Azama Grill

This tiny, eight-seat shawarma and falafel shop packs in the big flavors of Cairo. For three generations, owner-chef Osama El Naggar’s family has served up Egyptian barbecue in Cairo, where they own five Azama Grills. El Naggar is the first to bring the family’s secret recipes -- and knack for hospitality -- here. Chicken kabobs tangy with lemon, yogurt, and fragrant spices are outstanding. Lamb-and-beef shawarma is juicy and flavorful. Your best introduction is either a vegetarian or shawarma combo, which offers a taste of the classic sides like hummus, falafel, and baba ganoush. - Denise Taylor, Globe Correspondent