Best Food Near Columbia Pike
Columbia Pike is one of Arlington's most diverse dining corridors. Five to ten minutes south, Taza Shawarma & Falafel serves authentic halal Mediterranean food -- vertical-spit shawarma, falafel fried to order, oven-baked manaeesh -- at 5820 Seminary Rd, Falls Church. Open until midnight, seven days a week.
The Columbia Pike Corridor
A Dining Scene Built on Diversity
Columbia Pike runs three and a half miles through the heart of south Arlington, from the Navy Annex near the Pentagon to the intersection with Leesburg Pike at Bailey's Crossroads. It is one of the most ethnically diverse commercial corridors in Northern Virginia -- a stretch of road where Salvadoran pupuserias sit next to Ethiopian restaurants, Vietnamese pho shops neighbor Bolivian markets, and Korean fried chicken competes with Afghani kabob.
The neighborhoods that border the Pike -- Penrose, Arlington Mill, Barcroft, Columbia Heights West, Douglas Park, Alcova Heights -- are home to families and professionals from dozens of countries. That diversity drives the dining scene. People here expect authentic food, prepared properly, at fair prices. They can tell the difference between a restaurant that takes shortcuts and one that does not.
Taza Shawarma & Falafel sits on Seminary Road in Falls Church, directly south of the Columbia Pike corridor. Five minutes from Penrose. Six minutes from Arlington Mill. Seven minutes from Barcroft. Three minutes from Bailey's Crossroads. The restaurant serves the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern segment of the Pike's dining ecosystem -- and it does so with the kind of precision that the corridor's discerning diners demand.
What Sets Us Apart
Why Columbia Pike Locals Drive to Taza
The Pike has no shortage of restaurants. But when it comes to authentic, spit-roasted Mediterranean food with a fully halal menu and an oven running all day, the options narrow fast. Here is what separates Taza from the rest.
Vertical Spit Shawarma, Not Assembly-Line Protein
Columbia Pike is full of quick-service spots that grill meat flat on a plancha and call it a day. Taza operates a traditional vertical rotisserie. Chicken and beef rotate slowly next to open flame. The outside caramelizes while fat renders downward, basting every layer. That process produces a depth of flavor and texture that flat-grilled meat cannot replicate.
12-Hour Marinade -- No Shortcuts
Shawarma at Taza is carved off the vertical spit to order, so each plate gets fresh slices from the cone. That kind of time investment separates Taza from restaurants that season meat thirty minutes before service.
100% Halal -- No Exceptions
The Columbia Pike corridor is home to one of the most diverse populations in Northern Virginia. Everything on the Taza menu is halal, from the shawarma to the pies. Families who keep halal can eat here with complete confidence.
Fresh Ingredients, Made That Day
Pita comes out of the oven fresh. Taza means fresh in Arabic: falafel is fried to order and shawarma is carved off the spit as you order. Vegetables are cut the same day you eat them. Falafel comes out of the fryer to order, and the flatbreads come out of the oven. Taza means fresh in Arabic -- the restaurant is named after the standard it holds itself to.
Oven Manaeesh and Specialty Pies
Most places on Columbia Pike do not have an oven. Taza does. Za'atar manaeesh, lahm bil ajin, cheese manaeesh, spinach pies, and sfiha are all baked to order in that oven. The result is a crispy, fragrant flatbread that hits differently than anything coming out of a convection oven or microwave.
A Complete Mediterranean Menu Under One Roof
Shawarma is what built the reputation, but the full menu spans pita sandwiches, shrak wraps, grain bowls, manaeesh flatbreads, specialty pies, sides like hummus and baba ghanouj, smoothies and fresh juices, and desserts including rice pudding and harissa semolina cake. One visit covers everyone at the table.
What to Order
The Menu Items Columbia Pike Guests Order Most
Eight dishes that cover the full range of what Taza does -- from the spit-carved shawarma to oven-baked flatbreads to traditional Lebanese desserts. Every item is made to order, every day.
Chicken Shawarma Pita
The sandwich that built Taza's reputation. Halal chicken roasted on the vertical spit and carved to order. Stuffed into warm, fresh-baked pita with garlic sauce, pickled turnips, and fresh vegetables. This is the single most-ordered item by Columbia Pike customers.
Beef Shawarma Pita
Thinly stacked layers of seasoned beef pressed onto the spit with fat ribbons between each layer. As it rotates, the fat renders down, keeping the meat rich and deeply flavored. Sliced thin, piled into fresh pita, finished with tahini and pickled turnip.
Chicken Shawarma Shrak
The same spit-carved chicken shawarma rolled in shrak -- a paper-thin traditional flatbread traditionally baked on a domed saj. Lighter than pita, with a subtle chew that wraps around the filling without overwhelming it. Layered with garlic sauce, pickled vegetables, sumac, and fresh greens.
Chicken Shawarma Bowl
All the flavor of our chicken shawarma, deconstructed over fluffy basmati rice or lettuce. Topped with Arabic salad, pickled turnips, garlic sauce, and fresh herbs. A high-protein, carb-flexible meal for the lunch crowd on Columbia Pike that demands substance without compromise.
Falafel Pita
Crispy chickpea falafel, herb-green inside, tucked into warm pita with tahini, fresh vegetables, and pickles. Falafel is fried to order, and the manaeesh, pita and pies are baked in the oven. A genuine vegetarian option that does not feel like an afterthought.
Zaatar Manaeesh
Flatbread brushed with za'atar, toasted sesame seeds, and extra-virgin olive oil. Baked in Taza's oven until fragrant and golden. The quintessential Lebanese breakfast item -- and one of the most affordable things on the menu.
Lahm Bi Ajin Manaeesh
Thin, crispy flatbread topped with seasoned ground beef, finely diced onions, parsley, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices. Baked in the oven until golden. Often called Lebanese pizza -- and at $8.95, it is one of the best deals in the Columbia Pike dining scene.
Rice Pudding
Creamy rice pudding topped with pistachio. A light, sweet way to finish the meal.
How Close Are You?
Columbia Pike Neighborhoods We Serve
Taza is located on Seminary Road, directly south of the Columbia Pike corridor. No neighborhood along the Pike is more than ten minutes away. Here is how long it takes from each area.
Penrose
Penrose sits at the eastern end of Columbia Pike, close to the interchange with I-395. Residents here are less than five minutes from Taza on Seminary Road. It is one of the closest Columbia Pike neighborhoods to the restaurant -- a straight shot south on George Mason Drive to Seminary Road.
Arlington Mill
Arlington Mill, centered around Arlington Mill Drive and Columbia Pike, has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years. New apartment buildings and townhomes have drawn young professionals and families looking for accessible dining options. Taza is a six-minute drive south via Walter Reed Drive.
Barcroft
Barcroft is one of Arlington's most established residential neighborhoods, situated between Columbia Pike and Four Mile Run. A quiet, family-oriented community with limited restaurant options on its own streets. Taza is a seven-minute drive south through South George Mason Drive or South Four Mile Run Drive.
Columbia Heights West
This neighborhood borders Columbia Pike directly and extends south toward Leesburg Pike. Residents live within a five-minute drive of Taza. The Seminary Road location is easily reached via South George Mason Drive -- no highway required.
Douglas Park
Douglas Park, between Columbia Pike and South Glebe Road, is a mix of single-family homes and newer condominiums. The neighborhood is well-connected to Seminary Road via S. Glebe Road. Six minutes to Taza with normal traffic.
Alcova Heights
Alcova Heights sits just south of Columbia Pike along South Walter Reed Drive. A residential pocket with tree-lined streets and a strong community feel. Walter Reed Drive connects directly to Seminary Road, putting Taza about six minutes away by car.
Bailey's Crossroads
Bailey's Crossroads sits at the junction of Columbia Pike and Leesburg Pike, and it is practically next door to Taza. A three-minute drive. This is the nearest major commercial intersection to the restaurant, and many of our regular customers live and work in this area.
Seven Corners
Seven Corners marks the intersection of Routes 7, 50, and Arlington Boulevard. It anchors the northern boundary of the Columbia Pike commercial corridor. Taza is a five-minute drive south on Route 7 to Seminary Road. A convenient stop after shopping at the Eden Center or Seven Corners retail area.
Get It Your Way
Delivery & Pickup for Columbia Pike
Order online for pickup through Clover, or call (703) 340-1014. Dine-in is always available. Open seven days a week from 11 AM to midnight.
Order Online for Pickup
Place your order on our website and skip the line. Your shawarma will be carved fresh when you arrive. Easy parking at the Seminary Road location. Perfect for the Columbia Pike lunch rush.
Visit Taza
Address
5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church, VA 22041
Hours
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM -- Open 7 Days a Week
Phone
(703) 340-1014From Columbia Pike
5-10 minutes south via George Mason Dr or Walter Reed Dr to Seminary Rd
Order Online
Order for Pickup or Delivery
Beyond Shawarma
More Reasons to Visit Taza from Columbia Pike
Shawarma is the anchor, but the full menu covers far more ground. Sides, dips, smoothies, and desserts round out a meal that goes deeper than most Mediterranean restaurants in the area.
Sides & Dips
Hummus ($4.95), baba ghanouj ($4.95), labneh, and fresh pita bread. Garlic mayo and tahini are among the 14 free toppings. The hummus is blended from chickpeas with tahini, lemon, and garlic, finished with olive oil and paprika. The baba ghanouj is fire-roasted for a genuinely smoky flavor.
Smoothies & Fresh Juice
Ten smoothie and juice options, all $5.95. The Avocado Boost blends ripe avocado with milk, honey, and mixed nuts. The Lemon Mint is a traditional Middle Eastern lemonade with fresh-squeezed citrus and fragrant mint. Berry Berry, Tropical, Kiwi Twist, and more for every preference.
Traditional Desserts
Rice pudding ($2.95) -- creamy rice pudding topped with pistachio. rice pudding ($2.95) -- slow-cooked with whole milk, rose water, and cinnamon. Two traditional finishes that close a meal the right way.
View Rice PuddingReal Value
Full Meals -- Made to Order
One of the recurring complaints about the Columbia Pike dining scene is that quality has not kept pace with rising prices. New restaurants charge $16-$20 for dishes that come from a microwave or a commissary kitchen. Taza operates differently.
A Chicken Shawarma Pita is $9.95. That is a full-sized sandwich with spit-roasted meat, garlic sauce, pickled turnips, and fresh vegetables -- all in bread that came out of the oven the same day. A Chicken Shawarma Bowl over rice or greens is $12.45. A Za'atar Manaeesh from the oven is $6.95. Lahm Bil Ajin -- the Lebanese meat flatbread -- is $8.95.
Specialty pies start at $2.95 each. Sfiha, spinach, cheese, za'atar, and veggie. Folded and baked to order. At that price, you can build an entire appetizer spread for a group without breaking ten dollars. That kind of value is increasingly rare along the Pike.
See the Food
Straight from the Kitchen
Common Questions
Best Food Columbia Pike: Your Questions Answered
Where is the best food near Columbia Pike in Arlington?
Taza Shawarma & Falafel at 5820 Seminary Rd, Falls Church, VA is a 5-10 minute drive from anywhere on the Columbia Pike corridor. The menu covers shawarma (chicken and beef, roasted on a vertical spit), falafel, hummus, manaeesh flatbreads, bowls, specialty pies, smoothies, and baklava. Prices range from $6.95 for a za'atar manaeesh to $12.45 for a full shawarma bowl. Open 11 AM to midnight, seven days a week.
How far is Taza from Columbia Pike in Arlington?
Taza is located on Seminary Road in Falls Church, which runs roughly parallel to and south of Columbia Pike. From Penrose, the drive is about 5 minutes. From Arlington Mill, about 6 minutes. From Barcroft, about 7 minutes. From Bailey's Crossroads (at the west end of the Pike), about 3 minutes. No neighborhood along the Columbia Pike corridor is more than 10 minutes away.
Is there halal food near Columbia Pike?
Yes. Taza Shawarma & Falafel is 100% halal. All of the chicken and beef at Taza is 100% halal. The restaurant is located at 5820 Seminary Rd, Falls Church, VA -- a short drive south from any point on Columbia Pike.
What are the best restaurants on Columbia Pike Arlington VA?
Columbia Pike has a diverse restaurant scene spanning cuisines from Ethiopian to Salvadoran to Vietnamese. For Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food, Taza Shawarma & Falafel on nearby Seminary Road is widely considered one of the top options. The shawarma is roasted on a traditional vertical spit, the falafel is fried to order, and the oven-baked manaeesh is baked fresh.
Does Taza deliver to Columbia Pike neighborhoods?
Yes. Order online for pickup through Clover, or call (703) 340-1014.
What is the cheapest good food near Columbia Pike?
Taza offers some of the best value in the area. Za'atar manaeesh starts at $6.95. Specialty pies (sfiha, spinach, cheese, za'atar) are $2.95 each. A full chicken or beef shawarma pita is $9.95. Lahm bil ajin (Lebanese meat flatbread) is $8.95. These are full-sized, made-to-order items -- not reheated fast food.
Is Taza open late for Columbia Pike residents?
Taza is open from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight), seven days a week. That makes it one of the few restaurants near Columbia Pike where you can get fresh, spit-roasted shawarma late at night. The rotisserie keeps turning until closing time.
Does Taza cater for offices and events near Columbia Pike?
Yes. Taza provides full Mediterranean catering across Arlington and Northern Virginia. Options include shawarma platters, falafel trays, hummus and dip spreads, manaeesh platters, and complete buffet setups for groups of any size. Call (703) 340-1014 to discuss your event. Catering is delivered directly to your location.
What vegetarian options does Taza have?
Taza has a strong vegetarian lineup: falafel pita ($8.95), falafel shrak wrap, falafel bowl ($10.45), hummus ($4.95), baba ghanouj ($4.95), za'atar manaeesh ($6.95), cheese manaeesh, spinach manaeesh, spinach pie, cheese pie, veggie pie, and labneh. These are not token vegetarian offerings -- they are full-flavored, made-to-order dishes.
Can I eat gluten-free at Taza?
Yes. The shawarma bowls (chicken or beef over rice or greens) are naturally gluten-free. So are the hummus, baba ghanouj, labneh, rice, fries, and falafel. Multiple smoothies and fresh juices are also gluten-free. Ask the staff and they will guide you through the options.
Finding the Best Food Near Columbia Pike in Arlington, Virginia
Columbia Pike has functioned as one of Arlington County's primary commercial corridors since before the Civil War. Originally a turnpike connecting Arlington with the town of Columbia (now part of Fairfax County), the road evolved over the decades from a rural highway to a dense, transit-oriented urban strip. Today, it is one of the most culturally diverse thoroughfares in the Washington DC metropolitan area.
The dining options along the Pike reflect that diversity. Within a two-mile stretch, you can find Salvadoran restaurants serving pupusas and curtido, Ethiopian spots with injera platters, Vietnamese pho houses, Bolivian saltenas shops, Afghan kabob joints, Korean fried chicken counters, and a growing number of fast-casual chains. The competition is stiff, and residents who live in the surrounding neighborhoods -- Penrose, Arlington Mill, Barcroft, Columbia Heights West, Douglas Park, and Alcova Heights -- have high expectations for quality and value.
Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine occupies a specific niche in the Pike's dining ecosystem. The demand is real: the area has a significant population of residents from the Levant, North Africa, and the broader Middle East, along with a large number of Americans who have developed a taste for shawarma, falafel, hummus, and flatbreads. What has been harder to find is a restaurant that does all of it properly, under one roof, with a fully halal menu and genuine technique.
Taza Shawarma & Falafel addresses that gap. Located at 5820 Seminary Road in Falls Church, VA, the restaurant sits five to ten minutes south of the Columbia Pike corridor. The Seminary Road location is accessible from any point on the Pike: south on George Mason Drive, south on Walter Reed Drive, or south on Glebe Road to Seminary. No highway driving is required from most Columbia Pike neighborhoods.
The defining feature of Taza's kitchen is the vertical rotisserie. Every shawarma order is carved straight off the vertical spit, the classic Levantine way. The spit rotates slowly next to an open flame. Fat renders downward, basting every layer beneath it. The exterior develops a caramelized crust while the interior stays moist. When you order, the meat is carved directly off the spit -- not pulled from a holding tray or reheated in a microwave. The entire process, from marinade to hand-carve, is what gives Taza its flavor profile.
Beyond shawarma, the menu includes falafel (formed to order and fried to order), oven-baked manaeesh (za'atar, cheese, spinach, and lahm bil ajin), specialty pies starting at $2.95, creamy hummus and smoky baba ghanouj, fresh-blended smoothies, and traditional Lebanese desserts like rice pudding and harissa semolina cake. Every item is halal, every ingredient is prepared the same day, and every piece of pita comes out of the oven fresh.
For Columbia Pike residents, Taza fills a gap that the corridor's existing restaurant lineup does not fully cover. Authentic, spit-roasted shawarma with a fully halal menu, a oven turning out manaeesh and pies, a full vegetarian selection, and pricing that respects the neighborhood's expectations for value. Free parking is right at the door.
The Best Food Near Columbia Pike Is 5 Minutes Away
Vertical-spit shawarma. Falafel fried to order. Oven-baked manaeesh. Halal. Made fresh every single day. Taza Shawarma & Falafel, 5820 Seminary Rd, Falls Church, VA. Open until midnight, seven days a week.