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Sultan’s Kebab

2491 First Street, Livermore, CA 94550
$$
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian, Restaurants

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Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)

Sultan’s Kebab 8.2
First Street Historic Core
Counter-service Mediterranean with crisp falafel, creamy hummus, and fresh salads made to order. Fast lines and late hours make it a go-to for affordable vegetarian meals downtown.
Must-Try Dishes: Falafel Plate, Hummus with Pita, Dolmas
Scores:
Value: 9.2 Service: 8 Consistency: 8.3 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 6.4 Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Vegetarian plates assembled fast with bright, fresh toppings.
Who should go: Budget-minded vegetarians downtown
When to visit: Late evening for shortest queue
What to order: Falafel plate; tabbouleh; extra pita
Insider tip: Add tahini and a splash of hot sauce at the counter for balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking along First Street and nearby municipal lots; easiest access after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and takeout attire all welcome.
Noise level: Low to moderate — counter chatter and light background music but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes during peak hours, mainly for takeout orders.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; food ready in under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — full vegetarian plates and wraps with customizable toppings.
Vegan options: Yes — falafel, hummus, salads, and tahini sauces are vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Partially — rice plates and salads work, but pita and wraps contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into quick, casual meals — it’s more a fast-casual stop than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — no reservations needed; grab a table inside or use the outdoor benches when available.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple menu, mild flavors, and fast service make it easy for families with kids.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and fresher salads than most Mediterranean spots in town; ideal for vegetarians on a budget.
Skip if: You’re looking for table service or a slower, sit-down dining experience.
Sultan’s Kebab 8.1
First Street Historic Core
Counter-service Turkish/Middle Eastern spot known for shawarma, doner, and fast portions. It’s a reliable downtown choice for quick meals, late hours, and strong value.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Shawarma Plate, Doner/Gyro Wrap, Beyti Kebab
Scores:
Value: 9.2 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 8.4 Food Quality: 8.2 Atmosphere: 6.6 Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Halal-friendly kebabs and shawarma with late-night hours.
Who should go: Budget-minded diners and night owls
When to visit: After 7:30pm for shorter lines and parking
What to order: Chicken Shawarma; Doner Wrap; Beyti Kebab
Insider tip: Add extra garlic sauce and pickled turnips for balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is available along First Street and nearby side streets; easier after 7pm when meters are off.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; typical mix of jeans, tees, and workday attire.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch and dinner hours; quiet enough for conversation at off-peak times.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at most; counter orders move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait unless there’s a lunch rush around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—falafel, hummus, and several platters can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited—falafel plate and salads qualify if you skip yogurt sauce.
Gluten-free options: Partially—meat plates over rice are fine; wraps contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates casual, no-frills dining. It’s more grab-and-go than romantic, but great for a quick pre-movie meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations here. It’s counter service with plenty of turnover, so finding a table is rarely an issue.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple flavors, generous portions, and quick service make it easy for families. High chairs and boosters aren’t common, but kids are welcome.
Best For
Better for: Late-night meals, fast counter service, and standout value under $15 per person.
Skip if: You’re looking for table service, cocktails, or an extended sit-down experience—this is more about quick satisfaction than ambience.
Sultan’s Kebab 8.0
First Street Historic Core
Counter-service Turkish spot turning out shawarma, doner, and kebab plates fast. Strong value, late hours, and steady execution make it a downtown staple for quick meals.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken shawarma plate, Lamb & beef doner wrap, Falafel with hummus
Scores:
Value: 9 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.2 Atmosphere: 6.2 Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Halal Turkish kebabs and shawarma with standout value and hours.
Who should go: Budget-minded diners and night owls
When to visit: After 7:30pm for easier parking and shorter lines
What to order: Chicken shawarma; doner wrap; falafel plate
Insider tip: Add extra garlic sauce and a side of pickled turnips—small cost, big payoff.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along First Street and nearby side streets; tends to open up after 7pm once nearby dinner spots clear out.
Dress code: Completely casual—tees, jeans, and sneakers are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate during rush hours with grill sizzle and music, quieter after 8pm.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for line orders, tables turn quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except during peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – falafel wrap, hummus plate, and salads are reliable picks.
Vegan options: Yes – falafel and hummus options work well without sauces containing yogurt.
Gluten-free options: Limited – plates can be ordered without pita or wraps.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re keeping it casual—counter service and quick turnover make it better for a low-pressure meet-up than a romantic dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s walk-in only. Grab a seat after ordering; turnover is steady even on busy nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family regulars stop in often, and the simple menu works for kids comfortable with grilled meats and fries.
Best For
Better for: Fast halal meals, generous portions, and late-night hours make it a stronger pick than nearby Mediterranean sit-down spots.
Skip if: You want table service, cocktails, or a quieter sit-down dinner—try Cafe Calamari or Demitri’s Taverna instead.