GRILL EXPRESS — Restaurant in Gainesville

An unforgettable experience. The vibes were just there and the food was delicious. I ate din-in at the small cozy place after a nearby appointment, and the food came out in 15 minutes, looking very pretty as well, check the photo. As of this review, the gyro platter was $14.99 before tip.

But the part that made this unforgettable were the other people that day. There were plenty of Arab women with their husbands while I waited in line, and they spoke in Arabic to the owner who was the only employee that day. It's always a good-sign when the locals are all there. After placing our orders we sat around in the restaurant and turned our chairs to each other, so we could discuss. Before I got the food, first I asked if anyone had been here before, and a woman told this restaurant is probably the best halal in the entire country! She said she was born and raised Saudi Arabia, and the food here rivals if not exceeds most of the places in Saudi! Her husband who is a war veteran told us the same. So I was licking my lips already. The discussion varied from there. I remember one of them claiming that Middle-Eastern cuisine tastes the best because is is the cuisine of the "Creoles" or the first humans. Another said that Arabia is becoming green again, lush with springs and palm trees like a millennia ago and the Euphrates drying out—a sign of the end-times. We closed with anti-war sentiment, especially in the Middle-Eastern regions. Some of the husbands were veterans so they had a lot to speak about, the PTSD, innocent casualties, destruction of culture on a vulnerable populace. An informative and intusing discussion to say the least.

Oh yeah the food. Delicious,...

They shouldn’t call it express grill, it should be late grill,,,however,,,,in the day we order lunch,,the guy who serving the customers assumed was the only person doing everything in the kitchen and at the cashier,,may be cleaning too,,dude, you better hire more staff members in your restaurant as your food is expensive though for even normal sandwich,,we were awaiting more than 35minutes while sitting in that boring lounge area along with family and without even serving us with some salads, fries, etc..

we almost finished all kind of family conversation and the food is not coming yet,,,guess what ,,people who seems already placed some orders awaiting in the lounge area just to see that guy showing up and give their orders and the new customers keep showing up and we thought they are just like us just come in,,,,what???!!!! thats totally halliroius,,

Beside the restaurant’s expensive and pricey food,,,the services is too slow and need to pay attention be the owner of that restaurant.

We ordered chicken shawarma and beef,,and both sandwiches not even tasted what they suppose to be tasted,,,they are awful and pricey,,,

For those who put positive reviews which i believe they are either friends or family members of the restaurant are just fake and not true,,,they are trying to bluffing the picture of that restaurant,,,,

I wouldn’t recommend to go to such expensive restaurant to anyone because I’ve tried many middle eastern food and this one not even close to what...

In Gainesville, where food options often tread predictable paths, Grill Express stands as a beacon of authenticity—a love letter to Middle Eastern cuisine. This unassuming spot doesn’t just serve food; it crafts an experience that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Amman or Beirut.

The Chicken Shawarma is nothing short of a masterpiece. Perfectly marinated and grilled to juicy perfection, the chicken is infused with spices that tell a story—cumin, turmeric, a hint of garlic—layered so thoughtfully that each bite feels like a revelation. Wrapped in a soft, warm pita and complemented by crisp veggies and a rich, velvety tahini sauce, it’s a dish that hits every note of flavor: smoky, savory, and just spicy enough to intrigue without overpowering.

Then there’s the Gyro, which might borrow from the Mediterranean, but here it’s given a distinctly Middle Eastern twist. The meat is luscious, bursting with spice and flavor, paired with vibrant sauces that taste like they were made moments ago.

Grill Express doesn’t rely on flashy décor or over-the-top plating; it lets the food speak for itself. This is a place where authenticity reigns supreme, where the rich culinary heritage of the Middle East is honored in every dish. If you’re looking for bold, uncompromising flavors, Grill Express isn’t just a stop—it’s a...