Lava Shawarma — Restaurant in New York

Don’t sleep, this place deserves a line out the door 🤤🤤🤤 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Let me just say this: if you haven’t tried Lava Shawarma yet, go immediately — because gems like this don’t come around often, and they deserve every bit of love and attention.

I first stopped by with a friend who was trying them for the first time and ordered falafel. While we were sitting outside waiting (another friend and I just tagging along), one of the kind gentlemen from behind the counter came outside — with a warm falafel in hand for each of us to try. No reason, no request — just genuine hospitality and pride in their food.

And let me tell you… that falafel? Easily some of the best I’ve ever had — crispy, tender, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. Maybe even the best. Sorry to my OGs at King of Falafel in Astoria. 😅 We all looked at each other with the kind of wide-eyed surprise that only really good food can cause.

My friend also ordered a meat pie that looked incredible — she said she wanted us to try it, but confessed it was too good to share and “selfishly” devoured the whole thing herself. Honestly, that just made me want to go back even more.

And we did — that very evening, we returned for dinner takeout. I ordered the chicken shawarma platter — the chicken was juicy and deeply seasoned, and the rice?? Oh my goodness — it was the fluffiest rice I’ve had in ages. I’d go back just to get it as a side, no joke.

The platter also came with a vibrant Arabic Jerusalem salad tossed with sumac — bright, fresh, and full of flavor. It was topped off with toum, a garlicky whipped sauce that was absolute perfection. Creamy, bold, and completely addictive. I’d eat it on everything.

I was torn between ordering the hummus or the baba ghanoush (which I’ll definitely be going back for), but I went with the hummus — and let me just say, it was the most authentic Palestinian hummus I’ve ever had in my life. Silky, earthy, and full of soul.

There’s something deeply special happening here — not just in the food (which is phenomenal), but in the energy. You feel welcomed, seen, and taken care of. It’s the kind of place you find once and then keep coming back to — with friends, with family, or just on your own for a feel-good meal.

This isn’t just a new neighborhood addition — it’s a neighborhood treasure. Let’s make sure it gets the love it so...

What a terrible experience. Ordered lamb and beef shawarma plate. Told the gentleman helping me with my order I just wanted the rice and protein.

As I watched the guy make my plate I see him put in tomatoes and onions. There were customers coming in so I lost track of my order so when the guy who prepped my plate told me my order was ready. I told him what I saw. He straight up lied to me and told me no there’s only rice and beef.

I got to my car to eat it and guess what I see, onions and tomatoes. I hate onions but I moved them aside and started eating because I was hungry and to my disappointment my protein was cold. The walk from restaurant to my car was less and 2 mins.

This place gave no care into making my plate then lied to me. The portions were way too small for the amount I paid.

Hard pass going forward. There is too many other middle eastern cuisines in the area that are...

I was working nearby and found this spot on Google Maps honestly, a hidden gem in the neighborhood! 💎

I ordered the Shawarma Platter and it was delicious. Super flavorful, generous portion, and the ingredients tasted really fresh The presentation was also great you can tell they care about the details.

The place was very clean and the staff was super kind and welcoming 😊 I went around 1:30 PM and it wasn’t busy at all, so it was really comfortable. I even got to charge my phone while I ate 🔌📱

The price was very fair — I paid $16 for the plate (before tax and tip), and honestly it felt like I got more than what I paid for

Highly recommend for a solid lunch! 🍽️ I’ll definitely be...