Zaina

by Kathleen M.

"Greatest falafel on earth" says the sign in the window. I'm not sure about that, but the falafel sandwich was quite tasty, and I don't think of myself as a falafel person. (For you Bay Area people, it's still just short of Falafel Drive-In in San Jose though.) My husband was quite impressed with Zaina's falafel.Zaina is very warm with its open kitchen so definitely grab a table by the window. You order at the counter, get water from a dingy cooler, and sit down with your falafel. Thankfully the food is better looking than the restaurant.

by Kiran C.

The best mediterranean in Pioneer Square.  I got the plate and really enjoyed it.   It does get busy but it is fast.  The baklava is probably some of the best.  The pieces are huge which I love and there is tons of honey.  It is a little more pricey than the Mediteranean Mix around the corner (which is really good too) but this place has more variety and feels much more authentic (i.e. they don't sell pizza).

by Sean R.

This place is consistently good.  I've only tried the falafels and gyro because everytime I think to order something new off of the menu my tastes buds yearn for the same delicious falafels or gyro sandwiches.  The platters are expensive at 10+ bucks so instead I'd recommend the sandwiches, they're more affordable at 5-6 bucks.

by Alix H.

Lamb or chicken Shwarma, baby!  Stuffed grape leaves (Dolmas), superb!   Or the baba ganoush, fantastico!   If you go around 11:30, you should be able to get your food within 5 minutes.  In the winter time, don't sit by the window cuz it gets breezy.  In the summer time, do sit by the window cuz it's hot inside.I've only been here for lunch so I won't comment on what happens when this place turns into a hooka bar.  I've used a hooka once.  It was cool, I think.

by Brian W.reese h.Hannah L.Anca S.

You will never have a better schwarma or falafel sandwich.  For gyros, I prefer Gyros 2 Go in Redmond.  But they're still good!I'd give it 5 stars if the prices were a little more reasonable.  But hey, it's downtown.It's solid Mediterranean food, and some of the best lentil soup in the city...all lemony with a small dollop of yogurt.It probably lost a few fans with the Washington indoor smoking ban, as they used to double as a Hookah bar.  I, and my lungs could not be happier!The service is unpretentious, and down to earth.  My sweetie always gets the Falafel, and I a lamb/beef Gyro...both with the lentil cup of soup.YUM....A tasty falafel sandwich, stuffed with crumbled crispy chickpea-fritter goodness, laced generously with tzatziki sauce, and full of crunchy fresh veggies, all wrapped in a fluffy pita. Yum! Zaina's falafel is just as good as some of the best I've ever had (in DC), and a big plus for the sandwich being far less messy than I expected. While there was plenty in there, it wasn't overflowing and oozing out the top, defeating the point of it being a SANDWICH (which you can eat with your hands) as opposed to a loosely-organized pile. So thank God for that!Yes, the space is a little, um, downscale? Authentic Pioneer Square? Pre-condo boom? Not a problem, if you mind that decor theme, because the Waterfall Park is only a few blocks away, and when it's open you can sit outside at a nice little table to enjoy your lunch.I still love this place and am bummed I no longer work across the street from Zaina. Still the messiest meal I've ever eaten, but the food is so good you might still be tempted to bring a date here. They grill their pita and I think the slight charred taste is why I love this place. The grilled eggplant in pita and the falafel are now competing for the title of My Favorite Zaina Dish, which makes it hard to branch out and try their other items. This place is very low-key for dinner without the busy lunch crowd. Better falafel than in Israel? Quite possibly. I think it's the fresh ingredients and fluffy pita.…

by Reese M.

So I hit up this place once or twice a month when I haven't brought my lunch. I usually get a falafel and quite honestly they are pretty delicious. If you are feeling extra hungry get a side of lentil soup which is equally delightful.The atmosphere in this joint could really use some work but if you work downtown or in pioneer square it's the perfect spot for a grab and go lunch. Be forewarned, the lines can get quite long in the noon hour so come on the early side (11:30) or the late side (1:30) if you want to avoid the rush.

by reese h.

It's solid Mediterranean food, and some of the best lentil soup in the city...all lemony with a small dollop of yogurt.It probably lost a few fans with the Washington indoor smoking ban, as they used to double as a Hookah bar.  I, and my lungs could not be happier!The service is unpretentious, and down to earth.  My sweetie always gets the Falafel, and I a lamb/beef Gyro...both with the lentil cup of soup.YUM....

by Leif E.

Why only three stars? Why indeed...I ordered the signature lamb Gyro. I believe the sign outside said the 'best Gyro around'.  Actually I am sure it did not specifically say that. However, the implication is that this is their main dish to hook you to the place.  I am not a falafel guy and this is not my restaurant style place. So I try to chose a familiary item that I know is good for taking back to the office.The lamb gyro was good. Not awe inspiring, but good enough to get four stars for the place. "But Flounder... you only gave it three stars.  What's your problem chucklehead!"Have you heard of the three rules for a successful restaurant? Location, location, location! But the lesser known fourth rule is called 'service'.  The service was just fine, but to get me to return or give an additional star, I have to get the 'pop' from a place. Usually the food or service will provide that.  I will try again in a month or two and do a sit down.

by Hannah L.

A tasty falafel sandwich, stuffed with crumbled crispy chickpea-fritter goodness, laced generously with tzatziki sauce, and full of crunchy fresh veggies, all wrapped in a fluffy pita. Yum! Zaina's falafel is just as good as some of the best I've ever had (in DC), and a big plus for the sandwich being far less messy than I expected. While there was plenty in there, it wasn't overflowing and oozing out the top, defeating the point of it being a SANDWICH (which you can eat with your hands) as opposed to a loosely-organized pile. So thank God for that!Yes, the space is a little, um, downscale? Authentic Pioneer Square? Pre-condo boom? Not a problem, if you mind that decor theme, because the Waterfall Park is only a few blocks away, and when it's open you can sit outside at a nice little table to enjoy your lunch.

by Benjamin J.

It's a good thing that I went to Zaina with friends, because otherwise I'm not sure I would have dared stepped into the place.  The combination Palestinian-inspired Middle Eastern restaurant/hookah bar/electronic music club, Zaina perspires weird from every pore.  But it's the kind of weird Pioneer Square needs, and the ambiance - young and hip - suits it well.  It's a shame that the food doesn't quite match.  I found the baba ghanoush to be underspiced and the hummus was a little dry.  This may have just been the night, because the workers seemed overwhelmed.  But, overall, I just can't say that the funky atmosphere carried over into the food.