Rockin' Falafel Sandwich

[Peter Johnson]

Yee-haw! I work near Pike Place market, but rarely go there for lunch in the summer due to the crush of tourists (and the fact that I live on Western Ave across the street from it ) so I frequently bemoan my downtown lunch options. Well, I'm here to tell you that I had the b-e-s-t falafel sandwich at Zaina's on 3rd Ave (it's in the street level of the Bon parking garage). I also had a piece of baklava (meh, boring, sadly), but damn, that falafel sandwich was killing. Perfect combination of hummus, tahini, garbanzos, _good_ lettuce, and tomatoes, wrapped in a warm grilled pita. Spiced to order (I opted for "not that spicy" so I could see what I was getting myself into). Damn, that was a good sandwich. I moved from Philly in January and have been trying to replicate my beloved center city falafel cart--I've finally found the place.

It's the little things, right?

[dandelion]

Welcome to Seattle, Peter. Yes, this is the place. The food is great, the service is great, and the murals on the walls will keep you entertained if you're eating alone and forget to bring a book. If you wait until after the lunch rush (say 1:30 or later), you'll find that the food is even better because they'll have a little more time to put everything together for you.

I love the little details in their food, especially when it comes to the garnishes. The falafel has a lot more to it than the generic lettuce, tomato and hummus of every other place in Seattle. (I'm an extra-spicy girl myself, but I'd definitely recommend working up to that.) Even a bowl of lentil soup isn't just that -- they jazz it up with hot sauce, parsley and lemon juice before serving it.

Yum.

Edited August 30, 2005 by dandelion (log)

[tighe]

I'm definitely a Zaina fan. My favorite is the 'falafel supreme', kind of a big salad with all kinds of good stuff on top of a pita. I've found, however, that who makes your food can make a significant difference. I always try to work it so the older lady puts together my order.

Edited August 30, 2005 by tighe (log)

[SusieQ]

I think this is the same place that used to be on 65th and moved out several years ago. If so, you're absolutely right about their falafels -- they were so good! I still miss them, especially every time I go by the place where they used to be which is now an Italian place, Casa d'Italia. And the people were so nice, too.

SusieQ

[Eden]

Oh Zaina's I haven't thought about them in ages. We used to eat at the Pioneer square location all the time when I worked down there. FAB felafel, good borek, and wonderful people.

[little ms foodie]

So this is the place in PS on the corner of 1st and something? Next to the Italian place? hmmm....I might have to check it out as the PS location is not far from me!

[tighe]

So this is the place in PS on the corner of 1st and something? Next to the Italian place? hmmm....I might have to check it out as the PS location is not far from me!

←

FWIW, I've been told the PS location isn't as good as the 3rd & Stewart location, though I've never been.

[Schielke]

I have only been to the Zania down in pioneer square. Their Gyros are decent, but really nothing special. I have heard great stuff about the Falafel and fully intend to try them shortly.

Perhaps I should make the treck to the 3rd ave location.

[kiliki]

I've had two bad meals-beef kebabs that were almost unrecognizable as beef, and a gyros so laden with raw onions (but little else) that it was almost inedible-at the PS location. I've never had the falafel or tried the 3rd Ave location.

[dandelion]

I've eaten at both locations, and I concur.... 3rd & Pine is much, much better.

[Peter Johnson]

Went back the next day for...ANOTHER falafel sandwich.

Damn, that is one good falafel sandwich...and the garlic breath keeps people out of my office!

[Eden]

sounds like the pioneer square location has gone downhill since my day (7+ years ago - wow!) I will have to make a pilgrimage to try the location on 3rd one of these days.