Cobani Gyro & Kebab — Restaurant in San Mateo

This restaurant is aimed at people who do not know what middle eastern food should taste like. Hummus had no flavor no lemon or garlic and could not taste the tahina or tahini as they spell it. I swear they used corn oil instead of olive oil on top. The lamb kabob or shish as they want to call it was dry and chewy. I could not even cut the ground beef kifta with a fork. None of the kabobs tasted like they were grilled. They tasted like they were pre-cooked in an oven and then put on the grill for a few minutes to add the grill marks. The only meats that had flavor were the chicken drumstick sized lamb shank, that was smothered with tomato sauce. And the gyro meat that I am sure was bought pre-seasoned from a distributor and put on the rotating spit. And lets not forget the green dough that they called falafel, that even after I paid for I gave it back to them, because they were so horrible. I have tasted powdered store bought falafel that tasted better. Other than the French fries which I know were frozen from a bag, and the rice that tasted good. This was a true waste of money. As a true middle eastern person and food lover, I would never go back and waste my money on any food this place has to offer. And I should have known that when standing in front of a counter and paying for food I have not eaten yet, and them asking for a tip before I even received my food, would not be a place I wanted to eat at. If you are going to charge someone approximately $20 a plate for chewy flavorless food, the least you can do is come to my table and take my order. Not to mention serve me water instead of having me serve my own table. Not sure why it shows thumbs up....but for me...thumbs down...

Honestly, I wasn't really in the mood for Mediterranean food, but as I passed by, Cobani's vibrant colors and inviting exterior just called to me. Stepping inside, I was immediately greeted by an intoxicating aroma and an incredible energy that echoed the lively decor.

I started with the hummus, and let me tell you, it was delicious. I then went with the lamb gyro, and it was nothing short of amazing. Juicy, perfectly seasoned, and incredibly filling, it was so satisfying I had to take half home. I usually stick to my usual orders, but seeing a couple enjoying the baklava, I decided to treat myself, and I'm so glad I did! It was the perfect ending to a perfect meal – just the right amount of flakiness with a crunch of pistachios.

If you're looking to try something that feels both familiar and incredibly fulfilling as a culinary experience, I can't recommend Cobani's enough. It's truly a place that will wow your senses and leave you...

The atmosphere is a vacation from Silicon Valley. Safer to eat inside since the city does a bad job on protecting the patrons eating outside.

NOTE: ask for a non- honey- mustard dressing with the salad

Wear shorts inside. It's warm

My food rating:

EXCELLENT Wine 120 Reserva Special Santa Rita Cabernet

Plates 1 Alexander Kebab 3 Lamb Shish Kabob 4 Beef Shish Kabob 5 Kofte Kebab Plate Chicken Shish Kebab Plate Adana Kebab Plate- Lamb Adana Kebab Plate-Chicken Vegetable Shish Kabob Plate

Drinks Tea

Byblos Ayran Yogurt Drink

Orangina

GOOD Plates Combo Gyros Plate

6 Salmon Plate- needs marinating

Desserts Baklava

Rice Pudding

Kunefe

Turkish Caffe-grainy

Wine Cavit-Pinot Noir-smoothe

Cavit-Pinot Grigio-mild

OK FitVine-Chardonnay-vinegar

Woodbridge Chardonnay 1979- not smoothe but is sweet

Lamarca Prosecco-...