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ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Palms-Cheviot Hills
Best Greek in Palms-Cheviot Hills
Best Middle Eastern in Palms-Cheviot Hills
Master Critic Review
Dama Grill
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Counter-service Syrian spot on Venice Blvd that spit-roasts shawarma in-house and rolls it in fresh saj bread with garlic sauce and pomegranate molasses—the combination that built its following. Draws families and post-workout crowds to a lively patio where the wraps and kabobs move fast at prices that keep regulars coming back multiple times a week.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Beef Shawarma Wrap, Chicken Kabob
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Counter-service Syrian spot spit-roasting shawarma and rolling it in fresh saj bread with garlic sauce and pomegranate molasses — the combination that made it go viral.
Who should go: Families and shawarma devotees seeking authentic Syrian street food
When to visit: Go early — shawarma sells out by evening on busy days
What to order: Get the chicken shawarma wrap with extra garlic sauce; the wrap format beats the plate because the sauces keep the chicken juicy — if shawarma's sold out, ask for the Xander Special (chicken kebab with fries stuffed inside).
Insider tip: They occasionally sear the finished wrap on the flattop and pile extra meat on top — arrive before the dinner rush to get it at its best and skip 45-minute weekend waits.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot in back of the building plus street parking on Venice Blvd—lot fills up during peak hours on a busy stretch of Venice, so arrive early on weekends
Dress code: Come as you are—counter-service spot with kiosk ordering described as casual and cafeteria-style
Noise level: Lively and family-loud—expect kids running around the patio and post-workout crowds packing the space, not a quiet conversation spot
Weekend wait: Up to 45 minutes during peak hours with long lines and every seat taken—order ahead online to skip the wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Falafel wrap (crispy falafel with hummus, lettuce, turnip pickles, parsley, onions in Arabic bread), falafel balls (6 pieces), hummus, and eggplant dip
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No — this is a casual, cafeteria-style shawarma spot, not a date-night destination. The atmosphere is lively and family-oriented with a counter-order setup, communal energy, and kids on the patio. Great for a low-key hangout where the food does the talking, but not the place for intimate conversation or romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Dama Grill is walk-in only with no reservation system. You order at the counter. During peak lunch and dinner hours, the patio can fill up and you may need to hover for a table. If it's busy, ordering to-go is a smart move. Off-peak, grabbing a seat is easy.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — this is a go-to family spot. The casual atmosphere means no one blinks at noisy kids, and families with children are a regular sight on the patio. The menu has approachable items like falafel, fries, and wraps that kids tend to love. No dedicated kids menu has been confirmed, so plan on ordering from the regular menu. Call ahead to confirm high chair availability.
Is it good for groups? Works well for casual groups of 4-6 who don't mind counter service. The patio can accommodate multiple parties at once, and the shareable plates and budget-friendly prices (wraps around $15) make splitting easy. For larger groups, seating may require combining tables — not confirmed if staff assist with that. No private dining available.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — there is a patio that's popular with families and gets consistent use. It's the preferred seating area and tends to fill up during peak hours. Details on whether it's covered or heated are not confirmed — call ahead if weather is a factor. A parking lot is also available on-site.
Best For
Better for: A fast, shareable meal with the family or a satisfying post-workout bite—the chicken shawarma wrap with garlic sauce and pomegranate molasses is the move, but show up early before it sells out
Skip if: You want a quiet, sit-down dinner—this is counter-service with kiosk ordering, and if the shawarma sells out you're stuck with the chicken kebab wrap, which runs dry
Hours
Monday12pm - 9:30pm
Tuesday12pm - 9:30pm
Wednesday12pm - 9:30pm
Thursday12pm - 9:30pm
Friday12pm - 9:30pm
Saturday12pm - 9:30pm
Sunday12pm - 9:30pm