Salim’s Middle Eastern Food Store

I was slightly disappointed in Salim’s. It’s close to my apartment, and I love middle eastern food, so I had high hopes, but the gyro meat was not great, the baba ganoush was ok, and the grape leaves were average. The baklava was pretty good, but it is a rather small portion.

I am so confused. I had the falafel gyro and it was definitely not that good. (And served with pickles? How strange.) Actually, I want to say that it was «awful» just to try to balance out all the other reviews that claim it’s delicious – but really, it was simply not very good. Definitely cheap though. Tasted like frozen falafel or something – bland, basically. And pickles?
The baklava was great, though. But if this is Pittsburgh’s best falafel then I am a sad man.

I stopped by to pick up a snack before dinner and ended up purchasing a spinach and feta handpie, a tub of homemade hummus, pita, and a half dozen baklava bites. The handpie dough was a little soggy but the filling was amazing and packed with flavor. The hummus is very good, the pita is doughier than im used to but still good. The baklava bites were fantastic, and at .60 each they’re a steal.

Yum. That should say it all, but I guess more would be helpful. When you need to concentrate, but need to eat and are afraid of ending up with something that either will make you feel over-​stuffed, heavy and sleepy or, conversely, leave you feeling hungry in an hour, go to Salim’s on Center Ave (convenient parking off-​street on the side of the building). Get a container of Mujadera (lentils and rice with browned onions. He will heat it for you. If you eat meat, you can have some added to it. Get another container of chilled and flavourful tabouli salad and eat them alternating bites. Buy a container of Salim’s delicious rice pudding, but save it as a celebration for completing tasks/​finishing your project or paper. Buy extra containers of everything if you are pulling an all-​nighter. This is absolutely the best study/​writing food ever. And so delicious! Salims also has a whole selection of other wonderful foods — both prepared, and hard-​to-​find grocery items such as Halaal meats, lokum, and various grains and canned goods. There is also a dining room separate from the main part of the store so you may enjoy your meal in peace. Whether you are new to the Pittsburgh area, or needing a new favorite place, Salim’s is a «must experience» place — one of Pittsburgh’s most delightful hidden culinary treasures.

Salim is super super nice and patient. His food, especially babaganush (I can’t spell it) and some sort of roasted pepper and walnut dips are amazing. Also his homemade yoghurt is awesome!

Salim’s is THE BEST. The service is perfection, the food is scrumptious, and the spices for sale are rock bottom prices and sky high in flavor. Do not miss the mujadara (lentils and rice), I have no idea what they are adding to this, but it is heavenly. The meat and spinach pies are beautifully prepared, avoiding the dreaded spinach sogginess that sometimes happens. The dessert pastries are light and airy, a must indulge delicacy. In my many visits to Salim’s, I have never had a bad meal.

The best babaganoush I’ve ever had, other lovely dishes as well, and Salim is super friendly.

I stopped by last night to get some take out, since it’s that time of week when I’m getting sick and tired of the usual swill, and I’m just about fresh out of groceries. This place is about a block from my apt., and I’ve passed it about a thousand times, but I never would have thought to stop by if it weren’t for Unilocal. (Sidenote: I really need to try the ready-​to-​eat food at some of the other ethnic markets in the area!)
Based on the reviews here, I decided to try the falafel and the spinach pie. I honestly can’t remember the last time I had falafel – it’s been years (don’t judge!). Since I live so close, I got them both for take out, though, as others have mentioned, there is some seating if you prefer to eat in. Together, they cost under $ 8. The older gentleman – who I assume is the owner – made the falafel pita as I waited, and retrieved the spinach pie from the display case (he asked me if I wanted it heated, which I did, so he warmed it up in the microwave). He seemed very friendly, answering my stupid questions about the falafel pita (yes, it comes with all the fixings), and making conversation with me about my travels in S.E. Asia (I was wearing a Cambodia t-​shirt).
When I got home, I promptly tucked into the falafel sandwich and then the spinach pie after pouring myself a glass of iced tea to accompany them. The falafel pita was quite savory, and I enjoyed the variation in texture and flavor that the vegetables and pita offered. I’d advise eating it as quickly as possible, though, since despite not wasting time in eating it, it was cooler than I’d like by the time I was halfway through. The spinach pie, on the other hand, remained quite warm, despite that I saved it until after I’d finished the falafel pita. Although it was a bit soggier than I’d like on the bottom, the flavors were quite delectable – even more so than the falafel pita, in my opinion. Both the falafel pita and the spinach pie were clearly homemade. For me, the two of these items were sufficient for a meal, esp. since I’ve been trying to eat on the lighter side recently. If you’re a heavy eater, however, you may wish to get another sandwich or side.
While I was ordering, I noticed this place serves gyros and Middle Eastern desserts. I’ll definitely keep this in mind for next time I want a gyro or some baklava! It’s awesome to find another great hole-​in-​the-​wall place so close to my apt. – thanks, fellow Unilocalers!

So glad we were able to discover this little shop, which surprisingly doubles as a small sit-​down restaurant. When you walk in you will first see the shelves of herbs and spices, along with a counter for freshly made food. Look to the left and there’s a little doorway leading to a cozy little area with several tables and chairs for eating in, along with some freezers for some halal meats and vegetables.
At the counter, there were quite a few items from which to choose. We chose to go with a create-​your-​own type of meal, which consists of three items plus pita. Lots of variety – definitely more than you might find at say Kebab Factory. The gyro and chicken were fantastic meats, while the hummus went well with the pita bread. The lentils and grape leaves also made very good sides, and the spinach pie was pretty unique. And all for about $ 16 (2 of these combos), which is super affordable.
On the way out we bought a small dessert platter for about $ 12, which came with about 4 pieces of each of the desserts (baklava, mini bites, etc.). Tried some of it after getting home and it was awesome. This is definitely a go-​to place for the future for Mediterranean cravings.

The best Falafel I have tested in Pittsburgh so far.

I finally found the courage to try Salim’s baba ganoush. I only wish I had done so sooner! The man knows his eggplants. I think it is safe to say he has the best ganoush in Pittsburgh

I am all for ethnic/​specialty grocery stores! It’s the only way to get authentic obscure ingredients!
The location is super convenient. There’s parking. It’s very clean and organized. The food smells delicious, but I have not had a chance to try it yet. And, the service is friendly and helpful!
Definitely stop by if you’re in need of some middle eastern food or supplies!

I made the walk out to Salim’s today for a gyro. The quality was fine, and it was very filling for only $ 5.25. I also picked up some Turkish Delights which I have not managed to find elsewhere within walking distance of Pitt’s campus. There were also several trays filled with fresh Middle Eastern desserts such as Baklava.

Good food and a pretty good selection of groceries. Sometimes the food is a little too dry, and some would say that it is too expensive, but I like it.
There is a $ 10 minimum on credit cards, which sucks if you just want dinner or something, but you can always buy a dozen feta and spinach rolls… MMMmmmmm

Salem’s is a great store almost as great as the owner (nicest man who is honest with the food).
I love stopping in here for their sweets which are always reasonably priced (a dollar, give or take a few cents) and fresh. They also have a great selection of spices — for those recipes that call for the most random, obscure ingredients, I just check in at Salims.
I haven’t gotten their meals here yet but definitely looking forward to the day that i do!

Super friendly owner. If you have a moment, hang around and talk to him for a bit.
Everything on the menu is great. Gyros are awesome and the plates are fantastic as well. Fridge in the back has freshly made hummus and it’s some of the best stuff I’ve had. Also consider grabbing some baklava.
Really, you can’t go wrong here.

The owner is very nice and friendly and very organized! you can just tell!
Good food! Literally everything on the menu is GOOD! Yes, I’ve tried them all.

I love the food here, plus I also use the store to buy ingredients. The spinach pies are great. The Hummus, Baba Ghanough, and Taboulee are made fresh and taste delicious. Also love the Sleek. There’s a Middle Eastern place in the strip, but Salim’s is much more consistent and is much more likely to have what I am looking for.

Delicious. The inside of this place looks like it use to be a BINGO hall or something equally open-​spaced. The food is served cafeteria style and tantalizes you from behind a glass display.
I had the kefta, which was a seasoned patty of lamb and beef. It was on a warm, chewy pita and tasted great. The light sauce mixed with the veggies (they added a middle eastern style pickled cucumber) were a crunchy, delicious combo.
For dessert we got this mesmerizingly orange dessert that I later learned was called Jalebi. It was light and airy and completely drenched in delicious, sweet syrup. It was interesting to say the least.
The grocery next door is incredible as well, especially the butcher’s area. Fresh meat hangs on hooks right in front of you and the people manning the counter are willing to answer your questions. My friend ended up buying pre-​seasoned kefta meat for later after one of the employees suggested a serving size for him.
I’ll definitely come back here and take photos next time.

Gyros, baba ganoush, falafel & baklava were all excellent. Will definitely visit again.