Finding a decent kabob along West Broad Street usually feels like a gamble. You’ve got a dozen strip malls, neon "Open" signs, and way too many choices that taste like they came out of a freezer bag. But Zara Mediterranean Charcoal Grill in Glen Allen is one of those spots that actually lives up to the "charcoal" part of its name.
Honesty is best here: it isn't a five-star white-tablecloth gala. It's a family-owned joint tucked away by Innsbrook where the scent of smoke hits you the second you open the door.
What is the hype about Zara Mediterranean Charcoal Grill anyway?
Basically, it's about the fire. Most places use gas grills because they're easy. Zara uses charcoal. That might sound like a small detail, but it changes everything about the texture of the meat. You get that specific, crusty char on the outside of a Chicken Kabob while the inside stays actually juicy.
The menu is a bit of a marathon. They’ve got everything from standard gyros to some surprisingly deep Persian-style cuts.
The "Must-Order" list
If you're staring at the menu and feeling overwhelmed, just look at these:
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- Ground Beef Koobideh: This is the litmus test for any Mediterranean grill. It’s a seasoned, minced beef skewer. If it’s dry, the place is a bust. At Zara, it’s usually the star.
- The Trio Dip: You get hummus, eggplant dip, and cucumber yogurt. It’s massive. They serve it with house-made bread that’s usually still warm.
- Lamb Kabobs: Marinated in a way that kills that "gamey" taste people sometimes hate about lamb.
Why the Glen Allen location stands out
Location-wise, being at 10865 W Broad St puts them right in the middle of the lunchtime chaos. It’s a "casual yet classy" vibe. You can show up in a suit for a business lunch or in gym shorts and nobody cares.
One thing that's kinda cool is the Persian influence. While the sign says "Mediterranean," the owner has been known to speak Persian, and the Koobideh leans heavily into that culinary tradition. It's not exactly like what you’d find on the streets of Tehran—nothing ever is—but in Henrico County, it’s about as close as you’re going to get.
The stuff nobody tells you
Look, every restaurant has its quirks.
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Sometimes the service is "fast and friendly," and other times, when the dinner rush hits and every Uber Eats driver in a five-mile radius is standing by the door, it can get a little hectic. If you’re planning a big Friday night dinner, maybe call ahead or use their outdoor seating if the Virginia humidity isn't melting everyone.
Also, the portions are no joke. A single Gyro Platter usually ends up being lunch the next day. They don't skimp on the rice or the salad, which is refreshing given how much prices have jumped everywhere lately.
Dietary stuff and "The Vibe"
Vegetarians aren't totally left out, which is rare for a place with "Grill" in the name. The Falafel Platter is solid—crispy on the outside, not like those weird dry pucks you get at the grocery store.
They’re open seven days a week, typically from 11 am to 9:30 or 10 pm. They stay closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, so don't show up then expecting a kabob.
Quick Facts for the Road:
- Address: 10865 W Broad St, Glen Allen, VA 23060.
- Phone: (804) 716-2323.
- Catering: They do it. If you want to be the hero of the office, bringing in a tray of Zara skewers beats a "sandwich ring" any day.
How to get the most out of your visit
Don't just get the wrap. Seriously.
The wraps are fine for a quick desk lunch, but if you want to understand why people talk about Zara Mediterranean Charcoal Grill, get a platter. You need the rice. You need the charred tomato that comes on the side. Most importantly, you need to try the different sauces. The Harissa has a real kick, and the Cilantro Yogurt is a sleeper hit.
If you’re a first-timer, go for the #2 Combination Platter (Chicken and Ground Beef). It gives you the best of both worlds and enough leftovers to make your coworkers jealous tomorrow.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check their daily specials if you're going for lunch; they usually have a $16.99 deal that includes a drink.
- If you're ordering takeout, use their direct site or call to avoid the massive markups on third-party apps.
- Try the Mediterranean Pistachio Cake for dessert—it’s significantly less sweet than the Baklava but hits the spot perfectly.