Zara Eatery — Restaurant in Walled Lake

I have been eating Middle Eastern food for over 50 years and this is the best Middle eastern food I have ever tasted. Preparation, presentation and service was outstanding. The menu selection was a little different than what I am used to. This is an Iraqi versus a Lebanese Middle Eastern restaurant so there are a few differences. There are familiar selections and some that I didn't recognize. The spice was a little different but in a good way. Most entrees come with a choice of Rice, Burgul, Vegetables, or Fries. I had no idea what "Burgul" was and the server described it as a wheat versus rice side. It was amazing. it was sort of a pilaf but with wheat instead of rice. It had an interesting light spice flavor that reminded me of Indian food but very subtle. They also served an interesting vegetable pickle that was mostly cabbage. Again a light spice flavor that was very good. I had the Mix Grill so I could sample a little of everything. Everything was outstanding. So many different flavors. I had low expectations of another mediocre Middle Eastern restaurant and was I surprised. If you are looking for exceptional Middle Eastern food with a slightly different selection, this...

First visit (August 19, 2025): They are going to do great in this location! They are currently having a very soft opening while they build up more qualified staff and get their ball rolling. They have a sign on the door saying Carry Out Only. But you can get carry out and sit at one of the beautiful tables inside and they will bring you over your food in a carry out bag. Fine with me. It's beautiful being inside their building. The floor alone is a work of art. But so are the walls. Some thought and care went into renovating this restaurant building that has been empty for awhile. Carry outs also seemed fine with lots of folks and they seemed to be handling it very efficiently. We loved our meals. I had a chicken shawarma sandwich and creamy yellow lentil soup. Our other meal was a BBQ skewer sandwich. Both sandwiches were robust and delicious. I loved the pickles on my sandwich and next time I look forward to getting a side of their Turshi (pickled vegetables). Check out their menu for all the many items they have. NEW CREATIVE FOOD has been brought to...

WOOOWWWW Ok, hittin' it out of the park first time up at bat! I've been driving by this place for awhile, looking forward to their opening. Just picked up a carryout late tonight, chicken shawarma sandwich with fries and crushed lentil soup. Really worth the wait-folks, no lie, this food is seriously next level.

The seasoning on the fries is some kind of magic blend, the soup was creamy, really fresh even at the end of the night, seasoned in an original way with the tiniest kick of heat, and the shawarma was really fresh and surprisingly light with a mildly complex while comforting and super tasty flavor profile. The decor is really modern and inspiring, classy yet unpretentious, and owner and staff were warm, welcoming, professional and accommodating.

In the world of ethnic cuisine where everyone makes basically the same dishes, it's quite a feat when an eatery's food is unique and best in class. Zara is one of those places. Get over there before the line is out the...