Zait Za'atar: Mediterranean Dhaba

We used to get takeout from Zait Za'atar weekly and were almost always very pleased with our food. My usual was the Musakhan chicken and we always got an order of falafel and a salad and fries or falafal wrap. We got a number of those items after the restaurant changed hands and it was sadly pretty terrible. The falafel wasn't crispy like it used to be and it was bland, and the chicken Musakhan chicken dish was a lot different and not very flavorful, and the chicken was quite dry. That was about 4 months ago or more now, so maybe they've gotten things up to speed in the kitchen since, as I see a lot of rave reviews of the food. But after our disappointing experience, we've just not bothered to try them again. I would like to give them another try. The people there were very nice.

The food was great, but you get extremely small portions for the price you pay. We went here specifically for the baba ganoush that is advertised on their window, but they were out when we went which was super disappointing. I will say that the staff is very friendly and the restaurant itself is very nice on the inside!Food: 3/5

Great place for Turkish ice cream flavors! I stopped by and asked for cardamom coffee with a baklava on top. It took some convincing of the counter person, but they obliged my request and it was delicious!Food: 5/5

On a whim, my family and I wanted to eat some shawarmas. I recalled this restaurant from my college years and passed by to see it was still in existence and learned it also had new owners. The menu boasts a wide variety of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes such as falafel and beef and chicken shawarmas (we ordered both! and new additions of Indian fare such as butter chicken.We ordered a side of tabouli, falafel, and then a Beef, Shawarma plate and a Chicken Shawarma plate. My youngest had chicken Shawarma plate as well, but the child size portion. It was clear everything was made fresh and carefully as it took a little time to bring it out, but not inordinately so. They gave us a complementary side of pita bread and fries for being out of fresh fruit.The tabouli was fresh with the perfect. amount of lemon, salt and olive oil added. The two shawarma plates were plentiful with steaming rice and well seasoned meat. A salad with a delicious light dressing, clearly freshly made, also accompanied the dishes. as I don’t eat sugar, they kindly made me a lassi with buttermilk that was refreshing and cool. My daughter had the regular lassi and said it was delicious and refreshing.The restaurant was clean and well organized. I got to talk with one of the owners who brought my daughters ice cream on the house at the end of the experience. We found this small corner eatery to be a perfect afternoon spot for lunch.Vegetarian options: You can get a variety of appetizers and side dishes that are vegan and/or vegetarian.Kid-friendliness: Yes! They catered to my children and helped them feel wecome and special.Parking: Parking is usually available right outside the restaurant.

Amazing! Very friendly service. Quick. Hummus was great. Za'atar fries were also great. Good place for lunch.