Babylon Kebab Grill — Restaurant in Lancaster

During a recent family trip to Lancaster, PA, we visited a hidden gem of an Iraqi restaurant that left us with a warm and memorable impression — though not without room for growth.

The location is a bit difficult to navigate, tucked behind multiple signs and pathways. That said, once found, the setup is quite charming. There’s free street parking, and guests can choose between indoor dining or a traditional, semi-ventilated cushioned seating area connected to the owners’ smoke shop — a culturally immersive touch.

We ordered a hearty spread for four: chicken, lamb, and kafta kabobs with Iraqi-style rice, lentil soup, hummus, baba ghanouj, jajik, and basbousa for dessert.

The appetizer spread was hit or miss. The hummus lacked tahini and acidity — a fundamental oversight that left it bland and watery. The baba ghanouj missed the signature smokiness and tahini blend, tasting more like yogurt with eggplant than a proper Levantine dip. The lentil soup, although flavorful, was under-portioned (about 4–5 oz in an 8 oz container). Still, its flavor was solid — perhaps puréed carrots, potatoes, and white onions could add extra depth.

On the upside, the jajik was refreshing and simple — sour cream, cucumbers, and just the right balance. It was the standout among the starters.

As for the mains, portions were on the smaller side, especially for a family platter. The chicken and lamb kabobs were tender but came in bite-sized servings that left us still hungry. The kafta kabob, however, stole the show — juicy, perfectly spiced, and elevated with a subtle sweetness from pomegranate molasses. We ended up ordering two more skewers ($18 extra) to round out the meal.

Dessert was a mixed bag. The basbousa had good flavor but was firm from over-refrigeration, lacking the soft, syrupy texture we were hoping for.

What truly made the visit special was the ambiance and hospitality. The open kitchen with its flaming charcoal grill added a sense of theater and authenticity. We spoke with the owner for nearly half an hour — a warm, family-oriented gentleman who radiates passion for his cuisine and culture. His generosity and character alone make this place worth recommending.

With a few refinements to portions and recipe execution, this restaurant has the potential to become a go-to Iraqi spot in the Lancaster area. It’s a cultural gem on the rise, but it needs time...

This was my first time ordering through Dardash from Babylon Kebab Grill, and I was honestly amazed. I called the restaurant directly, and they were incredibly helpful. The worker named Hussein was especially kind and patient with me, even though I kept him on the phone for a long time—he never showed any frustration.

When I tasted the food, I was completely surprised by how delicious and flavorful it was. The aroma, the freshness, and the presentation were on another level. The cleanliness of both the food and the restaurant really stood out to me. You can tell they truly care about their customers.

The way they treat their guests makes you feel like you’re part of their family—friendly, respectful, and warm. The rice, the meat, and the kebab were the best I’ve had in the United States, hands down. The chef clearly puts heart and soul into the food, and you can feel it in every bite.

Babylon Kebab Grill is simply amazing. I will definitely be...

I ordered the chicken shawarma grill with rice and tomatoes/onions on a Thursday late afternoon. It was delicious! So, so good. The lentil soup was wonderful too. I enjoyed the shawarma so much that my husband and I are going back tonight (Sat), so he can try it and a couple sides and drinks.

The decor is appropriately styled and I did enjoy a bit of scene gazing as I waited, maybe 5ish minutes, for my food. No one else was waiting. They also have a selection of bagged and boxed snacks, but I didn't examine them closely.

The woman behind the counter was quiet, but friendly and smiled easily. I get the feeling if we were at all dissatisfied, that she would want to know. She was so nice, that I would definitely NOT be rude about it either.

I hope they do well. I'd certainly miss the shawarma if...