Bay area has too many Afghan restaurants, but the food & service at this Afghan restaurants beats them all! I am from Afghanistan and I love & eat Afghan food every chance I get. I know how authentic Afghan food should taste like, THIS IS IT! The leek bolaani, the pumpkin bolani, manto, ashak, sabzi chaloo and qabli palow with lamb shank are some of the bests that I have tried. If I could, I would be here everyday! Love it! read more

Zalla Kabab House - Bolani - Mediterranean Near Me - San Ramon, California

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We've been coming to Zalla Kabob House since the days when they were located in the old livery in Danville. My father passed away last week, and in Afghan culture you normally host family and friends day one. We needed catered food for around 50-60 people on very short notice. Even though Zalla was already catering a wedding, they still made sure to accommodate our large order. They delivered 7 different dishes to the house, handled the setup, and helped make a very difficult time easier for our family. After my father's burial, we hosted a Khatm-e-Quran at Ruby Event Center in Livermore and again asked Zalla to cater, this time for 250 people. Once again, they came through for us. Every guest commented on how delicious the food was. Between the white rice, the shola, the kabobs, and the desserts, everything was excellent. More importantly, the compassion, professionalism, and service their team showed our family meant a lot to us during a very hard week. We truly appreciate everything Zalla and their staff did for us. read more

Zalla Kebab House is where we used to visit often prior to Covid. I love eating healthy and I love Mediterranean food, and my boyfriend loves eating meat. If we still lived closer to the restaurant, then it would be easier for us to visit the Livery where this restaurant is located. I love the fact that this restaurant feels like a mom and Pop shop where you feel like you're eating local and helping small businesses to thrive while the food is flavorful and full of many options for you to choose from. What I miss about eating at this restaurant more often was the customer service because it felt like they really cared about you and Really wanted you to enjoy what you're eating and enjoy the ambience. read more

Zalla Kabab House - Mantoo - Mediterranean Near Me - San Ramon, California

Authentic Afghan food made by people from Kabul. The waitress made the best recommendations. read more

Zalla Kabab House - Mantoo - Mediterranean Near Me - San Ramon, California

Very disappointing. It was our first time trying this place. The rice was old from few days ago and microwaved. Kebabs were overcooked and the taste was terrible. You can't feed old food to your customers. Not okay. We will not be eating at this place again. Nice people. No question about that. read more

Was out in san ramon and needed a bite, so found this place nearby the costco. It was afghan so assumed it was halal went in around 12:30, it was empty, i was the only one there. Ordered a chicken koobideh and seasoned rice. Jt came with complimentary salad, warm afghan bread and chutney which was nice. The kabobs were pretty good and the rice wasnt bad. I saw that this place sells alcohol which was heavily dissapointing, i also just realized that i didnt clearly see any halal certificate that was visible nor did it mention anywhere on the menu that its halal i got verbal confirmation but if the place sells alcohol im very skeptical now. read more

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Recently realized that we had forgotten about Zalla when we were craving some afghan food. Did a search on yelp and found my review from 8 years ago. ‍ Ordered some items for lunch and it did not disappoint. We had been craving pumpkin bolani which seems to be harder to find since most places offer leek or potatoes. Tonight we came to eat dinner here despite the reviews about it being not busy and some mentions of service. I'm so glad we came in. Dinner was delicious! Ordered our favorites and everything came out hot and tasty. Service was great as well. Plan to be back to try their wraps and burgers next. read more

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Better quality afghan food in near vicinity . Friendly staff! Catering available at reasonable prices compared to other places which can be expensive! read more

2 stars is for the bolani bc it was decent. Not too bad but the portions for the price is not worth it at all. Took off other stars bc the service is TERRIBLE! They dont even greet you or anything, just super rude. They take 45 minutes to make a bolani when the place was completely empty and no customers. They are so unprofessional the woman in the back arguing in her native language with her daughter I think it is? I would never come here again, terrible customer service and whats worse on top of everything, they claim its "halal" but serve alcohol???? There is no halal in that. No wonder this place is slow and no business, there is no barakah and its haram earnings. Also, this place is super old and smelly. They need to upgrade and remodel. read more

The food was really good. It was freshly made. The kabob was juicy. However the service was slow.the place was pretty empty however the service took a lot of time.it is a simple dine in place. Nothing fancy. Ambiance was not that great. read more

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Zalla Kabab House in San Ramon, you are up, because I'm up for Afghan food. Once you step inside, the setup is not very appealing with a disheveled front area, cash register, "to pickup" area, and an empty refrigerated display case. Gemila changed everything. Warm person, she led me to a table, and served with a smile and excellence. The place was empty, so it had no vibe whatsoever, and no music to boot. But the food, well, delicious, fresh, and very homemade taste. I ordered 2 things, and only ate half of each: mantu dumplings were the best I've ever had albeit very pricey [$20, 5.0 stars], and chicken kabob with kabuli pulao (seasoned rice with carrots and raisins, by request) -- tender and flavorful, so good, but both was a little too seasoned [$20, 4.0 stars]. It didn't transport me fully, that's why the 4.0 stars. Add some music, some other diners, and a filled up display case with sweets and cakes, and you may have something special when the food is this good. read more

Place was empty started off as a sign Salad was good. I ordered koobideh plate. Meat had a weird rotting smell to it. I have had this dish at many places before This place was very bland the rice was under cooked and for service they were just sitting by the front on their phone the whole time. Paying no attention to the only two customers in the restaurant. I don't know how this was marked for 4 stars read more

Small, family owned business to get your Afghan food cravings fulfilled. My family has been getting potato & leek bolani from here for years and it's never disappointed. Reasonably priced, delicious, and fresh. The owners are regularly sitting at the restaurant and checking in on their customers. read more

It was a rainy evening in San Ramon when the husband and I were looking for a place nearby for dinner. After scrolling through the local offerings on the app, we decided to try out Zalla Kabob House. This restaurant is in a plaza with its own parking lot. We went on a Friday night and there were plenty of spots. When we entered the restaurant, we were promptly seated to a table and were given glasses of water. I decided to order the Koobideh Beef Kabob (comes with flat bread, mixed green salad, and choice of seasoned rice or basmati white rice) and the husband decided to go with the Lawand Chalow with Lamb Shank (comes with basmati white rice). First off, I loved the mixed green salad (had some sort of herby vinaigrette) and the flat bread! The flat bread was warm and fresh and the salad was perfectly dressed. At other restaurants, I've felt like the side salad and bread were afterthoughts and nothing to write home about, but I found both of these well-done and something worth finishing (which I did). The Koobideh was well-seasoned, but the spices used tasted differently than other Koobidehs I've had, but not necessarily a bad thing. The seasoned rice was also very good and something I haven't had before. It tasted like it had notes of cumin and black pepper. However, I really enjoyed my husband's Lawand Chal and lamb shank. The lamb shank was tender and not gamey at all. The yogurt stew was also flavorful and complemented the lamb shank really well. I would definitely come back to order this. Everything was delicious and comforting. We also ordered the house black tea (flavored with cardamom and rose water), which we enjoyed very much. To round off the meal, we shared the firni (custard pudding flavored with cardamom, rosewater and pistachio). It went well with the tea and I liked that the rose water flavor was present but not overpowering. This was a really nice way to end the meal. The restaurant itself had plenty of seating and had some traditional decorations. Our server was also friendly and would periodically check up on us during our meal. There was another couple who had arrived before us who were also enjoying their dinner. I'll echo other reviewers that I hope more people come by and try out the delicious food here. read more

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This is hands down the best Afghan/Middle eastern restaurant in bay area. It is a hidden gem with delicious cuisine that leaves you asking why you haven't been there sooner. The owner was super sweet and made our first time special. read more

Food was awesome. We ordered few combos and they hit the spot right.. drink selection can be improved.. overall very good experience

Great tasting food cooked fresh with quality ingredients. Restaurant is in a nondescript strip mall with a few other restaurants and an Indian grocery store, so kinda hard to find it unless you know in advance. They give you a bowl of salad and some fresh delicious Afghan bread (served with cilantro sauce and tzatziki sauce) While the food is tasty and fresh, the prices are a bit high compared to the prices. For example, the combination platter with a large Chapli kabab and 4 pieces of chicken kabab with a little bit of rice was $28. The daily special was the Kofta Chalk which was 3 beef meatballs in a sauce with some rice was quite delicious and $18. The 2 pieces of baklava were delicious and warm and was $8. $103 for 3 dishes and baklava seemed a bit on the high side. Friendly people though the young lady serving us was a bit difficult to communicate with as she didn't seem to comprehend English completely. Worth a return visit. read more

Zalla Kabab House - Kofta Chalk - Mediterranean Near Me - San Ramon, California

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This is a humble lovely spot. Tucked away off a busy street. The moment you walk in you sense the authenticity. The staff is friendly and warm. You feel as though you are dining at a family member's home or good close friends. We were a table of 8 and kept our server busy but she never lost patience or her kind and caring nature. The food is delicious and fresh. So many wonderful flavors. Portions were good sized. I left with a takeout menu because I intend to come back again. They also cater events. You must come check this yummy place out. read more

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Don't judge this place from the location! Delicious, authentic and large portions, highly recommend!

No stars if I could- didn't even greet me, gave the old lady 5 minutes to even acknowledge me with a smile & she did not. She had a filthy shirt on, on her personal phone talking to someone with gloves that clearly had seasoning& marinated meat juice on them, had to leave because why would I pay $20 for bad customer service and gross food handling. 2025, do better. read more

Zella Kabob House takes over the Anataya space. Definitely not ready for business even though they are open. We arrived at 12:30 one patron finishing up his meal. No host no server. Knocked on the Kitchen door to see if they were open. A Lady from the kitchen came out and gave us menus. We tried to order but she really didn't understand English. Seriously thought about leaving but pointed to two menu items and she said yes. Ordered 2 Koobadeh beef 1 koobadeh chicken and the mezzo appetizer. The appetizer consisted of hummus, yogurt sauce and a tiny salad. $14. The entrees come with brown rice salad and bread. Sub par. The interior is also under construction. 2 stars is generous. $60 before tip. read more

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Outstanding food! Tried the Mantoo which was excellent, combination kabob with Beef Chapli and Chicken Tikka, and the Potato Bolani. Everything was so good including the sauces that came with everything. Generous portions too. read more

Poor (rude) service even if you're the only customer there. Not sure food is fresh given low customer traffic. Do not recommend.

I had dinner here with my brother and his wife tonight. What a treat! We shared the combination, appetizer plate, everything was delicious. My mantoo wss fantastic too. It's spiced ground beef stuffed into little dumplings, with a spicy tomato sauce on top. Really really delicious. Others had a spinach dish and a very unique and delicious chicken curry. Clean plates all around! It's a smallish family kind of place, so nothing too fancy. That's just fine with me, as the food is what counts, and it's very very good. The owner is charming too. Definitely will be returning here! read more

Zalla Kabab House is awesome! The owner is super friendly and kind, making you feel right at home. The food is authentic and delicious. Highly recommend the kabobs and bolani--both were amazing! Coming back! read more

Best Afghan food in Bay Area I have the best dining experience with this place the kabob is so juicy read more

Service: Very nice and clean business. This time I got the Koobideh beef kabob ($15) with the seasoned basmati rice, salad, flat bread, and a spicy green sauce. This restaurant is tucked away in the livery, but easily found with such a wonderful large side outside with ample outdoor seating! Food: The kabob was well seasoned, but on the little dry side. Mix of savory and spicy which was a nice taste. Came with two large kabobs which was a nice surprise. 4/5 The seasoned basmati rice was moist, seasoned well, and plentiful. Kind of a spicy rice with hints of I believe turmeric, cumin and other spices. 4.5/5 The salad was a little small and lettuce-leaves were wilted, but the tomato saved the day for the salad.4/5 The flat bread very typical, but little wet due to the warm beef and salad, so little off texture but was fine. 4/5 Spicy green sauce that came with the meal was very good and blasting with flavor. I dont know what is in there, but had great hints of cilantro and spice! Overall, A nice meal and a great place to try Afghani food! read more

Zalla Kabab House - Koobideh Beef Kabob 4/5 - Mediterranean Near Me - San Ramon, California

The food wasn't good and they didn't greet you they are very rude I don't recommend to anyone.

I was in the area and was looking for some Mediterranean food and stopped by to give it a try. I ordered the koobideh beef is a seasoned ground beef it was moist and goes well with the basmati rice. Another dish which I love was the Banjan Borani it is a sautéed eggplant topped with tomato, onion, and goes well with the yogurt and cilantro sauce. The eggplant was delicious and had a smoky flavored to it. read more

Zalla Kabab House - Koobideh beef and Banjan Borani - Mediterranean Near Me - San Ramon, California

Came here for the first time after looking for a good afghan kabob restaurant for some time, at least for take out. The order of the night: Beef and lamb chop kabob combo and baklava. First off, the combo kabob is super delicious. The rice is super flavorful and spiced really well. The salad dressing was really good too. And the meat was cooked perfectly and tender. Fair warning though, the rice is a bit spicy but it's fairly mild. The baklava is pretty good. But I have a feeling this isn't the authentic baklava. It's not quite the apple pie taste but it's not floral either. It's just honey sweet but not overly sweet either. So that leaves the -1 star. Why? Because their service is not so fun to work with. When I got there, I told them I was picking up from DoorDash and basically got a glare from I'm thinking either the manager or the older lady just working there. I also seemingly got a glare from the cook as well and I didn't do anything in particular. Just told them I was there for pick up. The lady sat there for a while before acting like it was a nuisance to even get up to help me get my order. Eventually she got up and went behind the cash register where she asked what my order was. It wasn't bundled and she didn't even package the baklava until I got there. I did get my order relatively on time but at the end, no attitude from the workers would've been appreciated. I didn't go near closing time either so I just don't know what it was about. The food is amazing. But I don't know if I'd want to deal with the attitude again. read more

Zalla Kabab House - Baklava - Mediterranean Near Me - San Ramon, California

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The food was amazing! Chicken melts in your mouth fresh & delicious! Best Mediterranean food! Highly recommend it!!!! read more

I can see why other reviews complained about the service. It seems to be family run, and actually I only saw all women running it. There are a few tables inside and outside. I ordered the chicken tika kabob and a side of hummus to go with my bread. The bread was warm and the salad was nicely dressed. I really liked that two sauces came with the food, a white and a green. The chicken was seasoned perfectly and so tender I didn't even need a knife to cut it. Sometimes chicken is a hit or miss because it can be ruined but this one was definitely a huge hit! Portions are good and I had half to take home for another meal. read more

Zalla Kabab House - Front entrance - Mediterranean Near Me - San Ramon, California

They have moved to San Ramon valley Boulevard! Found out by sheer luck as they are in the same center as 3 Brothers! So glad they're still open. The lamb shank is as good as always. read more

Food is excellent and always up to the standard. Hard working and nice people. Love the spinach and kabab rice.

There's a farmers market open daily around the corner, and the Greek salad at this restaurant is pathetic. What's the excuse? You're in the restaurant business and fresh vegetables are around the corner. Also tried the chicken kabob, it was okay, nothing I'd come back for. read more

The food here is very tasty, cute decoration throughout the restaurant, the owner is so welcoming and attentive. We ordered the Bolani (pancakes) and Qabuli ( lamb leg with rice), the lamb is to tender and full of flavor. I would definitely be back to try other dishes. read more

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Very delicious Afghan food, reasonably priced, clean, nice setup and good customer service. They also provide catering services. I highly recommend this place. read more

Ordered takeout Dal soup with side of rice. The portion was less than a cup for $15 with tax. Extremely salty too. NOT WORTH IT. Won't be going back. read more

Zalla Kabab House - Dal Soup - Mediterranean Near Me - San Ramon, California

No sure I would come back, due to price. Pro: Chapali Beef ($13): It was very good and served with 2 sauce that are really good Very good green chutney Very good yoghurt sauce (cucumber and mint) Con: Price, seems high for counter order. Limited drinks, not very cold. Had to ask for ice Salad dressing was bottled Italian. If I come back I would ask for no salad dressing. The green chutney is just fine read more

Nice and clean. The new location is spacious. The food just as tasty as it was in the old location. Service is prompt and courteous. Reasonable prices. Plenty of parking. read more

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