Milwaukee is a city known for its diverse culinary scene, and one dish that has gained popularity in recent years is shawarma. This Middle Eastern sandwich is made with marinated meat (usually chicken or beef) that is slow-roasted on a spit and sliced thinly.
The meat is then wrapped in a pita or flatbread along with vegetables, sauces, and toppings. It's a filling and flavorful meal that has become a favorite of many locals.
But where can you find the best shawarma in Milwaukee? With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. That's where this guide comes in.
We've scoured the city to find the most delicious and authentic shawarma spots, from casual takeout joints to sit-down restaurants.
Whether you're a longtime fan of shawarma or you're trying it for the first time, this guide will help you discover new places to satisfy your cravings.
So buckle up and get ready to explore Milwaukee's shawarma scene like a pro.
1. Oakland Gyros
Oakland Gyros is a must-visit for shawarma lovers. This cash-only eatery offers a Greek/American menu and late-night hours.
Customers rave about the thick gyro meat and perfect pita.
The chicken shish kebab and gyro platters are also highly recommended. The staff is friendly and the setting is always clean.
It's a great place to grab a quick bite or sit and enjoy a delicious meal. Don't miss out on this east side standard for UWM area food.
2. Al Bazzar Restaurant & Sweets
Al Bazzar Restaurant & Sweets is a Middle Eastern restaurant that serves the best shawarma sandwich in the US.
The food is authentic and reminds one of the Middle East.
The lamb is particularly noteworthy and is the best the reviewer has ever had.
The restaurant is clean with good service and a nice atmosphere. Highly recommended for those looking for delicious Middle Eastern food.
3. Damascus Gate Restaurant
Damascus Gate Restaurant is a must-visit place for anyone craving Middle Eastern food.
Their shawarma is packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. The Vegetarian Mixed Appetizer and Mixed Grill Platter are highly recommended.
The restaurant's mission to help refugees from Syria is admirable, and the friendly staff make for a great dining experience.
The simple decor adds to the charm of the place. Prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous. Don't miss out on this gem of a restaurant.
4. Crispy Kitchen
Crispy Kitchen is a must-visit for shawarma lovers.
The chicken is fresh and seasoned to perfection, while the beef kabob sandwich is a standout dish.
The owner is friendly and helpful, and the restaurant is always clean.
The food is hot and made to order, and the portions are generous. Crispy Kitchen is a great option for a quick and delicious meal.
5. Shawarma King
Shawarma King is a must-visit spot for anyone craving Mediterranean food.
Their mixed plate is a standout dish, with perfectly cooked meats and complimentary sides like hummus and baba ghanoush. The falafel sandwich is also a hit, generously sized and full of flavor.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, making for a pleasant dining experience. Don't expect a fancy interior, but the food more than makes up for it.
Shawarma King is a great value for delicious and authentic Mediterranean cuisine.
6. Shi Chai Hookah Lounge
Shi Chai Hookah Lounge is a Middle Eastern restaurant and hookah bar that offers over 50 flavors of hookah. The menu features delicious shawarma and mixed grill platters, as well as vegan options.
The atmosphere is chill, with great music and vibes. The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure customers have a great experience.
Prices are reasonable, making it a great spot for a date or a night out with friends. While alcohol is not served, the quality of food and hookah make up for it.
If you're in the mood for Middle Eastern fare and hookah, Shi Chai Hookah Lounge is definitely worth checking out.
7. Lisa's Pizzeria
Lisa's Pizzeria may be known for their pizza, but their shawarma is a must-try. The meat is juicy and flavorful, and the toppings are fresh and plentiful.
The pita bread is soft and warm, making for a perfect combination of textures.
The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the service is friendly and efficient.
Whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, Lisa's Pizzeria is a great spot to satisfy your shawarma cravings.
8. Hello
Hello is a great place for shawarma lovers. Their chicken shawarma is delicious and not dry. They have a diverse menu with affordable prices, making it a great option for families.
The restaurant is clean, and the staff is friendly. The portions are generous, and the food has a lot of flavor.
The fries are lemon pepper flavored and worth trying. They also have a signature smoothie and cookies and cream shake that are worth ordering.
Although the restaurant is not fast food, the wait times are not too long. Hello is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for good shawarma.
9. Pita Palace Mediterranean Cuisine
Pita Palace Mediterranean Cuisine is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious shawarma. The food is full of flavor and the portion sizes are generous.
The staff is wonderful and attentive. The restaurant also offers a great selection of baked goods and desserts.
The ambience is beautiful and the interior is well-designed. The cafeteria-style ordering makes it quick and easy to get your food.
The restaurant is highly recommended for both meat lovers and vegetarians. Pita Palace Mediterranean Cuisine is definitely worth a visit.
10. Centraal Grand Cafe & Tappery
Centraal Grand Cafe & Tappery is a European-style cafe that serves a variety of Belgian and Dutch beers and eats. The restaurant has a lovely atmosphere and offers comfortable seating both inside and outside.
The menu is not extensive but offers high-quality food, including shawarma. The service is excellent, and the staff is friendly and attentive.
The restaurant is a great spot to have a bite to eat and watch the game on Sundays. The bar is large and stretches across the entire restaurant, and they even have a closed-in area adjacent to the patio that can be used year-round.
The place is a must-visit for those looking for a unique and enjoyable dining experience.
11. Gyro Palace
If you're looking for delicious shawarma, Gyro Palace is the place to go. With fresh, juicy meat cooked to order, you won't be disappointed.
The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable, making it a great value for your money.
The service is friendly and customer-oriented, ensuring a positive experience.
Whether you're in the mood for a gyro sandwich or a chicken shish kebab, both are highly recommended. Don't miss out on this gem for authentic Greek fare.
12. Sal's Pizza East Side
Sal's Pizza East Side is a casual Italian eatery that serves up delicious New York-style pizzas and Italian classics.
However, they also offer some of the best shawarmas in town. The shawarmas are made with juicy, seasoned meat and served with fresh veggies and a flavorful sauce.
The prices are reasonable, and the service is friendly. The ambiance is basic, but it's a perfect spot for a quick and tasty meal.
If you're in the mood for shawarma or pizza, Sal's is definitely worth checking out.
13. Shahrazad Persian / Middle Eastern Cuisine
Shahrazad Persian/Middle Eastern Cuisine offers a wide variety of meat and veggie meals. Their shawarma sandwich is a must-try.
The atmosphere is inviting, and the staff is friendly. The lentil soup is highly recommended, and the $6 falafel sandwich is a great value.
The Sunday buffet is fresh and authentic. The owner is social and welcoming.
Shahrazad Persian/Middle Eastern Cuisine is the perfect spot for delicious and authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.
14. Shawarma House
Shawarma House is a Middle Eastern restaurant that offers a no-frills, casual dining experience. The menu is simple, yet boasts a variety of delicious options.
The All in Shawarma is a popular choice among customers, but the Spicy Chicken Shawarma and lamb skewers are also must-tries.
The staff is courteous and service is fast, making it a great spot for a quick and satisfying meal. The homemade pita and flavorful hummus are also noteworthy.
For those looking to try something different, the shawarma burger is a tasty and approachable option. Shawarma House is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for fresh, clean, and delicious Middle Eastern cuisine.
