Gyro Genie

Great, simple restaurant for a shawarma bowl. The portions are large, and my favorite item on their menu is the lamb shawarma. It's tender and sliced thinly with a great serving of hummus, rice, and bread. If I had to be critical, the meat tastes more on the processed side and the pita bread is slightly stale. However, I would definitely come for take-out or a quick meal.

Recently, I've been on the hunt for a new favorite Mediterranean spot in Sacramento. This was definitely not it.I stopped by a few days ago, and ordered the Super Duper Platter and a piece of baklava. When I asked the cashier what the Super Duper Platter came with, he pointed at a picture of a different platter, and said (in an annoyed/condescending tone), "With rice. Like this." Okay...To answer my question, the Super Duper Platter came with chicken and lamb shawarma served over seasoned rice, a (tiny) side of Greek salad, and a generous portion of hummus with pita bread. My order came out incredibly fast. Like, too fast. I noticed that no one shredded meat fresh off of the spit for my order-- for whatever reason, it had been pre-shaved before I came in. The hummus was good, but the pita was terrible. I mean, this was possibly the worst pita I've ever tried. It tasted like flour, and nothing else. Dry, flavorless, caked in flour, and awful. The Greek salad was great, and so was the vinaigrette. I just wished the portion was bigger, because I could have eaten a lot more of it.The rice was interesting. It was yellow, but didn't taste like saffron. I wondered what it was seasoned with, but couldn't put my finger on it.The shawarma was terrible. It was the worst shawarma I've ever tried. The lamb tasted like sausage, and I wished I had been given less of it. The chicken tasted as if it had started to spoil before it was cooked. It was dry, a little shriveled, and just bad.All of the meat tasted dirty, as if it had been re-heated in some dirty oil, and all of it was so heavily seasoned that it was hard to eat. (I normally like a lot of seasoning, but this was too much, even for me.)I didn't finish the meal, and ended up throwing some of it away, which is crazy, because it was expensive, and I don't like wasting food... but I just couldn't force myself to finish the shawarma and rice. It was just so bad.The baklava was amazing. Fresh, sticky, syrupy, and perfect.So, in summary: the hummus, salad, and baklava were great, the rice was okay, and the pita bread and shawarma were terrible.Overall, considering the price tag versus the quality and portion of food that I received, this was one of the most disappointing dining experiences I've had in a while.Even though the salad, hummus, and baklava were all really good, I don't see myself coming back here again.

We have been back so many times ever since we first discovered this place. Their lamb/beef platter is what we keep on coming back for again and again. It is served with a fragrant yellow rice, hummus, tzatziki, and a side salad.The meat is so tender, succulent and flavorful. Everything melds so well together. We have also tried their butter chicken but it doesn't hold a candle to their lamb/beef platter.

Upon stepping into Gyro's Genie, I was impressed by the spacious and immaculately clean environment. The extensive menu offered a variety of choices, and I appreciated the visibility of the meat cooking. Ordering at the counter, the staff, particularly the gentleman who took our order, was kind and efficient. Prices were standard.Opting for the lamb platter, stuffed grape leaves, and baklava, while my husband chose the chicken and rice, we were served promptly with fresh, generously portioned dishes. The meat, especially in the meat and rice option, was remarkably tender and flavorful. The Mediterranean salad was delightful, and the stuffed grapes had a subtle kick, adding a unique touch. While the hummus and the accompanying sauce didn't align with my taste preferences due to lack of flavor, the outstanding rice and meat combination ensures I'll be returning for more.

We tried the weekend Halwa Puri breakfast and really enjoyed it. Everything was on point. The potatoes were specially flavorful and the puri and halwa were not too oily. Generous portion with three good-sized puris. Also tried their cheeseburger which was also really good. The service was timely and the young man at the front was courteous and helpful. Seating is nicely spaced out and did not feel crowded.We'll be returning to this place again to try the rest of their items.

Not impressive at all. Pushing a small the white garlic sauce cost two dollar each and they're very very small. Not worth it don't come here.

What an amazing authentic restaurant opened in Sacramento, and I will suggest you try this yummy family-operated restaurant in Sacramento, CA.Also, if you are from India or Pakistan, you must know how seriously we take our weekend breakfast (brunch) seriously. I mean, I don't mind driving for two hours if I can enjoy homemade " Halwa Puri" in the restaurant. This special signature breakfast plate is only available on the weekends from 11 AM to 2 PM. Also, there is Mediterranean food like Shawarma or kabobs available on the daily menu. Since we went there on Sunday, we ordered "Halwa puri," which is very hard to find in the Bay area, I mean an authentic one. Our server and everyone who worked behind the counter were very friendly and welcoming. Food came right away, and as soon I saw the texture of chanay (garbanzo ) on the plate, without taking a bite, I said to myself, "This is it." if you are a foodie and food critic so, you know what I mean This is it means. Now, another thing: this place serves 3 puris (usually two either too soggy or crunchy) with Plenty of garbanzo curry, potato curry, and halfway (sweet). Now, that was a lot of food. Luckily, I hadn't breakfast or late dinner last night, so I was ready to finish my food. But that one meal was good for 24 hours, and I promise you that. Halwa was not sweet; and it was balanced sweetness. I did ask for a pickle and some green chilies on the side. Usually, we have tea (chai), but Mr. Chef asked if we would like to have Lassie made in the clay pot (matka lassi). Now, how can you say no to matka lassi, at least not me? Every bite reminds you of back home and their service, just like we are the guests at their home. I noticed that the owner and his team were going to each table and asking if we were ok or needed anything. Omg you must go and try either weekend breakfast (Halwa Puri) or other Mediterranean dishes from the menu. Suppose you are driving to Reno or Lake Tahoe to go and enjoy your trip. I don't mind going back, and if you are there, go to the old Sacramento waterfront area, walk, shop, or enjoy the live music and capture happy memories. Thank you for the excellent food and service.

Chicken kabobs and gyro tasted very good. Fresh juices are a nice touch. Best halwa puri in sac town. I believe they only have it on weekend for brunch. Call ahead to confirm. Lots of other Pakistani/indian options added to the menu.

All these reviews must be fake. Ordered on doordash the meal pictured in the screenshot and received the meal shown in the photo. Online menu shows large pieces of grilled meats...received two kinds of minced meat swimming tahini. Unpleasant but not inedible, hence the two stars. All their photos are fake, even the cucumbers are cut differently than as shown (shredded vs diced). Really questionable ethics. I won't order from here again.Hit up falafel and schwarma planet, maydoon or Mr. Falafel for way better food at the same price.

Very friendly and clean restaurant, food is amazing and comes with a decent portion for price. The Halwa Puri is a weekend staple, served from 11-2 if I remember correctly. Don't miss it! We will definitely be back for more!