Sham restaurant — Restaurant in Worcester

Sham Restaurant in Worcester, MA, is one of those hidden gems that you almost want to keep to yourself but can’t help sharing once you’ve tasted the food. Tucked away on Water Street, Sham offers a warm and inviting space that focuses on what truly matters: rich flavors, authentic recipes, and genuine hospitality. The décor is simple and unpretentious, but the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with aromas of spiced meats sizzling on the grill, freshly baked pita, and fragrant herbs that promise a meal worth remembering.

The menu is a celebration of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine at its best. The chicken shawarma bowl is a customer favorite, with tender marinated chicken layered over seasoned rice, crisp salad, and pickled vegetables, all tied together with a garlic sauce that’s bold yet perfectly balanced. The falafel wraps are equally impressive crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, and served with fresh greens and creamy tahini. Even the sides shine; their hummus is velvety smooth with just the right kick of lemon and garlic, making it impossible to stop dipping.

What sets Sham apart, beyond the food, is the care and friendliness of the staff. Every dish feels thoughtfully prepared, and the service is consistently warm and welcoming, making you feel like a guest at a family table rather than just another customer. Diners rave about refreshing lemon-mint smoothies, hearty mixed meat platters, and the overall sense of authenticity that keeps them coming back.

Whether you’re grabbing takeout for a quick lunch or sitting down with friends for a relaxed dinner, Sham delivers on every level. It’s proof that you don’t need frills or flashy décor when the food speaks for itself. Worcester is lucky to have Sham an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves bold, comforting, and truly...

Ok so I have been to sham before a couple of times and overall really enjoyed the food. Today was a bit of a weird experience. We had a reservation for 7pm but they weren't quite ready. A lot of people came at the same time so that was understandable. And then we waited 40 minutes. Looking around, no one was getting served (and there was a family waiting at the door this entire time). I see people around me getting angsty and a bunch of people walking up to the counter. I walk up to see whats going on and I hear him tell two other guys that they have run out of supplies in the back. I go up to him and just double check if I heard the right thing because why wouldn't the server tell us this lol. Lo and behold - they were running out of food and only had a couple of menu items left.

All in all, I was lucky that someone went up and figured out what was going on but I feel like it could have been avoided if they just told the customers that they were running out of supplies, you know? They could have closed the restaurant earlier or something. So I told my family to eat at Shah's down the street lol. (I think there is another review from today somewhere here.) In the hour we were sitting there, four groups left the restaurant.

On a side note - they used to have the option of a $35, $55 and $100 platter which were awesome deals depending on the size of the party. They changed this to $35 dollars per head (so the menu you see online is a bit different). I mean in this economy I can't blame them - but it is a significant change to how they were running...

I’ve been to this place many times since they’ve opened and every time I come here, the food, service, and atmosphere is top tier. My frequent visits has given me the pleasure to build friendships with the staff. I am welcomed kindly whenever I arrive and immediately given a place to sit and a menu. However this experience is not exclusive to me, I see this treatment handed out to every customer! All the staff are so kind, but I find that the waitress, Masa, is the forefront of the wonderful experiences at Sham restaurant. She greets all the customers with a smile and assists them immediately. Her ability to handle multiple parties at once while providing each one with the same respectful and kind attitude is astonishing! Now, the atmosphere of the restaurant is divine, the decorations are captivating, and during this hot weather, it is nice and cool. The food is another incredible thing about this restaurant. Regardless of the fact that I am a picky eater, Sham has items on the menu that I like. Such as fries and burgers. Basic, I know, but they taste gourmet. The food is always hot when it comes out, and the drinks are always cold. The portions are adequate and overall, it is worth the price! As I write this review , I am sipping on their Mango Shake, a new item they added to their menu. This shake was topped with whipped cream and was drizzled with chocolate and two other tasty syrups that I don’t know the name to. This shake along with many other items have just been added to the menu, and I recommend you, yes you 🫵🏽, take a trip to Sham and...