Al-Bo’s — Restaurant in Kentwood

What a delicious, serendipitous discovery! I've driven past Al-Bos dozens of times, but never had eaten there until today. My friend and I were ready for something unique, and it did not disappoint.

The room was very clean and spacious; contemporary rather than ethnic. There is a small bar area, booths against one wall, and tables generously spaced. Our server/ bartender brought the menus: larger than a placemat, and two sided with photos and descriptions. What to choose? Everything looked fantastic! We finally opted for the cabbage salad, the spinach and cheese burek, and grilled chicken on skewers (I apologize for not having the specific names!) with rice. What wonderful flavors: the cabbage was crispy but had a mildly fermented tang; the burek was oh, so good, and the chicken was tender and juicy. The portions were generous, and although our plan was to share, we couldn't eat it all. But of course, we had dessert in mind! We shared the chocolate Napoleon and the Nutella crepe - both beautifully presented, and yummy. As we enjoyed our meal, we also took note of food being delivered to other tables. Holy smokes: the bowl of chicken soup was enormous! And the grill plate for two left us drooling, despite the fact that we had finished eating.

Service was friendly and attentive at a relaxed pace - this place has a continental vibe, where one can savor freshly prepared food, and not gulp and leave. We loved everything about it. The adjacent grocery store is like a day trip to the Balkans: a great selection of meats, cheeses, wines, sweet treats and more.

It's truly a treat to discover hidden treasures in Grand Rapids, and Al-Bos is a true gem. I look forward to eating...

Excellent delicious, fresh, quality fare. Interesting menu, hearty & filling, tasty rich homemade sauces with multiple satisfying entree options. Found it when searched for German restaurant nearby while at Woodland Mall. Went for a festive holiday meal while visiting my parents & it was a very fun experience. Service super friendly & on point with recommendations. I took the waiter’s suggestion & ordered the lamb shank with a vegetable sauce that had been simmering for 6 hrs and fell off the bone. Served with delicious mashed potatoes. Very large portion. I asked for a spinach side which I saw on their menu online but not in the restaurant & it was a creamed spinach with lots of garlic - amazingly delicious & highly recommend if you like creamed spinach! Mom had #54 Geschnitzel which is a chicken dish in white cream sauce with homemade spaetzel (like noodles) also very delicious & hearty portion, my dad had the Ghulash which is a beef stew and also super yumnerz. We shared 2 beers (Romanian?) between the 3 of us that come in a very large bottle which we liked ok (some local brew like founder’s might be a nice addition) There is a large bar sort of right in the dining room area with barstools, adding a nice social atmosphere. We shared the crepes with Nutella for dessert as we were very full. We found it to be an exciting new find conveniently located on 29th street very close to Woodland Mall. Comfortable, great service & atmosphere, quality food, excellent value, overall excellent experience. We plan to return & try some streusels & the smelt, the baclava & the bakery Nextdoor. We ventured into the bakery & I have my eye on the cream puffs & homemade croissants,...

It takes something special for me to write a review - and this was it. Al-Bo’s is the kind of hidden gem food lovers dream of discovering. If you’re looking for authentic, homemade dishes prepared with love and skill, this family-owned local restaurant is the place to be.

I stopped in for lunch - my first visit - and was warmly welcomed and seated right away. The staff took the time to walk me through the menu and offer recommendations, which I really appreciated. Every dish I ordered was absolutely delicious. I genuinely enjoyed every bite and had to stop myself from finishing the entire meal just so I could take some home for my husband to try!

What really stood out beyond the food was the customer service. As I was leaving with my infant, one of the staff members kindly helped me carry my leftovers to the car - a small gesture that made a big impression.

Dishes ordered:

Beef Burek – Everything it should be: savory, juicy, and packed with flavorful filling wrapped in a perfectly crisp pastry.

Geschnitzel – A rich, comforting dish that makes you want to slow down and savor every bite.

Baklava – A classic dessert done right. Sweet, flaky, and so good you’ll want a second helping.

Final Verdict: Al-Bo’s is a standout spot that you’ll be coming back to...