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Lava Shawarma
- 1640 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10128

Middle Eastern restaurant ★4.0 (88)·$10–20

1640 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA

4.0
So this place opened up and flopped in my eyes immediately. A new owner took over and thank god for him. The food has improved immensely. The kofta (lamb and beef option) is a must taste as an Egyptian saying this I vouch for how juicy and tasty this is and now my favorite on the upper east side. I love the rice they’ve chosen to make instead of the plain boring Turkish styled white rice I’ve come to see from most middle eastern places. - Hamdy E.
Lava Shawarma Overview Intro Menu Detail Photos Location Reviews
$10–20 per person Reported by 88 people$1–10$10–20$20–30$30–50

Lava Shawarma Introduce

Lava Shawarma: A Taste of the Middle East in New York City

In a city celebrated for its diverse culinary scene, **Lava Shawarma** has established itself as a must-visit destination for authentic Middle Eastern food. Situated on the Upper East Side, this restaurant has quickly become a favorite among locals, thanks to a revitalized vision and an unwavering commitment to quality. The name itself reflects a passion for fiery, bold flavors and a unique cooking method that sets its dishes apart. It's a place where traditional recipes are honored, and every bite transports you to the vibrant streets of the Middle East.

Lava Shawarma is more than just a quick-service spot; it's a place that prides itself on delivering high-quality, delicious food that's both healthy and satisfying. From perfectly seasoned shawarma to fluffy, cloud-like basmati rice, the menu is a testament to the kitchen's dedication. Whether you're a long-time fan of Middle Eastern cuisine or new to its delights, Lava Shawarma offers a friendly, casual, and delicious experience that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a true local gem that embodies the best of New York’s food culture: a great spot with great food that feels like a discovery every time you visit.

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Location and Accessibility

Lava Shawarma is conveniently located at 1640 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10128, placing it in a prime spot on the Upper East Side. Its location makes it easily accessible for anyone in the neighborhood, whether you're working, shopping, or just passing through.

For those who travel by car, paid street parking is available in the vicinity. For public transit users, the restaurant is just a short walk from several subway stations, making it a convenient stop from various parts of the city. Additionally, the restaurant is mindful of accessibility, with a wheelchair-accessible restroom. While the interior is described as casual and cozy, it offers a comfortable space for a relaxed meal. The option of outdoor seating also makes it a great choice for those who want to dine al fresco, especially with a dog in tow, as dogs are allowed outside.

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Services Offered

Lava Shawarma caters to a variety of dining preferences with its comprehensive service options.

  • Dine-in: The restaurant provides a casual and relaxed atmosphere for guests who want to enjoy their meal on-site. It's a great spot for a quick lunch or a laid-back dinner.
  • Takeout: For those on the move, takeout is a popular and efficient option. You can grab your favorite dishes and enjoy them at home, at the office, or at a nearby park.
  • Delivery: Lava Shawarma offers both standard and no-contact delivery, making it easy to enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your home or office. This is a crucial service for many busy New Yorkers.
  • Catering: The restaurant provides catering services for events and gatherings, offering a taste of their full menu for larger parties. This is a perfect option for anyone looking to share delicious and healthy Middle Eastern food with a crowd.

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Features and Highlights

Lava Shawarma distinguishes itself from other eateries with several key features that enhance the customer experience.

  • Fast Service: Known for its quick and efficient service, Lava Shawarma is an excellent choice for a quick bite or for lunch during a busy day. Customers appreciate the promptness of their orders, especially when dining in or getting takeout.
  • Healthy and Vegetarian Options: The menu is rich with healthy and fresh choices, including a variety of salads and a dedicated "Vegan Mix Grill" that features roasted cauliflower, eggplant, and falafel. It's a great spot for those looking for nutritious and flavorful food.
  • Unique Menu Items: Beyond classic shawarma and kebabs, the menu features unique dishes like the **Lamb Kebab Sandwich** and the impressive **Wagyu Beef Burger**. The **Falafel Sliders** and **Halloumi Style Cheese Sandwich** also offer creative twists on traditional flavors.
  • Small Plates and Appetizers: The "Zyara Meza" section of the menu is perfect for sharing or creating a custom meal with a variety of small plates, including **Hummus**, **Bab Ghanouj**, and **Grape Leaves**.
  • Fresh and High-Quality Ingredients: Customers consistently praise the freshness of the ingredients, particularly the fluffy **Premium Basmati Rice** and the tender, juicy meats. This commitment to quality is what makes the food so satisfying.

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Contact Information

Ready to try the food at Lava Shawarma? Here is how you can get in touch.

Address: 1640 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA

Phone: (646) 559-0055

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What Makes Lava Shawarma Worth Choosing

In the crowded New York food scene, a restaurant needs to stand out, and Lava Shawarma does so with its exceptional food quality and inviting atmosphere. A significant part of its appeal is the story of its transformation under new ownership, which has led to a remarkable improvement in the food, as noted by enthusiastic customers. This is a place where culinary passion is palpable, and the focus on authentic, well-prepared dishes has made a lasting impression.

One of the most praised items on the menu is the **kofta**, a lamb and beef option that has been hailed as a "must-taste." The juicy and flavorful nature of the meat, prepared in a distinct Jordanian style, has earned it the title of a favorite on the Upper East Side. The attention to detail extends to every component of the meal, including the **Premium Basmati Rice**, which is consistently described as a "cloud-like" and "fluffy" side that elevates any dish. This is a clear departure from the "plain boring Turkish-styled white rice" found at other places, showcasing Lava Shawarma's commitment to culinary excellence.

The shawarma itself is a major highlight. Whether you choose the **Chicken Shawarma Lava**, wrapped in a thin, crispy flatbread, or the classic pita sandwich, the combination of aromatic spices and juicy meat is truly "irresistible." The use of a "lava" cooking method, which utilizes fiery stones, is a unique feature that ensures the meat is tender and locks in its juices, resulting in a superior flavor and texture.

Lava Shawarma is also a fantastic choice for those with a variety of dietary needs. The menu includes a strong selection of vegetarian and vegan options, such as the flavorful **Falafel Pita Sandwich** and the comprehensive **Vegan Mix Grill**. This inclusivity makes it a perfect spot for groups with different preferences. The portions are also noted to be generous and reasonably priced, offering excellent value for the quality of the food.

Beyond the food, the overall dining experience is welcoming and pleasant. The atmosphere is casual, making it a stress-free environment for a meal. For New Yorkers looking for a satisfying, healthy, and authentic Middle Eastern meal, Lava Shawarma is a top contender. Its focus on quality ingredients, unique cooking methods, and a friendly, consistent experience makes it a place worth visiting again and again. Whether you dine in, order for a gathering, or simply grab a quick bite, Lava Shawarma consistently delivers an outstanding culinary experience.

Lava Shawarma Menu

  • Sandwiches

  • Falafel Pita Sandwich $13.00

    4 pieces of falafel inside fresh homemade pita, finish with Jerusalem salad tahini and homemade hot sauce

  • Falafel Sliders $16.00

    2 large Falafel, lettuce, tomato, pickles, hummus or fries

  • Chicken Shawarma Pita $14.00

    Slice of chicken shawarma, inside homemade pita garlic sauce and homemade hot sauce, lettuce pickles.

  • Chicken Shawarma Lava $14.00

    Slice of chicken shawarma inside homemade flat bread ( lava bread), lettuce pickles garlic sauce and homemade hot sauce + fries

  • Vegan Sandwich $13.00

    2 pieces of falafel, zucchini ,eggplant, cauliflower, finish with Jerusalem salad pickles and tahini and homemade hot sauce

  • Lamb And Beef Pita $14.00

    Slice of lamb gyro in side fresh homemade pita Jerusalem salad finish with tahini and homemade hot sauce sauce + fries

  • Pita $2.00
  • 3 Vegan Samosa $8.00
  • Lamb Burger $15.00

    Lamb ground grill + slice of lamb gyro inside buns finish with lettuce pickles garlic sauce and homemade hot sauce + fries

  • Chicken Shawarma Burger $14.00

    Chicken shawarma slice inside burger lettuce pickles garlic sauce and homemade hot sauce +fries

  • Vegan Beyond Burger $15.00

    Vegan beyond burger, lattice, pickles, tomato, fries

  • Chicken Zinger $14.00

    Spicy chicken zinger, lattice, cheddar cheese, ring peppers, Russian dressing and fries

  • Halloumi Style Cheese Sandwich $14.00

    Grilled halloumi style cheese with olive oil, fresh organic mints, tomato, black kalamat olives , Lebanon pickles

  • Wagyu Beef Burger $17.75

    8 onz Angus burger, organic lattice, homemade dressing,homemade pickles ( Lebanon style) fresh burger buns and fries

  • Lava Steak Sandwich $17.75

    Lava steaks sandwiches 8 onz organic steak, organic mushrooms, organic red onion, mild cheese and jack cheese

  • Lam And Beef Lava $14.00

    Slice of lamb gyro in side fresh homemade lava Jerusalem salad finish with tahini and homemade hot sauce sauce + fries

  • Lamb Kebab Sandwich $14.00

    8 oz. Lamb kabab, red onion, tomato, parsley, sumac

  • Mix Grill

  • Vegan Mix Grill $18.00

    2 pieces of falafel,zucchini,eggplant,cauliflower, baba ghanouje,and Jerusalem salad

  • Lamb Kabab $27.00

    Grill Lamb kebab,chicken shawarma,side royal basmati rice,and Jerusalem salad. Garlic sauce and homemade hot spicy sauces.

  • Showerma Plate $17.00

    Slice chicken shawarma bowl,royal basmati rice, Jerusalem salad, finish with garlic sauce and homemade hot sauce

  • Lamb Gyro Plate $18.00

    Slice of lamb gyro bowl, royal basmati rice, andJerusalem salad, finish with tahini sauce and homemade hot sauce

  • Chicken Biryani $15.00

    Chicken biryani over royal basmati rice finish with fried onions bowls eggs

  • Lame And Beef Meatballs $18.00

    Meet bowl mix with tomatoes grill garlic onions and finish with virgin olive oil over royal basmati rice

  • Lamb Skewers $28.00

    Lamb skewers, lamb gyro, grill tomato, grill onion, grill paper, side Jerusalem salad, premium basmati rice

  • Chicken Kabab Skewers $28.00

    Chicken kabab skewers, chicken shawarma,grill tomato,grill onion, grill spicy green paper, side Jerusalem salad,premium basmati rice

  • Salmon Kabab $37.00

    8 onz Organic salmon marinated with olive oil oregano smoke paprika fresh lime sumac royal basmati rice and hummus

  • Lamb Chop ( Jordanian Style) $38.00

    Organic lamb chop (5pics) Royal basmati rice, and tabuleh salad

  • Add Chicken $10.00

    Shawarma Chicken

  • Falafel Plate $15.00

    6 pics of falafel, side of Jerusalem salad and side of hummus

  • Salads

  • Fattoush Salad $14.00

    Tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, lettuce, parsley, mint, pomegranate syrup and sumac.

  • Tabbouleh Salad $14.00

    Bulghur, parsley, tomato, cucumbers, lemon and olive oil.

  • Jerusalem Salad $14.00

    Tomato, parsley, cucumbers and tahini.

  • Watermelon Salad $14.00

    Organic watermelon fresh, fresh mints, sheep's milk cheese

  • Greek Salad $14.00

    Tomato, red onion,cucumber,black olives,Greek pickles,Greek feta cheese, Greek souce

  • Ceaser Salad $14.00

    Romaine lattice, ceaser dressing, homemade crumz and parmigiana cheese

  • Zyara Meza

  • Hummus $8.00

    Homemade chickpeas mixed with fresh tahini sauce fresh lemon and salt finish with virgin olive oil

  • Bab Ghanouj $8.00

    Homemade roasted eggplant mix with tahini sauce ,fresh lemon, salt finish with virgin olive oil

  • Fava Beans $8.00

    Fresh homemade fava been (fool) Mix with garlic virgin olive oil and finish with tahini sauce

  • Kalamata Olives $8.00
  • Baklava $6.00

    2 pics baklava

  • Cauliflower Mama Ghanouj $8.00

    Stew cauliflowers fried with olive oil smashed mix with tahini sauce and finish with virgin olive oil

  • Chicken Noodles Soup $9.00

    Vegetables, noodles, chicken soup

  • Chicken Wings With Fries $15.00

    6pieces of chicken wings served with homemade hot sauce and fries

  • Grapes Leaves $7.00

    homemade vegan grape leaves , stuffed with garlic onions green paper parsley virgin oil olive

  • Tzatziki Sauce $8.00
  • Chicken Samosas (4 Pics) $8.00

    Chicken, onion, garlic, olive oil, black-paper

  • Beef Samosas $8.00

    Beef , onion, garlic, olive oil, black paper

  • Chicken Strip $15.00

    3 piece of chicken frites, fries

  • Lentil Soup $8.00

    Homemade red lentil, garlic, red onion, virgin olive oil

  • Side Orders

  • Cauliflower $12.00

    1/2 lb of cauliflower fried served with tahini sauce

  • Eggplant $8.00

    1/2 lb of eggplant served with tahini sauce

  • Fries $8.00
  • Falafel $7.00

    4 pieces of falafel served with tahini sauce

  • Stuffed Falafel $7.00

    2 pieces of large falafel stuffed with red onion spicy red pepper and somak, served with tahini sauce

  • Spicy Kalamata Olives $7.00
  • Basmati Rice $7.00
  • Kebeh $8.00

    3 pieces of homemade kebeh made from Bolger mix with beef stuffed with onions garlic walnuts and beef, served with tahini sauce

  • Organic Raisins Gold $6.00

    Organic raisins

  • Mixed Arabic Pickle $7.00

    Cauliflower, roasted red peppers, cucumber,and green peppers

  • Mashurms $7.00
  • Tater Tats $7.00

    Homemade tatters tarts

  • Drinks

  • Arabic Tea $4.00
  • Soda $3.00
  • Iced Tea $4.00
  • Lemon Mint Drink $5.00
  • Water $2.00
  • Frish Orange Juice $5.00
  • Fresh Lemon $5.00

    Organic squeeze lemon

  • Red Bull $4.00
  • Mango Nectar Juice $5.00

    Frish mango juice

  • Pineapple Juice $5.00

    Fresh pineapple juice

  • Passion Fruit Juice $5.00

    Nectar passion juice

  • Watermelon Juice $5.00

    Natural watermelon juice

Lava Shawarma Details

  • Service options

  • No-contact delivery
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Offerings

  • Comfort food
  • Healthy options
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Dessert
  • Amenities

  • Restroom
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Crowd

  • Locals
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • Good for kids
  • Parking

  • Paid street parking
  • Pets

  • Dogs allowed outside

Lava Shawarma Photos

Lava Shawarma Picture 1Lava Shawarma Picture 2Lava Shawarma Picture 3Lava Shawarma Picture 4Lava Shawarma Picture 5Lava Shawarma Picture 6Lava Shawarma Picture 7Lava Shawarma Picture 8Lava Shawarma Picture 9Lava Shawarma Picture 10

Lava Shawarma Location

Lava Shawarma

1640 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA

Lava Shawarma Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 170 user reviews.

falafelchicken shawarmapitalebanese foodhummusstrawberrieshalallamblunchtakeout

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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