Modest counter-serve eatery offering Israeli & other Middle Eastern staples with vegetarian options.
tinka
We have been a few times now, still tasting things on the menu. First, organic and non gmo. Thank you so much for that. We stopped in this weekend for the stuffed cabbage rolls, delicious and the redfish dinner. I have also had the knafta for dessert and don’t know where this has been all my life. The pitas are fresh, hummus is great, morrocan carrots are spicy, best falafel I have had. Two standard sauces on the table. Always a God bless you on the receipt. God bless you all.
… moreMarcus Barton
Tried the chicken shawarma plate at and it was fantastic. The plate comes with your choice of couscous or basmati rice along with a fresh Israeli salad made with cucumber, tomato, onion, and herbs.
The staff was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and attentive throughout the visit, which made the experience even better.
The shawarma itself was packed with flavor, and everything on the plate was delicious. My only minor note was that the food came out a little on the cool side, but honestly it didn’t take away from how good everything tasted.
Pro tip: ask for half couscous and half rice so you get the best of both worlds. Definitely a spot I’d come back to.
… moreRichell Nordhaus
Excellent!
We went out of our way on a trip to find this place and 10/10 would recommend. Hubby and I had the shawarma plate and split a side falafel. It was delicious. Fresh. And if you are gluten free you can eat almost anything on the menu including falafel!
Tried a local kombucha they have and it was yummy too!
… moreBryan Caswell
A favorite of ours for Israeli and other Near Eastern cuisine since we first tried it after moving to the area! Charming dining area with something if an open kitchen, and a few tables outside under the awning as well. Staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, including bring takeout orders straight to your car at the curb as default.
Ordered a shakshuka plate with couscous and Moroccan carrots. Flavors were good, not overseasoned but not bland, either. “Medium” spicy for the shakshuka was still fairly spicy, but not uncomfortably so. Egg yolks were on the runnier side. Carrots were a good level of done-ness, cooked through but not mush. Their pitas are thick and fluffy, always a highlight of the order. Be warned, the shakshuka is soupy, and can easily get messy just from carrying the container without due care, especially in the classic styrofoam to-go box they use (which, to their credit, they warned us about up front themselves).
… moreGreg Jacobik
Wow! Eli’s Jerusalem Grill is delicious! Walking in the vibe is like a bustling eatery in Israel! The decor and music is authentic and simple! Eli is the Owner with his wife Laurel! This is a local family owned business which impressed me so much! I am retired Air Force 27 years and have been all over the world and “Love” authentic cultural entrees! I miss traveling so I come here! I will leave the meal I ordeeed which is Lamb and Chicken and daily fresh pitas! Actually everything was daily fresh! I hope I am making your mouth water for a cozy place to bring someone for as romantic lunch or dinner with a great vibe and low key sound for conversation! The service was FANTASTIC! Laurel and Sarah weee hustling for Customer Service, attention to bring your entree to your table. When you enter take a right and order at the counter then sit. They do have wine and beer. Them was impressed me also was the cleaning was! This team plus the cooks gave me an amazing non-rush lunch experience! It’s on Hwy 280 Hoover behind Wendy’s! Give it a try with no ruah and Quaint with a 5-Star experience! Thank you Eli and Laurel! I will be here regularly! Salute!
… moreSweet Bama
Let me say this we have been going here for years and loved it. However the last couple of times we have been treated rudely and the owners aren’t very friendly anymore. You can go read other comments below and several people have been done the same way. They are extremely short staffed but no excuse for treating some patrons better than those. They know you, they will treat you a little better. They need to adjust their attitude It’s not just us. I’ve read several comments below. From now on we will do curbside pickup or have it delivered. Again we have went here for years and loved the food and the environment but after the last couple of times especially if you have children I wouldn’t recommend it and have always told everyone to go visit this establishment. Just because you own an establishment doesn’t mean you can treat people ugly. Very disappointing in having to post this comment but people need to know. Maybe things will change but some people don’t care how rude they are and it’s both the wife and husband. The food is amazing but very expensive and even though we have always loved it no matter what it’s getting pricey to even eat here but it’s healthier for you. The owners need again to treat people with dignity and respect and not treat people differently and be blantantly unfriendly. I hope they change their behavior and attitude soon. Just go read the other comments below it’s not just my family.
… moreSaniya Nathani
One of the best Mediterranean restaurants in Birmingham. My go to place with my friends and family. I love vegan plate here. Taste so good .
… moreKatia Rodriguez
Family friendly restaurant, the server was so friendly. I loved the falafel. Chicken shawarma plate was good, I just felt like the couscous was a little dry. They do give you a garlic and a spicy sauce that taste delicious and add so much more flavor to the meal.
They also had a family wall by the hallway, which was so cute. They had pictures from different generations.
… moreRichard Ogg
On a recent road trip to the Birmingham area we found this gem. We love to try new foods and atmospheres. Our experience was the best of all. Savory new tastes, delightful serve. Moving to the area and we’ll be back. !
… moreJohanna Earthly Ramos
an actual 5 star experience!
I have been vegan for 11 years all in the state of Alabama. Most restaurants could care less about my vegan belly and any available options seem like an afterthought. But not at Eli’s!!
First off, as we walked in the door others were coming out with the biggest smiles on their faces (direct effect of happy tummies ) and when they saw us looking the menu on the window outside they knew we were first timers and began loading us with what we should get and how much we were gonna love the place. OKAY!! Then we get inside and we’re greeted by 2 of the sweetest kids working there (old enough to work there, but hey I’m easily 3 times their age). Atmosphere on point, period.
Now for this food! I’m not new to Mediterranean food. It’s easily my top 3 favorite cuisines. But the food at this place was incredible. I’m not over reacting, just try it. The freshness and flavors taste like no other Mediterranean restaurant we’ve gone to. If you’ve heard about this place, believe the hype.
And to think all this is because of a vegan plate for me and my pescatarian Hubby that enjoyed the salmon dinner very much. We have no doubt that every item on this menu is just as amazing.
You’re welcome .
… more