The Best Shawarma

6934 W 79th St, Burbank, IL 60459, United States
+1 708-233-9220
$$$ Middle Eastern restaurant , Restaurant , Shawarma restaurant
(996 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

The Best Shawarma is a casual, family-run Middle Eastern restaurant nestled on a busy stretch of W 79th St in Burbank, Illinois. It’s the kind of place where the atmosphere is shaped less by décor and more by a genuine warmth from the people behind the counter—especially the friendly owner who often greets guests with a welcoming smile and an occasional surprise taste of something special. This spirit of hospitality sets the tone from the moment you walk in.

Focused on shawarma and classic Middle Eastern dishes, the menu offers a satisfying range of options, including well-balanced falafel sandwiches, hearty combination plates, and savory shawarma sandwiches featuring chicken, beef, or mixed meats. The falafel stands out as a highlight, freshly made with a satisfying ratio of chickpea to sauce to fresh veggies—paired often with a wedge of fresh lemon peel that adds a subtle bright kick. For those interested in lighter bites, salads like the Jerusalem Salad or Arabic Salad provide a refreshing side with simple, clean flavors.

The Best Shawarma works best as a convenient lunch spot or casual dinner for people craving straightforward, fresh, and well-spiced Middle Eastern fare. The place has a noticeably local vibe, where regulars stop in for the reliably good food and the welcoming interaction with the staff. Since the restaurant operates on a cash-only policy—with an ATM available on site—visitors should come prepared or ready to use Zelle, as a few locals have noted.

The environment is unpretentious and functional, making it ideal for folks who prioritize flavor and authenticity over ambiance. It’s not a fine dining experience but rather a down-to-earth neighborhood kitchen where food is served quickly, with care and an authentic touch. Whether you’re new to Middle Eastern cuisine or already a fan, The Best Shawarma’s approachable menu combined with the owner’s genuine friendliness makes it a dependable option for a no-fuss, flavorful meal in Burbank.

Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves halal food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Best for
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

996 Reviews
Angie Goetz

03 Jan 2026

Literally the BEST food! You will go back again and again. And if you are lucky, the sweet man who is always there (I'm guessing the owner) to give you an unexpected taste of something yummy (I've tried the lentil soup and he just surprised someone who had never had falafel with a mini falafel sandwich to try-and of course gave me one too). Bring cash or use the ATM, you won't be disappointed!

manuel L

01 Jan 2026

CASH ONLY! From the moment i walked in i was greeted with friendly smiles and was treated great it was my first time trying this cuisine and it was amazing i will definitely be back here it was delicious and fresh and flavorful they are definitely living up to their name best shawarma

Jibriel Tawalbeh

31 Dec 2025

A great family ran restruant with amazing flavors. Their shawerma is amazing, their name does not dissapoint. Walking in you are greeted and instantly taken care of. The owner of the shop is always there with a smile and working hard.

Nan W

09 Nov 2025

One of the best falafel sandwiches I've ever had. Owner is super nice and made the falafel fresh. The ratio of falafel to hummus to veggies to sauce to pita was perfect. Whatever spices he used made the veggies taste so fresh. And the fresh lemon peel gave both the sandwich and the lentil soup (also excellent and recommended by the owner) a nice kick. Can't wait to come back and try the shawerma.

Ivebeeneverywhereman

09 Nov 2025

Best mixed shawerma I have had in a lomg time. Chicken, lamb and beef with all the extras. The owner was very nice and polite and just a great place for lunch. Cash or zelle for payment.

Liam Brosnan

07 Nov 2025

Chicken shawerma sandwich was a perfect lunch, guys there were incredible friendly, hooked me up with lentil soup that warmed my bones on a cold day. Cannot wait to go back

Rolo

21 Oct 2025

I saw this little shop on my way to a friends anniversary celebration nearby and noted that I should try to visit this place once I had a moment of time. Note here that’s it’s cash only but they do accept Zelle. The nicely seasoned steak off a rotating spit (shawarama) and served in a pita with onions, tomato and tahini sauce was really excellent. It had a good char on the meat and the toppings complimented the salty and seasoned fatty steak. Their fries was unique to me. Not quite know how it was prepared but the outer skin of the fries kind of puffed into a crunchy “chex” texture with a steamy soft interior. I could eat a huge bag of this. Salt is the only thing that is needed for this. Is this “Best Shawerma” ever? Perhaps, but I have only a few recollections of ever trying this specific labeled food (shawarma). I have more experience with a similar style of food from the Greek and Mediterranean options. This is on par with some of the best I have had. The staff, chef and cook was very friendly and prepared food fresh and to order. Ill definitely try more items on their menu next time I am in the Burbank area.

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