7pm Saturday Night--My brother & I wanted great Mediterranean food. We looked up & found Kabob Palace a few miles away on 27th Ave off Northern. We walked in, the new owner, Ishmael, greeted us with menues. Too bad there were no other customers, because this is one of the BEST Hidden Gems in Phoenix!. Ishmael has cooked for 20 years, recently moved here from Albuquerque. He bought the restaurant a few months ago from previous owner, who ran it 14 years. My brother ordered the Gyro Plate ($9.99), and I ordered the Lamb Shank plate ($12.99). We were served a Hummus plate appetizer, with 2 falafels and pita bread. The Hummus was extremely Fresh tasting, homemade, and the falafels had a bit of sweetness to them, perfect texture and delicious. Both of these were far better tasting than found at most Middle Eastern or Greek restaurants.
My Lamb Shank had great aroma, baked long enough that you could see the meat falling off the bone. It was absolutely delicious, on a plate of fresh basmati rice. As we finished dinner, a Middle Eastern couple walked in, and sat across the aisle from us. That couple ordered, and a few minutes later, Ishmael brought us a small dessert plate, unexpectedly. On it were 4 small phillo dough 'rolls' stuffed with a custard filling, and topped with a brown honey and crushed walnuts. It was just enough of a treat, not overbearing or sickly sweet. My brother never eats desserts, and OMG...he loved them. We lingered a while longer, then rose to pay the tab at the register. This wonderful, gourmet meal cost us a whopping $29 & change! We complimented Ishmael on his outstanding, flavorful cooking, introduced ourselves, and told him we look forward to returning soon. We found a great new fave spot--delicious and affordable. Note: the decor and ambience needs work, and is nothing to shout about. But go for the quality cooking, and discover it for yourself! -- Harv