Obaid Kitchen Restaurant — Restaurant in Lake Forest

Obaid Kitchen is hands-down one of the best Mediterranean restaurants I’ve ever been to! From the moment you walk in, the welcoming atmosphere and aroma of freshly cooked dishes set the tone for an incredible dining experience.

The food is absolutely divine. Every dish is bursting with authentic flavors that transport you straight to the Mediterranean. The hummus was velvety smooth, the falafel perfectly crispy, and the kebabs were tender and seasoned to perfection. Don’t even get me started on their baklava—it’s a must-try dessert that’s the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

What truly sets Obaid Kitchen apart, though, is the attention to detail and quality of ingredients. Everything tasted fresh and homemade, as though prepared with love and care.

The staff were also exceptional—friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. They went out of their way to make sure our dining experience was enjoyable.

Whether you’re dining in or taking out, Obaid Kitchen is a gem that consistently delivers on flavor, quality, and hospitality. Highly recommend to anyone who loves Mediterranean cuisine or is looking to try it for the first time—you won’t be...

My family has used this chef to cater our events for years, so I was thrilled when he announced he is opening his own restaurant.

My first time going I was unsure what to expect since I’ve only had his food when prepared in large quantities. I was actually very impressed with the menu selection and pricing. THE FOOD WAS PHENOMENAL AS WELL!! I took my mom and friends and we ordered quite the spread. The shawarma was my favorite, best shawarma I’ve had in SoCal! We also got the kabob platter and fried chicken. They were all delicious and great sized portions. You can tell the food is fresh and made once ordered. Very authentic flavors and genuine staff that worked there.

Oh, and let’s not forget about the desserts!! I’m not really into sweets, but my mom ordered the knafa and the chef himself served us some fresh baklava and semolina cake on the house. I couldn’t say no, and once again, they were all amazing as well. The entire table was fighting over the knafa too!

I have gone back numerous times because of how delicious and great this place is. I highly recommend anyone give this...

I recently hosted my mom’s birthday party at Obaid’s Kitchen, and while the initial communication could have been clearer—I struggled to get a solid answer on the cost and felt a bit lost until the day of the event—everything else was absolutely fantastic.

From the moment we arrived until the minute we left, the staff was incredibly hospitable, making sure everything ran smoothly. The food was exceptional—flavorful, perfectly prepared, and truly authentic Syrian (Middle Eastern cuisine). We even had special dishes made that aren’t on the menu, such as lamb stuffed with grape leaves and chicken with فريكة (freekeh), a traditional Arabic dish. Ahmad also baked my mom’s birthday cake. Despite the early uncertainty, I can’t say enough about how wonderful this place is. If you’re looking for great service and incredible, authentic delicious Middle Eastern food, I highly...