A long-established La Romana favorite for kibbeh, shawarma, grilled meats, Dominican dishes, and vegetarian food, though service can be markedly slow or inattentive during some visits.
Shish Kabab delivers solid food quality anchored by consistently praised kibbeh and Middle Eastern dishes, earning its strong reputation as a La Romana dining destination. Service remains capable but uneven, with attentive moments offset by occasional lapses in drink delivery and table attention during busier shifts. The spacious, convenient setting and loyal following support reliable execution, though minor inconsistencies in service knowledge and speed keep it just short of the very top tier.
Shish Kabab feels like a La Romana institution rather than a polished newcomer: a spacious, comfortable restaurant with shaded outdoor seating, nearby parking, and a loyal stream of returning diners. The strongest first impression is the food, especially the kibbeh, which reviewers describe with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for family recipes. Service is more variable—some guests feel warmly looked after, while others wait too long for greetings, drinks, or the bill. The cooking is a broad Arabic-Dominican conversation: Palestinian specialties, shawarma, falafel, hummus, and grilled meats share the menu with mofongo, rice and beans, seafood, burgers, and pasta. It suits diners who want choice and cultural crossover more than a narrowly purist menu. The Arabic dishes are the safest bet, although a few experienced diners found particular plates bland or under-explained. Vegetarian and vegan guests are unusually well served, with enough substantial dishes for a proper meal. Families should find plenty to work with: the menu includes pancakes, quesadillas, hamburgers with fries, sandwiches, pasta, chicken dishes, rice and beans, and inexpensive desserts. Recent diners specifically report children enjoying the daily grilled-chicken special, while another family had a positive vegan meal with kids. The main family caveat is timing—allow patience during busy periods, especially if ordering freshly prepared takeaway items.
Area vibe: Tourist-oriented coastal city with beach resorts, residential zones and local commercial streets.
Safety: Generally safe in tourist areas and main streets; exercise standard caution at night in quieter residential blocks.
What's nearby: Near central La Romana amenities, local markets, restaurants, and not far from tourist resorts and La Romana International Airport.
Kibbeh and grilled meats are the standout items, with approachable starters like hummus, falafel, and empanadas rounding out the best orders.
There’s convenient parking and shaded outdoor seating, but service can slow down and the bill sometimes has surprises.