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 Tiffany S.

I don't really eat at places like this because I forget to or I just don't pass them when I'm hungry. I was THRILLED today when the planets aligned, and I passed Zaina's while I was hungry and had time for lunch. I had the chicken gyro sandwich which was delicious though messy. Lots of choices for vegetarians and variety to keep you coming back for more. One downfall, I went in to the single bathroom to wash my hands and it was a little smelly. There ya go.

by Laural B.

I heard the 3rd Ave location went out of business. A shame.

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.

by julia s.

I agree that the falafel here is decent but I think that their standards have gone down overall.  I used to LOVE their falafel salad for its abundant crunchy goodness and greens but now it's typically browned-on-the-edges iceberg with about 3 falafel.  BUT I thought I would give them another try and so yesterday I went and got the Lamb Kebob sandwich.  I started eating and saw these huge unrecognizable spears and thought "hmm, maybe they got creative with deep-fried eggplant?"  NOOOOOO, they were FRENCH FRIES people!  WTF.  So obviously filler to make up for the 3 sad pieces of lamb.  I don't think I'll go back...

by Joshua O.

Truly an exceptional sandwich bar. Great falafel, extraordinary foule, and the grilled eggplant is divine. Even if Seattle didn't suffer from a shortage of falafel restaurants, I would still never miss this place when I'm in the neighborhood. The staff are kind, and I don't even mind the late night hookah smokers. The only drawback - and it's pretty minor- is that everything is extremely saucy. You can't eat here and NOT make a mess, which makes it a lousy choice for bizness lunches. Everything else is top notch.

by Latife N.

Best Felafel Ever, and it wins by lengths.  Really, these felafels put every other shop to shame!  Every sandwich must weigh a couple of pounds.  Not just garbanzo balls here, also generous amounts of hummus, tomatoes, whole garbanzos, cuke, and more-- but it isn't overpowering.  If you are anywhere near downtown, it's worth checking out Zaina.  Take plenty of napkins.

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 Yiling W.

For lunch: noisy, but tasty enough and filling.I probably should've tried a falafal, but I just stuck with a shish kabob plate. I avoided getting a gyro, as I did not witness any sign whatsoever of a giant hunk of meat slowly turning and roasting in the background (the only way to get *really* great gyro meat). The atmosphere was very very noisy, there were no forks in sight (turned out not to be a huge problem with the rice in my dish), but I am now full and on my way to feeling like a nap. Also is pretty affordable for a lunchtime meal.Although the hookah options intrigued me, other reviewers appear to indicate that that part is not ideal.

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 Jim T.

When my wife and I visited Zaina in 2006 we thought it was the best meal we had during our three day visit to Seattle. Having just left San Jose for Portland, I too was a huge fan of Falafel Drive-In (like Kathleen). Unfortunately our last visit was a bit of a let down. However I was fighting the beginning of a nasty cold which I now realize would have tainted any food experience at the moment. Final thought - I will give it another try but I wouldn't go out of my way. If you are in the Pioneer Square area and looking for something new, give it a try.

by Andrea S.

I've only been here once, and no it wasn't for the food.  And yes, shamefully, I am one of those annoying underage kids that came for the hookah bar. But don't worry, because I won't come back again for it. I came with two friends of mine, hoping to try one of the last hookah bars in Seattle. They were really quick putting the hookah together and had various flavors. I liked the ecclectic music they had playing, and how the hookah towered ominously over us. Although intimidating, the hookah was really harsh and all three of us couldn't finish it. Probably the harshest stuff I've ever had.  I believe one bowl cost $15 which is okay, but you could only share with 3 people! It's kind of lame, but it probably keeps away large groups of annoying pubescent smokers!I give 2 stars directed toward the hookah aspect, although I was hungry and was considering buying something.. until I saw how unappetizing everything looked at 11 PM. Perhaps the food is better during the day, but I still won't come back.

by Michael B.

Claiming to make the world's greatest falafel is quite the boast, indeed, but this place certainly has given legitimacy to its claim.  OK, that type of thinking is absurdly parochial, but, then, that comes naturally to Americans, now, doesn't it?  Anyway, the highly-touted falafels (the mild, medium, and hot versions) here are consistently excellent.  I know that I'm echoing an idea that I read in The Stranger's review of the place, but the flatbread they use is far superior to the thin pitas favored elsewhere.  Additionally, the dolmas, served warm, are fantastic.  Thus, on the merits of those two items alone (I'd love to tell you more about the rest of  the veg-friendly items on their menu, but I'm so hooked on the falafel that I never really try much else---sorry!), this place would deserve a 5.  Unfortunately...During my last visit there with two female friends, one worker behind the counter was nothing short of obnoxious to them.  He had made an error in our original order.  This, of course, is no problem in itself, but he proceeded to treat them with a disrespect that was most unbecoming.  His disposition was quite contrary to the usual good service I receive there, but I just can't let it go unpunished.  Love the falafel, but I can definitely do without such a surly attitude.

by Joshua B.

Tasty falafel, dolmas and other items, but a little disappointing compared to how I remember it.I went here a lot when I worked at a startup during the dot-com boom years (ah, remember them?). I remember really enjoying everything on the menu, from the falafel, to the tahini, the pita and the dolmas.I've been back a couple times recently after a long (7 year) absence and it's not quite as good as I remember. It's certainly good enough if you need a Mediterranean food "fix", but the place is definitely worse for the wear and the food's only "OK".I guess I can't really "complain" but there's nothing that jumps out at me (hence the middle-of-the-road star rating). Plus it gets super crowded and there's a long line if you come after 12 for lunch.

by Jessica Y.

Pretty good shawarma. It's messy as hell, though, and not ideal for a biz-lunch. Too much sauce. The lamb was delish and the too much sauce tasted good, anyway. The lentil soup is bland, skip it. Honey cake and tea? Yes! ps- I second what Tricia H. says about the afterhoursness. Hookahs are nice to chill with, but 19 year old thick sluts and their stupid fake-leather jacket stalkers are not. Go try the Rabbit Hole in U district, or better yet buy your own.

by Jessica M.

I stumbled out of a meeting on Cherry Street (I had been late, and was exhausted on a Friday) and found myself -- magically -- at Zaina's doorway. Now, bad falafel and baklava are everywhere. And I'm picky. But hunger and delerious exhaustion and the recommendation of someone who appeared to enjoy eating convinced me to step inside and buy lunch without extensive research first. The falafel hummus sandwich was rolled up like a cone, rather than stuffed into the pita. The pita was soft and fresh. The sandwich went down in perfectly orchestrated bites, rather than one giant chunk of falafel here, and none there. (Does that make sense?) And the baklava was sweet and crunchy and chewy, a platonic ideal of baklava.My only complaint is the price -- I walked out having spent almost $10 for a meal that would have cost me $5 or less at Mahmoun's in Greenwich Village. Good, yes. $10 for lunch? I'll be saving it for special occasions.

by Bryan M.

Mediterranean is always a good vegetarian option. I sat in for the falafel plate, which at $10 was a little expensive but very good. It's sort of family joint, a little run down and divey but well lit and open.You walk in, grab a drink, order and the counter and grab your own utensils.

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 Thomas L.

got the gyro plate.  The humus was good, the salad was so so, the pita were nice and warm, but for what you get... it was kinda of expensive.The meat was ok.  Whatever happened to them cutting straight off that rotating thing?  why is it just in the heating bin?  and what's this sorta tomatoey sauce that comes with it?Definitely disappointed.

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 Tricia H.

**This is a review of the atmosphere after dark. AKA My rant about disrespectful teens.**Yeah yeah. The Gyros and Falafal are good.  The Prices are just right, and the atmosphere is laid back.Hey, you even get to listen to super cool music.But....i dislike all you under 21-ers who go to Zaina on the weekends because it's a Hooka Bar.Yes, I know it's one of (if not) the last Hooka Bar in Downtown Seattle...but come on!Enjoy yourself, sure.Sit on my car and chain smoke.  Nuh uh.  Take up a parking space, one I could use as I am trying to get my groceries up to my apartment, because you are trying to do a drug deal out of your Escalaide.   Not cool.Zaina after 7pm becomes a haven (especially during school holidays/ summer vacation) for the annoying underage.Trust me, I am not saying you are all annoying.  Just the stupid preppy boys who think this is "so cool" and say "dude"...and not in a good way.Just the girls who wear the short skirts (that shows her..nether regions) so the boys, wearing the backwards baseball caps, baggy jeans, and are driving the benz or other blinged out car that mommy or daddy bought them, will possibly date rape them.When school is in session, come M-Th night.  The atmosphere is chill and the people are somewhat interesting. (beware the crazy drug dealer, though.  He is scary.)When school is out..say in the summer...avoid this place like the plague.

by Mary B.

This is a great little lunch spot, although at $10,  it's a bit pricey to be an every day destination for me.  I usually shoot to spend closer to $6.I got the falafel plate, and the falafel was great. Falafel is far too frequently dry and somewhat sandy. Here, it's just plain perfect. I'm also a pretty big fan of the hummus.  The staff is friendly, and the portions are generous: you will not walk away hungry.

by Sophia M.

Food is mediocre I must say.I don't like hair in my food and what displeases me is it happend more than twice. Another thing is I hate the atmosphere when the hookah bar starts and rowdiness and noise start to occur. Teenie boppers all over the place.. little girls trying to look all grown. Not to mention they let some people in that are underage in there. I do like their falafels... its more calm during the afternoon..I don't really like how the restaurant is set up.I do not think the people that work there are always friendly. either not friendly or TOO friendly if you know what i mean.They supposedly sell halal food.. but having alchohal and hookah is HARAM... so that's what happens to halal businesses that do haram..MEH --- two starts. Enough said. I shall halt

by Brent F.

"Best Falafel in Seattle"In the heart of Pioneer Square lies this little gem of a sandwich shop. I try and sample all the falafel places I can and this one is the tops so far in my book.  They use fluffy warm flat bread, (not dry pita), slather it with humous, beans, fresh falafel, dressed salad, cheese and other goodness that makes it the top in the city.

by Cherry Blossom Girl A.

Their gyros and shawarma should come with a bib, but they are both quite tasty and filling for $5.99 or you can go for a combo plate for closer to $10.  My new obsession is with their baklava.  Their version is light and flaky, not drenched with honey.  Service is cafeteria style.

by Kelly V.

I've been going to Zaina's for years (when it was over by what was the Bon Marche) but decided to go to this one.  Food was good, but not as good.  The other one (which is now shut down) had a really good hot sauce that made the gyro...and this one did not.  The food is still really good...a bit pricey ($6 for a gyro) but well worth it. My recommendation is to NOT go during the lunch rush (11:40 is a good time) or go around 1 when it dies down.  If you can't, no big deal...they serve you pretty quick (walk to the counter, order, pay/pickup).

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 Yoshi S.

The best gyros in Seattle.

by Dan P.

Oh man, zaina makes me drool just thinking about it.  Ingredients are fresh and authentic.  I've had both the gyro's and the falafel's.... both are good since but I generally prefer the gyro with the meat.  (My head is a vegetarian but my stomach is a meat eater... stomach usually wins)I do disagree with a past reviewer regarding portion sizes though.  My big dilemma whenever I go is whether to get 1 or 2 gyro's because they are so good and 1 doesn't leave me stuffed.  I've also had the baklava which is pretty good.  (I'm not really a fan of baklava so that is a good review from me)

by Emmett D.

I've been here so many times I can't even count.  My go-to place for great Greek Salads, Falafel, Shawarmas, and Gyros.  There are subtle differences between the Shawarma and Gyro, the key being one has Tahini and one has Tzatziki.  Regardless they're both delicious with lamb, beef, or chicken.  The sandwich is nice for a small-medium size meal, the plate is great if you're hungry.  I didn't care for the lentil soup, personally.  The baklava - which I get on occasion - is fantastic.

by D.J. Y.

Ugh.... steam tables do NOT lend well to Greek/Med type food.  While the service was quick, they serve cafeteria style, and there where only 2 peeps in front of me, this place just did nothing for me.  With the "meh" falafel and OVER priced meal, you folks can consider this place worth passing up!I should have known when I walked in and my standard meal of choice, a Falafel plate/platter was $10.59!  $10.59 via cafeteria style restaurant?  COME ON!  Plus tax and tip, I was in it for $12.59!!  For lunch?  Not good...The Falafel had flavor but was totally soggy, the tabouli was good, but the serving size was a joke, and the hummus was similar to peanut butter and didn't really have much flavor.  The pita was stiff and chewy, and burnt....  I left saddened, felt ripped off, and still hungry...UGH!!

by Christie L.

I am in Seattle looking for a place to live while experiencing city life. I stumbled upon Zaina while looking for lunch after a meeting with a friend.At first glance I wondered if I stumbled into an alleyway that was converted into a kitchen/eatery. It was a record high today for the unusual sunny weather so it was swealtering inside. Sun + Oven = omgwtfbbqhotSo putting the decaying decor and uncomfortable temperature out of mind and looking for the actual food they had an alright looking menu. One thing I felt was really missing for a greek place was orzo. Orzo pasta, orzo in chicken soup with lemon, orzo I miss you! I decided to go with the generic gyro with lamb sandwich and my other half got a chicken kebab. My sandwich totally needed a bib. I also noted that the lamb was seasoned like comfort food from my alternative universe grandmother who happens to live in greece. It was not seasoned like the mall stall or East Coast greek food places. It was like a savor lamb meatball rather than the almost peppery tangy flavor I was used to. Differences aside, it was very good.My husband doesn't like anything creamy, cheesy, or milky so surprisingly he ate his kebab and rice without complaint realizing the sauce was like yogurt and nothing cheese related. I ate his hummus which was really good, apparently he doesn't have a taste for it.I think if I lived here I might go back when it was cooler and try a few other things but if I had to do greek again in the upcoming week I'd wait until I got back to Florida and check out my local place.

by Charlotte R.

Working down-town this summer, Zaina has become a favorite place of mine for quick-yet-yummy food.I always get the falafel sandwich- I keep meaning to branch out, but it's just so damn good, especially for the price ($6). I'm not even normally a huge falafel fan, but I love Zaina's. Ingredients are fresh. The pita bred is always soft and fluffy. Not a huge portion, but I'm not one of those people that likes getting stuffed in the middle of a work day anyway.Plenty of seating- this place is a good spot for medium-sized groups that are worried about finding a table other places during lunch hour in Pioneer Square. They have a very large and well stocked bottled drink selection. Both meat-eaters (frowny face) and veggies like myself are sure to find something they like here...yarm.

by C C.

Yuck! Seriously bland, Lentil soup mushy with little flavor beyond plain Lentils. The Falafel sandwich was boring too. This place is super dirty! Floors, water spout, bathroom - nasty with layers of dirt.

by Anca S.

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 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 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 Brian W.

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.

by Brian W.reese h.Hannah L.

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.

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.…