Global Bistro - ( Shawarma Abu Yamen) — Restaurant in Fairfax

A rare find these days: great Middle Eastern food actually worth the price. A solid "recommend."

We ordered two dishes: one chicken and one beef shawarma meal. Both reminded me of the shawarma I ate for years as a child and young adult growing up in the Middle East in the '80s: freshly fired meat from the spit dripping in its own fat, wonderfully seasoned, with those small bits of burnt tips that complete that street-grilled taste. So good. And the shawarma was not overwhelmed with salad ingredients like you'll find at stands in the UK, Germany, or Belgium. Just great meat with great seasoning and sauce. Yum.

We ordered both shawarma wrapped in the thin, oven-textured bread I remember the street vendors using in my youth (we called it markook back then, but also called shrak I learned). Thicker pita was also an option. Wonderful pickled and garden vegetables on the side with extra sauce on the plate and fries in the middle. The portion size is really large, so we agreed to share next time.

This is the first shawarma place I've found where I plan to go back. It's that good, or at least the shawarma is. More to follow as we try other dishes.

Here's the check (you order and pay at the counter, take a seat, and then retrieve your tray when your number is called):

1 chicken shawarma meal $15.99 1 beef shawarma meal $16.99 Shrak bread is extra $1 per meal, so $2.00 1 American coffee $4.00 Food subtotal: $38.98 "Card Fee" $1.17 (this is a 3% credit card fee add-on. Let me be clear--I do not like itemized fees on a food bill. I think restaurants should price their food to include SGA costs like this...and let me as the customer decide whether or not the experience is worth it.)

Bill subtotal: $40.15 Total after 6% VA sales tax and before tip: $42.49

For the quality of food we ate, the recent ridiculousness of the cost of eating out, and the out-of-control tipping onslaught we're going through...I thought this price was actually fairly reasonable.

And the all-important extras: the bathrooms were clean, as was the place in general, and the service was really good. One note: I wasn't a fan of the bright factory-floor lighting; I'd like to see table lighting and dimmer ceiling lights, but this is really, really minor. I forgot all about the lights the second I bit into the tasty shawarma.

We'll...

Global Bistro in Fairfax is truly a culinary gem, offering an authentic taste of Syrian and Arabian cuisine that will leave you wanting more. This family-owned and operated restaurant provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere with a spacious dining area, making it perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or even casual meals with friends. The moment you step inside, you're greeted with a sense of warmth and hospitality that sets the tone for a delightful dining experience.

The menu is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the Middle East, with dishes that are both traditional and innovative. Each item is crafted with high-quality ingredients, ensuring that every bite is not only delicious but also satisfying. The Syrian-style shawarma is a standout, with its crispy pita and generous fillings that capture the essence of street food from the region. The buffet offers a delightful mix of Middle Eastern flavors, showcasing the chef's mastery in blending spices and herbs to create dishes that are both familiar and exciting.

What truly sets Global Bistro apart is its home-cooked feel. Every dish tastes like it was lovingly prepared in a family kitchen, with a depth of flavor that comes from using only the freshest ingredients and traditional cooking methods. The service is equally impressive, with friendly and attentive staff who make you feel like part of the family.

In terms of value, Global Bistro is unbeatable. The prices are reasonable, making it an excellent choice for those seeking authentic Middle Eastern cuisine without breaking the bank. Whether you're a foodie looking to explore new flavors or someone who appreciates the comfort of traditional dishes, Global Bistro is a must-visit destination. It's a place where you can enjoy delicious meals in a warm and inviting setting, all while supporting a family-owned business that truly cares about its customers. Overall, Global Bistro is a culinary treasure that will leave you feeling satisfied and...

I had high expectations when I booked a table a day in advance for Ramadan Iftar at this restaurant, but what I experienced was beyond disappointing—it was outright disrespectful. Despite my reservation, I was seated at the farthest corner of the restaurant, where the staff takes their breaks, as if my presence didn’t matter when they were empty tables.

The buffet was a complete disaster. Some dishes—especially those with meat—were gone by the time I arrived, and the restaurant made no effort to refill them. What kind of iftar runs out of food and doesn’t bother replenishing it? To make matters worse, the chef stood near the buffet, staring at customers while they tried to pick their food, making the whole experience uncomfortable.

Adding to the chaos, there were no signs or labels for any of the dishes, so folks had no idea what they were eating. You were left guessing what each dish was, which is unacceptable for any restaurant.

The quality of the food was absolutely terrible. Everything tasted bland and poorly prepared. The desserts were old, hard, and clearly made with cheap ingredients. The juices were overloaded with sugar and served warm, and the water bottles were too small and not even cold—an absolute disgrace for those who had been fasting all day.

For a restaurant that claims to serve “authentic Shami cuisine,” I saw nothing that reflected true Syrian flavors or hospitality. The experience was overpriced, unprofessional, and completely unacceptable. If you respect your time, money, and dignity, do yourself a favor and avoid this place...