Seemor
Lazeez KitchenB+Worth Trying
3109 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
· Middle Eastern restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (170 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Generous, flavorful Middle Eastern plates with Eritrean spice influence, friendly counter service, and fair prices; a great casual pick with a few consistency and service hiccups to note.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Lazeez Kitchen delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality anchored by tender proteins and house sauces, paired with genuine service warmth and excellent value. Occasional consistency lapses and modest ambiance appeal prevent grade A territory, though the hidden gem character and loyal following reflect authentic neighborhood appeal worth exploring.
Restaurant Summary
Inside, the room feels warm and welcoming with a calm, spotless vibe that contrasts the street outside. Staff are often genuinely friendly, and touches like complimentary chai pop up. One diner said it felt like a "peaceful spot" where care shows in how plates arrive. The cooking leans classic Middle Eastern with an Eritrean twist—think tender chicken shawarma, fluffy yellow rice, bright salads, and house sauces that people rave about. Portions run generous and prices fair, so it suits hungry eaters, takeout nights, and anyone chasing comforting, well-seasoned plates over culinary theatrics. A few notes: occasional oily dishes, a rare chewy lamb, and 10–20 minute waits. Families should do fine here: the menu has kid-friendly staples like chicken and rice, fries, burgers, and mild dips. No kids menu is listed, but sharing works well thanks to big plates. If picky eaters avoid raw onions or strong spices, ask for simple builds or dressings on the side.
At a Glance
- Big portions and fair prices deliver strong value
- Friendly counter service with occasional complimentary chai
- Distinct Eritrean spice influence adds character
- A few consistency and service missteps (missing items, oily rice)
- Street vibe can feel sketchy at night; interior is welcoming
What Sets It Apart
- Eritrean spice influence
- complimentary chai gesture
- very generous portions
What People Love
- Tender chicken shawarma with fluffy rice
- House sauces that guests take home
- Clean, calm dining room
- Warm hospitality with owner presence
- Affordable baklava for a sweet finish
Points of Concern
- Occasional order issues or slower phone support; missing items were remade in one case
- A few isolated cleanliness/safety complaints versus many cleanliness praises
- Some dishes run oily or meat occasionally chewy
- Pricing is moderate but not a bargain for dine-in given wait times and casual setup
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (occasional promotional tone, cross-posting) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$28-38 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose a plate (chicken or beef) if you want maximum portion value
- Add cucumber yogurt dip ($7.45) to cool spicier flavors
- Finish with baklava ($1.99-$3.99) for a budget-friendly dessert
Perfect For
- Casual lunch near Telegraph
- Takeout dinner with leftovers
- Group office orders
- Gluten-aware diners seeking simple builds
Location Insights
Area: Lively Telegraph Ave corridor near hospitals and clinics; diverse foot traffic, casual storefronts.
Safety: Generally busy but some sketchy moments at night per reviews; inside feels warm and welcoming.
Nearby: Close to medical facilities and offices; mixed residential and small businesses; decent daytime foot traffic.
TemescalTemescal offers a dynamic dining scene with a variety of casual and upscale options, reflecting the neighborhood's diverse cultural influences. The area is known for its walkability, community-oriented atmosphere, and a blend of traditional and contemporary eateries.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:00–20:00
Tuesday10:00–20:00
Wednesday10:00–20:00
Thursday10:00–20:00
Friday10:00–20:00
Saturday10:00–20:00
Sunday10:00–20:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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