Who doesn’t love a good kebab? From smoky street corners in Istanbul to posh rooftops in Paris, kebabs are the universal food hug we all need. Dive into this guide to the 33 most iconic kebab restaurants around the world. Each bite comes with a side of history, a sprinkle of humor, and a dollop of curiosity.
1) Durumzade (Istanbul, Turkey)
Year Founded: 1970
Address: Kalyoncu Kulluğu Caddesi 26/A, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
Dishes: Lamb wraps, chicken skewers, and their famous dürüm kebab
Cost for a Meal: $8–$12
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Lamb Dürüm Kebab
Instagram: @Durumzade
Website: None – this place is old school.
Chef: No celebrity chef, just Mehmet, a master griller with smoky hands and a golden heart.
This tiny shop shot to fame after Anthony Bourdain raved about it on Parts Unknown. It’s the kind of place where every bite feels like a kiss from the Bosphorus breeze. The lamb dürüm kebab is so perfectly spiced, it might just bring tears to your eyes. Tip: Grab extra napkins—you’ll need them for happy tears and juicy drips!
2) Bademiya (Mumbai, India)
Year Founded: 1946
Address: Tulloch Rd, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Dishes: Seekh kebabs, baida roti, and roomali rolls
Cost for a Meal: $5–$10
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Chicken Seekh Kebab
Instagram: @Bademiya_1946
Website: Bademiya
Chef: Started by the legendary Mohammed Yaseen in a street-side cart.
Imagine Mumbai’s chaotic charm infused into a kebab. This late-night hotspot is where Bollywood stars and cab drivers share tables (okay, plastic stools). The chicken seekh kebab, smoky and tender, will have you questioning why you ever ate anything else at 2 a.m.
3) Maroush Gardens (London, UK)
Year Founded: 1981
Address: 1 Connaught St, St George’s Fields, London W2 2BH, UK
Dishes: Shish tawook, lamb kafta, and mezze platters
Cost for a Meal: $30–$50
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Lamb Kafta Kebab
Instagram: @MaroushLondon
Website: Maroush
Chef: Chef Marouf Abouzaki, who brought Lebanese magic to London.
Fancy dining meets Middle Eastern comfort food. Maroush Gardens is an institution in London, serving up kebabs so juicy they might make Big Ben jealous. Their lamb kafta kebab comes with just the right amount of char, perfectly paired with creamy hummus.
4) Dizi Sang (Tehran, Iran)
Year Founded: 1959
Address: 30 Tir Street, Tehran, Iran
Dishes: Chelo kebab, koobideh, and dizi stew
Cost for a Meal: $6–$10
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Chelo Koobideh (minced lamb kebab)
Instagram: Not available. This place is too traditional for selfies.
Website: None – they let their flavors speak for themselves.
Chef: No named chef, just generations of culinary tradition passed down.
Dizi Sang is where Tehran’s history meets a plate of succulent koobideh kebabs. Served with fragrant saffron rice, charred tomatoes, and heaps of butter, it’s a meal that demands you loosen your belt. Locals say the secret is in the minced lamb’s blend of spices and the grill’s smoky kisses.
5) Hasir (Berlin, Germany)
Year Founded: 1971
Address: Adalbertstraße 10, 10999 Berlin, Germany
Dishes: Döner kebab, iskender kebab, and lahmacun
Cost for a Meal: $10–$15
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Döner Kebab
Instagram: @HasirRestaurant
Website: Hasir
Chef: Kadir Nurman, the “father of döner,” was associated with the founding.
Hasir is said to be the birthplace of the world-famous döner kebab. Every bite of their meat, wrapped in soft bread and topped with garlicky yogurt sauce, carries the legacy of Berlin’s food revolution. Don’t miss their iskender kebab either—it’s döner’s saucy cousin!
6) Al Mallah (Dubai, UAE)
Year Founded: 1979
Address: Al Diyafah Rd, Satwa, Dubai, UAE
Dishes: Shawarma, shish kebabs, and falafel platters
Cost for a Meal: $8–$12
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Mixed Grill Platter
Instagram: @AlMallahDubai
Website: Al Mallah
Chef: Not celebrity-driven, just a focus on tradition and quality.
When in Dubai, do as the locals do and head to Al Mallah. Their mixed grill platter is a festival of flavors—juicy kebabs, perfectly charred chicken, and the softest pita to mop up every last bit. Pair it with their famous avocado smoothie for a flavor explosion.
7) Afghan Kebab House (New York City, USA)
Year Founded: 1983
Address: 1345 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA
Dishes: Lamb kebabs, chicken kebabs, and mantu dumplings
Cost for a Meal: $15–$20
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Lamb Tikka Kebab
Instagram: Not available (because real foodies don’t need filters).
Website: None – just word of mouth and raving reviews.
Chef: Local Afghan chefs bringing family recipes to life.
Tucked in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, this no-frills spot serves some of the best Afghan kebabs outside Kabul. Their lamb tikka kebab is marinated to perfection and grilled until it’s tender enough to convert vegetarians. Bonus points for the buttery rice that comes with it.
8) Nusr-Et Steakhouse (Istanbul, Turkey)
Year Founded: 2010
Address: Maçka Palas, No:56/B, 34367 Şişli/Istanbul, Turkey
Dishes: Beef kebabs, steak, and lamb chops
Cost for a Meal: $70–$150 (it’s fancy!)
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Salt Bae’s Signature Beef Kebab
Instagram: @Nusr_et
Website: Nusr-Et
Chef: Nusret Gökçe, aka Salt Bae, the internet’s most flamboyant butcher.
Come for the memes, stay for the meat. Nusret Gökçe’s restaurant is as over-the-top as his salt-sprinkling moves. The beef kebab is juicy, smoky, and plated with enough flair to make you feel like royalty (or an Instagram influencer).
9) Adana Ocakbaşı (Adana, Turkey)
Year Founded: 1962
Address: Ziyapaşa Bulvarı No:20, Adana, Turkey
Dishes: Adana kebabs, liver skewers, and mezze
Cost for a Meal: $10–$15
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Adana Kebab
Instagram: None—this is a grill, not a photo op.
Website: None – they believe in offline magic.
Chef: Locally trained masters of the grill.
Adana kebabs are legendary, and this spot is the holy grail. Spiced ground meat grilled to smoky perfection, paired with fresh herbs and onions, will transport you straight to Turkey’s culinary capital.
10) Reza’s (Chicago, USA)
Year Founded: 1983
Address: 5255 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, USA
Dishes: Koobideh, shish kebabs, and Persian stews
Cost for a Meal: $15–$25
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Koobideh Kebab
Instagram: @RezasRestaurant
Website: Reza’s
Chef: Traditional Persian chefs with a Midwestern twist.
Reza’s is where Persian hospitality meets Chicago’s foodie culture. Their koobideh kebab, served with saffron basmati rice and grilled tomatoes, feels like a warm hug from grandma—if grandma had a grill.
11) Imren Grill (Berlin, Germany)
Year Founded: 1994
Address: Boppstraße 10, 10967 Berlin, Germany
Dishes: Döner kebabs, shawarma, and Turkish pizza
Cost for a Meal: $8–$12
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Veal Döner Kebab
Instagram: @ImrenGrill
Website: Imren Grill
Chef: A family-run business with secret family recipes.
Berlin’s kebab scene is legendary, and Imren Grill stands tall among the giants. Their veal döner kebab is juicy, perfectly spiced, and packed into freshly baked bread. With a perfect meat-to-veggie ratio and a garlic sauce you’ll dream about, it’s döner perfection.
12) Bukhara (New Delhi, India)
Year Founded: 1978
Address: ITC Maurya, Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi, India
Dishes: Seekh kebabs, tandoori prawns, and dal bukhara
Cost for a Meal: $40–$60
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Sikandari Raan (lamb leg kebab)
Instagram: @BukharaRestaurant
Website: Bukhara
Chef: Manjit Gill, a culinary icon in Indian cuisine.
This fine-dining establishment is where kebabs wear tuxedos. The Sikandari Raan, a slow-cooked lamb leg marinated in spices, will transport you to Mughal-era feasts. Pro tip: Don’t wear white—the juices will make you regret it!
13) Bakhtar Afghan Halal Restaurant (Kabul, Afghanistan)
Year Founded: 1965
Address: Kolola Pushta, Kabul, Afghanistan
Dishes: Lamb kebabs, chapli kebabs, and kabuli pulao
Cost for a Meal: $5–$10
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Chapli Kebab
Instagram: Not available—real flavors don’t need hashtags.
Website: None, just word-of-mouth fame.
Chef: Afghan chefs passing down recipes through generations.
Chapli kebabs, spiced to perfection with a crispy crust, are the soul of Afghan cuisine. Bakhtar is a no-frills spot where every bite feels like a nostalgic hug.
14) Lamachun Kebab (Paris, France)
Year Founded: 1999
Address: 72 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris, France
Dishes: Lahmacun, shish kebabs, and hummus platters
Cost for a Meal: $15–$20
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Chicken Shish Kebab
Instagram: @LamachunParis
Website: None—this is about food, not fluff.
Chef: A French-Turkish family running the show.
Paris might be known for croissants, but this kebab spot could change that. Their chicken shish kebabs, smoky and tender, are served with a French twist: artful plating and a side of charm.
15) Shish Shawarma (Beirut, Lebanon)
Year Founded: 2001
Address: Hamra Main Street, Beirut, Lebanon
Dishes: Shawarma, kafta kebabs, and tabbouleh
Cost for a Meal: $10–$15
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Beef Shawarma
Instagram: @ShishShawarma
Website: Shish Shawarma
Chef: Chef Rami, a Beirut street food legend.
Known for their beef shawarma, marinated for 24 hours in a secret spice blend, Shish Shawarma is a must-visit in Beirut. Wrap it in thin pita, add a splash of tahini, and voila—pure magic.
16) Otantik Kebab (Sydney, Australia)
Year Founded: 2005
Address: 334 King St, Newtown, Sydney, Australia
Dishes: Lamb kebabs, iskender kebabs, and gozleme
Cost for a Meal: $15–$20
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Lamb Iskender Kebab
Instagram: @OtantikKebab
Website: Otantik Kebab
Chef: Chef Hasan, famous for his signature iskender.
Otantik’s iskender kebab is a feast for the senses. Layers of lamb on a bed of pita, drenched in buttery tomato sauce, make for a messy yet divine experience.
17) Bab Al Yemen (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
Year Founded: 2010
Address: Al Takhassusi St, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Dishes: Yemeni kebabs, mandi, and mutabbaq
Cost for a Meal: $10–$20
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Yemeni Kebab Platter
Instagram: @BabAlYemen
Website: Bab Al Yemen
Chef: Chef Abdulrahman, bringing authentic Yemeni flavors to life.
Bab Al Yemen offers a unique twist on kebabs with traditional Yemeni spices. Their kebab platter, served with freshly baked bread, is an explosion of flavor.
18) Souvlaki GR (Athens, Greece)
Year Founded: 2011
Address: Agiou Ioannou 21, Agia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
Dishes: Pork souvlaki, chicken skewers, and tzatziki
Cost for a Meal: $10–$15
Halal: No (pork is a specialty)
Iconic Kebab: Pork Souvlaki
Instagram: @SouvlakiGR
Website: Souvlaki GR
Chef: Traditional Greek street food artisans.
When in Athens, nothing beats a freshly grilled souvlaki. Wrapped in warm pita and topped with creamy tzatziki and a sprinkle of paprika, Souvlaki GR’s pork skewers are pure Mediterranean bliss. Pair it with a side of Greek salad and a seaside view (even if it’s on Instagram).
19) Kababji Grill (Beirut, Lebanon)
Year Founded: 1993
Address: Verdun, Beirut, Lebanon
Dishes: Kafta kebabs, lamb skewers, and chicken tawook
Cost for a Meal: $10–$20
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Kafta Kebab
Instagram: @KababjiGrill
Website: Kababji Grill
Chef: Expert Lebanese grill masters.
Kababji Grill offers a modern twist on traditional Lebanese kebabs. Their kafta kebabs, made with minced lamb, parsley, and onions, are smoky, juicy, and utterly addictive. Pro tip: Don’t skip their garlic sauce—it’s worth the extra calories.
20) Mangal Ocakbasi (London, UK)
Year Founded: 1991
Address: 10 Arcola St, London E8 2DJ, UK
Dishes: Lamb shish, chicken wings, and mixed grill platters
Cost for a Meal: $20–$30
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Lamb Shish
Instagram: @MangalOcakbasi
Website: Mangal Ocakbasi
Chef: Turkish chefs with years of ocakbasi (grill) experience.
For decades, Mangal has been the go-to spot in London for authentic Turkish kebabs. Their lamb shish, marinated and grilled to perfection, is tender, flavorful, and melts in your mouth.
21) Kebab Turki Baba Rafi (Jakarta, Indonesia)
Year Founded: 2003
Address: Multiple locations across Jakarta, Indonesia
Dishes: Chicken kebabs, beef kebabs, and falafel wraps
Cost for a Meal: $5–$8
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Chicken Kebab Wrap
Instagram: @KebabTurkiBabaRafi
Website: Kebab Turki Baba Rafi
Chef: A modern franchise with a traditional touch.
This Indonesian kebab chain serves fast, delicious kebabs with a local twist. Their chicken kebab wrap is spicy, smoky, and perfect for on-the-go snacking.
22) Pasha Grill (Cincinnati, USA)
Year Founded: 2008
Address: 72 Plum St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Dishes: Doner kebabs, lamb chops, and hummus platters
Cost for a Meal: $20–$30
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Lamb Doner Kebab
Instagram: @PashaGrill
Website: Pasha Grill
Chef: Chef Ali, a master of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Pasha Grill combines Turkish flavors with a Midwestern touch. Their lamb doner kebab, served with fluffy rice and fresh veggies, is an experience you won’t forget.
23) Tarboosh (Cairo, Egypt)
Year Founded: 1987
Address: Zamalek, Cairo, Egypt
Dishes: Kofta kebabs, shish tawook, and grilled liver
Cost for a Meal: $10–$20
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Kofta Kebabs
Instagram: Not available—this is old-school Cairo.
Website: None; visit in person for the full experience.
Chef: Locally trained grillmasters.
Tarboosh’s kofta kebabs, seasoned with Egyptian spices and grilled to juicy perfection, have been a Zamalek favorite for decades. Don’t miss their tahini dip—it’s divine!
24) Roxy Kebab (Melbourne, Australia)
Year Founded: 2001
Address: 7-9 Ebsworth St, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Dishes: Lamb kebabs, falafel wraps, and mezze platters
Cost for a Meal: $15–$20
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Lamb Kebab Roll
Instagram: @RoxyKebab
Website: None—this is Melbourne street food at its best.
Chef: A family-run business with Turkish roots.
Roxy Kebab is a Melbourne institution. Their lamb kebab roll, stuffed with fresh veggies and tangy yogurt sauce, is a late-night lifesaver.
25) Shish Kebab House of Afghanistan (West Hartford, USA)
Year Founded: 1988
Address: 36 LaSalle Rd, West Hartford, CT, USA
Dishes: Chicken kebabs, lamb kofta, and bolani
Cost for a Meal: $20–$30
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Lamb Kofta
Instagram: @ShishKebabAfghan
Website: Shish Kebab House
Chef: Chef Waheed, an Afghan grill expert.
Afghan spices meet fine dining at this Connecticut spot. Their lamb kofta kebabs are soft, aromatic, and served with saffron rice and chutney for a luxurious experience.
26) Kebabish Original (London, UK)
Year Founded: 1988
Address: 29 Wilton Rd, Pimlico, London, UK
Dishes: Seekh kebabs, lamb tikka, and masala fish
Cost for a Meal: $15–$25
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Chicken Seekh Kebab
Instagram: @KebabishOriginal
Website: Kebabish Original
Chef: Pioneers of fusion kebabs in the UK.
A cornerstone of the UK kebab scene, Kebabish Original serves some of the finest chicken seekh kebabs around. They’re spicy, smoky, and served with fluffy naan that’s as big as your face.
27) Seyhmus Kebap Salonu (Gaziantep, Turkey)
Year Founded: 1973
Address: Ali Nacar, Gaziantep, Turkey
Dishes: Beyti kebab, Adana kebab, and pistachio kebab
Cost for a Meal: $10–$15
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Pistachio Kebab
Instagram: None; they let the kebabs do the talking.
Website: None—this is tradition, not tech.
Chef: Generations of Gaziantep’s finest grillmasters.
Gaziantep is a UNESCO-listed culinary city, and Şeyhmus Kebap Salonu’s pistachio kebab is the stuff of legends. Juicy lamb is mixed with ground pistachios, creating a nutty, savory masterpiece.
28) Al-Mallah (Dubai, UAE)
Year Founded: 1979
Address: Al Diyafah St, Satwa, Dubai, UAE
Dishes: Shawarma, falafel, and mixed grills
Cost for a Meal: $10–$15
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Chicken Shawarma
Instagram: @AlMallahRestaurant
Website: Al-Mallah
Chef: A Dubai institution with decades of culinary expertise.
Al-Mallah’s chicken shawarma is so good it might make you emotional. Tender chicken, crispy edges, and tangy garlic sauce wrapped in soft bread—it’s a symphony in every bite.
29) Maroosh (Miami, USA)
Year Founded: 1985
Address: 223 Valencia Ave, Coral Gables, Miami, FL, USA
Dishes: Shish kebabs, kafta, and falafel
Cost for a Meal: $20–$30
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Kafta Kebab
Instagram: @MarooshMiami
Website: Maroosh Restaurant
Chef: Chef Khalil, a master of Middle Eastern flavors.
With its Mediterranean décor and warm hospitality, Maroosh transports you to a Middle Eastern bazaar. Their kafta kebab, seasoned with parsley and onion, is tender and packed with flavor. Enjoy it with their creamy hummus for a memorable Miami dining experience.
30) Alibaba Kebab Haus (Berlin, Germany)
Year Founded: 1992
Address: Sonnenallee 36, 12045 Berlin, Germany
Dishes: Doner kebabs, lamb skewers, and falafel wraps
Cost for a Meal: $10–$15
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Doner Kebab
Instagram: Not available—it’s all about the taste here.
Website: None—keep it classic.
Chef: Turkish immigrant founders.
In the kebab capital of Europe, Alibaba stands out. Their doner kebabs are legendary, with perfectly roasted meat, crisp veggies, and a dollop of garlicky yogurt sauce. It’s a late-night favorite among Berliners for good reason.
31) Doner Kebab Kitchen (Tokyo, Japan)
Year Founded: 2012
Address: Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo, Japan
Dishes: Chicken kebabs, lamb gyros, and Turkish pizza
Cost for a Meal: $8–$12
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Chicken Doner Wrap
Instagram: @DonerKebabTokyo
Website: Doner Kebab Kitchen
Chef: Turkish chefs bringing their expertise to Japan.
A fusion of Turkish tradition and Japanese precision, this spot is perfect for kebab lovers in Tokyo. Their chicken doner wrap is light, flavorful, and served with a side of umami-rich miso soup—a creative cultural blend.
32) The Halal Guys (New York, USA)
Year Founded: 1990
Address: 6th Ave & W 53rd St, New York, NY, USA (Flagship location)
Dishes: Chicken kebabs, beef gyros, and falafel platters
Cost for a Meal: $10–$15
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Beef Gyro Platter
Instagram: @TheHalalGuys
Website: The Halal Guys
Chef: A team of pioneers in halal street food.
The Halal Guys revolutionized New York’s street food scene. Their beef gyro platter, drizzled with their famous white sauce, is an icon of the city. Perfect for a quick, hearty bite on the go.
33) Rumi’s Kitchen (Atlanta, USA)
Year Founded: 2006
Address: 6112 Roswell Rd, Atlanta, GA, USA
Dishes: Koobideh kebabs, saffron chicken, and Persian rice dishes
Cost for a Meal: $30–$40
Halal: Yes
Iconic Kebab: Koobideh Kebab
Instagram: @RumisKitchen
Website: Rumi’s Kitchen
Chef: Chef Ali Mesghali, a Persian culinary expert.
Rumi’s Kitchen brings Persian hospitality to Atlanta. Their koobideh kebab, made with seasoned ground beef, is juicy and paired with fragrant saffron rice. This is where elegance meets comfort food.
Kebab It!
