I'm on vacation in Menifee visiting family, my sister recommended this place! I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in and was greeted by incredibly enthusiastic customer service. Every time I visit Cali I've noticed a lot of customer service workers are typically focused on getting me out the door as fast as possible so it was really nice to be met with such a friendly atmosphere! The lady with all the piercings was very helpful and checked on us halfway through our meal to make sure we were doing okay! And let me tell you about the food, the chicken was really well seasoned and everything fresh! My only complaint and why I can't give it a five start is the chicken me and my family ordered was all dry but I'd love to try it again. Next time I'm in Cali and going out to eat this might be the only place I eat! read more

Love their food! Best Mediterranean food in Menifee. I just wish they served more fresh pita bread rather than stale ones

We decided to go inside the store to place our food order tonight, which we had no issue with. However, we had first tried calling at 7:03 p.m. to place a pickup order and pay with cash when we arrived, but no one answered the phone. When we walked in, the employee at the front was on her cellphone having a personal conversation, which may explain why our calls went unanswered. From the moment we were greeted, she was extremely rude and acted as though we were inconveniencing her simply by being there. As we placed our order, she repeatedly emphasized that they were closing in 10 minutes, despite the store's posted closing time being 8:00 p.m. There was also another woman behind us who wanted to place an order, and we could overhear the employee speaking rudely to her as well. This was not an isolated interaction; it was an overall lack of courtesy and customer service. We understand that employees may be eager to finish their shifts, but customers should not be made to feel unwelcome for placing an order during posted business hours. The employee's attitude completely ruined the experience and left us extremely disappointed. The food may be the reason we came in, but the customer service is the reason we will not return. 0/5 for the experience. read more

We've always loved Zesty Shawarma and have been here many times. My sister and I especially love bringing our dad because it's one of his favorite places. The food--the kebabs, shawarma, everything, is always delicious, and we've usually had wonderful experiences with the owner. Unfortunately, today was completely different. We arrived at 11:15, after the posted 11:00 opening, and were told the chicken wouldn't be ready for another 15 minutes. That was fine, but the girl working the counter was incredibly rude, rolling her eyes, huffing and puffing, making irritated comments, and acting like we were bothering her just by trying to order. It's really disappointing because we love supporting this restaurant, but customer service matters too. I hope the owners address this because if she's working the counter, sadly we probably won't be back. read more

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We've been wanting to try this spot for well over a year, but somehow always forgot it was located in this shopping center. Unfortunately, our first visit was very disappointing. We arrived at approximately 7:15 PM, and the posted closing time is 8:00 PM. The employee working the counter told us that only about half of the menu was still available because they were closing soon. We completely understood and had no issue with that, especially since we arrived later in the evening. There were only two salads available, so we chose from what was offered. While we waited for our food, we noticed one of the employees coughing and repeatedly sniffling while working. That was concerning to see around food, but we continued to wait. We then watched another employee, a blonde woman, preparing the meat. We observed her handling the meat directly with her bare hand while wearing a ring. Seeing food being handled this way was another major concern for us from a food-safety standpoint. About 10 minutes into our wait, a family of four came in to order. The employee at the counter told them, "We close in 15 minutes." The family turned around and left without ordering. At that point, it was approximately 7:25 PM. We understand that employees want to leave on time, and we understand that arriving close to closing can mean a limited menu. However, if a business lists its hours as being open until 8:00 PM, customers should reasonably expect the restaurant to be operating and accepting orders until 8:00 PM--not being discouraged from ordering 35 minutes before closing. Between the limited menu, the employee who appeared visibly ill while handling food, the bare-hand contact with meat while wearing a ring, and the way another family was treated when they arrived during posted business hours, there were simply too many concerns for us. Unfortunately, based on our experience, we won't be returning. read more

Zesty Shawarma And Grill - Mediterranean Near Me - Menifee, California

There is nothing special about this place and I'm actually amazed they have such a high rating on yelp. This building is on the newer side so to walk in and see such a run down establishment it's probably safe to say the owner doesn't take much pride in their business. Customer service was also on the poor side, the girl at the register wasn't very helpful, seemed irritated, maybe that's just her everyday personality but I'd put someone up front that enjoys talking to people. The food was just ok, the rice was bland, 0 flavor, and the pita bread was cold. Unfortunately this is my second shot here and I've been disappointed both times. read more

Zesty Shawarma And Grill - Restaurant supplies in the dining area is tacky. - Mediterranean Near Me - Menifee, California

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this is typically our go to at least twice a month for dinner. Ordered from DoorDash and look what we got. I took one bite of my Kafta and knew it was raw in the middle. The hummus was not solid. It was runny. The salad was good as usual. My husband Shawarma was hacked up into large pieces also runny hummus. His salad looked good. Basically grossed out so dumped everything! Rather than leave this review, I did try to call, but there was no answer and the mailbox is not set up. read more

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Located in the 'Shoppes At The Lakes' on Newport & Menifee Roads near Stater Bros with plenty of parking and indoor seating. We were looking for a casual Shawarma spot and were recommended to try this place. From their entrees menu (served with rice, 1 dip, and 1 thin pita), we ordered their 'Chicken Shawarma' with 'Mediterranean salad' and 'Baba Ghanoush' dip, and the 'Kafta Kabob' with 'Fattoush salad' and 'hummus'. Both plates were super good and satisfying. The chicken was packed with flavor, but not overwhelming. The Kafta (minced beef) was seasoned to perfection. We also ordered a couple of 'Baklavas' to go. It has a generous walnut filling and is easily some of the best baklava I've ever had. Service was relaxed since they prepare your meal on the spot. They also have a catering menu. Overall, it was a good lunch experience here and will definitely return to try more of their menu. read more

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Very disappointed on this spot, drove about 30 minutes to come down for the lady at the register to tell us there was no fresh shawarma and we would have to wait 30 minutes, no ice in the ice machine, ants on the soda machine.. not the cleanest place and was dark inside looked dead and grungy. The food was good but nothing special, chicken was kind of dry, and the pitas were cold. Really sad because me and my husband have been looking for a good Mediterranean spot and this wasn't it. read more

This place is a go to for me. The chicken is always great and I love their salads and hummus. Great service, although it can take some time when they are busy because they take care to keep things fresh. But the food is worth it. Nothing fancy... just good straightforward Mediterranean food. read more

Had a gyro wrap and it was SO good. Everything is really fresh and the girl at the counter was very friendly. I'll have to come back next time I'm in town to try of their offerings. read more

Just stopped at this gem on our way back home and OMG! Food was so delicious! Freshly made sides- no sogginess to the cucumbers or tomatoes in our Greek salad, grilled to order and what a yummy treat that baklava made in house was! The gentleman tending the store at the time was so friendly and had really great customer service skills. He even gave us one baklava for free with the purchase! Such a great spot to have for lunch. Will definitely stop here again when in the area. read more

Zesty Shawarma And Grill - Chicken kebab with side of pickled veggies. - Mediterranean Near Me - Menifee, California

First of all, the service was excellent. Very friendly and helpful. The food was a rollercoaster ride...ups and downs. The greek salad was very fresh and delicious. The hummus was great. The rice was great. The chicken shawarma was lacking. It was very dry and the tahini was spoiled. I really wanted to love this place so I will probably be back... read more

This place was decent. I was excepting more homemade and it wasn't. They warmed up pita bread that was from the grocery store. I would have at least expected that to be homemade. read more

They have very good authentic arabic food. I got the shawarma plate and it was so flavorful and had a lot of meat. The owner was so nice and offered me water. They have plenty of seating indoors. read more

This used to be our go to for meeting up with family for an awesome meal. We had a party of 5 and got there a little after 11. We were told no food would be ready for 15-20 minutes. Ok no big deal, however the girl behind the counter was rude AF to our party. She's the one with black devil horns protruding from her nostrils. She got mouthy with our party so we picked up and walked out and will never return. The owner is a super nice man, but with employees like devil nose working there, we have no interest in ever returning. read more

I love this place!!!!!! Serena is always outstanding and friendly! I love the hummus and pita bread and the homemade baklava is my favorite! Let's be like read more

I had a take out order. When I opened the lid my first thought was: hmm the portion is a little bit small for the price. For $20 you get a little bit of chicken and a little bit of beef. Ok that's not bad but also not that great. As I started eating it all of a sudden clicked. This place is amazing. This is a small mom and pop shop and they do everything in house. They also smile when serving you. You feel welcomed. It is absolutely worth the money. You can taste the quality of a home cooked meal. I think the highlight for me was the rice. Yep, rice. It was so tasty. I never thought that rice could be the highlight of dish, but it can. The chicken melted in my mouth. Their hummus is amazing as well. Yea, it is a great place. I'm coming back. read more

My first time here and my first time trying chicken shawarma and I found it dry so I hardly ate my chicken. The rice looks pretty but bland. The parsley salad was good enough. The humus was super yummy. My friend chicken kebab was good and the shrimp (not pictured) kebab was dry. All this plus a drink was $50 something. I paid separately for four pieces of baklava ($15 something) and it was ok. I had better baklava The people were nice and not much ambiance. Service was good. read more

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So nothing was wrong with the place, service and perfect. However the food it's not good. I've tried at least 4 different Mediterranean food places and this is my 5th one. I've tried Georgie's (Riverside) and Kabob Crush (Corona) and they are 10x better. I've tried Pacific pita. And it's just nothing compared to this. This was just awful. No flavor whatsoever. I was very disappointed with my food. The chicken needs like a different recipe or the way it it's cooked or the quality because I've made better Mediterranean food for the first time my life. The hummus was very plain and unflavored. The Mediterranean salad better than anything else but it wasn't to my expectations. Sadly, I will not be coming here again. I really wish this was better. I was excited to try a new place. I was in the mood for it, but kind of just die down the moment I took a bite of everything. But thanks for the experience. The fries are good, but that's it. read more

Ordered falafels & fries. The fries were tasting good, but as soon as I tried the falafel & tahini (which I've ordered from here before), they lacked flavor/tasted weird. It made me feel gross and nauseous, like the falafel mix or frying oil was old or something. The tahini also tasted off. So I just continued eating the fries, but then I pulled a long brown hair which snapped because it was tangled in the fries. Super disgusting. Based on previous reviews, this isn't the first time. My friend got hummus, and she said it lacked flavor. read more

Zesty Shawarma And Grill - Found hair in my fries - Mediterranean Near Me - Menifee, California

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WOW!! Best falafel I've ever had. Absolutely delicious. This was my first visit and I will definitely return. Hummus was a 10 out of 10. Kind and effecient staff Super fresh food. Definitely recommend read more

Zesty Shawarma And Grill - Falafel was absolutely delicious - Mediterranean Near Me - Menifee, California

The service was fantastic! I tried this place for the first time a few days ago and the second you open the door you can smell the delicious food being cooked. The girl at the counter was very sweet and took her time explaining the menu to me, helped me find something I'd like and wore a friendly smile the whole time, will definitely be back! read more

Not really what I expected, food was very mediocre. Chicken tastes almost burnt/dry. The rice wasn't the best, almost mushy like. The best part of the meal was probably the salad which was pretty good. Peta bread was soggy and thin overall i'd give it a 3 at best. read more

Food is good but service is really bad. A new girl with big bad attitude. They are going to loose a lot of customers with her. Not going there again read more

Surprised to see no one inside! Came in to give it a try and I am not disappointed, got a gyro wrap and it came with fresh veggies flavorful meat! read more

Zesty Shawarma And Grill - Gyro wrap 9/10! - Mediterranean Near Me - Menifee, California

The Zesty Shawarma reminds us of our time in the Middle East. Yes, the food is that authentic. In fact, it's probably the best Mediterranean food we've had in the U.S. The family who runs Zesty are warm, friendly and very sincere. Several times during our meal, they checked in on us... smiling and wanting to know how our meal was. It was delicious. We ordered some Gyros, Chicken Kabob with saffron rice, along with some falafels. It is also less expensive than some other Humus and Gyro places in Menifee. I've attached our receipt, $38.12 pre-tax. Our serving size I can only say was plentiful and overly generous. You decide. See attached photos. Five Stars! read more

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The chicken swarma is closed to 20 dollars absolutely false advertisement! The manager said he does not know??? Seems to me like a bait and switch and then play the victim card- even though that's his website with pricing! He's lost a customer read more

The gentleman behind the counter let us taste one or two things we hadn't tried before. He was affable, enthusiastic, and this looks to be a family business. Everything was home and handmade. I got the kebab and my wife got the gyro. We kept feeding each other like bits because we couldn't believe how good everything was That was the CREAMIEST hummus I have ever had, and the rice (usually just filler) was good enough to be its own meal. It's very easy to dismiss or ignore this place. Please don't do that. There is not enough Mediterranean food in the area and this may be the best I've had. read more

Zesty Shawarma And Grill - Sign - Mediterranean Near Me - Menifee, California

We just moved to the Menifee area and were looking for a Mediterranean restaurant. I ordered the Kafta Kabob and rice plate and it was fantastic. The kabobs were fresh and full of flavor. Loved the rice and of course the garlic sauce is a must. The service was top notch and the girl behind the counter was sweet as pie. This will be our new go to place. read more

DO NOT RECCOMMEND, arrived ~2:00 PM on 8/27 one person on the phone apparently entering a catering order into their point-of-sale system a second person watching the person on the phone. So, I and another person were left waiting ~10 minutes to order until one employee got off the phone. The beef/lamb Gyro I ordered was soggy because the meat was taken from a warming tray of warm water not freshly cut. This was my 1st and last experience with Zesty Shawarma & Grill. read more

Very disappointing despite the amount of customers who came here. I had sirloin kabob a bit pricey and well done. Not much flavor. Hummus was pasty, not much taste. The salad dressing was very garlicky so it drowned out other flavors. We also had gyro meat very dry. Im guessing this food is made in a commercial kitchen then frozen and rethermalized in the kitchen here. Very disappointing and very expensive. I will never recommend or return to this restaurant. read more

The service is good and friendly, and the atmosphere with large nice booths are wonderful. The mango lassi was very delicious. Their delicious soups are usually wonderful, but yesterday's soups were very watery with no **substance but tasty? The HIMALAYAN coffee was severely over the top **SWEET ... that it literally triggered a migraine soon after drinking it, sadly. It's usually the best coffee ever, but things were not consistent yesterday. The rice dish with the lamb that usually is the best was tasty, but the lamb wasn't real fresh like usual? If we're going to pay over $100.00 It would be nice to have truly fresh lamb, and substance to the soups. Keep the consistency and add that love into the food that's fresh and never put that much sweetness in a boiling hot coffee that literally makes you sick from drinking it. We eat out every other day, so we know good food and the love that goes into it. We loved always coming here to eat, but after yesterday's experience I probably will go to all the places that give you what you're paying for, consistently and adding the real love into the delicious foods. The salad and the garlic biryani is always good and the TV is a nice addition to the restaurant. read more

We've ordered to go from Zesty for years. We haven't ordered for a year, but did so last night. As always, the food was great. We love the chicken shawarma, and gyros plates. The price had gone up significantly, which was no surprise, but the meal size was down by at least a third. Maybe they have just downsized to go orders. read more

The food was absolutely delicious, the meat is flavorful and the veggies very fresh. I would definitely recommend coming to this place for fresh amazing Mediterranean food. read more

Zesty Shawarma And Grill - Kofta Kabab Skewer - Mediterranean Near Me - Menifee, California

As much as I love supporting small businesses, it pains me to write this review... but I have to be honest. I don't understand why this place has so many stars. I am visiting the area and I looked up this place. I decided to try it out. Has four stars over 300 reviews cool I walk in, fairly empty. I look at the menu for a bit and I order a combination plate which includes two proteins, rice, salad, and a side of choice which would be hummus or baba ghanoush. The meat was extremely salty, the Mediterranean salad is not freshly made on order. It appears they batch make their salads maybe first thing in the morning and then it's sitting in a container It's overdressed and with wilted lettuce. Romain leaves with the other toppings. Maybe I'm spoiled, but I'm used to many of the Mediterranean places making a fresh salad or just having the fresh salad ready to go with dressing on the side. On top of that my side was wrong. I ordered baba ghanoush and I received hummus which who doesn't love hummus, but I wanted to try something different. Needless to say, I will not be back read more

I waited for 20 minutes to get a Gyro wrap. This is something where the meat is already ready there is a young girl trying to cook and do the cash register and the phone. And an older woman was in the back and came out and just watched the younger girl didn't help her out. I finally asked the older woman how much longer for my order and she said five minutes and then proceeded to go and prep a whole bunch of sides for meals instead of grabbing my meal after I've been waiting. I ended up just getting my money back and left! I don't know why she wasn't helping the younger girl out??? read more

I absolutely love this place. It's so nice to have found something locally that has such good Mediterranean food.

Food is okay but they price gouge like crazy, why am I paying like $2 for a side of garlic sauce (when I'm already paying $18 for a plate?!) when every other place includes that in their meal? Girl at the register is basically mute, I had to bend over the counter to hear her read more

Mediterranean food is one of my favorites and I eat it at least once or twice a month. I don't live out near here but I was visiting and found this spot on yelp and as a small business owner, I always like when it's not a chain and it's a small business and there us definitely a nice mom and Pop family vibe here. There is obviously great history, recipes, and love for what they do here. very unique, subtle differences from your typical chain based Mediterranean spots and I have to say I loved it. I got the chicken falafel, which was the first for me and they were really good. The saffron rice was fluffy and flavorful, and I really liked their spicy yummy hot sauce. It was really well flavored with just a perfect amount of heat. I definitely recommend it. . read more