Discover Wally’s Cafe: Authentic Lebanese Flavors in Rocklin and Emeryville
Discover Wally’s Cafe, a top Lebanese restaurant in Rocklin and Emeryville, CA. Savor authentic Mediterranean dishes like chicken shawarma, lamb gyro, and homemade baklava ice cream.
Wally’s Cafe is more than a restaurant—it’s a family-owned Lebanese eatery that brings traditional flavors and a warm, welcoming atmosphere to Rocklin and Emeryville, CA. With freshly made dishes and a strong dedication to quality, Wally’s has become a favorite destination for Mediterranean food lovers in the Bay Area and beyond. We had the pleasure of interviewing Wally’s family team to learn more about the cafe’s story, best dishes, and what makes this spot a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Lebanese cuisine.
The Origins of Wally’s Cafe: From Emeryville to Rocklin
How did Wally’s Cafe get started? What inspired your family to open the restaurant?
"The first Wally's Cafe location opened in 2007 in Emeryville. My dad, Wally, founded the restaurant—he’s always loved cooking and hospitality. That first spot in Emeryville was just a little hole-in-the-wall in the back of a bar with countertop seating only. At first, I was worried because it was so hidden, but it quickly became popular. Wally's warmth, his amazing food, and his hospitality helped us build a strong customer base right from the start."
Wally’s Culinary Background: From Dentistry to Lebanese Food
Has Wally always been a chef, or did he have other careers before opening Wally’s Cafe?
"Wally was actually a dentist before he got into the restaurant business! He practiced dentistry in Europe but always dreamed of working with food. When he moved to the U.S., he decided to follow his passion for cooking rather than going back to school to become a dentist here. Wally’s Cafe was born from that love for Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine."
Wally’s Cafe Menu Highlights: Top Dishes to Try
For those new to Wally’s Cafe, there are a few must-try dishes that showcase the best of Lebanese and Mediterranean flavors. We asked the team what they recommend for first-time visitors:
What are the top three dishes you’d recommend to someone who’s visiting Wally’s Cafe for the first time?
"Our most popular items are the chicken shawarma, chicken pomegranate, and lamb gyro. These are definitely the top choices for newcomers. You can get them as wraps or plates, and they’re perfect for anyone looking to try authentic Lebanese food."
And what’s Wally’s personal favorite?
"He loves the combo plate with chicken and beef shawarma. We offer a combo option where you can mix two types of meat—definitely a great choice if you want a bit of variety."
Advice for Aspiring Restaurant Owners
Running a restaurant is no small feat. Do you have any advice for those looking to open their own food business?
"It’s a lot of work, especially when you make everything from scratch daily like we do at Wally’s Cafe. Our advice? Be prepared for a lot of hard work, consistency, and hands-on involvement. For us, the key has been staying dedicated and committed to quality every single day."
What’s New at Wally’s Cafe: Upcoming Location and Menu Additions
What’s next for Wally’s Cafe? Any exciting new developments?
"We’re opening a new location in Orange County soon, which is huge for us! We’ve also introduced some new menu items. One of them is our baklava ice cream, which has been a big hit with customers. Our baklava isn’t as sweet or sticky as you’ll find in some other places; we use cashews instead of walnuts, which gives it a unique flavor. We’re also making Lebanese mint lemonade fresh daily, which has been a refreshing addition."
Ordering from Wally’s Cafe: How to Get Your Mediterranean Favorites
What’s the best way to order from Wally’s Cafe?
"Ordering online through our website is the easiest option for both pickup and delivery. We recently started accepting card payments at our Emeryville location, so we’re no longer cash-only. Our website has photos and descriptions, which makes ordering super convenient!"