Shish Taouk Restaurant

Trevor Strong

I needed catering for a 30-person event, and it couldn’t have gone better. The owner worked with me personally. He was extremely kind and generous, and we ended up with a perfect assortment of food. And that food was AMAZING. The portions were large enough that we could send some home with the guests, and everyone was excited to eat it for another meal. I’ve been looking forward to the leftovers, too. The chicken and the garlic sauce are quickly becoming my favorites. Thank you for elevating our event!

Stacey Pagan

Saw this restaurant when I went to rent a car and we decided to give it a try for dinner. I called to ask a question about gluten free and spoke with the owner, Bilal. He was so nice! Told me about ordering online and getting points and answered my question. When we went to pick up our food. He asked me by my name and said he gave us some extra food to try, no charge, and accommodated me as a gluten-free person. His food is amazing and worth it! I highly recommend giving it a try. I can't wait to go back!

Angeline Vanle

This is our favorite Lebanese restaurant! The food is always made fresh and the owner Bilal makes you feel like family. He always makes sure to give me something new to try whenever we come. Seriously a great place with delicious, fresh authentic Lebanese cuisine. The potatoes and falafel are my favorite. Don't forget to try the baklava too! Come and support this small business in our community!

Arthur

Shish Taouk is fantastic! Authentic Lebanese flavors, friendly service, and they prepare pickup orders when you arrive so everything is fresh. We had the shawarma and it was excellent. Highly recommend.

Jay Zhang

Come here every few weeks since moving to south oc. Usually get the beef and lamb plate keto style with no carbs. Food is very good. Super friendly owner and workers. Owner frequently gives us free sides with our order. Highly recommend you eating here.

Ngan Pham

The food is delicious, fresh, and the portions are reasonable. However, for the price, the plates could be bigger and have more food. The chef was very friendly and helped us choose our dishes. There’s free parking available around the area.

Brandon Nguyen

Shish Taouk Restaurant is a hidden gem! We stopped by after a workout and, even though they open at 11 AM, the owner and staff kindly let us in early at 10:45. Right away, we could tell how much care goes into their food—everything is made fresh, and you can really taste the quality (cooked with high-quality olive oil!). We got the combo beef/lamb plate and baba ganoush, and for $31, it was plenty for two people. The flavors were incredible, and the owner made the experience even better with his hospitality and stories about the restaurant. Highly recommend this spot—great food, great people, and a welcoming vibe!

Jamie Clark

What a gem! From the moment my friend and I came in, the service was top notch! The owner greeted us warmly, asked our names, and introduced us to the entire menu, proudly showing all the fresh, delicious food that’s made daily in-house. The restaurant is spotlessly clean and the food is made with love and pride. We will definitely be back to try more of this amazing food!

Amy Froese

Being from metro Detroit, I have been longing for good Lebanese food since moving to Orange County. Thankfully, Shish Taouk delivered! The shawarma was packed with flavor, the potatoes were well seasoned and perfectly cooked, all of the sauces were delicious. I was welcomed in by a friendly employee and had the privilege of meeting the owner, Bilal, who was an absolute pleasure to chat with. Looking forward to going back!

Carlos Mendoza

Went for lunch today and had a great experience. I believe the name of the employee who took my order was John. He was very friendly and helped in making my decision on what to get. The head chef/mamager was also fantastic. Top notch customer service and the food was immaculate. There was also plenty of seating in case you come on your lunch break. I absolutely would recommend this place to anyone.

Natasha M. Ramay

We went close to their closing time , but they were kind enough to let us eat and sit. The owner was Lebanese and the kindest host I have met in a long time. We ordered the mixed platter shawarma plate and a sandwich. The portions were generous . Everything tasted amazinggggg and full of flavor . The meat was juicy, succulent and perfectly spiced . He even gave us extra falafel and vegetable to try. Every item we tried was spectacular. The meat they use is Halal and there was a certificate on display as well. The restaurant was a decent sized place with beautiful paintings from Lebanon. Highly highly recommend it.

Always such generous portions, very fresh and tasty. Bread, meats, and especially veggies are sooo good! And the owner is very nice, friendly. Cool art on the walls.

Really enjoy this restaurant and it's always a go to where I can eat variety, healthy food for a good price. The dolmas are really something else for any one eating vegetarian; there's is exceptionally flavorful. The moussaka, the vegetarian version with chickpeas is another big draw. Really recommended.

Delicious sandwiches. I tried both the Shish Taouk and Beef Kafta wraps and really enjoyed them. The owner is very friendly and welcoming. This was my first time here, and he recommended that I try the wraps Lebanese-style next time. A great spot that I look forward to visiting again.

The mixed shawarma plate was absolutely delicious! Best plate I have had in a longtime. The spices and seasoning are excellent and the owner told me they import all their spices from Lebanon. Super friendly staff, delicious unique Mediterranean food, healthy, nice clean atmosphere, highly recommend trying them out!

The shawarma sandwiches were outstanding. The ingredients were fresh, of good quality and tasted like authentic Labenese food. The service was friendly and they went above and beyond by calling me and giving me an extra side for being a first time customer. The place was clean and neat. I will be going back again soon.

Noah and Chef Bilal were incredibly welcoming and kind, talking us through the menu and chatting while preparing our order. We ordered the Welcome Plate to try their salads, the beef and chicken shawarma combo, a chicken pita sandwich, and the Kafta plate and all were incredible flavors, healthy whole food ingredients, and large portion sizes with plenty of food leftover. Baklawa and Namoura were mouth-watering as well and well balanced with the aromatics. Looking forward to coming back here soon and sharing with friends!

Best restaurant. I eat here several times a week. The owner, Bilal, is an incredible guy. Hard working, kind, and an excellent memory. Always remembers customers preferred orders, and gives exceptional customer service every visit. But the most important thing is the food. The food is amazing. Delicious and nutritious. I always feel good after eating here, the food energizes and nourishes my body and mind, leaving me feeling me happy and relaxed after every meal. But that's just the beginning. The flavor? Incredible. The steak kabobs are the most tender and flavorful steak bites in the area. Try the Lebanese sandwich with steak kabob meat. It is amazing. I like it toasted. 😍 The garlic sauce is addictive, I have to order extra every time. I start off dipping my toasted steak sandwich in it. But after, you can put it on anything. I take it home and put it on all my leftovers and home made food. It tastes so good with practically anything. If you haven't tried Shish Taouk, now is the time! Come meet Bilal, and try the best, healthiest food you can eat. I love this place!

Falafel is delicious - crunchy outside and moist inside. Tabbouleh is freshly made. Baklava is not too sweet. Everything tastes fresh. Friendly service.

Surfingisfun001

The mixed shawarma plate was absolutely delicious! Best plate I have had in a longtime. The spices and seasoning are excellent and the owner told me they import all their spices from Lebanon. Super friendly staff, delicious unique Mediterranean food, healthy, nice clean atmosphere, highly recommend trying them out!

Lily Kelso

Noah and Chef Bilal were incredibly welcoming and kind, talking us through the menu and chatting while preparing our order. We ordered the Welcome Plate to try their salads, the beef and chicken shawarma combo, a chicken pita sandwich, and the Kafta plate and all were incredible flavors, healthy whole food ingredients, and large portion sizes with plenty of food leftover. Baklawa and Namoura were mouth-watering as well and well balanced with the aromatics. Looking forward to coming back here soon and sharing with friends!

ZOYA ZEE

The shawarma sandwiches were outstanding. The ingredients were fresh, of good quality and tasted like authentic Labenese food. The service was friendly and they went above and beyond by calling me and giving me an extra side for being a first time customer. The place was clean and neat. I will be going back again soon.

James Morford

Best restaurant. I eat here several times a week. The owner, Bilal, is an incredible guy. Hard working, kind, and an excellent memory. Always remembers customers preferred orders, and gives exceptional customer service every visit. But the most important thing is the food. The food is amazing. Delicious and nutritious. I always feel good after eating here, the food energizes and nourishes my body and mind, leaving me feeling me happy and relaxed after every meal. But that's just the beginning. The flavor? Incredible. The steak kabobs are the most tender and flavorful steak bites in the area. Try the Lebanese sandwich with steak kabob meat. It is amazing. I like it toasted. 😍 The garlic sauce is addictive, I have to order extra every time. I start off dipping my toasted steak sandwich in it. But after, you can put it on anything. I take it home and put it on all my leftovers and home made food. It tastes so good with practically anything. If you haven't tried Shish Taouk, now is the time! Come meet Bilal, and try the best, healthiest food you can eat. I love this place!

Patrick C

I'll keep it simple: the owner and his staff are very friendly and the food is terrific. After driving past...god knows how many times, I finally stopped in to check it out, hoping it would come close to the Kebab joints in London, NYC, and other metropolitan areas. It was better. Not as iconic than The Halal Guys cart in Midtown Manhattan, but better than most of them. Try it and you won't be disappointed.

Maggie Peklo

Exceptional service! The owner is truly one of the kindest and most thoughtful restaurateurs I’ve ever met. They went above and beyond to accommodate my gluten allergy, making me feel completely cared for. The food was absolutely delicious—authentic Lebanese flavors prepared with so much heart. A wonderful experience all around!

amazing food. complex flavors - better than expected, given the ambiance was kind of average. super friendly owner. he says they don't use any preservatives in their food, which is appealing. I had plate #5, which was a mixed veggie plate with added 50/50 chicken and beef/lamb. of the items I loved the baba ghanoush, purple pickles, garbanzo bean dish, tabbouleh, and falafel the best. I didn't take any pictures of the food i ate because it was too delicious to wait for a photo, haha. I ordered additional of the favorites to go. apparently, they cater as well - I may call on their services for this in the future. the price was on the upper end of what I would expect, but the quality was good, so it guess it makes sense. they charge a credit card processing fee, which matches what they must pay as company owners, vs. a cash discount, which i would have preferred. lots of parking in the shopping center it's located in. this place is all about the food vs. a beautiful restaurant experience, so down 2 points for the atmosphere.

Marjie Van Der Laan

amazing food. complex flavors - better than expected, given the ambiance was kind of average. super friendly owner. he says they don't use any preservatives in their food, which is appealing. I had plate #5, which was a mixed veggie plate with added 50/50 chicken and beef/lamb. of the items I loved the baba ghanoush, purple pickles, garbanzo bean dish, tabbouleh, and falafel the best. I didn't take any pictures of the food i ate because it was too delicious to wait for a photo, haha. I ordered additional of the favorites to go. apparently, they cater as well - I may call on their services for this in the future. the price was on the upper end of what I would expect, but the quality was good, so it guess it makes sense. they charge a credit card processing fee, which matches what they must pay as company owners, vs. a cash discount, which i would have preferred. lots of parking in the shopping center it's located in. this place is all about the food vs. a beautiful restaurant experience, so down 2 points for the atmosphere.

The Shawerma and the sides are tasteless, however, the falafel is really good. On the other hand, you will be overcharged for sure. And as an advice to the owner ur not smart if u start recommending tasteless ready sides from the cans to make more money coz maybe we will show you it’s okay but in the end we will never be back. For two persons $76. Two small Shawerma sandwiches and two small falafel sandwiches and two tasteless sides for $76 not including the tip. Sometime you feel sad for business owners coz it’s slow but at the same time you end up regretting coming here. Good luck!

The staff is really friendly but unfortunately the chicken is bland. Taouk means chicken, how can you name your restaurant after something you have no idea how to prepare correctly. Unacceptable. If the food was good I'd be coming here all the time, unfortunately that is not the case.

Harry H

The food is mediocre and nothing memorable. The owner’s behavior is questionable. He offered extra bread without mentioning that it would cost 3 times more than the usual price for that bread . I asked for a small amount of sauce but was given two and then charged extra without being informed. In many restaurants, this side sauce is complimentary, but here it came with an added fee that wasn’t disclosed. I don’t mind paying for extras, but customers should be clearly notified of charges, and if someone asks for one item, they shouldn’t be given more just to increase the bill. The owner is friendly in conversation but lacks honesty. Overall, the prices are 20–30% higher than average for the quality and small portion sizes. .