Unearth The Voyage
Tucked into a simple strip mall on Cleveland Ave, Yemeni Restaurant delivers flavors that make you forget the modest setting. The moment you walk in, spices bloom in the air and friendly staff make you feel like a regular. With a 4.8 star rating and locals raving about lamb specialties, it is the kind of place you think about days later. Come hungry, because portions are generous and the hospitality is even bigger.
1. Signature Lamb Kabsa
The lamb kabsa here wins over first timers and regulars alike with fragrant rice and deeply spiced, meltingly tender meat. Every bite carries cardamom, clove, and tomato richness, with roasted nuts adding crunch. You get a mountain of food, ideal for sharing or for leftovers you will look forward to.
Ask for the house hot sauce if you like heat, and brighten each forkful with a squeeze of lemon. The rice stays fluffy while still soaking up lamb juices, a balance that is hard to nail. Pair it with the lemon mint drink for a cooling contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
Service is prompt and warm, and staff are quick to offer suggestions based on what you enjoy. Prices sit comfortably in the 10-20 range, a steal for the portion size. If you only try one entree, make it the kabsa and let the aromas do the convincing.
2. Hummus with Lamb
Fans rave about the hummus with lamb for its silky texture topped with savory, tender meat. The hummus is ultra smooth, the kind that holds swoops and pools of olive oil. Each scoop with fresh bread gives you nutty sesame, garlic warmth, and a satisfying, meaty finish.
You will want to pace yourself because this appetizer eats like a meal. The lamb seasoning leans aromatic rather than fiery, letting the chickpeas shine. A sprinkle of sumac and a squeeze of lemon cut through richness for perfect balance.
Share it at the table to start, or claim it as your main if you love dips with substance. The portion is generous and pairs well with tea later. If you love texture contrasts, alternate bites with crisp salad for freshness in every round.
3. Chicken Zorbian Comfort
Chicken zorbian is the comfort dish that wraps you in spices and softness. The rice is scented and lightly buttery, and the chicken falls apart with a nudge of your spoon. Potatoes soak up flavor and turn velvety, making each bite feel complete.
Ask for the spicy sauce on the side to customize your heat level. The dish arrives steaming, and the aromas of cardamom and cumin drift across the table. It is hearty without feeling heavy, and leftovers reheat beautifully.
Pair it with the lemon mint drink for a bright, herbaceous lift. If you are undecided between lamb and chicken, this is the chicken order that will win you over. Share a plate and save room for tea at the end.
4. Roasted Lamb Platter
The roasted lamb here earns repeat visits and enthusiastic road trips. Meat slides off the bone, with edges that caramelize and a center that stays juicy. It sits over seasoned rice that quietly supports the star of the show.
Try a bite plain, then dip into the house hot sauce to see how the flavor opens up. A squeeze of lemon adds a clean snap that keeps you reaching for more. There is a generosity to the plating that makes sharing natural and fun.
Service moves quickly even when the dining room is full. Staff offer tea at the end, and it feels like a small celebration. If you love lamb, this platter will likely become your Columbus must-stop.
5. Lamb Fahsah in a Bubbling Pot
When the lamb fahsah arrives still bubbling, heads turn. The stew is rich and soulful, with tender shreds of lamb and a gentle fenugreek lift. Tear off pieces of bread to scoop, and you will understand why regulars call it a must.
The texture sits between hearty soup and stew, perfect for chilly nights. Spices feel layered rather than loud, building warmth as you eat. You will notice how clean the flavors are, with no heaviness despite the depth.
It is also a great dish to split alongside a rice entree. Ask your server for pairing suggestions and they will steer you well. Once you try it, you will plan your next visit around having it again.
6. Complimentary Lamb Broth Starter
Before your entrees land, there is often a small bowl of complimentary lamb broth. It is clear, golden, and full of comfort, like a welcome hug from the kitchen. Stir in a touch of the spicy sauce if you want a kick.
This little ritual sets the tone for the meal. You get depth of flavor without heaviness, and it is a lovely way to wake up your palate. It also signals the hospitality that regulars mention again and again.
If you are dining with friends, wait and sip together for a shared start. The broth pairs beautifully with bread and a squeeze of lemon. It is simple, thoughtful, and unforgettable in its own quiet way.
7. Tray for Two Feast
The Tray for Two makes date night or a shared celebration easy. It arrives abundant and colorful, with rice, meats, and sides that feel like a tour of the menu. Presentation is beautiful without being fussy, and you will have plenty to take home.
It is perfect when you cannot decide between lamb and chicken. Staff happily explain each component and how to combine bites. The variety keeps the table buzzing with pass-the-sauce moments and happy chatter.
Add Yemeni tea at the end for a gentle, sweet finish. The value is outstanding, especially considering quality and quantity. If you want the full experience fast, start here and build your favorites from there.
8. Yemeni Bread Fresh From the Oven
The bread steals the show more often than you expect. Puffy and warm, it tears with a soft sigh and becomes the perfect tool for scooping. It is simple, but it makes every dip, stew, and sauce better.
Ask for an extra basket if you plan on sharing hummus or fahsah. The light char adds a pleasant smokiness that plays well with rich dishes. It is also the ideal partner for the complimentary broth.
Use it to make small bites with rice and meat, or enjoy it plain with olive oil. Either way, it feels essential to the experience here. You will dream about this bread on the drive home.
9. Lamb Habeeth Discovery
Lamb habeeth is a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs classic that fans urge you to try. The texture is velvety, somewhere between porridge and stew, with tender lamb woven through. It is deeply satisfying on a cool evening or when you crave warmth.
A squeeze of lemon brightens the bowl, while chili adds an optional kick. Each spoonful brings mellow spice and savory depth. It is one of those dishes that feels homestyle and nurturing.
If you like exploring beyond the usual, this is a great pick. Pair it with tea for a gentle finish or bread for texture contrast. You will understand why reviewers call it amazing after the first few bites.
10. Galaba With A Twist
The lamb galaba brings a stir fry energy with Yemeni soul. Chunks of lamb tumble with tomatoes, peppers, and onions, creating a saucy mix that begs for bread. It is lighter than the roasts but still full of character.
If you like bold aromatics, this is your lane. The vegetables keep their snap, giving each bite color and freshness. Pair it with rice to soak up the juices and you have a balanced plate.
Service remains attentive even during busy hours, so ask for spice tweaks. The team is happy to guide you to your comfort zone. It is a sleeper hit that often becomes a go-to order.
11. Massoub Sweet Finish
Massoub offers a gentle, comforting dessert that does not overwhelm. Bananas, soft bread, and cream layer into something nostalgic and cozy. A drizzle of honey and a scatter of nuts finish it with a light crunch.
It is the kind of sweet that feels like a warm goodbye from the kitchen. Share it if you are full, because the portion is friendly. It pairs beautifully with spiced tea and good conversation.
If heavy desserts are not your thing, this will surprise you. It is sweet but balanced, and it sends you out smiling. Leave a little room and you will be glad you did.
12. Lemon Mint Refresher
The lemon mint drink is the perfect reset between rich bites. It hits with citrus first, then a cool mint finish that cleans the palate. Sips in between lamb and rice make each mouthful feel new.
Ask for it lightly sweet if you prefer sharper citrus. The color is bright and the aroma lifts the whole table. It complements everything from kabsa to galaba without getting in the way.
On warm days, this is a non-negotiable order. On cold days, it still works as a bright counterpoint. Consider grabbing one to go for the ride home.
13. Yemeni Spiced Tea Ritual
There is often complimentary tea at the end, and it feels personal. Cardamom and clove drift up from the glass, wrapping the moment in warmth. It is sweet but measured, the perfect sign-off to a generous meal.
Take a slow sip and let the spices linger. Conversations ease, and you will notice how the staff check in kindly without rushing you. It is the kind of hospitality that makes the experience memorable.
Even if you are full, do not skip it. This tea closes the loop on flavor and care. It is a small tradition that keeps people returning.
14. Clean, Cozy Dining Room
The space is simple and spotless, a reminder that the focus here is flavor and care. You will find neat tables, warm lighting, and staff who greet you with genuine smiles. It is the kind of room that quickly feels familiar.
Families, date nights, and solo meals all fit right in. Service stays prompt and thoughtful even when the place fills up. You can relax, ask questions, and feel looked after.
Parking is easy, and the location on Cleveland Ave is convenient. Hours run 11 AM to 10 PM daily, so lunch and late dinners are covered. You will leave impressed by how welcoming a modest room can feel.
15. Catering That Wows
If you need catering, this team overdelivers with warmth and precision. Orders come neatly packaged, fresh, and ready to serve, with portions that make guests happy. The staff help carry trays, offer tea, and send you off with a smile.
Flavor travels well, so kabsa and roasted lamb hold up beautifully. Expect clear labels and generous sauces that make service easy. It is the kind of experience that turns a one-time order into a habit.
For parties or office lunches, it is a reliable crowd pleaser. Your guests will ask where you found it, and you will feel like a hero. Call ahead and they will guide you through the best picks for your group.
16. Value And Portions
Prices land around 10-20 and the portions are generous, which makes exploring the menu feel easy. You can share two entrees and an appetizer and still have leftovers. That kind of value keeps locals coming back weekly.
Quality never feels compromised. Spices taste bright, meats are tender, and sides arrive fresh. You get the sense that the kitchen takes pride in consistency.
Bring friends so you can try more without overspending. Add tea and dessert and watch the total still look friendly. For flavor per dollar, it is hard to beat in Columbus.
17. How To Plan Your Visit
Find Yemeni Restaurant at 5426 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH, a quick hop from the main corridors. They open at 11 AM daily and serve until 10 PM, so lunch or dinner both work. A call ahead helps if you are timing a larger group or ordering catering.
Parking is straightforward and the dining room turns tables efficiently. Start with broth and hummus with lamb, then pick a rice dish and a stew to share. Leave space for tea or a lemon mint refresher to close things out.
If you are passing through Columbus, add this stop to your route. If you are local, it may just become your weekly ritual. Either way, come hungry and ready to explore Yemeni comfort done right.
