Wally's Cafe (Emeryville) — Restaurant in Emeryville

In technically what could be called a "hole in the wall" spot, quietly exists some of the very best Lebanese food in the Bay area. I slept on this place for a number of years, but was asked by a friend to review it, and I was happy I did. Delicious Lebanese food, in the easy going greasy spoon environment, with a super laid back and friendly staff, make for one happy Middle Eastern food experience. I ordered the beef shawarma wrap, which comes with fries, some lentil soup, (absolutely killer), and a piece of baklava at the end of the meal, (homemade. Not the decent but standard fair that Jerusalem bakery serves to most of the Middle Eastern restaurants in the East Bay. No slight on Jerusalem bakery, but you can't mess with Grandma) One of my special delights here was the fact that they make "Toum", Lebanese garlic and lemon sauce made with safflower oil and has a consistency of mayonnaise. It is to die for. The beef shawarma in the wrap had a deliciously complex flavor of marinated beef, and was served at my request with some of the garlic sauce in the wrap itself, and some tahini sauce which I will ask them to skip next time. It was deliciously put together and perfectly wrapped. The fries were crispy golden delicious, and tossed in a very light dusting of salt. The homemade baklava with crispy, and buttery, and just had all the things you associate with delicious homemade baklava. I cannot recommend this place highly enough, you may have to look for a minute before you find it is right next door to the old bank on San Pablo avenue at 3009, between 40th and Adeline Street. You'll have to come down Adeline and make a hard ride on the San Pablo or go down San Pablo and make a U-Turn at Adeline. I'm super happy I found this place, and I will definitely be back for more. Next: Gyros. Bonus round: I got all this food for just over 20 bucks plus a tip. This is probably the best deal on Middle Eastern food in the Bay area that I have found...

Cash Only business. (They provided ATM inside. Very smart business!) Park your car at Safeway and walked across street. Small restaurant, nothing fancy but they have outdoor seating. My husband and 2 kids absolutely LOVE this place. They gave 10/10 for flavors, portion, and service. This sweet lady is just so sweet. My kids said she reminded them of me when I had my own restaurant! We used to own Cafe and restaurant, we judged hard when it comes with food and drinks. Only one cook and one lady who does everything. Oh my goodness! Chicken Pomegranate is so amazing! Chicken liver is superb! Best chicken liver we have ever had! My Gyros is so impressive. My little girl had chicken and rice. I LOVE that she starts everyone with a warm cup of lentis soup. (They are a little too salty for us, but it is very flavorful.) And then Pita bread. Everything is so delicious and very large portion. Salad and sauce is just perfect! We have had Mediterranean a lot. Then, Baklava is complementary as well for everyone. Who does that? You can buy it, of course, but only $1.50 a piece! (Again, who does that? Cheapest Baklava in California!) Delicious, fluffy, nutty, not too sweet nor oily, nor too much honey. Very different!

I gave 9 out of 10. I just wish they tidy up the place. Restroom could have been cleaner. The whole place could have been more organized and more cozy. Someone needs to help this business. They would get 5.0 rating review,...

Can I just not write a review and leave you all in suspense of my opinions and hope that you'd just take my word (and everyone else's) and try this place...?

Wally's is definitely one of my FAVORITE places to eat now, not just mediterranean food, but out of all the restaurants I've been to. The food here is just simply amazing. Just thinking about it now makes me sooo hungry. The chicken is so perfectly seasoned and cooked, and comes with a fair portion for the price. The rice is perfectly soft and moist (sometimes rice used in mediterranean dishes can be really dry) Everything including the salad really complemented each other.

The dine in space is old-school and crowded, but this is not exactly a con unless I can't find a seat. We got lucky the two times we went since there were exactly two seats there and the first time we got it to-go to the bar next door. If dining in, they give you a free soup appetizer, however I was not a huge fan of it since I do not like beans in general. They also give you a small piece of baklava at the end of your meal. It was made of happiness. I actually felt a strong feeling of happiness and satisfaction as I took the first bite of it... 100% serious!! Crispy and not too sweet, but sweet. Ya knoww?!

A little pricey, but portion is good! Average of $14 per dish. They also have sandwiches and burgers I think. Gyros and french...