At Kabob-G, you can taste the love in every bite

The only thing that seems open to debate when discussing Kabob-G Grill is: What's the best dish?

Some say the only way to go is mujadara (lentil and rice pilaf). Others say you're nuts if you don't get the grape leaves and hummus. That will raise fire from the moussaka (eggplant, zucchini, etc.) and lamb chop factions, not to mention the caramelized onion supporters.

And then there are those who only go to Kabob-G on Saturdays, the only day raw kibbee ($15.50) — raw sirloin with bulgar wheat and seasoning — is on the menu.

Then there's the falafel — now hold on, just a second. Isn't it supposed to be, you know, a little dry? Why is Kabob-G's so moist it doesn't really even need any sauce? It comes as a sandwich ($8.25) or a platter ($9.50) with tomatoes, turnips and pickles.

The secret is in the kitchen of this small, unassuming spot across from a Castle Shannon T stop. Here on Willow Avenue, the Kahlil family just celebrated the sixth anniversary of Kabob-G.

Those who have traveled from Lebanon to Mt. Lebanon sing the praises of Kabob-G as some of the most authentic, lovingly crafted Middle Eastern food in Pittsburgh.

There are probably a few middling, maybe even downright negative reviews floating around on the Internet, but good luck finding them. The great majority of reviewers either really, really like this place or outright love Kabob-G.

Excerpts of online reviews for this bring-your-own-bottle (no corkage fee) place:

• “You can taste the love in every dish.”

• “Best Tabbouleh I have ever had in my life!”

• “Nothing fancy, but my first choice for Mediterranean-type food in the Pittsburgh area. Absolutely best I've eaten.”

• “While Kabob-G isn't much to look at and the decor is sort of diner-like, the food is fantastic!”

This is the sort of place you might see on a “Seinfeld” episode, except everyone's really nice here. Just don't try to go into the kitchen.

That's the domain of Joumana Kahlil, who doesn't even like her husband, Raja, getting in the way at show time. Her sister, Adele, helps with prep work a few days a week, but when it's time to whip up meals for the customers, stay out of Joumana's way.

“It's all my mom cooking,” says Natasha Kahlil, the daughter and waitress in this family business. “She puts a lot of heart and dedication in her cooking. Her most important goal is for the customer to be happy.”

Sandwiches range from the gyro ($8.25) to the filet mignon ($9.25). Dinners include moussaka and baked kibbee ($14.50 each), lamb shank in tomato sauce ($20) and combo kabob ($20), with a choice of two skewers of shish kabob (lamb), shish tawook (chicken) or kafta kabob (ground sirloin).

The Kahlils ventured from North Lebanon to Pittsburgh in 2001. For the first few years, they helped with family restaurants Kassab's and the Mediterranean Grill on the South Side, then opened Kabob-G in 2010.

It didn't take long for locals to lock in on this place. What's the nicest compliment Joumana has ever heard?

Natasha passes on the question to her mother, and translates the answer: “An old lady once told her, ‘God blessed your hands.'  ”

To which those who have had the spinach pie, kafta kabob, baklava or any of the other delights can only add one word: Amen.

Kabob-G Grill, 3821 Willow Ave., Castle Shannon, is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 1 to 8 p.m. Sundays. Details: 412-343-3383 or kabob-g.com.

Tom Scanlon is a Tribune-Review contributing writer.