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Gaby's Express Mediterranean Cafe
Category: Restaurants Mediterranean Mediterranean [Edit]
2901 S La Cienega BlvdCulver City, CA 90232
Neighborhood: Culver City
(310) 202-8122
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
We specialize in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. We have a variety of cultural dishes from both Persian and Israeli influence. We also have… read more »
63 reviews for Gaby's Express Mediterranean Cafe
Review Highlights
"...and it's the best damn chicken shwarma I've had in the US."
(in 4 reviews)
"...radishes, salsa verde, pico de gallo, hot sauce, etc."
(in 3 reviews)
"Their hummus is pretty awesome."
(in 14 reviews)
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63 reviews in English
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Review from Francesca S.
Culver City, CA
2/8/2012
Mediterranean food isn't really my favorite but I love this place! I work close by so it's great for lunch. Easy, fast, delicious and on top of that healthy(ier).
I usually order the #13 Chicken Kabob Pita that has chicken, lettuce, tomato, parsley and their TO-DIE garlic sauce. So yummy! With a side of their delicious hummus served with pita bread to dip. You can taste the hint of lemon and garlic which makes the hummus a delicious and light side to snack. The Chicken Shawarma and Beef Shawarma Pitas are tied as a close 2nd to the Kabob.
Gaby's Express also delivers which is great for all us neighboring business' that often need meetings catered as well as us homebodies that enjoy staying in with a delicious meal. -
Review from Ching T.
Whittier, CA
2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
I only popped in because I needed to use the bathroom badly for which I'll be forever grateful towards THIS Gaby's Express.
Being that they allowed me to use their bathroom, I figured I should buy something rather than be just ghetto and walking out.
The blond girl at the register was really friendly and more than willing to offer suggestions on what to order. I like that she was very knowledgeable with what the menu tasted like. When I asked for a sample of the beef and was about to bite into it, tee hee, she piped up, "the white stuff is called taziki." Bless her heart! I'm very familiar with Middle Eastern food already. This is the kind of employee everyone should have!!
Here's why I'm rating it so low. I ordered some sort of chicken shwarma wrap. Unfortunately, both the chicken (and that beef sample) had absolutely no taste whatsoever. It looked and smelled aromatic, but the taste was really underwhelming. The wrap was drenched in a super creamy garlicky taziki sauce that dominated.
I've had shwarma before, and really good ones really blow away both my taste and smell sensories with a smoked in flavor. This tasted unhealthily heavy, rich, creamy, mainly due to the reliance on the garlic taziki, in essence, fast foody, but had absolutely no flavor whatsoever. I finished it because I was ravenous but there's no joy in just putting something in our stomach that is in no way pleasurable. Usually, most fast food are at least some sort of guilty pleasure?
* 5 stars for letting me use your bathroom
* 5 stars for blonde employee / customer service
* 0 stars for the foodListed in: AVOID like the Plague!!, Middle Eastern Eats, Mid City LA
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Review from Travis I.
1/12/2012
"I knew it would be bad.... I didn't know it would be THIS bad."
In spite of two people telling me that Gaby's serves an inferior product, I decided to try it for myself. It was 9pm and I was fiending for some shawarma. I decided to try their shawarma combination plate, with both chicken and beef. I called in ahead of time, like many Yelpers suggested I do, to avoid the waits.
When I went in, some lady ahead of me was complaining that her order was wrong. She dropped off a bag, and left. LISTEN CLOSELY... The bag she dropped off contained someone else's chicken shawarma plate. The girl at the register left it on the counter and asked if she could help me. It turns out MY order was the order someone else took. The lady ahead of me had gotten the order of the person who took my meal.
So, instead of remaking my meal, like any respectable establishment, they did this....
They took the old, cold-ass chicken shawarma plate, added some beef to it, and gave that old, recycled piece of shit back to me. I was so hungry I didn't care at first, but it only got worse.
The "sides bar," was nothing more than a weird salsa bar with pickles. The spot labeled, "pickled turnips" had spicy pico de gallo instead. And get THIS: they only allow two, 1-teaspoon condiment cups per order. There are taco carts that allow all the free salsa and pickled veggies you can eat for FREE. Gaby's, shame on you, you cheap asshats.
THE FOOD. My bastardized chicken and steak shawarma plate was cold, bland, and dry. Both the meats were bone dry and absolutely lacked any trace of seasoning; the chicken was like roof shingles. The hummus was gross, bland paste. And to top it off, the goddamn order was MISSING THE PITA. They had like three chances to rectify this box of food, as it was returned and reopened a number of times. Still.... no pita.
EPIC SERVICE FAIL. I called back to the location to be told by Julie that the pita was free to begin with. Oooookaaaaay. Like that has ANYTHING to do with the fact that you totally fucked up a bunch of things this evening. Pita is included in the goddamn description. She asked us to return for the free pita, and we asked her to come to us. She said the driver had stopped about an hour earlier. If she had any sense, she would have either: 1.) Gotten the manager to deal with it, or 2.) offered some form of reparations.
I told her there wasn't a snowball's chance in hell that I was going to return for free pita that SHOULD'VE BEEN IN THE FUCKING COMBO ANYWAY. When I asked what she could do to remedy it, she said she'd leave a note with my name and offer us a free small side. A two dollar slap in the face. Julie, your customer service is not only a slap in the face, it's so absolutely retarded that I honestly think you MUST ride a short, yellow bus to and from work.
Daryl, the manager, obviously has a bunch of senseless morons working for him; people who obviously don't care about your food's taste, freshness, or overall quality. An embarrassment to anyone who has ever managed or owned a business. A free small side for a total fuck up?? You could offer me a free meal for my entire family and I'd tell you: IT'S SIMPLE: I JUST WANT MY MONEY BACK! I hope your restaurant sinks to the depths of hell.
VERDICT. Horrible. Just the worst. I will never return to this disgusting mecca of slop. I hope it burns down. I'd rather see a McDonald's on that corner. Hell, ANYTHING instead of that gross shit-storm of toxic waste that I wouldn't feed to my dog.Listed in: It Tastes Like Burning, Avoid at ALL costs...
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Review from Drew S.
Los Angeles, CA
1/31/2012
Love it and they deliver! Chicken kebab plates rocks my world and I can't get enough of the garlic sauce. If we're feeling like homebodies they deliver. It's great quality still and very quick.
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Review from Armando O.
Los Angeles, CA
12/16/2011
I was happy with my ordered. The falafel pita sandwich tasted really good. Very tasty. I liked the fact that the pita bread was grilled or made to hold the food well. I was driving and couldn't believe that nothing was spilling. Ok, any how, it was good. I also liked the fact that they had some pickled radish and cucumbers. The owner or manager was very attentive.
I will come back to this place and try something different, and see how they do. So far so good. -
Review from Hillary A.
Los Angeles, CA
12/28/2011
I LOVE Gaby's Chicken Shwarma Pita SOO much it's almost ridiculous, it could be ridonkulous. I prefer NO LETTUCE, since it's my mortal enemy, but the garlic sauce is so delicious with the Chicken and Parsley and Tomato..mmmmm. The staff is always friendly and the Owner ROCKS!
They are open late hours which is perfect for my late dinner schedule. The smashed reds are amazing, I also like the yams. It's fresh and fast and fabulous. Actually I am getting hungry writing this now and may have to pay them a visit! :)
They have options for dessert too, yum! -
Review from Armen B.
CA
11/23/2011
Pretty good food at reasonable prices.
Very busy @lunchtime. Expect to wait for seats and food. -
Review from mauricio o.
Los Angeles, CA
12/22/2011
so the food was fine. my plate was like 9 something; got me plenty full.
its a shitty atmosphere though. not a place that makes you feel happy spending 9 something a plate.
the kid at the counter was a grumpy little shit that i shouldn't have bothered to tip. oh well.. kind reminds me of me when i was that age..
i probably wont go back. -
Review from jin y.
9/17/2011
I ordered 2 of the 1/2 chicken valu-meal and I round it out to $19 though it only comes out to $17 or so.
The plates are huge!!!! Perhaps next time we can just order one and split it between two people. The chicken is so tender it melts in your mouth. The sides are pretty good and healthy too. Like Zankou, it has the garlic paste. We heart garlic paste.
Though healthy, the portions are out of control so I woke up still digesting. This place is cheap enough for me to go back to get take out though and next time I'll just get one order of the chicken valu-meal. -
Review from Patrick B.
Los Angeles, CA
12/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
The half chicken special is a great deal, the shwarma plate is great as well...Sandwiches are a tad small and they skimp on the pita. how do places serve so much hummus and think 3/4 of 1 pita cut in triangles is enough.
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Review from Bud C.
Los Angeles, CA
9/17/2011
My wife hated it but I didn't think it was so bad. It's basically Lebanese fast food -- culinarily what you'd get if Chipotle opened up a hummus and falafel franchise (which I would call Chickpeatle -- call me).
Somehow, even though it seems cheap enough when you read the menu, it really adds up. If everything cost 25% less, I would give it another star.
I got the chicken schwarma plate. Lots of food, although it came with a laughably small amount of flimsy pita. Everything tasted good (including the weird white garlic paste) but it didn't taste really fresh. It's the sort of food that tastes good enough to make you want to eat there again, but bad enough that you feel guilty after eating it because it's so fatty and salty. There was a kiddy pool of oil in my hummus, for example.
They do a brisk business when the galleries have openings. So if you're looking for hipsters who all have the original Chekov from Star Trek haircut, look no further.
The manager was very friendly and offered me a free beverage because my order took longer than expected to come out. I appreciate that sort of thing.
Also note, they sell pints of Ben & Jerry's ice cream for $4.50, which is a bit peculiar.
The atmosphere feels sort of like when you go to a local fast food chain in a foreign country.
Unlike more politically-minded Middle Eastern food restaurants, there are no photos of foreign flags, clergy or political leaders. No political propaganda. Also, the food does not appear to be halal or kosher. -
Review from Lauren S.
West Hollywood, CA
8/23/2011
A space oddity regarding the Los Angeles foodscape is that there is a lack of Lebanese food. I've often pondered the shwarma's whereabouts in this town. Well, I've finally found a place, and it's the best damn chicken shwarma I've had in the US. (London has the best Lebanese food). Here's why it's so good:
1) CHEAP! I think my shwarma was around 5 bucks. I added hummus and they only up-charged me a dollar. I think that's fair.
2) SUPA FAST! "Express" is no lie. I got my meal in under 4 minutes.
3) SERVICE! The manager was so accommodating. He tried to give me free Pita, urged me to go to the toppings bar, introduced himself, brought me napkins without me asking.....It is no wonder these guys have multiple locations. They know how to treat guests.
4) TOPPINGS BAR! Pickles, pickled radishes, salsa verde, pico de gallo, hot sauce, etc. etc. etc. to dress up your food real good. The pickles were TDF (no, not DTF, to die for).
5) Oh, and it was a DELICIOUS shwarma in every way. Bread not too thick, chicken yummy, hummus yummy, sauce yum, tomato onion yum, toppings toppings toppings, special sauce. MMM!!!!
Plus, they claim its health food. I'm not sure how accurate that is, but it's definitely healthier than other fast food.
I was out in about 15 minutes, and more satisfied than most meals in LA leave me.
WOOHOO! 5 twinkly ones for SURE. -
Review from Rose K.
Los Angeles, CA
9/13/2011
I'm actually someone who likes to leave GOOD reviews on yelp. I also LOVE mediterranean food.
With that said, I was very disappointed and won't be going back.
This Cafe sent a man to shower our apt complex with menus in hopes someone would show up (which I usually don't like, but my husband and I love mediterranean food so we decided to check it out).
After looking over the menu, and balking at the rather *high* prices for what is basically fast food, we decided to order the BEEF SHAWARMA PITA (it sounded close to a gyro, and I wanted red meat). The price wasn't as bad as the other entrees and it came with a house salad or fries.
I ordered it without onions with the house salad without onions. There was no salad dressing choices so I had my husband ask for a vinegarette. (he went to go pick up the food).
The pita sandwich (we'll call it, bc it was nothing like a gyro, though I wasn't sure what to expect) wasn't a pita at all. It was a flour tortilla-wrapped burrito style. It was dry and wrapped very sloppy. Even though it wasn't appetizing to look at, it still didn't offend me. I was starving.
Of course, the sandwich had onions in it, as well as lettuce which was not mentioned in the menu (and frankly didn't help it's taste). I bit into some soft, bland pieces of pot-roast-like meat. I started to cover it with ketchup so it would taste like something.
Then, I tasted it. The cream. creamer. Yes. The meat was covered in a white sauce that tasted nothing like tatziki or feta or anything delicious you might find in mediterranean fare.
It tasted exactly like beef dipped in dairy coffee creamer.
THINK ABOUT WHAT THAT WOULD TASTE LIKE.
I couldn't finish it, and I really hate to waste food!
I ate the "salad" that consisted of expired wilted lettuce, tomatoes (refrigerated and spongey) and of course, raw onions.
1 star for putting the salad dressing on the side. That was nice of them :)
NO MORE COFFEE CREAMER BEEF FOR ME! *yuck* -
Review from Ronda H.
Lakeville, IN
12/12/2011
I loved it. My friend didn't. I had the chicken n pollo and it was tasty and was large enough I got two big meals out of it, which is super considering it wasn't expensive. The baked yams are my fav. I will go there just for a side order and eat them as a meal. Healthy, inexpensive and delicious. Oh, and fast too!
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Review from leslie i.
Los Angeles, CA
7/14/2011
I will never go there again. Ever.
I ordered ala carte kabobs because I didn't want the rice & salad & hummus. So the steak looked like 4 small bites so I ordered another one .. And paid the $4.50. So I ask if they can now give me the dinner since I've paid the $9. Major issue to do this. They have to bring out the manager. Really?!! It's not a difficult call in my book.
Then the guy makes a big scene and says, 'well, we'll do it this one time... No problem' -- well no, it was a problem.
Keep your rice and keep your inept attitude.
Never again (this is the 3rd time I've had trouble here. This was NOT the charm). -
Review from Abbi F.
11/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
The chicken schwarma plate was tasty and filling (except for the odd lack of pita provided for the overly healthy dose of hummus), though not outstandingly tasty for the price.
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Review from Jules H.
Los Angeles, CA
8/28/2011
Gaby's is a lifesaver. Right down the road, and a great fast food alternative for those nights I work late and don't feel like cooking (i.e., every night). They have about a million different options that all seem moderately healthy, especially for such a quick meal.
My go-to is usually a chicken schwarma/chicken kafta pita with a side of salad, rice, or fries depending on how healthy I'm feeling. The garlic sauce is amaaaaazing. Service can be a little slow but always friendly, and you can always call ahead and pick up. -
Review from Sean P.
Los Angeles, CA
7/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I go here all the time and love the options they have to have a healthy yet hearty meal.
I've tried everything from the turkey meatloaf to the chicken shwarma pitas. Although their Lebanese meals are always a good choice their other entrees are equally as tasty.
They have over a dozen sides for you to choose from as well. My favorites tend to be the fries but when you're trying to avoid being a fatty like me they have delicious baked yams, salads and other healthy options.
I know it's corny but the service is always friendly and doesn't make me feel bad missing the restaurant style atmosphere of the Gaby's near Venice and Overland. -
Review from Heather L.
Los Angeles, CA
7/11/2011
I could eat here every single day of my life! I love everything!
I do wish they made the food a bit faster and I think their prices are just a touch high.
But, love is love. -
Review from Michael F.
Los Angeles, CA
4/25/2011
I have been on kind of a Mediterranean food binge lately, so my interest was peaked when I saw Gaby's Express. The menu at Gaby's has a lot of options, but I went with the simple order of the #9, Kabob Combo. It was a combination plate that came with Chicken and Beef Kabob, rice, a side salad, and hummus. I figured it would be a good way to sample some of the basics.
I got my food to go, and it took a long time to get my order. While I was waiting for my food, I noticed that they do phone orders, and that most of the people who came in seemed to have placed their orders via phone. Ordering by phone seemed like the best thing to do here because they took a long time to have my food ready for me, and I wished I would have placed my order in advance.
When I finally got my food, I instantly noticed that my bag seemed very light. I looked inside the bag and saw that they gave me very little food. I had recently eaten at Zankou Chicken, and for about the same price Zankou gave me more than twice as much food. When I tried Gaby's food it just wasn't all that. All of the food tasted average, and there was nothing spectacular about anything that I ate. The pita bread in particular was pretty bad, and did not taste fresh.
Even though the food that I tried at Gaby's was nothing special, they have so much on the menu that I want to give the place another shot and taste what else they have to offer. While I was waiting for my food I saw a lot of things on the menu that looked better than what I got, and it made me regret not being a little bit more adventurous with my order. I will be back to Gaby's to see what else they have for me. -
Review from Matt C.
5/29/2011
We've meant to try this place, ever since they closed down the pizza hut and replaced it. Now true, we could just drive to Gaby's and hang out in their parking lot patio, but we felt like something quick and to-go.
The place usually isn't too crowded. It's a really small space, mostly for ordering out, but there are plenty of tables to eat there. The time we went was an exception, as there was a pretty big group taking up almost the entire restaurant. I do wish they had a drive through, but then I wish for a lot of things.
We wanted a sandwich or pita or wrap. I went with the standard wrap; c'mon, it's the standard! The gf got a lamb kabob pita. We also got a mac and cheese side. Why did we get a mac n cheese at a Mediterranean place? Because I COMPLETELY missed the Mediterranean sides menu! I thought it was strange to only have sides of fries, cole slaw, and such.
Despite being "express", it's not too quick. Oh well, good stuff takes time, so just hang out. Or do what I did: get some salsa.
They had the BEST salsa! I've been to every taco shop, taco truck, taco cart, and of course Mexican restaurants big and small. But I have NEVER had salsa this good, and three types! I recommend their fresh, dare I say, pico de gallo salsa; lots of onion and definitely high in spice. After that, go for the red salsa, which has generous heat and good tomato flavor. Finally, the green has almost a creamy texture, good flavor, and despite being the most mild, this would be the hottest salsa at most places. They have nice, big plastic containers, so fill up since you'll want more for home.
As for the food, they were both winners. The standard wrap had all the standards, and had a great, fresh texture. The chicken marinade came through, over the very fresh, romaine lettuce and veggies. The salsa played nice with this one, since it's basically a burrito. I would prefer less pesto mayo, which I'll ask about next time. The lamb kabob wrap was great, with big cuts of lamb evenly placed.
I'll be back to try some more stuff, especially those Mediterranean sides. -
Review from regina m.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 4/12/2011
I'm usually a "try as many things as I can" person but, for some reason,
I'm the complete opposite when I go to Gaby's. All I ever want is the beef kabob plate with double hummus or hummus and salad and a TON of pickled turnips.
It's fast, well priced, and consistent. Oh, and it tastes good, too!Listed in: Fat Festing, Eating for Power, Kabob Karaziness
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/21/2011
More like 3.5 stars. Damn, I wish I could go halfies on stars!
Quick note: THEY HAVE BENDY STRAWS.… Read more »
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Review from Graciela G.
Los Angeles, CA
4/23/2011
A vegetarian's take: Overall, I think this place is a 3.5 if you consider the good and the bad of it.
The bad are the falafel wrap, the mac and cheese, and the fries . Their falafel works as a plate but it sucks so bad as a wrap. Have you ever been to Spitz? Now that's how you do a falafel wrap. That's my point of reference. So I guess Gaby's never stood a chance in that department. Theirs is plain boring bordering on cardboard. The mac and cheese is also flavorless and I know I shouldn't be looking to a Mediterranean place to do a good mac and cheese but if they put it in their menu, they should stand behind it and at least make it passable. Finally, the fries are as mediocre as they come. There's nothing memorable about them.
Now for the good. I'm not sure what kind of portions other reviewers here want but I usually get the falafel plate and it's huge! Lots of rice, lots of hummus, and a good amount of pita to go with the meal. I can easily split the plate with my husband. It's by far the best item I've had at Gaby's. Their rice is fluffy, soft, and perfect. The falafel is always crispy, just the way I like it, and well seasoned. Their hummus is pretty awesome. Some places put too much garlic, others go crazy with the lemon. They do it right at Gaby's.
I really do love their falafel plate and it's the only reason I keep coming back. It's okay if every item can't be a knock out. At least I found something that is and that makes them a-ok in my book. -
Review from Barbara S.
San Fernando, CA
10/29/2011
Not a nice environment in there. Been to other Gaby's and loved the food and the service. They barely gave us any fries (we ordered a large and those are like $5) , and they gave us no pita bread to go with our plate. Skimped on everything. The food we did get was good, but I would never go to this particular Gaby's location again.
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Review from Sonia J.
Los Angeles, CA
4/6/2011
What a bummer... I was really excited since I was a huge gaby's fan a couple years ago and this was on the way home for the BF... figured, Yeah! Judy's salad for dinner! whenever I don't want to cook! The dream was shattered.
The portions were tiny and the dressing was awful. And the lettuce was gritty and cut with a blade.... not good... The plus was that the tabouli was good, the minus is that the portions are so small that they don't even give you a whole piece(yes, one piece) of pita to eat it with... the portion size just seemed like they were cheap... Never again... massive letdown after I got so excited and now, I can't even get that excited about Gaby's... -
Review from ando p.
Northridge, CA
10/8/2011
Meh. Nothing special.
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Review from doug s.
Los Angeles, CA
1/17/2011
love it !! we eat here all the time !!!
Gaby even gave us 10 buck off out meal :) -
Review from Paula D.
11/7/2010
My first visit here was disappointing. The portions were so small for what they were charging. I ordered the lamb and it wasn't overcooked and the salad was aweful.
My second visit here was due to my son. I didn't want anything but ordered the Falafel Pita sandwich and might change my mind. It was good. What they could improve on are there sauces. Hot means HOT! Not watered down. -
Review from Katrina S.
Los Angeles, CA
6/6/2011
I tried Gaby's Express after a history of many enjoyable visits to the Gaby's on Venice. My expectations must have been high since I was assuming I'd get the same flavors and quality of the OG Gaby's with the only difference being that my meal was presented to me in a to-go box. I was wrong... the portions were smaller, the tzatziki was watered down, my lamb kabob was tough and overcooked, the "grilled onion & tomato" must have only been grilled for 10 seconds since they were still completely raw... basically, disappointment. If I was not making comparisons to the delicious feasts I've had at the other Gaby's, I probably would have had a totally different take on this place. But, for future Mediterranean food cravings, I'll stick to the sit down spot up the street.
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Review from Milan R.
Los Angeles, CA
11/27/2011
I love coming here for lunch. Their $5 lunch special can't be beat and they are very friendly inside.
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Review from Liz E.
Los Angeles, CA
3/4/2011
Woah, jammed packed during lunch here. Came here yesterday with my friend for lunch and I should of called in my order instead. I hear this place is packed since they open, well parking kinda sucked too, I guess because of the seven eleven that's like right there on the same business corner.
I had the rotiserri chicken with rice and the salad combo... let me tell you something about the garlic spread with the pita there.... the best I have had thus far. Yummy all over. I am happy they opened just 5 minutes away from my house :). I recommend you order in though because If you are like me, a person who doesn't like to wait long when in need of fast fuel, you'll get desperate in there cause it's kinda small there too. -
Review from Omowale O.
Los Angeles, CA
7/11/2010
Gaby's is ALWAYS consistent.
I hate hit or miss spots which is why though Gaby's Express may not be mind blowing Mediterranean food, the food is better than most places, most of the time. When it comes to a restaurant growing on me consistency wins out in the long run.
I like this location overall. While service in a restaurant should always strive to be great, these guys are really nice. -
Review from sue c.
CA
6/9/2011
Major fail, Gaby. Express you are not.
I come here from time to time because it's down the street from the office. During lunch time the place gets pretty packed with dine-ins and to-go customers. Last time I was here the owner/manager suggested to call in the order ahead next time. So that's what I did today.
I had about 40 minutes before my afternoon meeting. Called in the order and they said it would be ready in 10-15 minutes. I arrived 15 minutes later, taking my sweet time. After paying the cashier told me the order wasn't ready yet but it was in the queue. On this day there weren't that many people dining, and just 2-3 people waiting for their orders. I waited patiently. After a while I was getting the feeling that my order wasn't in the queue. The owner/manager decided to check on my order. The cashier who took my phone orders checked the pre-mades and verified mine wasn't in there. So I waited some more. Nothing happened. Finally another cashier realized my order wasn't even in the food prep queue! WTF! She goes to talk to the prep guys but it didn't seem like they were paying her any attention. I was pretty annoyed. I told them I needed to get back to the office, and wanted to know what the deal was. FINALLY the owner/manager guy talked to some tall dude who seemed to be in charge of the kitchen, and they got on it and made my food. The thing that really added to my annoyance was that people didn't really seem sorry about the mix-up or their total lack of organization. Everyone was just pretending to be busy (cuz it wasn't that busy in there) or something and ignoring customers who were waiting.
I barely made it back to the office for my meeting, didn't even have time to eat anything. And when I did dive into my chopped salad, it was really subpar. The chicken was dry, and the whole salad was on the bland side. Granted it was pretty big but that just meant more blandness to get through.
I have to say this experience ruined my whole afternoon. I wanted some relatively healthy food, and get it relatively quickly--so Gaby's Express sure made sense cuz that's what they promise. Turned out all I got was POOR SERVICE, DISORGANIZATION, LONG WAIT, and food that left much to be desired. Oh and the salsa bar was not stocked, there was some salsa juice and that was it. -
Review from Merrick M.
Los Angeles, CA
6/3/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Our office has been waiting for this place to open for awhile. Whilst it has a few logistical kinks to work out (we tried on only it's second day), this is our new lunch default destination!
Everything is super-fresh--eggplants grilling behind the registers, rotisseries spinning chickens and fresh vegetables being chopped. The meats also on the grill and the shawarma broiler are seasoned so wonderfully! The baba gannouj was stellar: a great smokiness texture that is better than I've had even at more formal dine-in places. The rice is served with freshly chopped onions and a typical Lebanese garlic aioli which had JUST been made. Mmmmm!
In additional to the standard Mediterranean fare, they also have a few selection outside the genre: a Chinese Chicken Salad, a Thai Salad and Turkey meatloaf. Also their array of sides spans anything you might be craving: mac & cheese, black beans or steamed veggies.
It's a little cramped with only six tables and since it's so new--they haven't established the best way to queue. Unfortunately for the time being, they're also not accepting credit cards, but I presume that will happen soon.
Can't wait to go back and try many, many more things! -
Review from Emma N.
Los Angeles, CA
6/7/2011
My friend recommended this place cause it delivers to our office. I was skeptical about ordering from somewhere new but didn't regret it. Twice now I've gotten a delicious chopped salad with TONS of veggies in it and I didn't even need the dressing, it was that flavorful. The hummus is amazing but I do agree they could give you 1-2 more pieces of pita with it. Both times I've ordered I've told the person on the phone I'm trying to eat healthy and they steered me with some pretty great side dish recommendations (because you have to order a certain amount to get delivery). It's fresh, fast, and delicious. Yum!
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Review from Luc My D.
San Diego, CA
7/27/2011
so good and such a nice staff.
$6.50 half chicken, rice, hummus, pita and salad. not to mention full pickled bar with cabbage, turnips, cucumber, spicy carrots and jalapenos.
ask for joseph, he likes to give out condiment advice such as tahini sauce with the beef shawarma or garlic butter for chicken kabobs.
saw some undercover cops in there today, they looked serious, not only about their jobs to protect us civilians, but pretty serious about their appetites. no wonder they were eating there.
tell them steven sent you for a confused look on the persons face. -
Review from Nick S.
Los Angeles, CA
6/9/2011
I work nearby and walk here often. I'm really into the Chicken Shwarma Pita and the Healthy Wrap. The chicken is full of flavor and they put a decent amount into the pita. The Healthy Wrap is stuffed with a medley of finely chopped vegetables and shredded chicken. It's good for a hot day or after a workout. These two items are really the only things I get here (I'm a creature of habit) and I'm satisfied whenever I order either one. Prices are good.
The wait is often longer than I'd like but I've learned to combat that by calling about 15 minutes before picking up my food (and going before the 12:30-1:30 lunch rush). From my experience they tend to mess up large orders so be sure to check your food before you leave. -
Review from Lee T.
Culver City, CA
6/28/2011
Good selection, even some american favorites for the picky eaters. With such a wide selection, bound to have some hit and miss. The shawarma pitas are really good--probably the way to go, especially if you're on the run, plus they only run about $5 (expect to pay more if exploring the rest of the menu).
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Review from Max B.
Long Beach, CA
7/20/2010
So glad this place opened up here. Their place on Washington and Lincoln was a fav lunch stop for quick, reasonable, consistent food. They seem to have some problems getting their credit card reader online but the staff is very attentive and make up for the inconvenience.
It seems one of the owners is always there to check on you (or the crew) so it seems they are trying to get this place launched on the right foot.
$10 gets you a pita sandwich combo and a drink so how can you go wrong. The beef shwarma is great for a default lunch item. -
Review from Danny K.
Los Angeles, CA
6/22/2011
new staff, new policies, new letter grade B!
I called Sunday to have them deliver, like I have many times before. Sadly, they don't deliver anymore. And they don't substitute like they use to. So I drove over today to see what was the deal. All new people, and not very friendly.
Too bad. It was swell while it lasted
