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ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Northridge
Best Middle Eastern in Northridge
Master Critic Review
Grillo Shawarma & Kebob
8.1
An Egyptian-Persian-Mexican crossover counter in a Northridge strip mall that bakes its own dough daily and runs a halal kitchen covering kebab plates, shawarma wraps, and carne asada tacos under one roof. The value math works for families—full kabob plates and sides at budget pricing with a free lot out back. It draws a loyal Reseda Blvd crowd that treats it as a weeknight default rather than a destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Kabob Plate, Chicken Shawarma, Carne Asada Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Egyptian-Persian-Mexican crossover kitchen serving halal kebabs alongside carne asada tacos on housemade dough baked daily
Who should go: Families and budget diners wanting halal variety
When to visit: Early lunch for freshest housemade bread and shorter lines
What to order: Start with the hummus, grab a beef kabob plate for the table, and add a round of carne asada tacos to compare styles
Insider tip: Ask about the hawawshi — it's a traditional Egyptian stuffed bread that most customers walk past
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free shared lot behind the building with 33 striped spaces—enter from Chase St. Free street parking also available on Reseda Blvd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection: Falafel Wrap ($9.99), Falafel Plate ($14.99), Cauliflower Wrap ($9.99), Cauliflower Plate ($14.99), plus hummus, babaganoush, tabbouleh, and over a dozen flatbreads including zaatar, spinach boreg, and cheese varieties.
Vegan options: Impossible Meat Wrap ($10.99) plus naturally plant-based options like falafel, hummus, babaganoush, tabbouleh, and zaatar flatbread.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-key date than a romantic evening. This is a relaxed, family-owned Mediterranean spot with a warm and inviting atmosphere, but the vibe is more neighborhood kebab house than candlelit dinner. That said, the food is excellent (4.7 stars from 220+ reviews), portions are generous, and the laid-back setting takes the pressure off. Great for a first date where you want good conversation over affordable food without the stuffiness — just don't expect mood lighting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is a casual walk-in spot with no formal reservation system. It operates as a counter-service kebab house, so you order and grab a seat. During peak lunch and dinner hours you may need to wait briefly for a table to open up, but turnover is fast. Open 9AM to 9PM daily, so you have a wide window. No need to plan ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual, family-owned atmosphere is very welcoming for kids. The noise level is relaxed enough that children won't be out of place, and the menu has plenty of approachable options like chicken kebabs, shawarma wraps, and tacos that most kids will eat happily. A dedicated kids menu has not been confirmed online — call ahead at 818-818-6452 to ask. High chairs availability is also not confirmed, so check if you need one.
Is it good for groups? Yes for small to mid-sized groups — the casual format makes it easy to order individually and eat together without fuss. They also offer catering, which suggests they're accustomed to feeding larger parties. Specific max party size and large table configurations are not confirmed online, so for groups of 6 or more, call ahead to make sure they can seat you together. No private dining room has been noted.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — outdoor seating is available with an al fresco dining setup. Specific details on whether it's covered, heated, or how many tables are outside have not been confirmed. Parking is available at the rear of the building, which is convenient if you're sitting outside. For current patio conditions, especially in cooler months, call to confirm.
Best For
Hours
Monday9am - 9pm
Tuesday9am - 9pm
Wednesday9am - 9pm
Thursday9am - 9pm
Friday9am - 9pm
Saturday9am - 9pm
Sunday9am - 9pm