Levy’s Shawarma — Restaurant in Aventura

Levy’s Shawarma is in a peculiar, run-down plaza that you would never go to, unless you were looking for shawarma (or live in Aventura). Located on 207th Street, along the intercoastal, low condo buildings with screened-in porches and gated communities with Tuscan-style rooftops make me feel like I’m in the 1980s, and I'll see Dorothy from the Golden Girls decked out in a track suit. When you pass the LA Fitness that looks like a JC Penny in need of a makeover, you know you’re close to some of the best shawarma in town.

Upon sitting down, you’re immediately served a colorful bowl of pickled veggies, lightly spicy with tangy hints of caraway or was it fennel seed? Either way, it’s refreshingly crunchy and serves as a healthy amuse-bouche as you peruse the medium-plus size menu. If you’re looking for full table service with bubbly servers who fawn over your demands, this is not your place. Levy’s is a straight-shooter type of joint: order your food, get-up and choose your sides, sit down, eat, be quiet, and leave! Luckily the shawarma is delicious, so you will eat in silence as you hunt for the best squiggly pieces among the meat pile. You can have your shawarma in a pita, wrap, or by plate. Made from slowly roasted chicken and lamb, every slice is boldly seasoned with Levy’s secret mix which I’m convinced has all the things I love – turmeric, cumin, paprika, garlic, and cinnamon. And the best part of all? You get to choose your sides from a glorious buffet of salads, pickles, and spreads. Their “Babaganush” is sublimely creamy with addictive measurements of sweet and salty. A light and feathery, lemon-bomb “Tabule” is way more green than grainy, which is how it should be, and the Israeli salad with dollhouse dices of cucumber and tomato proves that mint and cilantro go together like salt and pepper.

I read previous reviews of Levy’s, and among the praise, there were a few nasty opinions. Hopefully things have changed, because it was inspiring to watch families eat together, peacefully. There’s no music, no pissed-off tourist, no erroneous pets, or the Rolls Royce of baby strollers. It’s just madly craveable food that happens to be Kosher, from some guy...

I ate at Levy's with friends on a Thursday evening. It was not a holiday of any kind, yet service was not good from start to finish. I had a shwarma platter. One friend had a pastrami sandwich (he wanted corned beef but they were out). The other had shwarma in laffa. The portions were generous, but the food itself was rather mediocre but fresh and clean. When we sat down (outside), a waitress put two pita breads out for 3 people. We had to ask for a third. Vegetables (spicy carrots, canned Israeli pickles, pickled cabbage, and pickled radish slices in beet juice) were put on the table but with no plates for them. Warm water was brought to the table. We had to ask for ice. The sandwich was served much later than the other dishes, and had to be requested twice. An 18% gratuity was involuntarily charged. I personally did not like how the shwarma was spiced. My friend said that the pastrami was unremarkable and somewhat of a letdown. I didn't care for the hot marinated carrots but that may be a matter of personal taste. Hoummous, tajina, coleslaw, red cabbage salad, and Israeli salad, all chosen as sides for my entree, were acceptable. The pita was served hot and had a delicious charred flavor. Everything appeared to be clean and the food was fresh. Still, I would only eat here again if I were out with others who insist upon it. I felt that prices were moderate...

Wow...Levy's Shawarma is a lot more than just a shawarma place. It's an institution. We have been coming to Levy's for 30 years now. ( used to be in a different location) A couple of years ago they moved to the waterways in Aventura and the outside sitting is great . The service is friendly and the atmosphere is very welcoming. (They do live entertainment a couple of times a week) I can go on and on about the incredible food but a few items are a must: The kabab is my favorite! A secret family recipe, this is by far the best kabab I've ever had! My wife always takes a Taco dish and she loves it. The burgers are the best in town!!! ( kosher or not) just like the Kabab, the secret is in the mix and I have yet to experience anything like that. The portions are very big and you can choose different sizes of the same dish. Sometimes I just stop by for a quick kabab sandwich on the go but Levy's is really a place to spend an evening with friends and family sitting outside on the porch, enjoying live music and AMAZING food. Do yourself a favor and go to Levy's, I guarantee it will not be...