Food Near Ballston VA: Taza Shawarma & Falafel
Ballston office workers and Arlington residents drive to Taza for one reason: authentic spit-roasted shawarma that Ballston Quarter food courts cannot replicate. Hand-carved to order, 100% halal, open until midnight. 5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church, VA 22041.
Why Ballston Workers Drive to Taza
Six Reasons Ballston Picks Taza Over the Food Court
Ballston Quarter has fast-casual chains. Taza has a vertical rotisserie, an overnight marinade, and a team that builds every meal from scratch. The 12-minute drive pays for itself in flavor.
15-Minute Lunch Window
Ballston office workers do not have time for a 45-minute sit-down. Taza turns orders around fast. The shawarma is already on the spit. The falafel fries in 3 minutes. The pita is warm. Your meal is built in real time, handed to you hot, and ready to eat at your desk or on the walk back to the Metro.
Real Spit-Roasted Shawarma
Most lunch spots near Ballston serve reheated proteins from a steam tray. Taza carves chicken and beef directly off a vertical rotisserie, to order. The difference is visible -- crispy caramelized edges, juicy interior, no soggy warmer meat. The shawarma is rotating when you walk in and carved the moment you order.
100% Halal Certified
For the significant Muslim population working in Ballston office towers and government agencies, halal certification matters. Taza is fully halal certified -- every cut of chicken and beef. No exceptions, no mixed sourcing, no ambiguity. A halal lunch option you can count on every single day.
Fresh-Made, Not Factory-Made
The pita bakes in-house. The garlic sauce blends fresh each morning. The falafel mixture is formed by hand and fried to order. The hummus is made from dried chickpeas, not canned. Taza means fresh in Arabic, and that standard applies to every item on the menu -- not just the headliners.
Bowls for the Health-Conscious Crowd
Ballston's gym-and-office crowd wants protein without the carb crash. Taza bowls deliver. Chicken or beef shawarma over greens or rice, topped with Arabic salad, pickled turnips, garlic sauce, and fresh herbs. High protein, real ingredients, no seed oils, no mystery sauces.
Prices That Respect Your Wallet
A chicken shawarma pita at Taza is from $9.95. A loaded bowl is from $12.45. Compare that to the $16-$18 bowls at Ballston Quarter fast-casual chains. Taza gives you more food, better ingredients, and a lower bill. That math adds up fast over a five-day work week.
Most Ordered by Ballston Regulars
Ballston's Favorite Taza Orders
Six items that Ballston workers, Virginia Square residents, and Clarendon regulars order most. Chicken or beef. Pita, shrak wrap, or bowl. All starting with the same spit-roasted precision.
Chicken Shawarma Pita
The go-to lunch for Ballston office workers who want maximum flavor in minimum time. Chicken marinated overnight in yogurt and seven spices, slow-roasted on the spit, hand-carved, and stuffed into warm pita with garlic sauce, pickled turnips, and fresh vegetables. Filling, fast, and under ten dollars.
from $9.95
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Chicken Shawarma Bowl
Popular with the post-gym Ballston crowd. Generous slices of spit-roasted chicken over your choice of basmati rice or mixed greens, topped with Arabic salad, pickled turnips, garlic sauce, and fresh herbs. A clean, protein-packed meal that fuels the afternoon without the carb fog.
from $12.45
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Beef Shawarma Pita
Layers of seasoned beef slow-roasted on the spit until deeply caramelized on the outside, tender on the inside. Sliced thin, piled into fresh-baked pita with tahini, garlic sauce, and pickled turnips. Richer and more savory than the chicken -- the choice for beef lovers heading back to the Ballston office.
from $9.95
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Falafel Pita
Crispy on the outside, herb-green on the inside. Hand-formed falafel fried to order, tucked into warm pita with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, and a drizzle of creamy tahini sauce. The best plant-based lunch option within reach of Ballston -- and at from $8.95, the best value too.
from $8.95
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Beef Shawarma Bowl
Tender slices of slow-roasted beef shawarma over basmati rice, mixed greens, or hummus. Garnished with Arabic salad, pickles, tahini sauce, and a sprinkle of sumac. The bowl for people who want a serious, satisfying lunch that keeps them going through back-to-back afternoon meetings.
from $12.45
View DetailsChicken Shawarma Shrak
Signature chicken shawarma rolled in shrak -- a paper-thin traditional flatbread baked on a convex dome. 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. An upgrade Ballston regulars discover on their second visit.
from $11.45
View DetailsLunch Combos for the Office
Ballston Office Lunch Ideas from Taza
Four ways to build your lunch order, from a solo desk meal to a full team spread. All made fresh, all delivered or ready for pickup.
The Quick Ballston Lunch
Chicken Shawarma Pita + Fries
The fastest, most satisfying option. A loaded chicken shawarma pita with garlic sauce, pickles, and vegetables, plus a side of crispy fries. In and out, or delivered to your desk.
The Healthy Desk Lunch
Chicken Shawarma Bowl + Lemon Mint
High protein over greens, fresh herbs, and Arabic salad. Paired with a lemon mint drink for a clean, energizing midday meal. No carb crash, no regret.
The Team Order
Mixed Shawarma Pitas + Hummus + Falafel
For the office group order. A mix of chicken and beef shawarma pitas, a tray of hummus with pita, and a falafel platter. Feeds the whole team without breaking the budget.
The Afternoon Recharge
Falafel Bowl + Avocado Boost Smoothie
Plant-based, protein-rich, and paired with Taza's signature avocado smoothie. The 2 PM pick-me-up that does not come from a coffee machine.
Ballston to Taza
Ballston and the Route to Taza
Ballston is one of Arlington's busiest neighborhoods. Taza is a short drive away on Seminary Road. Here is what connects the two.
Ballston Quarter and the Office Corridor
Ballston Quarter is a mixed-use destination with retail, dining, and entertainment packed into the blocks surrounding the Metro station. Thousands of office workers fill the towers along Wilson Boulevard and Glebe Road every weekday. The lunch rush hits between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM, and most of those workers are looking for something fast, filling, and reasonably priced. Taza delivers on all three. A straight drive down Wilson Boulevard from Ballston to our Seminary Road location takes about 12 minutes outside of peak traffic. Order ahead and your meal is ready when you arrive.
Ballston Metro Station and Transit Access
The Orange and Silver lines stop at Ballston-MU station, making it one of the most connected neighborhoods in Arlington. For commuters heading south on I-66 or I-395 after work, Taza sits right along the route home. Seminary Road is a quick exit off I-395, and the restaurant has easy parking at our strip-center location. Many Ballston workers already pass within a few miles of Taza on their daily commute.
Diverse Workforce, Diverse Tastes
Ballston's office population includes government contractors, tech firms, nonprofits, and federal employees. The neighborhood has one of the more diverse workforces in Arlington County. For workers who keep halal, who prefer Mediterranean flavors, or who simply want a break from the same Chipotle-Sweetgreen rotation, Taza is the answer. Real shawarma, real falafel, and a menu that goes far deeper than most lunch counters.
12 min
From Ballston
Open Late
Until Midnight
Your Neighborhood, Our Shawarma
Drive Times from Ballston and Surrounding Areas
Taza is located at 5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church, VA 22041. Centrally positioned to serve the entire Arlington corridor and beyond. Here is how close you are to fresh, spit-roasted shawarma.
Ballston
Straight down Wilson Blvd to Seminary Rd
Virginia Square
One Metro stop east of Ballston
Clarendon
Wilson Blvd corridor, quick drive
Courthouse
Via Wilson Blvd or Fairfax Dr
Rosslyn
Down I-66 or Wilson Blvd to I-395
Pentagon City
Via I-395 South, fast route
Falls Church
We are right here on Seminary Rd
Bailey's Crossroads
Practically next door
Seven Corners
Quick drive via Rt 7
Tysons Corner
North on Rt 7 from our location
Annandale
Down Columbia Pike
Merrifield
East on Rt 50
Ballston Delivery & Pickup
Three Ways to Get Taza in Ballston
Order online for pickup on your way home from Ballston, get it delivered to your office via DoorDash or Uber Eats, or make the 12-minute drive for dine-in. We are open seven days a week from 11 AM to midnight.
Order Online for Pickup
Heading south from Ballston on your commute? Place your order before you leave the office and pick it up on the way home. Your shawarma is carved fresh when you arrive. Easy parking at our Seminary Road location. Most orders ready in 15-20 minutes.
DoorDash Delivery
Get Taza delivered directly to your Ballston office or home. Our pitas, wraps, and bowls travel well. Typical delivery time from Falls Church to Ballston is 25-35 minutes through DoorDash.
Uber Eats Delivery
Order through Uber Eats for delivery across the Arlington corridor, including Ballston, Virginia Square, Clarendon, and Courthouse. Same fresh shawarma, same house-made sauces, brought to your door.
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 Ballston
12 min via Wilson Blvd to Seminary Rd
Order Online
Order for Pickup or Delivery
The Full Menu
Beyond Shawarma: More Reasons to Visit Taza
Shawarma brings Ballston workers in. The falafel, manaeesh, hummus, baklava, and fresh smoothies are why the orders keep coming. Eight more items worth trying.
Falafel Bowl
Crispy falafel over rice or greens, topped with Arabic salad, tahini, and olive oil.
Zaatar Manaeesh
Flatbread brushed with za'atar, sesame, and olive oil. Stone-oven baked until golden.
Lahm Bi Ajin Manaeesh
Lebanese meat flatbread with seasoned beef, onion, and parsley. Baked golden.
Hummus
Velvety chickpea dip blended with tahini, lemon, garlic, finished with olive oil.
Baba Ghanouj
Fire-roasted eggplant blended with tahini, lemon, and garlic. Smoky and addictive.
Rice Pudding
Layers of phyllo pastry, crushed pistachios, walnuts, drenched in honey syrup.
Avocado Boost
Creamy avocado blended with milk, honey, and mixed nuts. Protein-packed.
Lemon Mint
Fresh-squeezed lemon with mint leaves and a touch of sweetness. Traditional.
Common Questions
Food Near Ballston VA: Your Questions Answered
What is the best food near Ballston VA?
Taza Shawarma & Falafel, located at 5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church, VA 22041, serves authentic spit-roasted shawarma, hand-formed falafel, stone-oven manaeesh, hummus, and a full Mediterranean menu. We are a 12-minute drive from Ballston via Wilson Boulevard. The chicken and beef shawarma are slow-roasted on a vertical spit and hand-carved to order. Pitas start at from $9.95 and bowls at from $12.45. Open 7 days a week, 11 AM to midnight.
How far is Taza from Ballston Quarter?
Taza is approximately 12 minutes by car from Ballston Quarter. The most direct route is south on Glebe Road to Seminary Road, or down Wilson Boulevard. For Ballston commuters heading home via I-395, Taza is right along the route -- Seminary Road is a quick exit. You can also order ahead online for pickup so your meal is ready when you arrive.
Can I get food delivered to Ballston from Taza?
Yes. Taza delivers to Ballston, Virginia Square, Clarendon, and Courthouse through both DoorDash and Uber Eats. Typical delivery time to the Ballston area is 25-35 minutes. You can also order online at our website for pickup if you prefer to grab it on your commute.
Does Taza have halal food near Ballston?
Yes. Taza is 100% halal certified. Every cut of chicken and beef is sourced from certified halal suppliers. No exceptions. For the Muslim community working in Ballston's office corridor or living in the surrounding Arlington neighborhoods, Taza is a reliable halal option with a full menu of shawarma, falafel, manaeesh, hummus, and more.
What are the best restaurants near Ballston Metro station?
Ballston Quarter has several dining options, but for authentic Mediterranean food made from scratch, Taza Shawarma & Falafel is worth the short drive to Seminary Road. Our shawarma is slow-roasted on a vertical spit, not reheated from a warmer. The falafel is fried to order. The pita bakes fresh in-house. At from $9.95 for a loaded pita sandwich, the value is hard to beat anywhere in the Arlington corridor.
Does Taza cater for Ballston offices and corporate events?
Absolutely. We cater to offices across the Arlington corridor, including Ballston, Virginia Square, Clarendon, Rosslyn, and Courthouse. Shawarma platters, falafel trays, hummus and dip spreads, manaeesh boards, and full Mediterranean buffets for groups of any size. Call us at (703) 340-1014 to plan your corporate lunch, team meeting, or office event. We deliver directly to your location.
What vegetarian food near Ballston does Taza offer?
Taza has a strong vegetarian menu. Our falafel is hand-formed from chickpeas and fried to order -- available in pita (from $8.95), shrak wrap, or bowl (from $10.45). We also serve hummus, baba ghanouj, za'atar manaeesh, spinach manaeesh, cheese manaeesh, spinach pies, cheese pies, and fresh smoothies. All prepared from scratch daily.
Is Taza open late for food near Ballston?
Yes. Taza is open from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight), seven days a week. For Ballston workers pulling late hours or anyone craving shawarma after dinner, we are one of the few spots in the area still serving freshly carved, spit-roasted shawarma until midnight. The spit is rotating until we close.
What is the cheapest good food near Ballston VA?
Taza offers some of the best value in the area. A chicken or beef shawarma pita is from $9.95 -- a full sandwich with spit-roasted meat, garlic sauce, pickled turnips, and fresh vegetables. Falafel pita is from $8.95. Za'atar manaeesh is $6.95. Specialty pies start at $2.95 each. Compare that to $15-$18 bowls at Ballston Quarter chains.
How do I order food from Taza near Ballston for pickup?
Visit our online ordering page, select your items, and choose a pickup time. The drive from Ballston to our Seminary Road location takes about 12 minutes. When you arrive at 5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church, VA 22041, your order will be ready. Easy parking right outside our door. Most orders are ready in 15-20 minutes.
Finding Great Food Near Ballston VA
Ballston is one of Arlington County's densest employment centers. The neighborhood clusters around the intersection of Wilson Boulevard and Glebe Road, anchored by Ballston Quarter, the Ballston-MU Metro station on the Orange and Silver lines, and a string of office towers that house government contractors, tech companies, nonprofits, and federal agencies. On any given weekday, tens of thousands of workers fill these buildings, and by 11:30 AM most of them are thinking about lunch.
The dining options inside Ballston Quarter lean toward national fast-casual brands. Chains that serve assembly-line bowls and wraps with pre-portioned ingredients. Competent, but predictable. For workers who want something made from scratch -- real shawarma carved off a vertical spit, falafel fried to order, pita baked in-house that morning -- the options inside Ballston are limited.
Taza Shawarma & Falafel operates 12 minutes south of Ballston at 5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church, VA 22041. The drive follows Wilson Boulevard south, connecting to Seminary Road. For commuters heading home via I-395, Taza sits right along the route -- Seminary Road connects directly to the highway. The location has easy street-level parking, and online orders can be placed in advance so the food is ready the moment you arrive.
The shawarma at Taza starts with an overnight marinade: yogurt for tenderness, lemon juice for acidity, and a seven-spice blend that includes cardamom, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, coriander, and cumin. The marinated chicken and beef stack onto a vertical rotisserie and rotate slowly next to open flame for hours. The outside caramelizes. The fat renders downward, basting every layer beneath. When you order, a sharp blade carves thin, crispy-edged slices directly off the spinning spit. Not from a holding bin. Not from a microwave.
For the significant halal-observant population working in Ballston and living across Arlington, Taza is fully halal certified. Every cut of chicken and beef comes from certified halal suppliers. The menu also serves a strong vegetarian lineup: falafel in three formats (pita, shrak, bowl), hummus, baba ghanouj, za'atar manaeesh, spinach manaeesh, cheese manaeesh, and hand-folded pies.
The Wilson Boulevard corridor connects Ballston to Virginia Square, Clarendon, and Courthouse -- all of which fall within easy delivery and pickup range. DoorDash and Uber Eats deliver Taza across the full Arlington corridor. For offices placing group orders or corporate catering, Taza delivers shawarma platters, falafel trays, hummus spreads, and full Mediterranean buffets directly to your Ballston location. Call (703) 340-1014 or order online at https://www.tazava.com.
Ballston's Best-Kept Lunch Secret Is 12 Minutes Away
Spit-roasted shawarma. Hand-formed falafel. Stone-oven manaeesh. All made fresh, all halal, all waiting for you at 5820 Seminary Rd Ste O, Falls Church, VA 22041. Open until midnight, seven days a week.