Tucked in the modest but ethnically rich part of downtown Davis’ food scene, this family-run spot is as well-known for its warm service as it is for its flavorful food, which includes classic dishes like beef shawarma (thinly shaved slices of tender meat with fresh shredded lettuce, cucumbers and tomato, all wrapped in a heated, fluffy pita) that you can punch up with a spicy tahini sauce that kicks the simpler ingredients into high gear. Everything here is fresh and made to order, including the signature lamb shawarma over rice (available after 2 p.m. and usually sold out within hours) and Sam’s piping-hot falafels (the chickpea-based Mediterranean version of vegetarian meatballs). The interior’s homey charm and authenticity make up for the lack of legroom; bring cash and expect a pleasant wait as owner Sam Abughannam catches up with regulars and welcomes new faces.