair it with a side salad, but if the mac and cheese is piping hot that day, that's my backup plan. Another thing I really enjoy is their drink selection. They carry Tractor beverages--non-carbonated organic teas made with cane sugar and no high-fructose corn syrup or preservatives. There are several flavors to choose from, and they're refreshing without being overly sweet. It's a small detail, but one I genuinely appreciate. I've also had the roasted chicken, which was surprisingly excellent--juicy, well-seasoned, and satisfying without being heavy. And the pita? Warm, soft, and dangerously easy to keep eating. One lesson I've learned the hard way: edit yourself when building a bowl. The first few times I went, I got excited and piled on too many toppings, and everything blended into one big, goopy situation where you couldn't really taste anything distinctly. It's like wearing all your favorite accessories at once--individually they're beautiful, but together they compete with each other. Less really is more here, and once you find the right balance, the flavors shine. Prices are reasonable for the quality, service is quick, and the restaurants are consistently clean and well-run. I believe they offer beer and wine as well, though I usually stick to the teas. While I'm still on the hunt for that exact bowl I used to love back in California--simple, balanced, and unforgettable--Yaffo Kitchen has definitely earned a regular spot in my rotation. Check it out, experiment with the menu, find your palate's favorites, and remember: life is too short not to eat well.

    Quality of food is superb given their business model of pick as you go down the line. I saw their…read morechickens are roasting live so that speaks for the quality. Staff is kind, they are busy but will treat well, ambiance is clean and nothing cray, the food is what surprised me the most, they did well for Mediterranean cuisine. They got Kombucha too.

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    YAFO Kitchen
    YAFO Kitchen - Inside front entrance

    Inside front entrance

    YAFO Kitchen - Build Your Own Grain Bowl

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    Build Your Own Grain Bowl

    Jasmine Grill and Kabab - Shrimp kabob, kofta kabob, chicken kabob, mixed grilled veggies, yellow rice.

    Jasmine Grill and Kabab

    4.5(99 reviews)
    1.2 miPlaza Midwood
    $$

    It was so good I forgot to take a picture before I started eating - I got the lamb. Always…read moredelicious. A little tough for some pieces but the food is always delicious Service leaves a little to be desired but I'm sure they are working on it. And the ambiance is very much giving the vibes. I'll be back. This isn't my first time here either

    I was there last week with my family and it was the worst experience I've ever had. First of all we…read morewaited more than a hour for the food, each one of us received their food in different times. We came to eat together not to eat separately. I understand that they had a lot of people but we still have to be seen and checked on as well. If you ask me about the food! Am say mine was not the best because I got a Philly cheesesteak the bread was not fresh at all. Some of us were eating the others were just waiting for to long for the food, at the end we asked for to go boxes and that took for ever and they are so stingy with their plastic bags and boxes I had to keep asking for more because we received the food very late and my aunt ordered her a salad with her rice she didn't even got it . The price was very high and the lady charged us for table service two times because there was two different receipts but we were in one table. Excuse me what service are you talking about? Because I didn't get any! To me this is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen I don't recommend this place at all and you will never see me in there next time. Bad very bad

    Photos
    Jasmine Grill and Kabab
    Jasmine Grill and Kabab - Beef and lamb kabab with rice and house salad as sides - yummy!!

    Beef and lamb kabab with rice and house salad as sides - yummy!!

    Jasmine Grill and Kabab - Interior

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    Interior

    YAFO Kitchen - mediterranean - Updated May 2026

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