Fast-Casual Middle Eastern Eatery Expanding to Carmel Mountain

After getting its start in Clairemont Mesa last fall, Simsim Outstanding Shawarma is heading north to Carmel Mountain. The fast-casual Middle Eastern eatery is announcing a Fall 2019 opening at Carmel Mountain Plaza in a 2,400-square-foot space that will have a modern design and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

Led by executive chef Ibrahim Alsharief, a native Jordanian who worked at five-star hotels throughout the Middle East, Simsim’s menu is based on classic Arabic cuisine, most specifically shawarma, or meats cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Signatures include carved beef and lamb or carved chicken served wrapped in freshly baked saj bread or atop bowls and salads with a variety of homemade sauces ranging from tahini to roasted tomato and spicy garlic; the new location’s offerings will feature even more meat options. Other Middle East specialities include hummus, baba ghanoush, and baklava.

Expect this to just be the start of Simsim’s expansion. Nawar Miri, its co-founder, president, and CEO, is a veteran of the fast-casual industry, having previously served as corporate director of the Urban Plates chain.

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