This place is another hidden gem in Fresno. The food was great , I had the chicken kabab with rice and it was amazing. My wife had the lamb plate with rice and it was the best lamb we ever had. The lamb was so tender and delicious. The service was awesome , nothing like an old fashioned family business!!! The ambiance was also very pleasant with some soothing music playing in the background. I recommend the hummus appetizer with homemade naan bread right out of the oven!! We will definitely be back !! A must try !!! Just look for Own A Car used cars on Blackstone ... read more

This is the first Yem kabob. The food is amazing and very different from every other restaurant in town. The lamb with hummus and tuna dish were particularly tasty. It would be a five star review but the amount of flies and overall cleanliness brought the review down read more

This is my fiance's favorite restaurant. Since he doesn't get to have it often, I don't mind stopping here when we are in town. Their rice pilaf is pretty delicious, and the grilled veggies are amazing. The chicken / steak could use a little more flavor as I find it bland, but the other flavors are so rich maybe it's supposed to balance out? Placed a pick-up order and they said it would be ready in 10 minutes, and it sure was. I can get down with the quickness. Staff is friendly. read more

Yem Kabob - Inside the restaurant from the counter. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Fresno, California

-0. This place I have been told is closed thank God!! I have been going to this place when it was Zilfreds since I was a little kid from the 70s it was the best shish kebab sandwich and rice pilaf you will ever have in Fresno. But when he sold it few years ago it has never been the same and then he passed away. Last time I have been there that couple years service was bad restaurant with dirty they turned it into a hookah lounge and I've never been back I do believe it is closed. Such a shame a wonderful restaurant like it was when it was Zilfreds. Turned out to be a horrible place. read more

Food is great. Environment isn't the greatest. Service is not terrible. But I keep going for the food.

I so wanted to give this place a better rating. The service is great, but the location, food and ambiance sucks. I'm giving two stars for the service, which was fine. We sat outside with my two dogs and smoked cigars while the waitress took care of us and kept bringing iced tea. She was friendly and professional. Now about the restaurant. It is located behind a car lot and a motel, in the same building as the car lot's office. You wouldn't know that it's open unless you walk up to it. The waitress said that is was the oldest restaurant in Fresno. What, and the town just grew around it? On a Sunday afternoon, there were hardly any other customers. And I have to say that it's probably because the food isn't so good. The highlight was the homemade hummus, which was good. However, the chicken swarma was served on a big toasted hamburger bun. The rice pilaf was like yellow Uncle Ben's rice with some thin noodles. I was very disappointed in the poor quality of the Middle Eastern food. They don't even have the yogurt drink. Overall, a big FAIL. read more

Yem Kabob - Middle Eastern Near Me - Fresno, California

Food wasn't good at all. Rice was old and tasted like something out of a box a day old. Chicken had no flavor just greasy.

Pretty good Mediterranean food. They give you a reasonable amount of food. The lamb meat was average, while chicken kabob and rice pilaf was very good. Not sure if it is pita bread but you also get a side of great tasting toast. It was missing that world famous garlic sauce though, not sure if they forgot it or do not have it. read more

Yem Kabob - Chicken and lamb plate specialty. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Fresno, California

Nice good Yemeni food and nice cute service from a kid who's helping his dad. I'll always back to this place when I have a chance

This was my second time at Yem Kebab, and was wholly disappointing. To begin with, the service was clumsy and slow. Two of the three of us at my table had our orders screwed up (wrong sides) after we specified, twice. When I ordered "water," rather than ask or clarify if I wanted a bottle of water or a glass, he just brought out a 12 oz bottle of kirkland water and then charged $2 for it. The food wasn't presented well and the mountain of rice pilaf (which I didn't order) overwhelmed my plate and left little room for my beef schwarma, which was tough and drenched in a greasy sauce. The fries that I did order and eventually received 3/4 into the meal were far too greasy and tasted like oil sponges, which tells me the oil was either old or not hot enough, or both. My meal, most of which I couldn't eat, cost nearly $15. I will never come here again. read more

This is a large restaurant sandwiched between a car dealership it has plenty of parking. When I entered I was greeted by Mercedes who was going to be serving me. Just order one plate for a person the food is enough to fill you up and it takes about 15 minutes for a plate to be ready. I tried the lamb kabob, the beef kabob and skewers along with their salad. The food was nonintoxicating, delirious and delicious. There was plenty of meat, the rice on the side was awesome with lot of aroma. Each plate costs around $12. They also have a Huka smoking place outside and a fancy hall inside for large groups and events. The place is called Yem Kabob as the cook is from Yemen. The place is clean and seats are comfortable, I enjoyed my trip and will be back soon. read more

1 star is too generous! I have been eating at Zlfteds for 35 years. It is now Yem Kabob. They still serve the 1A, shish kabob sandwich. Tonight I had the worst shish kabob sandwich ever. Even if I hadn't eaten there before....this was crap! Burnt tasting meat and bell peppers, stale oily bresd, salad served after main course, watered down iced tea, etc. Crap!!!! Never again! read more

Best place for authentic Yemeni and Mediterranean food. If you long for authentic Yemeni food than this is the place to go. No other place can bring you back to Yemen like this place. The Salta is out of this world good. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Another favorite dish is their Yemeni style cooked fish. It's been so long since I had eaten fish cooked in the Yemeni style that it seemed like I was eating fish for the first time ever. The fish tasted so fresh and good it literally matches what I have eaten in the Yemeni cities of Aden and or Al-Hodeidah. Every time I'm in the Fresno/Central Valley I will make this place a must place to visit. Please drop by and give this establishment a try you won't regret it. read more

Yem Kabob - Yemeni styled cooked fish. Unbelievably good!! Yumm!!!!! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Fresno, California

We arrived at 5:30 pm for dinner and we were the only customers. (This should've been our first red flag). We sat at a table which was dirty with sauce in several areas. We asked the (approximately) 10 year old boy who brought us menus if we could have a cloth to wipe the table before he put the menus on it. He brought one and cleaned as far as he could reach and then my husband finished. Menus were dirty so 2 of us went to use the restrooms to wash hands after ordering. Both were dirty and there was a roll of toilet paper above the paper towel dispenser in the women's restroom to dry hands. We came here because it used to be Zlfred's (which we loved) and online the menu still had lamb kebab and pilaf. However, the lamb did not taste like lamb to any of us. That being said, it had a different flavor than the beef and chicken. The best part about the meal was it was thoroughly cooked. Zlfred's used to have large pieces of onion and bell pepper with the lamb and the combined juices soaked the bottom piece of bread that the kebab was placed on. One of the best meals I've ever had. So disappointed this was nowhere near the caliber of Zlfred's. Thought it was interesting that the only time an adult came out to speak with us is when there was a mix up with our order. The boy was our hard working host, server, calculated our tab and was our cashier. We will definitely not be going back. read more

I've been coming here with my family for Years. It's an old school spot where your treated like family. Small tucked in the side of the street but they do have a banquet room for parties and will serve you great food. The server that's always there a long with the cook are always more than friendly and try to take care of you. My go to plates are the a1 and a giant hogi. The kabob in the a1 is seasoned great and the bread it comes with is spot on. Comes with sautéed onions, bell peppers and a side of pilaf. The giant hogi now it's over a foot long. Cut in sections of your liking and it stacked!! Oniond, lettuce tomato, pickles and mayo with a amazingly cooked thin pastrami. Also comes with a large box of pilaf. Go in have a drink and enjoy some old school eatery. read more

We used to go here when I was a kid, at the old location over off Dakota before they moved. For the prices they charge I would expect far far more. Stay away from the coffee if you do go in. They could bring the food and restaurant up and make it more than it is, like it was. I hope they do. read more

The only reason we came here was because I had a coupon. The food is okay, nothing remarkable. Ordered chicken and beef kabobs. Thought it was rather pricey at $18.95. You can get much better food at the Mediterranean Restaurant at Fresno and Gettysburg. read more

I had been driving past this restaurant for about 4 months. Never saw it. Finally had to stop in at Own A Car, and was like, when did that place get there? Forever, according to the guy I talked to. So I put it on my list. Took me awhile, but in the meantime, I was able to ask around about it, look up recommendations, etc. So I finally stopped in, and ordered the chicken kabob. Initial impressions were that this was not a Broilers. The menus suggested family dining, and the large group around the corner only reinforced that idea. This is the kind of place that scares me when it comes to lunch. $15+ for lunch. As I looked at the menu, I'm not seeing what I'm looking for. But I'm seeing the prices can get up there. I ask about the kabob and order that. In and out in less than 10 min. There is a lot of food! Well, pilaf specifically, but still I don't think I can finish it all. And I don't. The pilaf could have used a little something extra, but was still good. The benchmark for a good chicken kabob is The Grill, and on this day, they maintained their title. But it's good to know if I'm ever in the mood for a decent kabob, this one is close read more

Yem Kabob - Today's specials - Middle Eastern Near Me - Fresno, California

This restaurant offers the best Yemeni food. If you are looking for authentic middle-eastern, this is the place to eat. Come and bring your appetite, and be curious. I didn't order from the menu, I simply said, "I am hungry and would love to eat traditional food". The experience was awesome, beyond description. At the end, we were treated to special black Yemeni tea that left us asking for more. My kids love lamb and they ate adult portions. I tried the Salta and it was the best appetizer I ever had. The lamb, two kinds of chicken, rice, and bread. Not to forget the broth soup that hit the right spot early on. read more

Second time here and it went from bad to worse this time. The first time I ate here was when they first opened so I decided to give them another shot thinking they would do better this time. Went out with my wife last Sunday the place was empty only we were there. Some guy greeted us politely but when it came to his service and food was a disaster. My wife corded a simple salad and I ordered hummus as an appetizer and I can swear to you guys it took them almost 45 min for that order to come. I didn't wanna be rude to these people so I just paid for the tasteless hummus and cold pita bread and went somewhere else to eat some decent food. NEVER COMING HERE AGAIN!!! read more

Try the freshly made Tanoor bread with a number of different dishes to satisfy your middle eastern craving. Be careful it may be too authentic for some people. But if you like maruk (lamb broth) haneed, kebsuh, or other Yemeni favorites this place is good. Hookah lounge primarily active at night is great also read more

Great food!! This place is still open!! The chicken kabob platter was great!! My daughter is a very picky eater and she ate almost all her food big portions as well. Definitely will come again!! read more

The food here is amazing and the service was excellent as well. We will definitely be back again soon.

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!! You must try the Kabob Sandwich on grilled bread w rice Pilaf... The best!!!! Location is a little rough but the food is worth it!!! read more

Zlfred's is a classic Fresno establishment! It's moved from it's original location by the old movie theater on Blackstone, but it just went further up the block... still on Blackstone my friends, and still the same classic place as ever! The signature item is the ShishKaBob Sandwhich! Great toasted bun, marinated meat, onion, bell pepper, and a wonderful rice pilaf on the side. Every time I come back to Fresno, this is where I go EVERY DAY. It's a local place and yes, bring your caddy, slip into the vinyl decor, and feast like you were part of the Fresno rat pack.... read more

This place is a must if you like shish kabob, the shish kabob sandwich is a buttery toasted bun filled with marinated tangy shish kabob meat, grilled peppers, onion and served open faced on a bed of the tastiest rice pilaf I have ever had. The interior is just plain awful but who cares, it's about the food. Love it! read more

Yem Kabob - Kabob and pilaf - Middle Eastern Near Me - Fresno, California

See all

Classic old Fresno folks. Zlfreds is a Fresno institution like Old Silver Dollar Hofbrau and DiCicco's. Not the best locale (actually their 3rd over the years) and I waitressed there 36 years ago! But the Kebab Sandwiches and Pilaf are so darn good ! The owners Mr. and Mrs. Sanifar(sp?) are very nice as well as the staff. My family actually has large parties in their banquet room often. I prefer the chicken sandwich, all come loaded with grilled peppers and onions ON PEDA BREAD. I also worked at Valley Bakery (another old Fresno institution) many moons ago so I know a good Peda bread. The pilaf is loaded with yummy saffron as well. One doesn't come here for the ambience, just for some delicious food. Not every Med. restaurant serves garlic sauce on their sandwiches either, don't get me wrong, I love the stuff myself, but it's just not needed with the spices already on the sandwich. So...GET OVER THE LOCATION, PARK NEXT TO MY BENZ WITH YOUR CADDY, SLIP INTO A VINYL BOOTH, AND ENJOY YOUR FOOD !!!!! read more

Great beef and chicken shwerma plates. We've been looking for authentic middle eastern food in the fresno area and haven't had the best luck until tonight. Delicious. The decor and guys smoking hookah outside really added to the ambiance. Will come back for more. read more

I came to this restaurant years ago with my dad. He loves this place, but he will eat anything. I decided to visit again because I had a coupon. As soon as i walked in I was transported back 20 years to the first time I visited. Apparently updating the menu and redecorating has not been a priority over the years. Well the food was mediocre nothing to get excited about. Doesn't seem like they put much effort put into anything. I had beef kabob with dinner salad. The salad was rediculous, iceburg lettuce amd store bought dressing. I mean damn! Can I get some feta or something Mediterranean. Then my entree came and it was ok, just meat and rice. I asked for some garlic sauce. The waitress told me that she would have to make some and that it would take a minute. So I waited, and when she came back I looked at the sauce and tasted it. Honestly it was nothing but mayonnaise and garlic salt. I could seriously still see the garlic salt granules. Well that killed it for me! read more

The food here was unexpectedly amazing. The waiter gave us some great off menu tips and his recommendations were delicious. They provided complimentary tea which I usually do not enjoy but theirs was very flavorful. The meal was well priced. read more

Funky little neighborhood restaurant for the Cadillac & Mercedes driving set. A great place to meet your family for dinner. Good appies, nice small bar and decent food at fair prices. read more

Best Yemeni food hands down. The Salta is amazing. I drive from Bakersfield Ca just to have lunch in Fresno.

I've been coming here sine it was Zlfreds and I have to say that after tonight, it was not the same restaurant that it was. I was told on previous occasions that everything would stay the same, same food, same chef. I got the beef and lamb kabob plate. I had some of the biggest pieces of onions and very little meat. My rice just lacked flavor. Zlfred's was one of my favorite places to go and talk to the owner of Zlfreds. My family has been following him around since they were located downtown. This was the one place I recommended for people to go because the food was just that good and there were generous portions. With the food I got tonight, it is not the same nor has it stayed the same. I doubt that my family and I will continue to eat here. read more

Before these people took over I've been going to the old place for years it started at Blackstone and Dakota now that they took it over they raise the rate of the food and they give you less I tried to call the owner to tell him that I was not happy he does not call you back my family will not go back again I will wait for them to go bankrupt if you want a great shish kebab sandwich you need to go to George in Selma it's the best now I know why the owner never called me back because I am Armenian and they are Turkish it is a Turkish restaurant I found the problem today crazy huh read more

This use to be my favorite restaurant in town they got new ownership and all the recipes are different food was disgusting I'm so sad they sold this place. You will not like the food literally tasted like it came out of a can .If I could give a zero star I would . I promise you this place will be out of business before the end if the year . read more

Just tried the new place since Zlfreds's sold to these people. I gotta say, the shish kabob and pilaf might even be better. It was very tender and tasty with the roll grilled like it used to be. Very very good and a reasonable price. It probably took some time to get the kinks out, but I think they've got it! read more

I love this place! Every time we go to Fresno we make sure to hit this place. I've been going to Zelfreds since I was a kid and the food is always great! read more

I've been eating here since I was a kid. I'll be honest I've never had anything but the shish or chicken kabob sandwich, but who needs anything else!? The meat and vegetables are tasty, the pilaf is great, the top of the sesame bun is buttery and toasty. But the real treat? The bottom of the bun, soaked with all the juices from your sandwich, so tasty it basically melts in your mouth. read more

Yem Kabob - Shish kabob sandwich. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Fresno, California

My first time eating here and the food is very good, and the plates are huge. Will definitely be coming back.

Love the chicken Kabob plate. My husband gets the lamb. So glad the new owners make our favorite dish that their predecessor (Zlfred's) always had on their menu. Sure the restaurant looks old and not so pretty. Still great food, though. I admit that I haven't tried much else on the menu. Bacon burger is awesome! Our company has always enjoyed other items. We never been disappointed! read more