Wally's Cafe

Elite '08

147

317

Jessica P.

Oakland, CA

Oh Wally, your pungent garlic spread will linger on forever.
As long as your significant other has some too, I don't find that a problem.

Had a lunch break here with Joe and found it quite relaxing in the back patio. It's in such an odd locale, what with the Bank Club right there...the sounds and utterances coming out of that dive bar took me back to another time. A time that I probably wouldn't remember the next day had I been there.

We had gotten our lentil soup before the meal, and it was savory. It didn't put me off like most other lentils....

I had the chicken schwarma. The hostess was so warm, so welcoming, I felt like she was mom and we were having lunch in the backyard. My wrap was so tasty...just simple lettuce tomato chicken and spread...in a soft bread. What more could you ask for?

I took a bite out of Joe's balls--falafel that is--and found them quite delectable too. And you can quote me on that.

I'd be back for sure!

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3

12

Rayna B.

South Pasadena, CA

Wally's is the place for yummy, fresh, healthy  Mediterranean food.  Wally is a super nice guy who exceeded my expectations.  I found out about this place from my fellow Yelpers and decided that it sounded to good to be true so I checked it out.  

When I arrived I was the only one in the entire joint.  I say joint for a reason.  It is simple with a counter that is U shaped.  Wally started me out with the complimentary lentil soup that was very tasty.  I ordered the Fattuous salad and babaganoush with pita.  I was very satisfied with both.

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20

39

Misha M.

San Francisco, CA

So happy to find this place. The place is a total dive, but Wally is awesome and the food is fantastic. For $32, my hubby and I were utterly stuffed on great food. The hummus had the max amount of garlic (yum), the greek salad was a meal itself, the chicken and lamb both very tender and full of flavor. Even the rice was good. We'll be back very soon.

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6

66

Patrick C.

San Francisco, CA

My what a diamond in the rough this place is. I had just finished watching Iron Man with some friends and I looked on yelp to see good places near Emeryville and this placed popped up with rave reviews. So we enter this restaurant in the back of a bar and find no one there. Eventually a man, who we assumed was Wally, entered and offered us a seat at the diner style seating and we looked over the menu.

We settled on a chicken sawarma, baba ganoush, and a side of falafels. We were served some lentil soup on the house which was really tasty and nicely seasoned. The baba ganoush was great and very tasty and served with warm pita bread. The favorite was the chicken which was nicely seasoned and served over some rice with a large salad next to it. The falafel was a little too salty and a little overcooked but still pretty good. To top it off, Wally served us some baklava on the house which was AMAZING. I had recently bought some baklava from La Meditarraniane in Berkeley, and this was leagues better in terms of the crispness of the phyllo dough and the sweet filling. The food was so good that we got 6 extra baklavas and an order of baba ganoush to go.

While the food is really good, the service is even better.  Wally is perhaps one of the nicest guys you'll meet, greeting you politely and being extremely friendly. Suffice to say, Wally's cafe is not particularly in the nicest of areas, and there was this guy who walked in trying to sell my friends some wrenches and stuff. Regardless, I really hope the restaurant does well enough that he could move to a nicer place, but it's clear that Wally is establishing quite a following in terms of regulars who appreciate his friendly demeanor and delicious food.

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99

134

Jolly Roger . . ..

Berkeley, CA

Fantastic!  The owner truly understands that running a successful small business requires not just good food (which he provides) but also cultivating quality relationships with his customers.

I'm a bit concerned about whether the awkward location will stifle his business and if his trusting and generous service will survive whatever rare (but inevitable) ugliness Oakland throws his way.  This is a restaurant that deserves to thrive.

I'm rooting for you, Wally!

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40

21

Trina M.

San Francisco, CA

The food here was pretty good and fresh !! It's true that it is a bit hard to find due to it being behind a bar/in the alley. Wally was a very sweet man along with the waitress(i think his wife) FABBBOUUULLOUUSS  service !! One of the best serviced i've experinced. The Bakalva was also nice ^ ^ desert !! YUMmy~ hehe wally treated me with a free extra one ^^ Yippy !!

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10

65

Grace M.

Berkeley, CA

This place is really hard to find..it is down a short alley behind the Bank Club Cafe, across the street from Save-on. There is a small sign that is hard to read from far away. The owners plan on getting a new sign shortly.

This place is a good secret worth hunting for.

I went here with my dad (he's Lebanese) after reading the reviews and thought he would be a good judge to help me decide whether this is truly authentic Lebanese food. We have tried so many bad mediterranean restaurants.

We were attempting to order some sides of tabbouleh, hummus, etc, because we wanted to try everything, but Wally's wife said, "I will just bring you a sample of everything!"

------She really did that------

First came our lentil soup: delicious! Brown lentils with a light  broth and rice. YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

Then salad: crunchy fresh lettuce with cool persian cucumbers and tomatoes with a light vinagrette sprinkled with sumac (i think), a Lebanese spice...yum.

Then Hummus, Babaghanoush, and dolma plate...this was okay..my dad really liked the smokey babaghanoush. The hummus may have used a little lemon and less tahini...but hey...different parts of Lebanon cook differently and its important to respect that.

Then fries: crispy crinkle cut piping hot fried goodness....perfection.

Then Eggplant with garbanzo beans with rice: Excellent mild yet flavorful dish full of a delicious blend of spices. This is a vegetarian's dream.

....we were getting pretty fulll by now but Wally and his wife were so gracious and hospitable (Lebanese hospitality is unstoppable)....that we just kept eating what she was bringing us......

Then: Falafel....I was very impressed with these. They had a delicious flavor, very crunchy crust and were drizzled with tahini. I gobbled mine up despite being very full.

THEN...Tabbouleh...this was quite good and probably the closest I have tasted in a restaurant to the one we make at home. It could have used a little more lemon but otherwise I was really happy with it and I liked that they served it on traditional lettuce leaves...just like home.

And then we thought it was over....we were finishing up our pomegranate Italian sodas made with San Pellegrino (nice choice) and Wally comes over and chats with my dad and I about Lebanon and Lebanese cooking. It was truly a pleasure to meet both of them and they are really honest and hard working people.

Then Wally brings my favorite dessert...one of the varieties of jibneh (sp?) which was a sweet cheese filled pastry topped with pistacios and drizzled with rose water syrup....JUST KILL ME NOW. This dessert was excellent!!!!!!!!!!!

I truly had a wonderful time here chatting with Wally, his wife, and the other people sitting at the table-like bar. The other people to our left got a dish that looked mouth watering of various kabobs and the two men to our right got pomegranate chicken that looked amazing.

GO HERE and support this delicious restuarant and these honest, hard working owners. Enjoy!

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5

8

Simone P.

Oakland, CA

Best falafel ever! It's true. Five star falafel = five star rating.

Park in the Pak n' Save (or whatever that scary discount grocery store is called) lot and jaywalk across San Pablo to the Bank Club bar. To the right you'll see a little alley with tables. Walk towards the tables, turn left and you're there!

I've tried five items here:

1. Lentil soup - Perfectly seasoned and delicious. Hearty yet light enough for spring and summer dining.

2. Falafel sandwich - God, it's wonderful. The falafel is so FRESH and has a perfect crisp-on-the-outside-moist-on-the-inside consistency. It's almost "fluffy" and so much better than any other restaurant falafel I've had. The falafel sandwich also contains hummus and a tomato/cucumber salad with a strong garlic dressing. Note: This sandwhich is HUGE. Prepare to smell like garlic for the next three days. Bad date food.

3. Greek salad - Again, HUGE. Also, FRESH! Crisp greens with marinated tomatoes, cucumbers and onions (not soggy at all!). I got the dressing (vinaigrette w/ seasonings) on the side. The salad is great. It has a generous topping of feta cheese (nix the cheese to veganize it). The dressing is a bit oily for me, so I'm glad I got it on the side. Nevertheless, I will definitely order this again.

4. Dolmas - I believe they're probably made in-house as well, but they're very dense and a little gooey. They'd be a nice accompaniment sliced and served atop the salad, but I don't think I'd get 'em again. It turns out I only like the dolmas at La Med for some reason. I have bad dolma luck.  Others might enjoy these.

5. Baklava - Flakey and delicious, but way too buttery for me. I'm really picky and sensitive to buttery/oily/greasy things (i.e. I do not like butter or things that taste like it). Still, I enjoyed it to the extent that I could enjoy a buttery anything. I could tell that it was made with love (aww!) and lots of other reviewers really like it so don't listen to me unless you hate butter too.

The lentil soup wasn't on the menu, nor were some of the items I've read about in other reviews. Apparently, Wally's has a secret menu! Inquire!

I suspect I may become a regular. I can't wait to try the tabouleh and baba ganoush!

Just so ya know, this place ain't pretty. It is, however, AWESOME.

P.S. Booze next door.

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0

2

Wilhelm T.

Alameda, CA

I'm french and love good quality authentic food!

As one of the review mention Wally's cafe is a "hidden little jewel in downtown Emeryville".

The food is fresh, excellent and authentic (middle east Mediterranean) not like what I tested in "La Mediterranee" (western Medierranean food) in Berkeley (The 'brandade de morue' did have a test of mexican bean???).

Wally's cafe food is Yummy, just want to go back!

The service is excellent!

Just check it out by yourself, you won't regret it!

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2

3

Lydie T.

Alameda, CA

The best Mediterranean food I ever had in the Bay Area! Wally is a great chef, the food is beyond delicious and I left wanting to come back the day after!
We left with 6 additional baklavas to eat at home the day after!
Portions are generous, service is great and I can't wait to go back.

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7

37

Peter J.

Oakland, CA

Ok Not only does , "Wally" make one of the best Sherwma, but also great service.
I love the cozy feeling you get being here and if you feel like a drink there is a bar right next door.
Also the best Bakalava I have had, even better than the ones I have made and they were fresh from the oven.

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0

19

Ravi G.

Danville, CA

I look forward to two times during my day: the time before lunch, and the time before I leave. Been that way for years, so suffice it to say that I am bored. Even my yawns are becoming boring, and I end up yawning from them. Yup, it's a lot of yawning, but eventually I get bored of yawning and stop. It's how I roll in my cubicle nightmare.

My name is Ravi G., and I am bored of work. So I needed a release, and jumped on the Internets. No, not release as in a right-hand kinda way, I'm talking gastrointestinal-wise. I want out, something new, something fresh. There are only so many Togo's, Venezia's, Pyramid Alehouse's, Sushi House's, Subway's, Jupiter's, etc etc.

I jump on the Internet, and the Internet (heh heh) points me to Yelp, and yelp, she guides me to Wally's. It's not a long (giggle) drive from where I earn my livin, so I figure I'd (muffling laughter) "bite"...

Bite-HA HA HA HA, get it? OOOOOOhhhhh ssheat, I'm lame.

Wally's Cafe is a hidden place across the plaza where Home Depot is at on San Pablo, but now I said too much. It's like Emeryville's little secret, and you have to have an eagle's eye to find it, because it's in the alley behind this bar. Pretty sweet, huh? You walk in, and it's like the neighborhood eat. You got a swift segue to the next door bar to watch a game and shoot some pool, or you can kick it with Wally and his wife on the counter, and have local conversation as your radio.

The wife is nice, real sweet. She seems genuinely happy, and I'm a cynical bastard. In fact, since I popped my cherry by coming here the first time, Wally's wife gave me and my friend complementary hummus for free, and it was the best hummus I've ever had.

(yeah, i know)

Anyways, that hummus was pretty damn good, and even better than the authentic hummus they serve in California Pizza Kitchen, so I was impressed! I ended up ordering a Gyros Wrap, and Wally worked his magic on the grill, taking his time to bring our food at cheap prices, given this economy today.

Again, his wife, really nice. She gives the authentic good service that brings customers back, I can tell. I'd sign up for her classes on how to keep smiling so earnestly if I could, because obviously this place is beginning to circulate around town.

So, if you're a first timer, you get complementary hummus, and she even offered to give us dessert, but we had to run back and clock in with the MAN, so I couldn't oblige. OH YEAH, they take only cash. That's the sign of greatness, because they don't pay the man much in taxes. That's Wally, being revolutionary in his own way.

The coolest thing was, she offered that if we didn't have a credit card, we could...come back later to pay...

Awwww? How sweet and trusting is that to the hardened and suicidal cynic in me? Ultimately, I ended up having my friend spot me, if only to distract her from the the tear falling from my left eye.

I enjoyed the laid-back, small mom and pop eatery vibe in this hidden little jewel in downtown Emeryville, and I gotta thank Yelp for once again, proving why I check out this place to find me some new places to eat.

I want girls. Yes, and that's how I'm gonna end this review, f it.

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2

22

Kai T.

Corte Madera, CA

This is definitely one of my new favorite places.
I work in Emeryville and have gotten bored with the same old places.
Was definitely craving hummus & Mediterranean food today and this place hit the spot!
I am so glad I read the reviews before I left because it really is hard to find. Just park near 39th and go towards Bank Caf and there is a side patio that leads right up to the door.
They were so friendly and sweet (which is definitely lacking in this area) and gave everyone complimentary lentil soup while they were waiting.
That was the best lentil soup I have ever had and the hummus was phenomenal! I got the pomegranate chicken which was pretty good (my colleagues loved it!).
Huge & Generous portions! Can't wait to go back! Definitely try this place out.

Had to update to five stars since my other food is RIDICULOUSLY good. My coworkers are all obsessed and would go 5 days a week if they could! lol!

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2

39

S d.

Emeryville, CA

I love Mediterranean food...but have been underwhelmed by the Bay Area offerings.  I saw this place on Yelp! and decided to give it a try.  Yelpers know what's up, most always.  Here's the thing...this place is right by my office...just two blocks away...and I never knew it was there!  It's seriously hidden behind the Bank Club bar (you can enter through a walkway to the right or go through the bar).

I went with my colleague today and...WOW.  The food blew me away.  I've eaten TONS of Middle Eastern food (including lots at parties at homes) and nothing compares to what is coming out of that little kitchen in Emeryville.   I will run out of superlatives trying to describe the taste.  It's market fresh, has  beautifully layered seasonings (the chicken shwarma will seduce you), and is reasonably priced with generous portions.

I will mention that the owners are very sweet but I will also mention that even if they were soup nazis I would be willing to line up for their food.

Please do yourself a favor and find this little spot and give it a try.  They hand-make their falafel dough and the end result is the best I have had by a mile.  What a treat.  OH!  And let's say you don't like shwarmas, gyros, and such....just get the Baklava.  Also homemade, it's light and not-too-sweet and the best I have ever had.  EVER!

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0

6

David S.

Pleasant Hill, CA

This is the BEST hidden gem in the East Bay, Wally and Angelica make Amazing Mediterranean food here.   I think it's made with love, tears of joy, and sprinkled with magic tasty pixie dust.  Their offerings are at a great price and they are both so generous and so kind, if you don't fall in love with the food, you'll fall in love with them.

Portions are generous, their falafel's are outstanding, the rice is mouth watering, the homemade hummus and baba ganoush are most delicious. (Tip: try dipping their fries in the hummus, ohh yeah, I do that shit!)

You can't go wrong here, from the wraps to the plates to the sandwiches, all amazing.  And don't feel limited by the menu, ask them to make you something new and exciting, or try and customize items from the menu, they will accommodate or suggest something you can't refuse!

Don't forget to get yourself a Trumer Pilsner from Andy at the bar 10 feet next to you, this will bode well with Wally's food.

Tip: Parking? try the Miyozen parking lot down street.

Wally's we all love you!  Thank you!

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139

74

Susan S.

Alameda, CA

Pssst!  
Pssst!

Over here!

If I tell you a secret will you be able to keep it?

Lean a little closer so no one else hears me.

A little closer......

Oops, a little too close. Sorry my garlic breath almost made you pass out!

Now, here's the deal.  Please don't tell anyone that Wally's is my new favorite Mediterranean (Lebanese) lunch spot.   Swear to secrecy on this, okay?

Because I don't want them to *ever* run out of their freshly made hummus, fatoosh, baba ganoush, tabouleh, falafel, or schwarmas like I just ate at Wally's.

I also don't want anyone to know that Waleed and Angelique are the nicest, most generous couple.  Angelique gave us free hummus since it was our first visit. She also brought out a fatoosh for us to share since I wasn't exactly sure what it was.  They both were so good.  Everything tasted like it was just made from scratch.

Please don't spill the beans that Waleed is a great chef and makes delicious schwarmas among many things.  He also serves very generous portions.  Angelique is gracious and very helpful about any items you have questions about.  You will feel very welcomed.

So, remember to tell everyone that Wally's is really run by grumpy, difficult , tired folks and the food isn't very good.  Also tell everyone that they'll throw you out on your *fatoosh* if you can't pronounce what you order properly.

Because, I want them all to myself.
It's so worth the garlic breath.
Now come give me a BIG SLOPPY KISS for this secret.
*puckers lips* and gives a *deep happy exhale*

Food:  5 stars
Service: 5 stars
Ambiance:  4...it's tucked behind a bar and it's diner counter seating inside.  However, we sat outside at a table since the weather was beautiful.

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0

9

Julie c.

San Francisco, CA

I've only been to a handful of Lebanese(?)/Mediterranean restraunts, but it doesn't take a genius to notice the superb quality, fresh ingredients, perfect blend of spices that Wally puts together - consistently.

I usually stick with my favorite so far, beef sharwama over rice platter that has the most tender beef, the tomato is sauteed to a sweet finish, and the sauce is so freaking...good that I want to lick my plate after I finish.

The falafel and rice is definitely my second favorite.

He usually throws in freebies - lentil soup, pita bread and hummus, and in the end, this type of Greek dessert called...bak...I forgot, its just amazing.

Like others have said before, he really knows how to run a small business to cater to the customer's wants and needs. Hes a very kind man, as I trust you will find out. I was very surprised (since I've become an, ahem, regular :P ) when he noticed I didn't eat too much of my salad and suggested to make it less sour...without me even mentioning anything...now thats customer service right there :)

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0

4

Large H.

Oakland, CA

Best Possible Rating For A Counter!!!

I Only Give 5 for a 5 star that really lives up to it.

The main point being... This place has great food. They gave me a little taste of: Russian Chicken Salad...Very Refreshing, Calamari in Olive Sauce... Amazing, Tender & Great Sauce. Lentil Soup... Perfect, with Rice Pilaf in it, just enough. Baklavah was good too... and this was just while I was waiting for my Chicken Shawarma Plate... Also On Point.

Love This Place. Home Cooking Connected to a Bar. No Real Sign. Would have never known about it except for Yelp, and it took a couple of passes to find it. So Thanks For The Info Y"all.

In The Rotation... Heavy Rotation

Cannot say enough good things about this place and the nice people who run it. They deserve All The Success in the World. Props

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3

12

Jerry R.

Oakland, CA

According to Wally the Labanese way is the BEST way to prepare Mediterranean cuisine and I whole-heartedly agree! I've been going to Wally's for about six months or so. It's a shame I haven't yelped this before now. Every single time I've visited it's made my day..no week. I won't eat anything that Wally's Cafe serves anywhere else. I'll pass, hold out and even starve first. Wally and his wife, Angelica are so hospitable even when they're swamped. I've almost tried everything on the menu that's vegetarian and it's seriously been the best I've ever had! My boyfriend won't eat eggplant to save his life but even he's disappointed  if we don't get the babaganous. When we've been tight on cash and can't order EVERYTHING, Wally smiles nods his head and hooks us up. I can't thank him & his wife enough. Last time I visited Wally was framing a review that he'd received from Emeryville Connection and gladly showed it to us. Not that us Yelpers need some newspapers validation but you can view it at http://www.emeryvillec...

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3

4

Jessica V.

Emeryville, CA

Waleed (cafe owner) is the nicest guy on the planet. He makes the best tabouli i have ever had, and always has it ready for me when he knows i am stopping by. His cheesesteak is my favorite sandwich, and he makes it with chicken too (instead of steak). All of his food is fresh and leaves you feeling good (not feeling like you ate something too greasy). His presentation is not of a cafe, but more of a 5 star restaurant. I recommend any specials he has - they never disappoint (esp the lasagna with pine nuts...) Also, if you like to enjoy a drink with your meal, you can walk right over to the connecting bar (his cafe is located in the back of the Bank Club Cafe bar). He caters as well, but i'm not sure if he delivers.

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Elite '08

35

953

charlotte s.

Oakland, CA

thanks to Bryan M.  i was finally able to find this place... thanks!!!

a week ago i was craving some greek/mediterranean food and searched on yelp for anything in the area...
i mean seriously, where are all the places in the east bay?
so i stumble upon this place and read the yelp reviews... not bad... not bad...
we drive to the address....
hmmm something must be wrong... it says bank cafe not wally's cafe...
we drive back and forth a few times in hopes of seeing something.
husband thinks that if the place ever was there, it's closed now... i didn't check the dates of the reviews so we give up and head elsewhere...
a few days later i check up on the reviews and notice that some of them are as new as just a couple days old...
ok something's wrong...
then i see bryan m's review and notice other people had a difficult time finding the place too...

ah... it's on the side of the building...
bank cafe (a bar) is located in the front of the building facing the street and wally's cafe is in the back... enter either through the bar or through the side patio...
the restaurant itself is quite small.  just a U-shaped counter with room for about 12 to 15 people or so... a few tables outside on the patio...

there was only one man working who i assume is the owner waleed from other reviews.
we browsed the menu which has a little bit of bar food staples as well as the gyros and shwarmas etc...
we ordered some dolmas, falafel, beef shwarma, and beef gyros...
we got a complimentary plate of hummus and pita bread :)
service was really friendly and good and the food was tasty...
granted it was a small place so i didn't see an actual rotisseri thingie for the meat, but nevertheless, everything was flavorful and tasty... oh and cheap too... our bill was only $20 and some change!  and then he gave us some complimentary baklava for dessert too!
yea we'll definately be back again.
for what it is i think this place is 5-star worthy and some more...

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0

5

Dena G.

Oakland, CA

Good food & excellent service

I had an immense craving for chicken kabobs yesterday and decided I didn't have time to go to Berkeley for lunch and deal with parking.  Since I didn't know of any good restaurants nearby that had kabobs, I decided to see if yelp had any suggestions.

When I came across Wally's 5-star rating, I was a little skeptical since I had never heard of it and could tell it was a relatively new joint.  But, I love trying new places so I figured why not.  Fortunately, I was able to convince my friend Jenny to come with me to try it out.

Everyone said this place was hard to find so I made sure to look for the Bank Cafe and sure enough- was able to find Wallys (thanks yelp!)  Anyway, we walked in and the place looks like an old school diner with the U-shaped counter.  It's very small, but perfect if you want a quiet place to eat your food (don't go with a big group).  I ordered my chicken kabob plate (comes with the world's best lentil soup, rice & salad) and my friend ordered the falafels.

The food was really good - again the soup was especially tasty as was the rice- but also, the owners were super nice.  Since the place is small, there is definitely a more personal aspect to your dining and the owners notice when someone new comes in.  Both Jenny and I were already thinking about what we wanted to order the next time we came and also found ourselves in a dilemma.  On one hand, we want to promote the restaurant, on the other hand, we kind of want to keep it to ourselves- like we had found a gem that nobody (at least in our company) knew about.

In summary, if you're the type of person who wants an elegant, sit down dinner at a 5-star restaurant, this is not the place for you.  This is perfect for the person that just wants good food & friendly service and who is comfortable eating at a diner.  Definitely check this place out!

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2

13

Juliet K.

Berkeley, CA

This place is a tribute to the fact that food that is carefully and lovingly prepared tastes the best. You can tell by watching him that Wally truly loves what he cooks - we ordered a mixed plate of hummus, baba ganoush and tabbouleh and falafel, with a basket of warm pita. My husband and I have a habit that whenever we eat mediterranean food, we scarf it down as if it were the last meal on earth.  I'm not sure why we do this, but it is probably because it tastes so damn good.  The hummus was very garlicky and absolutely delicious. I was licking the plate clean for every last bit of hummus goodness.  Baba ganoush also very good, smoky and creamy.  The tabbouleh was exceptional, he used a lot of mint and parsley, which is how I like it as opposed to the bulgur-heavy version.  The falafels were made by hand, and fried right in front of our eyes, so they were super fresh, crispy on the outside, and garlicy-hot spicy on the inside.  

The best was the baklava, which was obviously homemade, using quality butter which comes through in each bite.  Sometimes baklava is overly sweet and honeyed, that all you taste is sweet.  This stuff was perfectly balanced between sweet and buttery.  We got the baklava to go, but Wally gave us a little taster slice as we were paying our bill.  I think it's because he wanted the satisfaction of knowing he makes some damn good baklava.

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4

6

Manny V.

San Francisco, CA

WALLY ROCKS!!! My girlfriend and I were craving falafel and after a quick search on yelp we found this new spot and the mostly positive reviews were spot on. It was a bit tough to find parking and he mentioned that they  were going to install a better sign out front to help patrons locate this hideaway. We were happily greeted and sat at the counter, one thing the spot is lacking is seating lucky there are a couple of picnic tables out front if the limited counter seats are all occupied. Wally instantly gave us a plate of his homemade hummus and some warm yummy pitas to scoop it up. Although the vegetarian fair is limited he mentioned that he will definitely add more yummy treats for us non-meatys. His Greek salad was wonderfully crafted with great spices and fresh veggies. The falafel wrap was exactly what we were craving, freshly made and served warm and he instinctively provided hot sauce for us for that extra kick. After finishing our hearty meal Wally brought us a couple slices of some of the best baklava I have ever had, light flaky and oh so sweet. We will definitely return to this spot and look forward to his new additions to the menu. (only four stars because of the limited vegetarian selection...I am sure you omnivores will have more praise for his offerings.) He is also open late nights on Fridays and Saturdays.  And the fact that he is right on the doorstep of a bar makes it a great all around destination. Please swing by and give him a chance to make this place a success!!!

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Robert C.

Emeryville, CA

Reasonable prices, great food, great service. The sides, such as french fries or onion rings, are prepared right in front of you; the meat is fresh, thinly sliced, and the marinade is tasty.

It's casual and friendly, with a door that opens up onto the bar next store, another casual place with $3 pints. I think I'll come here every weekend.

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Bryan M.

Oakland, CA

after a couple laps up and down san pablo, i finally found wally's. there was a small sign on the ground pointing down a side patio of what looked like a bank. but what looked like a bank ended up being a very populated bar (at 1 pm) called the bank club. their street number was written on duct tape above the door and the mediterranean restaurant was in the back room.

at this point, i realized this was gonna be a five star review.

and then the woman working the counter was soooo friendly. i ate at a picnic table outside, where they brought me out a plate of pita and hummus, on the house.  the falafel was incredible! it was so moist and flavorful. everything about the place left me feeling good.

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R. M.

Fremont, CA

This place has the best Lebanese food I have ever had! The food is all fresh and made from scratch which makes for a healthy and filling meal! whether it's lunch or dinner you can go in there and have some falafel with some hummus on the side, or one of my all time favorites the chicken kabob plate that comes with a very tasty greek salad and rice and also the GREAT garlic sauce! IT'S THE BEST! I Love this place bacause it has a huge menu with a lot of variety and you can always eat something different yet it's always fresh and DELICIOUS! try it I guarantee you will love it! oh i forgot! the people there are SUPER FRIENDLY!

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date n.

Oakland, CA

No, this is not a 5 star hole-in-the-wall.  After reading these reviews I was expecting some awesome food.  I'm generous with my 4 stars.  I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt that the rest of their food is better than the gyro wrap.  The greek salad was great.  Perfect really.  The gyro wrap was lacking in taste and meat.  It was mostly lettuce.  The yogurt dill sauce was not at all dill.  It didn't taste bad, just bland.  Price was reasonable if there was more meat in my wrap, but that was not the case.  I didn't have the falafel so I cannot comment on it.  Service was fine, the place was pretty clean.  If I go back, it will not be for a gyro wrap.

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Susan L.

Oakland, CA

Have to agree the gyros are not real (I'm used to Chicago which has awesome Greek food); but having said that, I love Wally's!  their beef and chicken shwarma are both great, and their chicken pomegranate is also fab.  For some reason their rice totally does it for me -- really light and delicious.  And if you get a chance to try their version of skordalia (a garlic dip), just be warned -- it's powerful (good) stuff!  Wally and his wife are lovely people and deserve all the business they can get.  Even tho they're a bit hard to find (behind the Bank Club - an interesting little bar...), hunt them out!

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Niko N.

Emeryville, CA

Wally's Cafe has the best Greek Salads. The kebab plates  are great, he gives big portions with his servings. My personal favorite aside from the Mediterranean food is Wally's panini-pressed cheesesteak. The best sandwich I have ever tasted. The place is very clean, but above all they are very friendly people.

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5

Spuddy L.

Emeryville, CA

5 Stars for this amazing cafe and its wonderful owners! The nicest people and ever met! My boyfriend and I went there during a weekday and I ordered the beef shwarma (spelling?). My meal was awesome, fresh and crisp and filling.

After finishing our meal we stuck around to chat and the owners came over to us to see how we were. They ended up giving us free dessert and Turkish coffee. After we finished our coffees the owners wife gave us a lesson in reading our coffee grinds.

When we were paying I realized I only had a card to pay with and they only accept cash. Wally was so nice and said "Dont worry about it, just pay the next time youre here." I was blown away, I dont think anyone in the bay area is nice enough to offer that policy. Thank goodness my boyfriend had money and he took care of the bill. I couldn't imagine leaving without paying this place!

Overall wonderful experience that was delightful all around. I would recommend it to anyone!

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Eileen R.

Oakland, CA

5 stars for yummy reasonably priced food served by a friendly staff.  I can't get enough of that falafel, yum.  The location is a little odd, but definitely worth it.  

Eat in or take it to go and eat your tasty treats at home on your couch!

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Fareed M.

Emeryville, CA

This place totally rocks.

Great lebanese food.. but not the kind of boring, had it a million times before, bland hummus, tabouli, falafel, and shawarmas.

This is amazing, delicious, what _is_ that flavor hummus, tabouli, falafel and shawarmas. The chicken shwarm is the best I've ever had. He puts fresh mint in the beef shwarm. The service is great - wally is a really nice guy who truly cares whether you enjoyed your meal.

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