Food Near Merrifield: Taza Shawarma & Falafel
Searching for restaurants near Merrifield, Virginia? Taza serves authentic halal shawarma, falafel, and Mediterranean food at 5820 Seminary Rd in Falls Church -- a straight shot west on Route 50 from the Mosaic District and Dunn Loring corridor. Open until midnight, seven days a week.
What Sets Us Apart
Why Merrifield and Dunn Loring Choose Taza
The Merrifield corridor has no shortage of restaurants. But most of them serve reheated proteins on stale bread and call it Mediterranean food. Taza does it the way it has been done for generations: vertical spit, overnight marinade, fresh pita, hand-carved to order.
Vertical Spit Roasted, Not Flat-Grilled
Merrifield has plenty of places that call their meat shawarma and cook it on a flat grill. That is not shawarma. At Taza, chicken and beef rotate on a traditional vertical spit for hours. The fat renders downward, basting every layer. The exterior caramelizes while the interior stays moist. The difference between a flat grill and a vertical spit is the difference between a reheated sandwich and a meal worth driving for.
12-Hour Marinade, Every Batch
Each batch of chicken and beef soaks overnight in a blend of yogurt, lemon juice, and a seven-spice mix: cardamom, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, coriander, and cumin. The yogurt tenderizes the protein. The acid brightens the flavor. The spices penetrate deep into the meat over twelve hours. That depth is not achievable with a thirty-minute soak.
Certified Halal -- No Exceptions
Every cut of chicken and beef at Taza is certified halal. For the Muslim community across Merrifield, Dunn Loring, and the broader Fairfax County area, Taza is a name you can trust. We source from certified halal suppliers and maintain that standard across every item on the menu.
Fresh Ingredients, Prepared That Day
Pita baked fresh. Garlic sauce blended in-house each morning. Vegetables cut the same day you eat them. Falafel formed from scratch and fried to order. Taza means fresh in Arabic. We named the restaurant after the standard, and the Merrifield community holds us to it every time they walk through the door.
Most Ordered by Merrifield Customers
What Merrifield Orders from Taza
Six items that dominate orders from the Merrifield, Dunn Loring, and Mosaic District area. Every one of them starts with the same overnight marinade and the same hand-carved precision off the vertical spit.
Chicken Shawarma Pita
The sandwich that government workers and Mosaic District shoppers order more than anything else on the menu. Chicken marinated overnight, slow-roasted on the vertical spit, hand-carved to order. Stuffed into warm pita with garlic sauce, pickled turnips, fresh lettuce, tomato, and cucumber. A complete meal for under ten dollars.
from $9.95
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Beef Shawarma Pita
Thinly stacked layers of seasoned beef, pressed onto the vertical spit with fat ribbons between each layer. As the spit rotates, the fat renders downward and bastes the meat beneath it. Sliced thin, loaded into fresh pita, finished with tahini, garlic sauce, and pickled turnips. A heavier, richer option for anyone who wants maximum beef flavor.
from $9.95
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Chicken Shawarma Bowl
The go-to order for the fitness crowd and the health-conscious office workers commuting through Dunn Loring. Generous slices of chicken shawarma over basmati rice or mixed greens, topped with Arabic salad, pickled turnips, garlic sauce, and fresh herbs. High protein, carb-flexible, deeply flavorful.
from $12.45
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Falafel Pita
Crispy on the outside, herb-green on the inside. Our falafel is formed from scratch using ground chickpeas, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, then fried to order. Tucked into warm pita with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, and creamy tahini sauce. A vegetarian classic that satisfies like a full meal.
from $8.95
View DetailsChicken Shawarma Shrak
The same 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. A favorite among Merrifield regulars who want something different from the standard pita.
from $11.45
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Beef Shawarma Bowl
Tender slices of slow-roasted beef shawarma served over your choice of basmati rice, mixed greens, or hummus. Garnished with Arabic salad, pickles, tahini sauce, and a sprinkle of sumac. For the Merrifield lunch crowd that wants a filling, satisfying meal without the bread.
from $12.45
View DetailsYour Neighborhood, Our Kitchen
Serving Merrifield, Dunn Loring & the Mosaic District
The Merrifield corridor is one of the busiest areas in Fairfax County. Government offices, tech companies, hospital campuses, and retail centers keep the neighborhood moving from early morning to late night. Taza feeds the people who make this area run.
Mosaic District
8 minutes from Taza
The mixed-use retail and residential hub at the intersection of Merrifield and Dunn Loring. Shoppers and diners frequent Mosaic for its restaurants, Target, and specialty stores. Taza is a short drive west on Route 50 -- a quick detour for anyone heading home after a Mosaic District outing.
Fairfax County Government Center
12 minutes from Taza
Thousands of county employees work in the Fairfax County Government Center complex off Fairfax County Parkway. Taza is a straight shot east on Route 50 for a lunch pickup or a dinner stop on the commute home. Government workers order our catering platters for office meetings and team lunches throughout the year.
Route 50 / Arlington Blvd Corridor
Direct route access
Route 50 connects Falls Church to Merrifield, Fair Oaks, and beyond. Taza sits near the western end of this corridor, making it an easy stop for anyone commuting along Arlington Boulevard. No need to detour off the main road -- Seminary Road is a direct turn off Route 50.
Dunn Loring / Merrifield Metro Station
9 minutes from Taza
The Orange Line Dunn Loring station serves commuters heading to and from DC, Rosslyn, and Tysons. Taza is a short drive south for Metro riders who want a proper meal before or after their commute. We are open until midnight for the late crowd.
INOVA Fairfax Medical Campus
10 minutes from Taza
Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff at INOVA Fairfax work long shifts and need food that is fast, filling, and genuinely good. Taza delivers through DoorDash and Uber Eats, and our bowls and wraps are built for busy schedules. We also cater to hospital departments for team meals.
Federal Government Offices
Throughout the area
The Merrifield and Dunn Loring corridor is home to multiple federal agency offices, including USCIS and other government facilities. Federal workers make up a significant portion of our weekday lunch orders. Our online ordering system lets you place a pickup order and skip the line entirely.
The Merrifield Food Scene and Where Taza Fits
Merrifield sits at the junction of Route 50 and Gallows Road in the heart of Fairfax County. The area has transformed over the past decade, with the Mosaic District development bringing a mix of national chains and local restaurants to the intersection of Lee Highway and Merrifield Town Center. Dunn Loring, directly adjacent, adds the Orange Line Metro station and a large commuter population that feeds into DC and Tysons every weekday.
Government workers are a major presence. The Merrifield corridor is home to federal agency offices, including USCIS facilities and other government buildings that employ thousands of people within a few square miles. These workers need lunch options that are fast, affordable, and filling. Taza checks all three boxes: online ordering for 15-minute pickup, prices starting at from $8.95 for a full pita sandwich, and portions built for a working lunch that keeps you going until dinner.
Route 50 is the direct link between Merrifield and Taza. Head west on Arlington Boulevard for about four miles, turn right onto Seminary Road, and you are at the door. No highway merges, no toll roads. For anyone commuting through the area or living in the Merrifield and Dunn Loring neighborhoods, Taza is a stop you can make without adding more than a few minutes to your drive.
Drive Times from Taza
How Far Are You from Your Next Great Meal?
Taza is located at 5820 Seminary Rd in Falls Church, VA. Whether you are in Merrifield, Dunn Loring, or anywhere along the Route 50 corridor, we are closer than you think.
Merrifield
Straight shot east on Rt 50
Dunn Loring
Via Gallows Rd or Rt 50
Mosaic District
East on Rt 50, left on Merrifield Town Center
Gallows Rd Corridor
North on Gallows from I-66
Falls Church (Taza HQ)
We are right here on Seminary Rd
Fairfax City
West on Rt 50
Tysons Corner
North on Rt 7
Vienna
Via Rt 29 North
Arlington
East via I-395
Annandale
Quick drive down Columbia Pike
Bailey's Crossroads
Practically next door
Seven Corners
Adjacent neighborhood
Get It Your Way
Delivery & Pickup for the Merrifield Area
Three ways to get Taza to your Merrifield home or office: order online for fast pickup at our Seminary Road location, get it delivered through DoorDash, or order through Uber Eats. Dine-in is always available too. Open seven days a week, 11 AM to midnight.
Online Pickup from Taza
Place your order on our website and pick it up at 5820 Seminary Rd in Falls Church. From Merrifield, take Route 50 west -- you are here in under ten minutes. Most orders are ready in 15-20 minutes. Easy parking right outside the door.
DoorDash to Merrifield
Get Taza delivered directly to your Merrifield home, office, or apartment through DoorDash. Our pitas, bowls, and wraps are packaged to travel well. Typical delivery to the Merrifield area takes 25-35 minutes.
Uber Eats to Dunn Loring & Mosaic
Order through Uber Eats for delivery across Dunn Loring, Mosaic District, and the broader Merrifield area. Same fresh shawarma, same house-made sauces, delivered to your door or desk.
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) 340-1014Order Online
Order for Pickup or DeliveryFrom Merrifield
Route 50 West to Seminary Rd -- 8 minutes
Beyond Shawarma
The Full Taza Menu: More Than Just Shawarma
Shawarma is what brings most Merrifield customers to Taza for the first time. The manaeesh, falafel bowls, hummus, and baklava are why they keep coming back.
Zaatar Manaeesh
Flatbread brushed with za'atar, sesame, and olive oil. Baked in our stone oven until fragrant and golden. A staple of Lebanese breakfast culture.
Lahm Bi Ajin Manaeesh
Lebanese meat flatbread with seasoned ground beef, onion, and parsley. Baked golden in the stone oven. Often called Lebanese pizza.
Hummus
Velvety chickpea dip blended with tahini, lemon, garlic. Finished with olive oil and paprika. Served with warm pita.
Baba Ghanouj
Fire-roasted eggplant blended with tahini, lemon, and garlic. Smoky, creamy, and impossible to stop eating.
Falafel Bowl
Crispy falafel over rice or greens with Arabic salad, tahini, and olive oil drizzle. A satisfying vegetarian bowl.
Rice Pudding
Layers of phyllo pastry, crushed pistachios, walnuts. Drenched in rose-water honey syrup. A proper ending to any meal.
Beef Shawarma Shrak
Rich beef shawarma rolled in delicate shrak bread. Finished with tahini, garlic sauce, pickled turnips, and fresh vegetables.
Avocado Boost
Creamy avocado blended with milk, honey, and mixed nuts. Packed with healthy fats and protein for an afternoon boost.
Catering Available
For Groups of Any Size
Office Lunch & Catering
Feeding the Merrifield Workforce
The Merrifield and Dunn Loring corridor employs thousands of government workers, federal contractors, healthcare professionals, and tech workers. Taza feeds a significant portion of that workforce every week -- through individual lunch orders, office catering, and team meal deliveries.
Individual Lunch Orders
Order online for pickup in 15-20 minutes. Skip the line on your lunch break and head back to the office with a fresh shawarma pita or bowl. Prices start at from $8.95.
Team Catering Platters
Shawarma platters, falafel trays, hummus spreads, and full Mediterranean buffets for office meetings, project kickoffs, and team celebrations. We deliver directly to your Merrifield office.
Recurring Office Accounts
Federal agencies, contractors, and corporate offices in the Merrifield area set up recurring orders with Taza. Call (703) 340-1014 to arrange a regular catering schedule for your team.
Common Questions
Food Near Merrifield: Your Questions Answered
What is the best food near Merrifield, VA?
Taza Shawarma & Falafel is located at 5820 Seminary Rd in Falls Church, VA -- about 8 minutes west of Merrifield via Route 50. We serve authentic halal shawarma, falafel, manaeesh, hummus, and a full Mediterranean menu. Our chicken and beef shawarma are slow-roasted on a traditional vertical spit and hand-carved to order. Open 7 days a week, 11 AM to midnight.
How far is Taza from Merrifield and the Mosaic District?
Taza is approximately 8 minutes from the Merrifield / Mosaic District area. Take Route 50 (Arlington Blvd) west toward Falls Church, then turn onto Seminary Road. The drive is straightforward with no highway merges needed. We are also accessible from Gallows Road if you are coming from the Dunn Loring side.
Does Taza deliver to the Merrifield and Dunn Loring area?
Yes. Taza delivers to Merrifield, Dunn Loring, Mosaic District, and the surrounding Fairfax County area through DoorDash and Uber Eats. You can also order online for pickup at our Seminary Road location. Typical delivery times to the Merrifield area are 25-35 minutes.
Is there halal food near Merrifield, Virginia?
Taza Shawarma & Falafel is 100% halal certified. Every cut of chicken and beef we serve is sourced from certified halal suppliers. We are about 8 minutes from Merrifield via Route 50. For the Muslim community in Merrifield, Dunn Loring, and the wider Fairfax County area, Taza is a reliable and consistent halal option.
What are the best restaurants near Mosaic District in Merrifield?
Mosaic District has its own dining options, but for authentic Mediterranean shawarma and falafel, Taza in Falls Church is a short 8-minute drive west on Route 50. We offer something different from the chain restaurants in the district: vertical spit-roasted shawarma, stone-oven manaeesh, hand-formed falafel, and house-made dips. Prices start at from $8.95 for a full pita sandwich.
Does Taza cater for offices near Merrifield and Dunn Loring?
Absolutely. Taza caters to offices, government agencies, and corporate events throughout the Merrifield, Dunn Loring, and Fairfax County corridor. We offer shawarma platters, falafel trays, hummus and dip spreads, and full Mediterranean buffets for groups of any size. Federal workers in the Merrifield corridor are some of our most frequent catering clients. Call (703) 340-1014 to discuss your needs.
What time is Taza open for late-night food near Merrifield?
Taza is open from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight), seven days a week. That makes us one of the few spots accessible from Merrifield where you can get freshly carved shawarma late at night. The spit is rotating until close, which means your shawarma at 11 PM is just as fresh as your shawarma at noon.
What should I order at Taza if I have never been?
Start with the Chicken Shawarma Pita (from $9.95). It is our most popular item and the best introduction to what Taza does. If you want a bigger meal, try the Chicken Shawarma Bowl (from $12.45) over rice. Add a side of hummus ($4.95) and a piece of baklava ($2.95) to round it out. For vegetarians, the Falafel Pita (from $8.95) is the move.
Is there good vegetarian food near Merrifield?
Taza offers a full range of vegetarian Mediterranean options. The Falafel Pita (from $8.95) and Falafel Bowl (from $10.45) are both hearty and satisfying. We also serve creamy hummus, smoky baba ghanouj, za'atar manaeesh from the stone oven, spinach manaeesh, cheese manaeesh, and multiple vegetarian pies. Every vegetarian item is made fresh to order.
Can I park easily at Taza if I drive from Merrifield?
Yes. Taza is located in a shopping center at 5820 Seminary Rd with a dedicated parking lot right outside the door. There is plenty of free parking. From Merrifield, the drive is about 8 minutes west on Route 50 to Seminary Road. No parking garages, no meters, no hassle.
Finding Good Food Near Merrifield, Virginia
Merrifield is no longer just a crossroads between Falls Church and Fairfax. The Mosaic District development turned the area into a dining and shopping destination. Dunn Loring, the adjacent neighborhood connected by the Orange Line Metro, adds a large commuter population that feeds into DC, Rosslyn, and Tysons every weekday morning and returns every evening looking for dinner. The Gallows Road corridor connects the two neighborhoods and provides direct access to Interstate 66 for drivers heading north or south.
For all the development, the Merrifield area still has gaps in its restaurant options. Fast-casual chains dominate the Mosaic District. Sit-down restaurants cater to date nights and weekend brunches. What the area lacks is a focused, high-quality Mediterranean restaurant that serves genuine spit-roasted shawarma, hand-formed falafel, and stone-oven manaeesh at reasonable prices. Taza fills that gap.
Taza Shawarma & Falafel operates at 5820 Seminary Rd in Falls Church, about 8 minutes west of Merrifield via Route 50. The drive is a straight shot with no highway merges. For anyone living in Merrifield, working in the Dunn Loring government offices, commuting through the Route 50 corridor, or shopping at Mosaic District, Taza is a short detour from the main road.
The menu centers on shawarma: chicken and beef, both marinated overnight in yogurt, lemon juice, and a seven-spice blend, then slow-roasted on a traditional vertical spit. The meat is hand-carved to order -- not pre-sliced, not reheated from a holding bin. You choose your format: pita pocket, shrak flatbread wrap, or a bowl over rice or greens. Prices start at from $9.95 for a pita and from $12.45 for a bowl. Every item is halal certified.
Beyond shawarma, the menu includes falafel (formed from scratch and fried to order), creamy hummus, smoky baba ghanouj, and stone-oven manaeesh with za'atar, cheese, or spinach toppings. For the office lunch crowd, Taza offers online ordering with 15-minute pickup times and delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats. Catering platters are available for meetings, team lunches, and events throughout the Merrifield and Fairfax County area.
The government workforce in the Merrifield corridor represents a significant portion of Taza's weekday business. Federal agencies, county offices, and contractors in the area rely on Taza for individual lunches and recurring team catering. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 11 AM to midnight, which means it serves the early lunch crowd, the after-work dinner rush, and the late-night crowd that other restaurants in the area have already closed on.
Your Search for Food Near Merrifield Ends Here
Slow-roasted on a vertical spit. Hand-carved to order. Made fresh every single day. Taza Shawarma & Falafel, 5820 Seminary Rd, Falls Church, VA. Eight minutes from Merrifield via Route 50. Open until midnight, seven days a week.