(562) 402-7443

  Full halal menu

  Alcohol-free

  $$ out of $$$$

   accepted

  Available to-go

  Prayer allowed upon request

  Clean restrooms

  Catering available (more info)

  Delivery available

  Parking available

  Mass transit nearby

  Child-friendly premises

  Wheelchair accessible

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★★☆☆☆ Food is excellent, however the chicken is machine cut, UNLESS you ask for Zabihah halal hand slaughtered chicken. This is at the restaurant and for catering. Machine cut chicken is NOT halal. Posted on September 26, 2019

★★★☆☆ They offer the biggest Desi buffet one can find anywhere in CA. But it is not cheap. On the Eid weekend (Eid was on Friday and the weekend buffet was on Sunday) they were charging $20 per person. My kids have been big fans of their Biryani that they have tried a la carte before so we went their with very high hopes. The place was packed, but most of the patrons were not Muslims. The buffet comprised of breakfast items as well as many Veg. & non Veg. dishes. They also had a BBQ going on outdoors. I am going to rate the items below.... BBQ brisket: It was decent in terms of taste but the meat quality was not too good. There was too much fat that was not trimmed away. BBQ Taco meat: That was the best among all (3) BBQ items. Spicy and nicely grilled Chapli Kabob: These were just OK, but not Chapli Kbabob by any definition. They were not sized, marinated or flavored like what Chapli Kabobs are supposed to. From the buffet, I tried: Dahi Baray: Very well made. Excellent if you ask me. Baked Fish: Excellent. Easy on the spices and good quality Beef Katakat: It comprised of liver pieces only and was kind of lame. Not impressed at all. Beef Nihari: It was very well made. Worth going for it. Manchurian Chicken: Another star of the show. Spicy, tangy and juicy. Lamb Paya: Very good. If you are a paya fan, don't miss it. Chicken Qorma: Poorly made and void of any Qorma spices. Skip it. Beef Biryani: Not fit to be called Biryani, maybe leftover from some catering event. Rice were really poor quality. Chicken Biryani: This was absolutely the worst Biryani I ever had, and I have had some bad ones. As far as desserts are concerned they were all really good. I would recommend Halwa, Shahi Tukray and Kheer. Overall the experience was not too good. Service was really poor and the staff was rude. Maybe I need to go back when it is not that busy. Most of the food items were good but then some were way below par. I would give them one more try. Posted on June 19, 2018

★★★★★ Very good Nehari and Biryani, glad to find this place. Posted on July 26, 2016

★★★★★ They seem to have moved into a new place which isn't small at all. It's actually very nice. We had the lunch buffet here for $13 per head. Had about 10 main dishes plus desserts and free drinks. Definitely worth the money Posted on February 27, 2016

★★★★☆ Ordered Nihari and Baghare Baingan. Both were good dishes. I have eaten there a few times and it is a hit and a miss but mostly a hit. I recommend people to go and enjoy their food Posted on March 22, 2015

★★★☆☆ Nothing special the typlical desi food. I have had pretty much everything on the menu. Posted on July 23, 2014

★★★★☆ Small restaurant with limited seating capacity. They have bigger space for parties. Clean with good service. Food is Good too. Posted on February 10, 2014

★★★★☆ great food, love it Posted on August 26, 2013

★★★☆☆ Fresh Posted on January 20, 2013

★☆☆☆☆ Their Buffet is going down every time I visit over there (Both in quality and quantity) and its over prize as well. They even charge 3 year old kids. Now they add stale food as well in the mix. They add lots of ice in the soda probably to increase the quantity but in the end it seems like a 3rd grade soda. The tall guy on the cashier has rude behavior plus he keeps on looking at you while you eat and yes he don't hesitate in asking you the age of your child to ascertain if he can charge you. The Music and sound is pretty loud. The variety of food is not as good as it used to be a couple of years ago. So in this price it's definitely not worth it. Please check your credit card statement to see if they charge you the right amount as some people complain about it as well. Posted on December 3, 2012

★☆☆☆☆ Went there on Sunday for their brunch! In the name of God please lower that darn volume on the music! I had my ears hurting and my 5 yr was crying that the music was hurting his ears. Food was so average! Dirty tables just horrible experience. Took few of our American friends and I was very embarrassed! Posted on October 22, 2012

★☆☆☆☆ very expensive, food is just average. Posted on February 10, 2012

★★☆☆☆ Very poor setting for eating there, food was good Posted on November 29, 2011

★★☆☆☆ Poor sums up my experience of the place. Seekh kababs were average but qeema was horribly devoid of taste. Didn't know it was possible to make such tasteless qeema. Bhindi was also incredibly plasticy tasting. Had it not been due to good service and decent food quantity, I would have given it a 1 star. Posted on February 19, 2011

★★☆☆☆ Hi I went to Shahnawaz a week ago for iftari. The restaurant was the ony think that was nice. The service was bad and the food taste really bad. Posted on September 5, 2010

★★★☆☆ [No review submitted] Posted on April 30, 2010

★★★☆☆ THIS FOOD IS OKAY BUT IT STILL NEEDS SOME HELP IN CATERING WISE NOT PROFESSIONAL Posted on January 7, 2010

★★★★☆ Great South Asian Food. There is lots of space and the setting is decent. Posted on December 24, 2009

★★★★★ I love this place, alhumdulillah everything is great the food and service. its like one stop and you can find pakistani grocery pakistani clothes and AAA++ food ....... i really don't care what other people say we know shahnawaz is AAA+++ all the way Posted on October 23, 2009

★★★★★ Dear shaankhan after reading your review i went to shahnawz to ask them about from where they buy meat for their restaurant and JUST for your information and only for your information they took me to their back room where they have $20,000.00 worth of equipment for Halal meat so plz viewer who love pakistani food plz feel free and don't worry about the meat its 100% halal. their food is excellent. Posted on September 16, 2009

★★★★★ WHEN YOU ARE IN SHAHNAWAZ RESTAURANT YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE IN PAKISTAN WHAT A GREAT TASTE LOVE IT Posted on September 16, 2009

★★★★★ we happened to be in the area for summer.... we were visiting from washington.... I tell ya this is the best food I have ever ate..... I wish they open up in washington.... all the Thanks to the owners for serving the best food... I was telling my husband now we dont need to go to Pakistan just for food...... Posted on September 16, 2009

★★★★★ The food is remarkable. The Sunday brunch is great, they have so many dishes on Sunday! Glad to find out about this place! Posted on July 24, 2009

★☆☆☆☆ this is my last visit to this restaurant because they are not selling zabiha halal meat . even i check with abdul sattar and he said he dosent supply them any more halal meat to shanawaaz. after that i confirm myself whenever i go there that i am eating harram food. Posted on May 31, 2009

★★★★★ food is very good you can take your family for lunch or dinner at this restaurant i like to take my family to this restaurant every other sunday brunch good place to go i have no negative things to say because each and evrey pakistani restaurant in USA are trying their best to serve the community their level best Posted on May 17, 2009

★★★★★ I'm from Florida and we were visiting LA I went to zabihah.com and found this place when we went there it was really nice and clean. The owner was a great man. The food was GREAT!!! I got the bagarey begun and shami kabab with rice and oh my God after very long long time ….. Never forget that great taste. After they found out we were out of state they really appreciate that and gave us a generous discount. Great place to go and eat Pakistani food Posted on May 17, 2009

★★★★★ AAAA+++++ i really enjoy going there its like you are in pakistan love the food thanks SHAHNAWAZ RESTAURANT for serving our community their price are little high cuz they serve 100% halal zabiha meat we had so much fun on chand raath last year God bless them Posted on May 16, 2009

★★★★★ LOL mahela and hesr you guys are so funny u know and we're all know SHAHNAWZ IS SHAHNAWAZ they are aproved by mufti Saleem and other ulmaas so all i know they are 100% Halal restaurant food is best love it Posted on May 5, 2009

★☆☆☆☆ this food is just terrible i found hair in my korma and i felt sick if you want pakistani food try mehfil Posted on February 23, 2009

★☆☆☆☆ THIS RESTAURANT HAS CHANGED SINCE TAHIR BHAI LEFT. THERE FOOD PROPORTIONS ARE GETTING SMALLER Posted on February 23, 2009

★★★☆☆ They started the trend of halal pakistani in the area, but after growing up with this establishment I have seen a slight decline in food quality. The portions have become smaller and I always ask for onions and chutney (they used to always include it ) but I never get any. Posted on September 26, 2007

★★★★★ come'on this is the place that started it all..the whole pakistani authentic food trend..its the best, best in chicken tikka, kababas, nihari, and biyani...shahnwaz...zindabad! Posted on July 27, 2007

★★★★★ Nothing but EXCELLENT! We group of around 16 people went to LA and was looking for some halal restaurant. We decided to go to Nikki but lost our way and ended up in Shahnawaz. Hospitality and arrangements shown by the guy(forgot know the name) was simply amazing and we felt like home. Made arrangements for our big group in the hall beside rstaurant main bulding and service was superb. Food - Masha Allah, wish we have similar restaurants in PHOENIX! AWESOME!!! Posted on May 14, 2007

★★★★★ SHAHNAWAZ RESTAURANT IS THE BEST,we should be thankful to Mr. Dara... atleast when you go there you don't have to surf for a meat in biryani or nehari and in other dishes i wonder how could people say bad things about Shahnawaz restaurant Nehari taste like Nehari Paya taste like Paya and Behari kabab my favorite taset like Behari Kabab they are in business for very, very look time and serving muslim people honestly,every one respect the owner alot THEY ARE NUMBER ONE Posted on January 24, 2007

★★★☆☆ A brisk catering business, but also maintains a long-time restaurant location. Food is consistent and is a common meeting place for large events like Eid Melas and such. Posted on December 14, 2006

★★★★☆ Don't know what Mr. Bajwa experienced, but was definitely NOT the case with me. I went there this past weekend, the price is slightly high, but the variety was nice and food was excellent. I'd go there again upon revisiting LA. Posted on October 30, 2006

★★☆☆☆ After moving to the west coast Shahnawaz was the first desi place. I had heard good things about their Sunday buffet but Sunday was still far so we decided to go on a week day. IT WAS A COMPLETE DISASTER. EVERYTHING FROM SERVICE TO THE FOOD WAS POOR. If you are like me and have been to sabri or usmania ( devon, chicago ) Shalimar or Kebab King ( oak tree jersey / new york ), you will be really disappointed with what this place has to offer. Poor Service, Unclean Interior, Expensive and Tasteless food: Shahnawaz gets Zero Stars out of Ten Posted on July 6, 2006

★★★★★ I went to their Sunday brunch buffet. There was a lot of variety in the buffet and most of the food was good. Especially their nihari, paaye, and chicken tikka masala was really good. I recommend it. Posted on June 28, 2006

★★★★★ I am tired of all the negative comments about Shahnawaz. My family has had numerous excellent parties that were held at the banquet hall. There are a couple nearby Pak restaurants near my home, but my husband and I choose to drive 40 minutes for an excellent dinner at the restaurant hall. Their chicken tikka masala is superb. The prices at Shahnawaz are very reasonable. They only charge $1 per naan, not like $2 at some other start up restaurants. Most of the recent weddings that I have been to in the last couple years have been catered by Shanawaz. They are very professional and the food never runs out, unlike other catering services. All in all, Shahnawaz remains the top in LA/OC. Posted on February 16, 2006

★★☆☆☆ Assalamu alaykum, What can I say about this restaurant...well first of all it was very expensive. Came here with a couple of friends. The service was okay, the food bellow average. For that price I was expecting really good food. They forgot my order and ended up with a mango lasi that was more ice than lasi. Well, I would not consider going there again, inshallah. Posted on May 23, 2005

★★★★★ Kinda expensive you know. Food is great although i remember almost a decade ago it was better for some reason, but still you want to go here:) Posted on March 22, 2005

★★★★☆ The food is great and the price is very reasonable. We ended up eating lunch and dinner here as the food was that good. Posted on December 26, 2004

★★★★★ We were at this place on 11/25 for brunch - the buffet was awesome with more than 25 items for $12. All the items were great and tasty. A bit surprised to see the comments say something else. But I have say service is next to nothing. Would go again when in LA area. And I also came to know while talking to the owner that there is another Shahnawaz in Lawndale(?)...was wondering if some of the comments left by folks here were for that place Posted on November 27, 2004

★★☆☆☆ I went here because of Ambreen's review, but Dara is not back. The service provided was even worse than before. This restaurant gained a good name, but was already downhill when Dara was there. The biryani was obviously old and ready to be thrown away. The kababs were tasteless. I'd rather head to the other restaurants around town. Posted on November 2, 2004

★★★★★ good food, we heard uncle dara is back ... anyways keep it up shahnawaz .. i heard their milpitas location is doing good too.. shahnawaz the best name in town....good job Posted on October 25, 2004

★★★★☆ What a change... after new management... We go there for lunch on almost every friday and atleast once for dinner every week. Their customer service has really improved a lot. The taste of biryani and haleem also improved. Their prices are little above average but that's what you pay for the name. I'd recommend it to try atleast once. Posted on August 28, 2004

★☆☆☆☆ My sister's wedding was catered by them, and it was a disaster. Nothing looked or tasted right. They are unprofessional. My family was disheartened by this experience. So for other Muslim brothers and sisters, I would for other halal restaurants for caterings. Posted on June 23, 2004

★★☆☆☆ Their Tandoori chicken stinks and the service is poor. They will try to help you but in the end you feel unsatisfied. Posted on June 2, 2004

★★★★☆ I think of Shahnawaz as a good quality food not to expensive and a great service. Compare to Shalimar i think they are preety close as far tika goes but other dishes no caparison Shahnawaz is much better place to go and enjoy. I have been to their all three locations la Milpitas and Sacramento and i think that they are working hard and the taste is very consistent might be slightly different but it is good, they know how to serve families which is really important may Allah bless them and help them and we all should support them. Posted on May 8, 2004

★★★★★ Shahnawaz has excellent Pakistani food!!!! Their food is absolutely mouth watering. The prices are good, and the staff is really friendly. Overall I gotta say I am definitely a repeat customer. Posted on April 24, 2004

★☆☆☆☆ Dont ever get ur wedding catered by shahnawaz, a lot of hotels in the LA area dont like shahnawaz because of their lack of cleanliness during catering. The food is never the same quality, extremely overpriced, and the bathrooms in the baquet room are gross, they dont even lock. The anonymous that "Knows the owner personally" has nothing to complain about cuz no one in their right mind would give bad service to their own friends, right?? And im not really concerned with who owns and who sold it and who bought it, im just concerned with WHY PEOPLE GO THERE????? Posted on April 12, 2004

★★★★★ well we just moved here from chicago and i tell u the best food from chicago to LA.. we heard they have more restaurants.. but dont know where if anyone knows if they have one in north clifornia .. it the first time iam on zabihah.. i really liked their sunday brunch and the food was just wayyy too good .. plss reply ill chck it later in couple days thanks Posted on March 23, 2004

★★★★★ good food like always .......... when ever we visit disney land we make sure we got o shahnawaz , my kids dont like anywhere else ...........thanks you shahnawaz for good food .... Posted on March 22, 2004

★★★★★ Good food, bit over priced Posted on February 23, 2004

★★★★★ Shahnawaz is the BEST. It is what the moguls used to eat. I love their PAYA, NEHARI and KORMA. The owner Mr. Dara is a very nice man who really likes the compliments of his good cocking. Which he also deserve Posted on February 19, 2004

★☆☆☆☆ My wife and I went there this weekend. Sorry to say - food was a much below average. I really dont understand why people brag about this place. We were here on vacation and had to drive long ways to get there. Ordered grilled items. Chicken boti, claimed to be white meat - was not. Tika and kabobs were even worse, tasted like left overs. Haleem was just OK. I think, the food was served from a catering that was in progress the next door. I dont mind, poor ambiance or the service, if the food is good. However, this place was pathetic. For those who come to LA and long to visit a good Pakistani restaurant - please refrain. You will waste your time and money and would have a bad taste of LA. Posted on January 25, 2004

★★★☆☆ not bad, i dont love it but i dont hate it. the only times we've gone there is for parties . . . the appetizers n biryani are good stuff Posted on November 3, 2003

★★★★☆ Good food, nice small place but service is just OK. Posted on July 22, 2003

★★★★☆ i like the food (especially the daal. i like the service from muzzamil. the food comes out quickly. The only constructive critisim that I can offer is they should upgrade the decor. Posted on June 1, 2003

★★★★★ shahnawaz here in la is the best.. i want to let people know i know the owner .. and its just a roomer that the previous owner sold it to mr muzzamil.. it is not true.. people are just jelous of shanawaz.. want to talk bad.. they still have grade ""A"" .. anyways i will recommend people to go there wthout any hesitation.. and they do not serve alcohol.. they use that hall for jumma preyers some times..so plsss if u have anything personal against shanawaz plss keep it to ur self brother qazi mohammed.. i got engage last week.. and uncle was there.. sooooooo... and ofr all ur information he opened up a shahnawaz in bay area too.. y would he sell this one then !!!! think people b4 u say it Posted on December 31, 2002

★★★★★ You guys are the best - lucky to be in Los Angeles! Posted on December 25, 2002

★★★★★ Sunday brunch is the best; live music, over 25 dishes to choose. Love it. Posted on December 24, 2002

★★★★★ good job shanawaz.. thanks for serving us the best food and thebest halal.. thanks to and ur staff... in south and north california.... Posted on December 20, 2002

★★★★★ I went to Shahanawz Restaurant last Sunday for Sunday brunch and let me tell you guys the food was excellent as alwayz but one thing i notice is that the dishes they are using are soo desi looking those matkha, kharahi, dhyegh (big size pot the one they use in pakistan usually in shadhi and stuff) it look like you are in Lahore. So much fun with live Music. Every one were so nice with us. Posted on December 17, 2002

★★★★★ The food is great you have to taste it. Nehari, paya, behari kabab, yam yam yam i wish i could go there every day. I love the food love it love it love it. No doubt about it! Posted on December 17, 2002

★★★★★ Well after reading couple of reviews I think people are just too jealous of Shahanawaz doing so successfully in southern and northern California I still think that they are number one regardless what other people think. and alwayz remember one think ( YOU CAN'T MAKE EVERY PERSON HAPPY IN THIS WORLD ) specially when it comes to satisfy a pakistani customer and I think many people will be agree with me... Posted on December 17, 2002

★★★★☆ Dear bhai Farrukh Ansar and Junaid Ahmed you guys must be tasteless or you guys are anti Shahnawaz restaurant I heard their name issued in Los Angeles time couple of times. What I really suggest ALL THE MUSLIMS OUT THERE ....try them first before you make any opinion. Posted on December 16, 2002

★★★★★ "Well. I would agree wth some of my brother and sisters about this review. I think they are very nice and humble people.. Shahnawaz is there for so many years .. Maybe some popel are tired of eating shahnwaz food or some other reason..Allah knows but why do u think everyone talk about shahnawaz in la. Bcuz they are the best and some people might not like it..But i know their authantic food is the best... They have done catering for up to 15,0000 poeple in chicago. I know shahnawaz and family from the first day ..When they moved to california.. And started their catering buss from garage and now, they are on the top of the la's list...May allah bless them wth more." Posted on December 15, 2002

★★★★★ "I am from the Bay Area. I went to Shahnawaz here in bayarea, and in LA. I know there is a diff of cleaning in these 2 places but i think the food is the best. I was very much use to it bcause in bayarea all the other pakistani indian restuarant are dirty. But i think food makes it even. Shahnawaz has been reviewed couple times in LA times as well. Without knowing of it. Well i think they are great and family mahool people. There waiter name muzzamil always c him wth smile. And anything else they have the most veriety in market... Either LA or bayarea. I think we are lucky to have them in our area. And the last thing about them they are very islamic people all the mosque molana's and mufties here asking all of us to trust on them as they are taking care of each and every way of serve us zabiha halal. Alhumdo lillah." Posted on December 15, 2002

★☆☆☆☆ I had heard about this place in the Bay Area and gave it a try, but I HATED it from the minute I walked in. Nobody even properly greeted me and my party; the service was just horrible. To make it worse, the food was God knows so many days old! This is restaurant is just unnecessarily hyped. My advise to So.Cal visitors: Stay out. Try the other halal restaurants in that area. Posted on December 11, 2002

★☆☆☆☆ Shahnawaz used to be a very good place. last time I went there, the food was spoiled that they served. The biryani looked like it was atleast a day or two old. The people were rude when I asked about the biryani. I ate the food there and I was sick to my stomach. The place was not at all clean. I accidently, saw people smoking while they were cooking. There is no sanitary precautions. Two days after this experience, I was chatting with my other friends, and I was told that they had done catering from Shahnawaz, and that most of their friends were sick the following day. This place might have been good some time ago. Though, I am a big fan of this restaurant, I would have to definitely say NO MORE., if you want your health. Posted on August 29, 2002

★★★★★ This place has really grown over the years! They now have a party hall next to their small dine-in restaurant. I know that people in southern California are a little tired of eating the food because everyone (and I do mean EVERYONE!) caters their functions from there, but out-of-towners are more than envious that L.A. people have such an authentic place to eat from. My northern Californian husband loves the bihaari kababs here. The owner is a simple, humble man who really works hard at his craft. During Ramadan he offers free iftar to anyone and everyone who drops by --- tables laden with pakoras, samosas, chutneys, and rooh afza in milk and such. >I remember when he was catering out of his home garage...there's a reason he's such a success, mashallah. Posted on June 24, 2002

★★★★☆ This famous Pakistani restaurant is known for its catering, taste and friendly staff. I'd recommend "Bihari Kabob", but ask them to make it extra spicy for the "real" taste. I've heard that the weekend buffet has lots of variety. I would give this place an 8 out of 10. Posted on March 5, 2000

★★★☆☆ A Pakistani/Indian family restaurant (which means that it is suitable for large family gatherings such as weddings, etc.) that has a wide variety of halal dishes. They also serve Sunday brunch. Also see Curry with the Singe on Top, LA Weekly, June 18, 1999. Posted on June 30, 1999