Al Nabulsi Kabab & Gyros in Arlington offers an authentic taste of Middle Eastern cuisine, bringing together rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and friendly service, this restaurant has become a favorite destination for locals seeking both classic and innovative dishes.
The menu is thoughtfully curated to showcase a variety of kababs, gyros, and other Middle Eastern specialties that cater to diverse palates and dietary preferences. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or catering a special event, Al Nabulsi delivers a quality dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Every dish at Al Nabulsi Kabab & Gyros is crafted with care, emphasizing bold spices and balanced textures. The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients ensures that each bite bursts with flavor.
From succulent grilled meats to freshly baked breads and vibrant salads, the menu offers something for everyone. The welcoming ambiance and attention to detail make it an ideal spot for both casual meals and special occasions.
Exploring the menu reveals a harmony between tradition and innovation, where classic favorites meet modern twists. Diners can expect generous portions, authentic seasoning, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Each section of the menu is designed to highlight the culinary artistry behind Middle Eastern cooking, making Al Nabulsi a standout choice in Arlington’s bustling food scene.
Signature Kababs
The Signature Kababs section is the heart of Al Nabulsi’s menu, featuring a variety of grilled meats marinated in rich spices and cooked to perfection. These kababs embody the essence of Middle Eastern grilling traditions, offering bold flavors and tender textures that appeal to both meat lovers and newcomers alike.
Each kabab is prepared using a blend of fresh herbs and spices, including cumin, coriander, and sumac, enhancing the natural flavors of the meat. The grilling technique locks in juices, creating a smoky, charred exterior with a succulent center.
The kababs are served with complementary sides like fluffy rice, grilled vegetables, and house-made sauces.
Popular options include the classic Beef Kabab, the flavorful Chicken Kabab, and the Lamb Kofta Kabab, each offering distinct taste profiles. The menu also includes specialty kababs like the Al Nabulsi Mixed Grill, which combines several meats for a satisfying variety.
Vegetarians can enjoy the vegetable kabab, featuring marinated and grilled seasonal vegetables.
Popular Kabab Choices
- Beef Kabab: Tender chunks of beef marinated overnight in a blend of Middle Eastern spices, grilled to juicy perfection.
- Chicken Kabab: Juicy chicken breast pieces seasoned with garlic, lemon, and sumac, offering a tangy and savory experience.
- Lamb Kofta Kabab: Ground lamb mixed with onions, parsley, and warming spices, shaped into skewers and grilled.
- Vegetable Kabab: A medley of seasonal vegetables marinated with olive oil, herbs, and spices, grilled for a smoky flavor.
“The kababs at Al Nabulsi are a perfect blend of tradition and flavor, embodying the soul of Middle Eastern cuisine.” – Local Food Critic
Gyros and Wraps
Al Nabulsi Kabab & Gyros specializes in authentic gyros and wraps, offering a convenient and flavorful meal option. These handheld delights combine tender meats, fresh vegetables, and signature sauces wrapped in warm pita bread, making them ideal for quick lunches or casual dinners.
The gyros are crafted with slow-roasted meats, thinly sliced and stacked high with toppings like tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and creamy tzatziki sauce. The balance of textures and flavors creates a satisfying bite every time.
The wraps section also includes vegetarian options and customizable ingredients to suit specific tastes.
From traditional chicken and beef gyros to innovative lamb and falafel wraps, the menu provides a diverse selection. Each wrap is designed to be filling yet balanced, with fresh herbs and spices enhancing the overall flavor profile.
The pita bread is freshly baked daily, adding an authentic touch to each wrap or gyro.
Gyro and Wrap Varieties
- Chicken Gyro: Slow-roasted chicken served with tzatziki, lettuce, tomato, and onion in warm pita.
- Beef Gyro: Thinly sliced beef seasoned with traditional spices, topped with fresh vegetables and sauce.
- Lamb Wrap: Tender lamb pieces wrapped with grilled peppers, onions, and a tangy yogurt sauce.
- Falafel Wrap: Crispy falafel balls with tahini sauce, pickles, and fresh salad in pita bread.
Wrap Type | Main Protein | Key Ingredients | Estimated Calories |
Chicken Gyro | Chicken | Tzatziki, Lettuce, Tomato, Onion | 550 |
Beef Gyro | Beef | Tomato, Onion, Garlic Sauce | 600 |
Lamb Wrap | Lamb | Grilled Peppers, Yogurt Sauce | 650 |
Falafel Wrap | Vegetarian | Tahini, Pickles, Salad | 480 |
Appetizers and Starters
Appetizers at Al Nabulsi offer a perfect introduction to the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. These small plates are ideal for sharing or enjoying as a light starter before the main course.
The selection features a diverse range of options, from crispy fried delicacies to fresh, herbaceous salads.
Popular choices include hummus, baba ghanoush, and falafel, each prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. The appetizers highlight the use of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice, which are staples in Middle Eastern cooking.
Each dish is thoughtfully presented to maximize flavor and texture.
In addition to classic dips and fried items, Al Nabulsi offers unique starters such as stuffed grape leaves and spiced meat pies. These dishes provide a glimpse into the culinary variety of the region, showcasing both vegetarian and meat-based options for every preference.
Favorites to Try
- Hummus: Creamy chickpea dip blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon, served with warm pita.
- Baba Ghanoush: Smoky roasted eggplant dip mixed with tahini and herbs.
- Falafel: Deep-fried chickpea balls seasoned with parsley and cumin, crunchy outside and tender inside.
- Stuffed Grape Leaves: Grape leaves filled with rice, herbs, and spices, served cold or warm.
“The starters at Al Nabulsi set the perfect tone for the meal with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.” – Arlington Food Enthusiast
Salads and Sides
Al Nabulsi’s salads and sides complement the main dishes by adding freshness and balance to the meal. These lighter options provide crisp textures and vibrant flavors, often incorporating fresh herbs, vegetables, and citrus-based dressings.
The menu features traditional Middle Eastern salads such as tabbouleh and fattoush, both known for their refreshing qualities and herbaceous notes. These salads are crafted using fresh parsley, mint, cucumbers, tomatoes, and toasted pita pieces, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
Sides like rice pilaf, grilled vegetables, and seasoned fries are perfect for rounding out the meal. The rice pilaf is cooked with aromatic spices and often mixed with toasted nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.
Grilled vegetables are lightly seasoned and charred, providing a healthy and tasty option.
Salads and Sides Options
- Tabbouleh: Finely chopped parsley, bulgur, tomatoes, and mint dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Fattoush: Mixed greens with toasted pita chips, cucumbers, radishes, and sumac dressing.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with spices, toasted almonds, and golden raisins.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables lightly seasoned and char-grilled to perfection.
Item | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
Tabbouleh | Parsley, Bulgur, Tomato, Mint | Fresh, Citrusy, Herbaceous |
Fattoush | Mixed Greens, Pita Chips, Sumac | Tangy, Crunchy, Spicy |
Rice Pilaf | Rice, Almonds, Raisins | Nutty, Sweet, Aromatic |
Grilled Vegetables | Seasonal Veggies, Olive Oil | Smoky, Savory |
House-made Sauces and Dips
The sauces and dips at Al Nabulsi Kabab & Gyros are essential to enhancing the flavors of every dish. These accompaniments are made fresh daily, using traditional recipes that balance creamy, tangy, and spicy notes.
Tzatziki, a yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and garlic, is a popular choice that adds a cool, refreshing contrast to grilled meats. Tahini sauce, made from sesame paste, offers a nutty richness that pairs well with both meats and vegetables.
Spicy harissa sauce brings bold, smoky heat to the table for those seeking an extra kick.
These sauces are not only served with main dishes but also make excellent dips for appetizers and sides. Guests can request extra servings or customize their meals by mixing different sauces to achieve their preferred flavor balance.
Popular Sauces
- Tzatziki: Creamy yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill, perfect for cooling down spicy dishes.
- Tahini Sauce: Smooth sesame paste blended with lemon and garlic, rich and savory.
- Harissa: Spicy chili paste with smoked peppers and garlic, adding depth and heat.
- Garlic Sauce: Emulsified garlic and oil, sharp and fragrant.
“The house-made sauces at Al Nabulsi elevate every dish, providing layers of flavor that are truly memorable.” – Culinary Expert
Desserts and Sweet Treats
The dessert offerings at Al Nabulsi Kabab & Gyros provide a delightful conclusion to the meal, featuring traditional Middle Eastern sweets that balance sweetness with aromatic spices. These treats are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo as a satisfying finale.
Baklava is a standout dessert, consisting of layers of flaky pastry, chopped nuts, and honey syrup. Its crunchy texture and rich sweetness make it a beloved classic.
Other desserts include knafeh, a creamy cheese pastry soaked in syrup, and ma’amoul, date-filled cookies with a delicate crumbly texture.
Each dessert is crafted with attention to detail, using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods. These sweet treats are often served with a side of fresh fruit or a cup of strong Arabic coffee, rounding out the authentic dining experience.
Sweet Selections
- Baklava: Layers of phyllo dough with walnuts and honey syrup, crispy and sweet.
- Knafeh: Shredded pastry with sweet cheese and rosewater syrup, warm and gooey.
- Ma’amoul: Date-filled shortbread cookies, fragrant with cardamom and nutmeg.
- Fresh Fruit Plate: Seasonal fruits, a light and refreshing end to your meal.
Dessert | Main Ingredients | Flavor Notes |
Baklava | Phyllo, Walnuts, Honey | Sweet, Nutty, Crispy |
Knafeh | Cheese, Phyllo, Rosewater Syrup | Creamy, Floral, Rich |
Ma’amoul | Date Paste, Flour, Spices | Sweet, Spiced, Buttery |
Fresh Fruit Plate | Seasonal Fruits | Light, Refreshing |
Beverages and Specialty Drinks
Complementing the flavorful dishes, Al Nabulsi offers a variety of beverages and specialty drinks that enhance the dining experience. From refreshing non-alcoholic options to traditional Middle Eastern beverages, the drink menu is designed to satisfy all tastes.
Popular choices include mint lemonade, a bright and zesty drink that cleanses the palate. Traditional Arabic coffee, strong and aromatic, pairs beautifully with sweet desserts.
The menu also offers a selection of soft drinks, iced teas, and specialty teas infused with herbs like sage and cinnamon.
For those looking for something unique, the house-made ayran, a salted yogurt drink, provides a cool and tangy complement to grilled dishes. These beverages are crafted to balance the rich flavors found throughout the menu, offering refreshing and satisfying options for every diner.
Drink Selections
- Mint Lemonade: Freshly squeezed lemons blended with mint leaves and a touch of sweetness.
- Arabic Coffee: Dark roasted coffee with cardamom, served strong and aromatic.
- Ayran: Salted yogurt drink, cool and tangy, a traditional Middle Eastern favorite.
- Herbal Teas: Infused with sage, cinnamon, or rose petals, perfect for relaxation.
“The thoughtfully curated beverage menu at Al Nabulsi perfectly complements the complexity and richness of their cuisine.” – Beverage Specialist
Conclusion
Al Nabulsi Kabab & Gyros in Arlington stands out as a beacon of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, offering a menu that is both diverse and deeply rooted in tradition. Each section of the menu—from succulent kababs and delicious gyros to fresh salads and sweet desserts—demonstrates a commitment to quality and flavor.
The careful selection of ingredients and expert preparation techniques create dishes that are satisfying and memorable.
Dining at Al Nabulsi is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the rich culinary culture of the Middle East to life. The harmonious blend of spices, textures, and aromas invites guests to explore new flavors while enjoying familiar favorites.
Whether you are a longtime fan of Middle Eastern food or trying it for the first time, the menu offers approachable options for every taste and occasion.
With its welcoming atmosphere, attentive service, and thoughtfully crafted menu, Al Nabulsi Kabab & Gyros is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic and flavorful dining experience in Arlington.
The restaurant not only satisfies hunger but also creates lasting memories through its dedication to culinary excellence and cultural authenticity.