The story of Shawarma Emil dates back to the 1960s. Over the decades, this small, humble shawarma spot in Haifa became a pilgrimage site for shawarma lovers. Caesar Seraphim, who married the daughter of founder Emil Khoury, upholds the traditional recipe, ensuring that the legacy continues unchanged. Recently, Shawarma Emil relocated to a space where customers can sit and enjoy their pita more comfortably. It’s considered one of the tastiest pitas in the country, with minimally seasoned meat where the grilling and the precise fat content of the towering shawarma skewer set the flavor and tone.

Photo by: Noam Preisman

Food journalist Rita Goldstein explains: “It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes eating at Shawarma Emil such a pleasure. Maybe it’s the warm hospitality of the owner, who is always present, ensuring that every customer receives a perfectly crafted pita — a rare level of care for a fast food spot in Israel. But above all, it’s the shawarma itself, which embodies everything you want from this Levantine street food: meat prepared to perfection, subtly seasoned to highlight its natural flavors, paired with fresh salads, amba, tahini, and a soft, fluffy pita. Haifa has its share of good shawarma joints, but for those who appreciate restraint and refinement in their pita, Shawarma Emil stands alone.”