Yusef's is a Middle Eastern grocery store with a restaurant walk up service area in the back. There are a few booths in the front. It is a no frills ambiance but cool in the sense that you can put your stuff in a booth to "reserve" it while waiting on your food, then wander the grocery aisles to look at the spices and other offerings, including rice makers, espresso makers, etc. the staff patiently answers questions about ingredients and the grocery items. They are quite knowledgeable and friendly. Yosef's does a robust take out business. They are constantly busy during serving hours. While I was waiting for my client, I had the mint tea, which was served in a large pot so was able to have many cups full. Someone on Yelp asked me to tell them what to order. Hmm. That's difficult to do since everything I've had at Yusef's is excellent. Their food is freshly made, served hot, authentic tasting, and you get generous portions. Appetizers include hummus, stuffed grape leaves and Baba Ganouj. We shared the appetizer combo with Hummus, Baba Ganouj and Tabouli. Ask for an extra piece of Pita. Most meal plates come with rice and a salad or lentil soup. I usually get the Gyro Dinner Plate, The Beef Kabob Combo, or the Kibbi Dinner. All are great and you won't go wrong. Come with an appetite or be prepared to take food home. I must say their Bana Ganouj is one of the best in the area I've tasted. I'm somewhat of a Baba "aficionado" so have gone to many places with Baba in the region. As I've said previously- I live in Surprise, so making the trek to Yusef's is not an insignificant decision, either for the time it takes or the gas it consumes. But it is so worth it. Fine dining it isn't but frankly, fine food it is! read more

Yusef's was a hidden gem for made to order middle eastern food in their tiny kitchen. The service was always warm and friendly. I also enjoyed their vast grocery selection and fresh feta from different regions at the refrigerated "deli" counter. I'm so sad that they're permanently closed. They will be missed! read more

We were in the mood for Falafel today but our fav Saba's is closed on Sunday's. So we did a little research and found this great Mom & Pop close to home. It's a grocery, deli and cafe. 3 tables available for dine in. Walk up order. No muss, no fuss and actually very good falafel pita's. Great tahini sauce on them, falafels we're fresh. We had an iced tea to drink and came with refills. All in all very good and we would definitely come back. read more

Yusef's Middle Eastern Restaurant Grocery & Deli - Falafel Pita - Middle Eastern Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

What a nice find! I'm always after a solid falafel pita and Yusef's didn't disappoint. It was freshly made, well-cooked (not raw in the center, as some unfortunately are) and had a variety of veggies (lettuce, onion, pickle, etc.). Nothing fancy, but a perfect spot hitter! The pita was soft and fresh as well. I got a side of hummus too - which was excellent. It was on the firmer side of hummus-es (less oil and tahini than some), and had lots of flavor. As a vegan, I didn't see too much more on the menu that I'd want to try, but I would definately go back for these two items again! read more

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We shop there for Loumidis Greek coffee, all the time. Very friendly! Highly recommended

I just love this place! Jimmy is the nice face behind this wonderful middle eastern market. For any needs, I highly recommend going to Yusef's! Support local! read more

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Yusef's Middle Eastern Restaurant is a perfect place to dine in or take out some amazing eats. I placed an order over the phone and was given a 20 minute prep time. After 20 minutes my food was available for pick up. I was able to grab some delicious pomegranate juice and some other middle eastern items I've been craving. The beef kabob plate was so fresh and delicious. Their side salad is super fresh and has some really yummy, fresh cheese. Their hummus is amazing and their lentil soup is really delicious too. Check them out, you won't be disappointed. read more

Yusef's Middle Eastern Restaurant Grocery & Deli - Side salad - that cheese is incredible! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Have not been here for many years. Place is a Middle Eastern market and restaurant located in a strip mall. They have 3 tables for seating and about a dozen chairs. Ordered a gyro and meatless grape leaves (Dolmades). Gyro was very good, had the right balance of flavor and texture. The pita bread was excellent. The order of Dolmades had 4 stuffed grape leaves. The order was served hot and had a unique flavor. It had chick peas, rice, and onion with flavorful herbs. It was served with a yougart sauce. Place is the real deal. Great market items too. Saved this to my favorite list for authentic Middle Eastern food. read more

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I really wanted to love this place but the kibbeh I bought was not edible as it was basically a shingle. Gyro was sad old meat refried in an insanely crusty old kitchen, and although it didn't make me sick, it did make me think twice about my life choices. The whole store just has a sadness in the air, which is unfortunate, but I don't think any business can thrive in that strip mall. I hope the owner moves somewhere more prosperous and revives his business, but I don't think it is possible where it is now. read more

Food took forever to make. How long can one falafel take? Guy at front said they had no soup, but some guy was spotted eating soup shortly after I ordered. Nothing was ready or prepared and the cook looked like someone's uncle. Weird place. read more

Pretty nice combination store and small cafe. The seating area is pretty small, and the menu is limited. But the food was good all around. I thought their baba ghanouj was probably the best I've had anywhere. The hummus was ok, good but a little bit light. Everything else was very good, and the service is very friendly. The store has a lot of interesting mediterranean items. read more

Delicious food, extremely fast service. Try their kofte-kebab sandwich. So taste! Also, you can buy plenty of products from the Middle East. Tea, honey, etc. read more

I finally made it out to the grocery and restaurant and am glad that I did so tonight. The food is exceptional and authentic. Each dish was cooked to perfection. My son had the lamb and rice entree, and I had the kibbee and rice entree. Each one comes with a small salad. In addition to the restaurant there is a selection of middle eastern, Greek, and other fresh and packaged foods from all over the world. Well worth the visit. read more

Delicious Turkish Coffee! I love to bring my friends here, and watch their faces as they try the Baklava with the Turkish Coffee. read more

Yusef's Middle Eastern Restaurant Grocery & Deli - Delicious Turkish coffee! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Unfortunately Yusef's is permanently closed due to a fire. The owners are fine but decided to retire. The food was awesome, and the people so warm and friendly! I miss them! read more

I absolutely love this place. Jimmy makes you feel like family and have some of the best feta and olives around. Also other middle eastern and Mediterranean goodies (apricot paste anyone?) The food is excellent with a kicked up tahini sauce that will become your new obsession. I come here as often as I can and recommend you do, too. read more

Sad to find out the kitchen is closed and not expected to reopen. Gentlemen behind the counter was very apologetic and friendly with our other purchases. read more

I ordered from Grubhub today because I was stuck in my house. I'm new to the area so I thought I would try this place because I was craving Middle Eastern food. Absolutely the best baba ghanouj I've ever had in my life. The stuffed grape leaves were delicious, the hummus, and the tabouli were all excellent. I will definitely order from here again. read more

I've been coming to Yusefs now for awhile to get gyro meat to go, along with their fresh feta, pitas and cucumber yogurt. BEST I'VE HAD! Finally I was able to eat there as they have a kitchen and OMG, it was delis and the prices are fabulous. I ordered the lentil soup and holy cow, it was UNREAL! I got the gyro plate with gyro meat and fresh rice (basmati?) and it was fabulous. Gyro Greek salad was amazing too. I love coming here because the owner is nice and very sweet!!!!! I recommend you try this little gem!! It's worth the drive! read more

Hidden gem. I like Middle Eastern food quite a bit but it's tough to find a good place in the Valley. Yusef's is a family owned shop and we had some delicious Kebabs. I got the beef kebab and it was fantastic. Its also a market that has a variety of great middle eastern grocery items to choose from and bring home. Will definitely be back and will bring more friends! read more

Yusef's Middle Eastern Restaurant Grocery & Deli - Beef Kebab Dinner - Middle Eastern Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Grabbed some gyros to go and they were very good. They are somewhat small, but also cheap, so it balances out. The flavor is great and they taste fresh. The falafel was excellent, very flavorful and crispy. Finally, the baba ganoush was great and really made the meal. For the price, the food is quite good and great for a quick takeout option. read more

This restaurant and grocery is an unassuming spot in a strip mall that looks abandoned. It's not a fancy place, but the food is authentic, delicious, and well-priced! read more

This place sells old expired products. Don't buy from this place, very dishonest. Shame on them, they should be shut down!

Moved to the area recently from Gilbert and found this middle-eastern gem on Cave Creek. Small but cozy and a friendly owner. I ordered a lamb kebab plate and while waiting checked out their groceries. The deli part offers fresh feta in brine (keeps it super fresh & moist) and a selection of deliciously looking olives. Needless to say, I walked out a happy camper with some amazing snacks and a great juicy lamb dinner that came with lots of long grain rice and a flavorful salad. Will definitely be back for some more goodies. read more

Yesterday morning I decided, because I'm brilliant, to hike. Not one. Not two. But three of Phoenix's seven peaks. Starting at 10 in the morning. Granted, they were three of the smaller peaks (Shaw Butte, Lookout Mountain, and Shadow Mountain), but little did I know it was going to be Phoenix's first 100 degree day of the year (going up the southern trail of Shaw vs. taking the dirt road up was pretty friggin' exhausting, I'll tell you that much). In any case, after scrambling down Shadow Mountain (the third of the three), I was a sight - all sweaty, scraped up, and badly burnt due to cheap sunscreen (curse you, generic Walgreen's brand) and so I looked like a dripping wet grilled tomato, but man, was I famished. Rarely, if ever, am I in the environs of Cave Creek Road and Greenway, and when driving away trying to figure out what and where I was going to eat something, I spotted Yusef's. Immediately I pulled in and walked inside. Now, I must have been a sight because the old couple eating at the table by the door just stared at me. I surveyed the place for a bit. Pretty much a well-stocked Middle Eastern market full of Arab and Israeli goods. I read the article cut out from the Arizona Republic some time back which gives a brief background about the owner, who took over the store in the mid-80's. I walked up to the counter, where the owner kind of looked taken aback by the human mess standing in front of him. I could imagine what was on this guy's mind. "Is this guy homeless? Is he tweaking on a meth? Why's he dripping wet?" I was hoping the iPod strapped to my arm would clue him that I was actually was exercising, to which he probably thought, "This guy's exercising outside in this heat? Freak. What's wrong with him?" "Hi." "Hi." "I'd like a chicken kebab sandwich." "That would be 20 minutes. You sure you want to wait for it?" I was starving, but I was also dead tired and waiting while sitting in an air conditioned store/restaurant didn't seem so bad. "Sure, I'll wait." "You'd like this to go or for here?" "Here, please. And I'll take 3 Gatorades. I climbed three peaks today, that's why I'm a little messy. Sorry." "Uh, fine. You go sit down now." As I was sitting and cooling off, two guys came in speaking and joking in Arabic. They sat down, too, and looked like they knew the owner pretty well. One then tried to take the owner's picture, and the owner gave him the smackdown about lawsuits or something, even though they were very jovial with each other. But the owner was serious. Needless to say, I didn't chance it when my sandwich came to my table, so no pics of the food. Sorry. I'd say it was tasty, though - saffron & spice marinated grilled chicken breast pieces in a nice pita with shredded lettuce, pickles, and olives. I wanted to sit and savor it slowly, but I pretty much just wolfed it down. Decent value for $4.99, I guess. I went over the rest of the menu, which ranged from fresh, cool Mediterranean salads to grilled lamb & beef & chicken dishes served with rice pilaf to desserts like walnut / pistachio / almond baklava to drinks such as Turkish coffee and hot anise tea. The most expensive items on the menu were three combo dishes, all $11.99. One of them is the veggie combo, which includes hummus, veggie dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), spinach pie, falafel, and mujadara (a rice/lentil dish), so definitely a place for carnivores and herbivores to break pita together. Now, given that I only got one simple sandwich, I can only rate this place so high at the moment (I'll have to try some entrees before adding any more stars). I'd say the store part had a pretty decent selection of goods, but there are other Middle Eastern markets in the Valley with a much more varied and greater number of stocked items. I also couldn't tell if the owner's demeanor is that way with everyone or if I freaked him out by my appearance. Who knows. Then again, if I looked like a dark red, glistening shadow, I can't imagine most places would have been friendly towards me. But I'm still glad my crazy lapse of judgement of hiking in insane heat brought me to this place. Because now I know it's a good joint to go to if I'm ever in this stretch of north Phoenix. Three heatstricken stars. read more

Yusef's Middle Eastern Restaurant Grocery & Deli - Middle Eastern Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

They have delicious food! I've had the chicken, gyros and falafel and they were all delicious! I always get Kalamazoo olives and feta cheese there as well. Very nice family run business, read more

The food is excellent. The prices are very reasonable. The people are pleasant. In addition to the four tables for dining in, there is a fascinating array of groceries for sale. We always end up with a few items to take home. The ambience is fine except for the constant sound of refrigerators, which sound in need of help. This is overall a gem. read more

Yusef's Middle Eastern Restaurant Grocery & Deli - Great selection of groceries. - Middle Eastern Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Delicious food and nice, quiet atmosphere. Great for people with auditory sensory difficulties :)

This food is amazing! Very very friendly, and we are so happy we went! We got a little bit of everything and we're so happy! We will be back for sure! read more

Happy that this mama and pop eatery was open on a rainy Sunday after a hike at Toms thumb. Insert starving here. Friend and I ordered different meals, drinks and desserts. We felt the prices were very high for the entrees to be prominently yellow rice - 50 bucks. Service was very slow for us. Perhaps we were the first ones feed for the day?! Giving them 4 starts because when I returned and gave the place another try, I still couldn't justify the amount of money spent on the little bit of protein and veggie that I assumed I would get. I also asked for some special yogurt side and the gentleman initially told me there was a up charge so I declined. He ended up giving me the side yogurt for free even though it wasn't included with my meal. Sadly, had he not gave me the darn side with all that dry rice I would absolutely not return due to high prices. read more

Simply the best middle eastern food in the Valley. No restaurants even close. Have been a regular for 15 years and I highly recommend this place. read more

First time I visited Yusef's and it was a great experience. Friendly staff and great food. I particularly enjoyed the Lentil soup and Falafel. Highly recommend. read more

This please they do awesome food delicious The falafel is very good and french fries and shawrma chicken

My friend was in the Service and had a craving for some Middle Eastern food so I pulled up Yelp and this seemed to be the closest in my area. I have driven by this place a gajillion times in the last 13 yrs or so and thanks to Yelper's I have learned that not everything is what it seems looks wise. It was 6:30 this Saturday we barely made it in time. It was clean I was happy to sit down inside and get out of the cold. The server was pretty polite. The food took a little while but it was worth it. I had the Veggie Platter they were out of something they substituted with rice bit it was all good. Great humus and falafel yummmm I want more now lol I love love grape leaves and cant get enough now I know where to go to get my fix! The lentil soup was awesome and served steaming hot in this weather totally hit the spot with fresh pita bread. This was plenty of food perfect for sharing and I'm not even sure I'd ever order that plate for $12.99 on my own. My friend had the lamb kabob and some soup as well and no complaints here either. They have hookah's and the good shisha my friend grabbed us some mint flavor which he love's I'm pretty sure its not any cheaper here than say a smoke shop. I saw a sign that said they have whole lambs and they had tons of stuff like gallon Tahini tubs and cute little tea sets among all the food stuff that looked good too. All in all I will be back to try some more delicous eats! read more

Yusef's is my old standby place when I crave middle eastern food, Lebanese style. The Gyros are excellent, right down to the pickle and the sweet onion... mmmmm. The portions are generous, and everything is always well prepared. They serve a hummus dis that I really like... it has beef and pine nuts. The baklavah is good. They usually have several different varieties. The place has always been run by really nice people, but the new owners are the nicest people yet. About a month ago, I was on the way home from visiting my cousin in the hospital when my growling stomach let me know that no food for 12 hours was not making it happy.... I ran into the store at 6:45 pm. They close at 7. The owners were at the front counter.... "You're hungry," said the woman looking at me with concern "yes," I nodded "Can I get a Gyro, or is it too late." She looked at her husband... "she's hungry," she said to him... He hesitated. "She's hungry!" the wife repeated... I knew they had probably cleaned up already and were getting a sandwich even though it was inconvenient. I was so grateful. It was the best Gyro I have EVER had... I stop there about once a week now, on my way home from the hospital. I get a few groceries and something for dinner. I always get there by 6:15 though. read more

Easily the best authentic Mediterranean place in Phoenix. The kefta kabab is my go to

I was looking for a market that specialized in middle eastern foods and this was close to my home. The store is spotless!, the shelves are very organized and carry a wide variety of foods that are typical to the middle east. I purchased some of their homemade hummus to go. It came with some pita bread and smelled so good I had to taste it as soon as I got home. It was very good and definitely better than Sabra!. The owner/person behind the counter couldn't have been nicer. They had some black tea in bulk by the cash register and I asked about it. Earl Grey, and Earl Grey with Bergamot. It smelled incredible! I bought some to try and was not disappointed. They had a small refrigerated case with some other cheeses. I also got some baklava which was wonderful! If you are looking for a good selection of speciality foods from the middle east, you will most likely find it here. The only thing I didn't find was fresh baked pita bread, but they do carry pita bread. They also have an area where you can eat food purchased here. Very clean and well run. Definitely recommend! read more

Highly recommended for all your middle eastern dietary needs. My husband's family is Syrian and they swear by this place's falafel, hommus and baba ghanoush (sp?). They have every middle eastern candy, canned good, kitchen accessory and obscure food item you can imagine. A fun place to browse. Don't let the exterior and the strip mall location fool you, it is very cleanly and well-kept inside. You can even order some lentil soup and eat it in a booth by the window. read more

Yusef is a cool authentic Middle Eastern food place. Mr K was right on his warning of wait time for the food, fortunately, ours came out in less than 20 minutes. Time passes pretty quick in here browsing through the extensive selection of Middle Eastern spices, cheeses, halvas and other specialty foods. Solid rendition of gyros and falafel...but the sublime baklava is what will be drawing me back to Yusef...just the right amount of sweetness and a light touch with the rose water. Tasty and cheap alternative for lunch with sandwiches going for just $4.99 and 2 pieces of buttery baklava for just $1.75 If you're thinking of grabbing a bite for dinner, beware that they close fairly early at 7pm. read more

I'm a half-Anglo Mexican, raised on cheesy potatoes (thanks, Mom) and tamales (thanks, Nana). It amazes me that Middle-Eastern food came to be my favorite. I dig Yusef's. The Gyros are delicious. The hummus is delicious. Everyone is nice. It's cheap. Maybe not Haji-Baba cheap, but if two can get a good lunch for under 15 bucks, that's cheap enough. I've never bought anything from the grocery, save for a chocolate-covered banana candy, but they seem to have a pretty good selection of everything you'd need to make some awesome grub. I hope they're open today - I'm hungry. read more