Dama Grill

Tucked along Venice Boulevard in Culver City, Dama Grill is the kind of no-frills Middle Eastern counter spot where the food does all the talking. The cafeteria-style setup is simple and unfussy, with a steady stream of regulars who know exactly what they’re after. Outside on the patio, families gather around shared plates while kids dart between tables clutching handfuls of crispy fries.

The star of the show here is undoubtedly the chicken shawarma wrap. Thin shavings of spit-roasted chicken get bundled into pillowy saj bread, then slathered with a creamy garlic sauce and drizzled with tangy pomegranate molasses. The combination of textures and flavors is what has made this wrap something of an internet sensation—you’ve probably seen it on your feed. Pro tip: the shawarma can sell out by evening, so arriving earlier in the day improves your odds.

If the shawarma has run dry, the Xander Special makes for a solid backup. It swaps in chicken kebabs and stuffs a handful of fries right into the wrap, which helps add some heft and moisture. It’s not quite the same experience as the shawarma, but it’ll still leave you satisfied. This is the kind of place where expectations should be set to casual—order at the counter, grab a seat if you can find one, and dig in.

Dama Grill is perfect for a quick lunch, a low-key dinner, or when you need solid takeout without any fuss. It’s not a destination dining experience, but for reliably delicious Middle Eastern comfort food at wallet-friendly prices, it more than delivers.