Lebanese Grocer — Restaurant in Waitematā

Clearly a good experience as food photos were forgotten ...

The Wagyu beef chefs special shawarma is nothing short of delicious. The meat was tender, and the flavours harmonious. The pita outer is a little bit thicker and just a touch more chewy than a post-town bender kebab - and I gotta say, I like it! The slight char on the pita really adds to the flavour.

The portion size and the amount of filling is somewhere between very reasonable and a little bit more than what I should eat - which I reckon is the perfect amount. Considering the rising costs these days, especially of food, they've made the price tag well worth it with the quality of the ingredients and portion size. There's not a lot of things these days that's as satisfying as this one shawarma for under $20.

Moving on from the shawarma, I did also try the baklavas. I'm not sure if I recalled correctly but I believe one is a pistachio cashew mix, and the other a pistachio and walnut mix. Interestingly, my preferred was the cashew mix! The pastry was lovely and flaky, the filling felt generous, and the creaminess of the cashew just really added to it this slight nutty sweetness. There was another one that was vegan (no butter), but I didn't try it.

I also got a Lebanese coffee - just a small pot of it. If you're a black coffee drinker, this one is for you. It's a very balanced profile - which I really enjoyed. Somewhere medium to light so it actually goes well with the stronger flavours of the shawarma.

Seating is a little bit tricky as there's not a lot of it. But the staff are great at trying to look after you, offering milk crates as temporary seating and table options.

It's a shame all the Pitt Street Road and building works are happening because they're covering the shops facade and it does affect the vibe. That being said, I'm glad the team seem to be doing well, and people are still able to find them and flock to them.

All in all a great experience. And I would definitely go back to try another...

A True Taste of Lebanon in the Heart of Auckland!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

As a devoted fan of Lebanese cuisine, I simply cannot rave enough about The Lebanese Grocer! It is, without a doubt, the most authentic and delightful schwarma and Lebanese café I've had the pleasure of visiting in Auckland.

From the moment I stepped in, I was greeted by the warm and welcoming ambiance. The staff were genuinely friendly, offering exceptional service and ensuring that I was well-taken care of throughout my visit. The aroma of spices and grilled meats filled the air, setting the stage for a marvelous culinary experience.

The menu boasts an incredible selection of traditional Lebanese dishes, all prepared with the freshest ingredients and the utmost attention to detail. I ordered the chicken schwarma, and it was nothing short of perfection. The tender and juicy chicken was marinated in a divine blend of spices added the perfect amount of tanginess. Paired with a side of perfectly cooked, crisp, spiced fragrant chips it was a meal that transported me straight to the streets of Beirut.

I also had the pleasure of trying the baklava, which was truly a work of art. The layers of delicate phyllo pastry, packed with a luscious combination of nuts and syrup, melted in my mouth and left me craving for more.

The Lebanese Grocer has become my go-to spot for an authentic Lebanese experience in Auckland. Whether you're a long-time fan of the cuisine or a curious newcomer, I can guarantee that The Lebanese Grocer will not disappoint. If I could give this café more than five stars, I absolutely would. Don't miss out on...

A Taste of Lebanon on our very own K Road!

From the moment you walk into The Lebanese Grocer, you’re transported. The warm glow of the lights, the hum of conversation, and the intoxicating aroma of sumac, garlic, and slow-roasted lamb create an atmosphere that is both vibrant and inviting. Tucked away around the corner on Pitt St, this isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of Lebanese cuisine, crafted with authenticity and soul.

I’ve traveled through Lebanon, from the mountain villages to the buzzing streets of Beirut, savoring shawarma sizzling on street-side grills and manousheh fresh from stone ovens. Yet somehow, The Lebanese Grocer captures the heart of those flavors—perhaps even refines them. The hummus is impossibly smooth, the falafel perfectly crisp with a fragrant, herb-packed center, and the lamb… tender, spiced to perfection, and slow-cooked in a way that instantly took me back to a small café in Batroun, where time seemed to slow with each bite.

Beyond the food, it’s the details that set this place apart. The warmth of the staff, the effortless charm of the setting, the thoughtful selection of Lebanese wines—it all comes together to create something more than just a meal. If you haven’t been yet, go. If you have, go again. Because this isn’t just the best Lebanese food in town—it’s some of the best I’ve had anywhere in the world.

Excuse the length - I'm a budding food reviewer! Happy to receive feedback on...