ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in West Ridge
Master Critic Review
Taza Bakery and Hadramout Restaurant
8.3
A Middle Eastern bakery-restaurant that wins on fresh-baked bread and a deep bench of savory pies alongside shawarma plates and sandwiches. Best ordered like a regular: one hot pie or lahembajin plus a shawarma staple, then add tea and get out while everything’s still warm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lahembajin (meat pizza), Beef shawarma sandwich, Spinach pie
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Bakery-first Middle Eastern cooking with hot bread and savory pies.
Who should go: Bread lovers, shawarma regulars, quick lunch seekers.
When to visit: Lunch rush for hottest bread and fastest turnover.
What to order: Lahembajin, beef shawarma, spinach pie.
Insider tip: Buy extra bread to take home while it’s still warm.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Western Ave is the main option—fine midday, but it tightens up during lunch rush and early evening. Best move: park on a side street just off Western for an easier exit.
Dress code: Very casual—hoodies, work clothes, and jeans are all normal. Come comfortable, especially if you’re doing takeout.
Noise level: Moderate and functional—more of a quick-bites dining room than a quiet sit-down. You can talk easily, but it’s not a hushed vibe.
Weekend wait: 10-25 min depending on how many orders are ahead (faster if you keep it to pies/sandwiches).
Weekday lunch: 0-10 min typical, but expect a short line during the peak lunch window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong vegetarian bakery options (spinach pies and other veg-filled breads) plus a few sides that work well as a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—some veggie pies/sides may be vegan, but confirm ingredients (butter/ghee/cheese can show up in bakery items).
Gluten-free options: Not ideal—this is a bread-and-pastry-forward spot, so gluten-free choices are limited and cross-contact risk is high.
Best For
Better for: Fresh-baked bread and savory pies that taste best hot and right away—this is a bakery-first stop where the starch game (bread + handheld pies) is the main advantage over typical shawarma-only counters.
Consider Alternatives If: Skip it if you want a long, sit-down Mediterranean dinner with a big mezze spread or a polished atmosphere—this is more of a quick-hit bakery + shawarma combo than a lingering dining destination.