Usta Kababgy - Austin

Without a doubt, this is the best Mediterranean food I have ever had in Austin. My partner and I were visiting friends in the area, and we were blown away by the heavenly kabobs, which came with fresh bread. The kabobs were bursting with flavor and had an incredible grilled taste. However, I believe it's really the quality of the meat that makes them so delicious (and addictive). The rice was perfectly cooked with a unique blend of spices, and I highly recommend it. We also ordered a lahmajun, which my kids loved, as well as a lentil dish.

Excellent food and friendly service! We visited late at night, and I noticed that the menu is different from what’s available online, with some items only served on certain days. The hummus was delicious, and the pita bread was large and freshly made—they really know what they're doing. The kabab was tasty and mild, making it perfect for kids. The server recommended the lentil soup for our children, and they absolutely loved it. They didn't have Arabic tea, but they offered complimentary tea with a station for hot water and sadaf tea bags, which was also enjoyable. This place is my second favorite after Leyla's Kitchen on Hamilton Pool Road. Kid-friendly note: my son really enjoyed their za'atar bread!

The chicken kebab was absolutely delicious—definitely one of the best I've ever tasted. The restaurant has a lovely ambiance, and they serve halal Mexican food too. We also tried the chicken fajitas, which were quite good as well.

I ordered the beef kebab, and I must say the bread was nice, though I would have liked it to be fresher. Since I got it to go and was running late, I guess that's my fault. The vegetables were lightly seasoned—if they were seasoned at all—which I actually enjoyed. The tomatoes were cut into generous chunks, which I thought was fantastic. There was a good amount of beef, but what really made the dish stand out were the rice and hummus. The rice was very aromatic and delicious enough to eat on its own. The hummus, on the other hand, was more heavily seasoned compared to other places I’ve tried.

This restaurant is a fantastic spot for Mediterranean cuisine! Everything we tried was delicious, including the plates and wraps. We also enjoyed the beef flatbread, which was great. I highly recommend any of their wraps or platters. The baklava was a real treat—not too sweet and very tasty. I didn't like the fries, though. The owner and staff were very polite and took the time to explain the menu in detail. If you're not looking for a full meal, they also offer ice cream and smoothies. The location is ideal, with several taco trucks nearby as well.