Al Tannour Mediterranean Cusine

We were invited to this establishment and here is our experience.
LOCATION:
The location and the restaurant are in a nice shopping center. The restaurant is very clean and pleasant.
FOOD
We had breakfast items and they were all delicious.
PRICES
The prices per item/​plate were a little on the average to high side, but reasonable.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
The man served us and showed excellent customer service.
This place deserves a repeat once in a while. Next time we will try the lunch/​dinner items.

Al Tannour is located in a busy and traffic-​laden part of Anaheim. They’re in the left corner of a plaza shared with a few other businesses. Parking was plentiful and easy to navigate. When we walked in we were greeted by a man and woman who provided us with some menus. This was my friend’s and my first experience at an Iraqi restaurant and being the adventurous food lovers that we are, my friend immediately asked about a dish on the menu that he had never heard of but was curious to try. The owner really struggled with providing any description or encouragement to order this dish. My friend is not picky and could easily have been sold on this dish with a few simple descriptors but as he wasn’t afforded any, he went for something that was more familiar to us within the realm of Mediterranean food.
My friend and I decided we wanted to stay away from the carb heavy rice that is usually a staple of many Mediterranean dishes and ordered individual plates of the chicken tekka. The kabob plates are served with salad, fermented vegetables and giant bread. The meal is around $ 10 and for $ 3 more you can add rice to your meal. My friend opted for hummus instead of rice and I ordered falafel instead of rice. Reviews mentioned the giant bread served here but even a forewarning couldn’t prepare us for the caliber of this enormous, delicious and warm Iraqi bread. It’s served with your kabob meal whether you choose one of the 2 – 4 person platters or individual meals.
The salads, hummus and bread arrived first. The bread was like nothing we’ve tried before. It was thinner but more filling than pita. It was crispy in some places and perfectly soft and doughy in others. The hummus wasn’t loaded with flavor but the taste was so rich that we liked it anyway. The salad was just ok. It was a mix of romaine, oils and pepper and helped soothe the intense hunger I was experiencing post-​workout.
While these initial items arrived very soon after we ordered, there was quite a lull between them and our next dishes. We tried our hardest not to allow ourselves to get full off of the bread alone but we couldn’t help but to pick at it occasionally.
Eventually our dishes arrived and so did more warm giant bread. The chicken portions were extremely generous. Our plates were full of juicy cubes of chicken, pickles, purple fermented veggies and falafel in my case. The falafel was a little too hard. They typically have a hard exterior and warm, soft interior but the interior was a little lacking in flavor and richness to balance out the hard exterior. The chicken was tender and full of spices. Combined with hummus and giant bread, I had a very satisfying and filling meal with plenty of leftovers to take home.
When we were done we agreed that our meals could best be described as solid. The most important components to me when eating Mediterranean tend to be the quality of the meat, bread, hummus and falafel. I very much enjoyed 3 of the 4 and while the falafel didn’t wow me, it was still satisfying. Our one qualm was the fact that we were not offered any water or beverage during our entire visit. We were quite parched and quickly went in search of a drink after our meal. Nevertheless, I would return when I’m craving a quality, wholesome meal and am willing to bear the traffic out to this part of Anaheim.

My favorite dishes: Humus, Musakhan, Laban, and definately the bread, original and delicious.

best hummus ever hands down!!! the food is also very good. friendly people! we love it!

We came here after my husband suggested it. It used to be his «go to» sort of place. I ordered the chicken kabob, which comes with a salad and I got rice with it. We also ordered a small hummus and naan. My husband ordered the lamb kousi, which comes with a bean stew and rice.
The salad was super salty to me. I am not accustomed to large amounts of salt in my food. I was only able to eat a few bites.
The naan is fantastic! Freshly baked, and you can really tell! And it’s HUGE! The hummus… Meh, it’s ok, but tasted almost like it came from a can.
The chicken kabob is pretty good. Larger portions. It came with 3 kabobs over rice.
My husband liked the lamb kousi. I’m not much of a lamb person.
The stew was pretty good. I actually really enjoyed his stew (I totally filch my husband’s food haha!).
I gave it 4 stars because the food is pretty good. There’s some room for improvement, but over all, not too bad, especially the portion sizes for the price.

We were on assignment and pressed for time. After reading reviews, this place was our second choice. Our first choice was closed, so we went to choice number two.
This place blew our expectations!!!
It was family ran and you can taste their culture and pride, from the bread to every last morsel of food they served.
My dietitian coworker had the falafel sandwich and a side of hummus, I had the beef kabob with rice and salad. The naan bread was huge, seeing how they made it was a treat. You won’t miss it because it looked like a flying saucer as it was lifted from the heat on to the plate. It was so much bigger than the plate it was served in.
We loved the food so much we ate here three days in a row! The babaganoush (I know I didn’t spell that right) was a great side to the falafel and any of the meat items. Yum!

We ordered the feast for 3 and we couldn’t finish it. The portion size was big. Love the fresh made pita bread. Everything was delicious.

I hate giving low rate but this place has a horrible customer service. Food is meh nothing special about it
The kebab and tekka is outstanding.
Two stars not one just because Iraqi food.

I don’t ever post about places. this place blows goats. Horrible attitude cheap food I’d rate negative if I could

Seriously delicious and generous portions. Ordered the feast for 3 (which could have easily served 5).
The chicken was perfectly cooked and subtly marinated to perfection. The humas was nuanced and delicious, unlike store bought stuff that is overly oily and salty.
The staff was extremely helpful and friendly.

Staff very courteous, friendly and helpful. Food is Hallal. Middle Eastern Iraq eatery that has several kebob, fresh fish and several sides to satisfy all you foodies. Never had lamb kebob done to perfection but you get that at this café.
Portions with an additional side can satisfy two adults easily.
Home make bread served piping hot when your meal arrives. It was so different and delicious too.
Bakery goods made for take out look oh so tempting but next time will definitely order.
Prices very resonable.
No adult beverages served here but other drinks available.

Great food served here.
I’ve had Al Tannour bookmarked forever. I finally got s chance to try them out and it won’t be the last time.
They’re located in a nondescript plaza. The exterior is the typical strip mall industrial look you see now a days. As you enter, you’ll see the counter and the open kitchen with seating to the left and some outdoor seating as well.
I have to start with the service, it was super friendly and helpful. It was my first time there and I had a few questions. The lady helping me was kind enough to offer a few suggestions. I’m glad I listened to her =)
Here’s the rundown:
Tashreeb (Lamb Shank) — This version is served with bread and not rice. The bread was freshly made and really good. The lamb shank, WOW! super tender, tasty and no gaminess at all. DELICIOUS! I’m a fan of lamb and this is one of the better one I’ve had. Get this one.
Falafel sandwich — A foot long sandwich filled with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, pickled cucumber, tahini and falafel. Another winner. This is probably good for two people. My only quibble, I want a little more falafel please.
Also got a Beef Kabob & a Chicken Tikka (a la carte). The beef kabob was good and the chicken tikka (2 were good, 2 were overcooked and dry) For the price, I would try them again.
While I was waiting for my food, I saw them bring out a massive flat bread to the table next to me. Curious, I asked what it was. It was the bread they serve with their dips (hummus, baba ganoush, etc) So I ordered an order of Hummus. WOW. That hummus was MONEY! Great consistency and the flavor was on point. The kicker was the giant flat bread. I had it to go and It was so big It occupied a seat in my pickup. hahaha. My son asked to taste it and bingo. He kept asking for more and more as we were driving home. The freshly baked flat bread is a must have if you’re coming here. DELICIOUS!
I have to say, I’m a big fan of Al Tannour. The Food was great and the Service was exceptional. I’ll definitely be back =)
2015 Review #103

Before we came to this place i called the lady and spoke with a lady in two languages arabic and english and she acted as if she couldnt hear me. At first i thought it was her phone or too many people but when i walked into the restaurant it didn’t have too many people. My wife and i only came to this restaurant once before to try it out with another couple and the food wasn’t bad it was just ok. my wife ordered zaatar and she enjoyed it however it’s something you can have at any Mediterranean restaurant. This time I was out with my wife inlaws and kids and we decided go take them for the first time. The min we walked in this rude lady just looked at us and asked us how how many pwople without a smile on her face. I asked her to kindly wipe the tables and she did so with an attitude and didn’t clean the whole table so I asked her for the towel and I would wipe the rest.
She came to the table and asked us what we wanted and my wife asked for zaatar and she said we don’t have it and the owner swore on his mom that he never served it before. We let it slide cause we figured whatever that’s weird then my other in law asked for lamb well done, the rude lady said we don’t do well done we do it in water only.
We looked at each other and told them sorry we are leaving, funny thing is when I Called them before we got there to ask if they had lamb the lady acted like she couldn’t hear me and when we walked into the restaurant there wasn’t any people. I have never been treated so poorly from people in my life. Please do yourself a favor and do not go there.

This place is disgusting.
The staff are the worst, I never seen a place like that. They work so hard to lose you as a customer.
I liked the Za’atar but I can’t believe they managed to lose me as a customer. even With there terrible customer service I was getting over it because the food is ok, but after so many incidents IM OVER IT.
just so you guys know that
Al TANNOUR WAS CLOSED FOR NOT PASSING A HEALTH INSPECTION. DOES THAT MEAN THE PLACE IS NOT HEALTHY?
When you go there they will treat you like s@&$t. They will not mind telling in your face that you and your business mean nothing to them unless you have big group of people. U will see there smile.
I have been there customer since they open but after so many disappointments I will never go there .
The Iraqi guy part owner is very rude and don’t know how to smile or welcome customers.
I’m leaving this one star review because I can’t leave no stars. I can’t believe this place have even 4 stars. I think the more people will go there will realize how bad it is.
THINK TWICE BEFORE YOU GO THERE AND LOOK FOR OTHER PLACES LIKE
OLIVE TREE
ZAIT AND ZATAR
FORN AL HARA
AL AMEER
AL SANABEL
HATEM RESTAURANT 4 A GREAT KABOB
ALIBBO KITCHEN
AL MAHROOSAH
Any of these restaurants have a better for and a great customer service and a clean place not like this one that
CLOSED FOR A HEALTH VIOLATION

Funny and short story — we accidentally came during the Ramadan Buffet which is $ 20/​person.
We had to find another place to eat while driving so I told my brother to Unilocal a Mediterranean place and he found Al Tannour. We walked in and there was a whole swarm of people grabbing seats and we noticed it was buffet style. I thought that was pretty cool because buffet means more variety! The owner welcomed us and saw that we were confused. He told us to grab a seat first and told us that we pay after the meal. After we got our table, we went to wait in line for the buffet and the man in front of us asked us if we were fasting. That’s when it hit me that this was a Ramadan Buffet and that was why everyone was SO eager to eat. They must have been starving!
Anyways, we got our food and there was a wide variety of dishes like kebabs, cauliflower, eggplant, hummus, etc. Their bread, hummus, and soup were really good. The pieces of bread are huge but I ended up eating two because I liked it so much.
Would I come back? Probably! But probably not during Ramadan because we got a lot of stares and I don’t need to spend $ 20 on a buffet to get full.

I have tried many Mediterranean places in OC and LA — kebabs, shewarma, gyros, you name it — and Al Tannour is by far my favorite place. Any time I have visitors from out of state, or if my girlfriends from LA (who are, by all definitions, LA food snobs) come to visit me, I take them here and they all fall in love.
It is a little hole-​in-​the-​wall type place and it seems to be run by a small family. You can choose where to sit, it’s very casual. I usually order the family-​style meal which is $ 39.99 for kebabs, rice, salad, hummus, and pita for several people (if it is just you and one other person, they will give you a smaller portion for $ 29.99, even though it’s not on the menu — this is why I love mom and pop shops!). The hummus is smooth and creamy, which I prefer to the rougher texture, and the kebabs are so tender and juicy. I’ve never had chicken kebabs that tasted so good.
The best part about Al Tannour is that they give you a huge fresh-​baked pita bread to share, and if you run out or the bread gets cold, the bake you a fresh one and bring it to your table. It is so warm and chewy, I love it.
Also, it’s a ton of food, so the leftovers are just as good ;) I would recommend this place to everyone.

I’ve always enjoyed the food here until my most recent visit yesterday. The service definitely colored my mediocre experience. I ordered the lamb tekka and asked for a side of garlic sauce on the side. The server told me it wouldn’t go well with the lamb, I asked her to give it to me anyway. Are you trying to conserve the garlic or something?
She then continued to give me and my friend a sour attitude the whole time. We were there to celebrate my friend’s bday so it was even more upsetting. She brought out a salad and I told her I was allergic to cucumber-​instead of bringing a new one she took it away and then asked me if I wanted cucumbers with my meal. Do you know what «allergic» means? Then she must’ve gotten herself into a tizzy because she kept giving us mad side-​eye so she got the cook to come out and ask me how I wanted my meat cooked.
«Medium or well done?»
«Medium.»
“Medium or medium-​well?”
«Medium, please.»
After all that, my lamb comes out dry, and extremely well done. I cut open half the pieces and they’re brown throughout. The server insists that I ordered medium, she does not cook the food, and that she told the cook «medium.» Actually, I told the cook medium, and apparently he’s incapable of preparing meat at medium.
The cook came out and starts pressing my skewers with a knife. He tells me to cut the rest to find that they are all brown inside. He insists that because some of them are exuding juice, they are medium. What? I work as a cook, I know what medium and medium well looks like!
After this whole affair our original server avoids us like the plague and the cook offers to refire my order. At this point I’m just annoyed and hungry. The server and the cook had awful attitudes, and I won’t be back.
Having worked FOH for years and BOH currently, this kind of service is total crap. And the food wasn’t really on point today. I will post a pic of the «medium» lamb skewers, you be the judge.
Also, their bathroom was atrocious. The toilet was full of waste and paper and someone had urinated all over the ground. Disgusting.
Lastly, she was racist. We were the only Asian people in the restaurant and she treated everyone else with the utmost respect and then she turned around and sassed us and was one of the rudest servers I’ve ever had in my life.

The service is good, not as others said.
The food is okay, not bad, but not very very impressive except their homemade pita bread.
My friend’s kebab combo Is kinda dry. And I think it’s a little pricy regarding the portion. After all, there are only three regular-​sized skews of meat over a large bed of rice.
Falafel is better than meat. Crispy outside and moisture inside. Not greasy at all. The flavor is a little bland, but it’s about right to dip in the sauce.
The best of their foods is homemade pita bread. It’s crispy, chewy and soft. After the meal, pita bread is the only thing we can remember and we even think that we’ll just get the bread next time if it’s available for the single order.

My first impression was, «There are very few places that catch my attention at first bite, but this one is a hidden gem that did just that.»
The Mediterranean food here was delicious. Let’s start with the fresh oven baked pita bread and hummus. The pita was the best I have ever had. Doughy, chewy, and warm on the inside, toasted, crusted, and crunchy on the outside… you can smell the fresh dough as you’re eating it with the soft tasteful and light hummus. Their meat is tender, flavorful, and soft. The pickled vegetables and all the flavors of the juices r together so well. The prices here are so reasonable and portions are plenty. The service, impeccable.
The lasting impression? «One of my favorite new Mediterranean spots in Orange County, and on my hidden gems list not to be missed!»

A nice introduction to Iraqi food. I came away still not completely able to discern what distinguishes this ancient country’s cuisine from those that borders around the region like Iran (Persia), Turkey and Syria. What is obvious is how its neighboring countries have strongly influenced their cuisine as indicative of its culinary preparation and names of its dishes. Most importantly, the food is — if not familiar — healthy, fragrant and delicious.
The Beef Kebob Plate, $ 12.99, comes with two long strips of juicy, savory beef and served with aromatic timman anbar rice, diced tomatoes, sliced dill pickles and pickled radish. A very simple prepared dish but tasty and the array of colors made it visually appealing as well. Oddly, the kebob here had a similar taste and texture of kofta — a kind of meatloaf or ground meat mixed with spices and herbs — and not the more familiar chunks of charbroiled meats on a skewer that I am accustomed to finding on the menu of most Mediterranean restaurants.
Ground beef or beef chunks, the flavor and aroma of the kebob was not debatable. It was fragrant, surprisingly moist and delicious. I could, if anything, taste a bit more cumin, coriander, black pepper and perhaps parsley mixed into the meat. It gave off a wonderful scent and added to the flavor.
The complimentary Khubz — a traditional flat bread — was really something else. First of all, it is huge! The diameter was about that of a basketball. The texture was airy light and fluffy. Khubz is eaten with the meal or filled with garnishes, smothered with butter or dipped in oil or a number of sauces.
The chopped green salad consisted of lettuce and chunks of tomatoes and very lightly seasoned with black pepper and dressing. At best, the salad complimented the hearty meal of meat and rice but was too mild in taste to enjoy alone as a starter.
My dish was quite satisfying. An enjoyment of Mediterranean food and my innate curiosity to try more Iraqi dishes to somehow learn its distinction from those of its regional neighbors will mean a return visit to Al Tannour soon.
I would recommend coming here with a party of two to four people. The larger kebab dishes are meant to be shared, there is the option to get a mixed variety of different meats to try and food is more plentiful and becomes a better deal if the party splits the cost.