Al Jabal Restaurant — Restaurant in Livonia

Don't miss out on this unassuming little gem! Having gone back a second time now, and being so close to home, this may now become my go to place for my Mediterranean "fix" when I need one.

Located in a small strip mall, you might not give Al Jabal its due, but don't pass it by. Trust me on this one. When you go in, it is obviously focused as a take-out but they have 4 high tables and 2 chairs per table if you want to dine in. The inside is very nice for what it is, very clean and bright. If you compared it to your favorite chinese takeout for aesthetics, most "mom & pop takeout" places have some of the best food but are often dark or cluttered... and not really concerned with having you eat there... you can if you want, but they don't care to make it anything special. Al Jabal makes me feel like I could call in in for a lunch order and eat my food there comfortably and welcomed, instead of taking it back to work.

Now the first time I stopped in, was just for a fattoush salad. My favorite item in Mediterranean places while i am trying to lose weight. I got the large to go, the wait time was appropriate for someone to make the salad fresh, they didn't just pull it out of the fridge pre-made. The size was good as a meal, or as a side for 2-4 people, with great proportions to the ingredients, and a good amount of pita chips. This salad tasted great and priced accordingly.

The second time I stopped in yesterday, I just wanted some falafel. Full disclosure here in that this wasn't my first stop. I love falafel, and judge Mediterranean places sometimes solely on the quality of their falafel. The place I stopped at first, this was late on a Saturday after spending the day at the movies, actually was closed early due to running out of food! So I decided to stop here (again they are only 5 minutes from my house) since I had a good experience with their fattoush. Well, I have been spoiled getting falafel by the dozen, or half dozen, with garlic spread as a side for dipping instead of tahini. I like tahini, but personal preference is garlic spread. Anyway, I was a little concerned that they only had 10 piece orders priced a little higher than the other place's 12 piece and not knowing actual size and all... I opted to order a small fattoush along with the falafel. Just in case. The wait again was appropriate, they were a little busy with a few called in orders being picked up while I was waiting. Before my order came up, the other gentleman and I waiting were offered a sample falafel, freshly made, and it was good! They cook them to order, no warming bin sitting waiting to be scooped up like McDonalds fries.

Now here's where I got the pleasant surprise, the order of falafel was not just 10 pieces with dipping sauce, noooooo. It came with pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, turnips, and pita bread....with an appropriately sized side of garlic sauce btw... listed as an appetizer and it was in actuality a meal, jackpot!

Long story short, if you're still reading, the price concern was no longer an issue, had I known (or asked) I probably wouldn't have ordered the fattoush to go with it cause I ended up saving it for the today's lunch since I was so full. The falafel tasted great, excellent consistency, not dry nor crumbly, the sesame seeds are a nice touch, and the size was also good... I've had larger, but these were not small.

Admittedly I was mad at myself for eating the whole thing, but it was so good I couldn't stop. I'll call it a healthy cheat day for...

For a small takeout style restaurant, this place is very surprising when it comes to the quality. I've tried many of their dishes, and have constantly been blown away. Only disappointing thing is, some of my favorites were discontinued (granted this lead to some great new additions).

Wraps:

Chicken Shwarma / Tawook - both are great, and my wife really enjoys the Tawook

Falafel - In my opinion, this is the best falafel wrap I've ever had (and for less than $4, it's hard to pass up)

Meat Kabob - very good, would definitely recommend if wanting to try something different than chicken

Entrees:

Shish Kabob / Shish Tawook / Shawarma - just as good as the wraps, just a bit more expensive, but more food / healthier (since instead of it being meat with pita, it's meat with veggies, salads, soups, etc.)

Whole / Half Boneless Chicken - Good but not my favorite (though my parents love it).

Grilled Chicken Wings (Discontinued) - brother in laws favorite, with a great sauce. Unfortunate these were taken away.

Fish Harra (Discontinued) - Fried Tilapia with a tomato sauce cooked with herbs and spices, then topped with walnuts. This was one of my 2 favorite dishes on their menu.

Grilled Jump Shrim / Salmon Fillet - though the Chicken Wings and Fish Harra were discontinued, it resulted in the addition of these 2 options. Both very delicious.

Lamb Chops - This is my favorite entree they have, and one of the big reasons I keep coming back / recommend this place. They're smaller than most, but you get a good amount, and they're very juicy. Also, though most places will have 3 chops for about $30, at roughly $20, if you're craving lamb chops, this is definitely the place to try.

Sides:

With the entrees comes two side. If you're looking for a filler / want to make sure you're full, by all means, go with the rice or fries. If however, you want your sides to be as delicious as the main course, I'd recommend their Fattoush Salad and their Soups (specifically their Lentil). Their Hummus or Baba Ghanouj (though the menu doesn't state it, I've been able to substitute), are also very good.

Trays:

I've occasionally had some get together's where instead of getting everyone's orders, I've just gotten either the Family or Friend Tray. In addition to getting a ton of food, it also looks great when opening these giant trays in front of everyone to share. A definite crowd-pleaser.

Bottom line, the food is really good and it's priced at a great value for what you're getting. The service and family atmosphere you get when walking is also great (even though you're only inside for a...

I’m never going here again. The owner was spitting when he talked so rudely to me. I ordered the food on the phone and I waited an hour and 30 minutes not including the drive there which they told me would take 15 minutes for my meal to be ready. I waited very patiently as I watched other people walk in and get their food. I didn’t even order really anything. Just something small. I asked the boy running the counter why I was waiting so long for my sandwich and he rolled his eyes at me. I believe it’s because I’m black. The people there seemed very racist. I didn’t really respond to that because I didn’t want any trouble but then he said very rudely to sit down and wait and it would be ready soon enough. I didn’t know what to do after this so I asked to speak with the manager. The manager was no help. He was talking to me like I did something wrong. As he was talking he was constantly spitting in my face most likely on purpose because it didn’t look real. I didn’t even want my...