Zaina Food Drinks & Friends

Since the start of the smoking ban in Washington, Zaina's keeps the hookahs on display only (at least during business hours!). Unfortunately, the location in the Macy's parking garage closed after a dispute with the landlord, but the location near Pioneer Square is still preparing the best Middle Eastern food you'll find in Seattle. I'd recommend the falafel sandwich for about $6. Also, I enjoy the chicken gyro plate which comes with a small salad, hummus, pita bread, rice, chicken stewed in tomatoes and a couple of gourmet olives for just under $11. There's usually a line a lunchtime, but it moves quickly and the food is worth the short wait. more

It's not particularly meaningful to say this is the best falafel in Seattle because, frankly, this is the ONLY real contender in my mind. Having spent my college years surrounded by a lot of amazing falafel, I was disappointed in the lack of good (or even bad) falafel in Seattle. Until I tried Zaina. I will say it is some of the best falafel I've had, period. I'm not sure about the rest of their menu because everytime I go there I get the exact same thing - the falafel sandwich. The falafel is done to perfection, the sauces are yummy, and if you can handle spice, the spicy sauce just MAKES IT. I think it's 4.99? A price you can't beat. This week was the first time I went in the evening and sampled out the bar/lounge. The lounge is big and expansive, with a HUGE projector screen. Playing on the screen are Middle Eastern music videos. I totally go in for this sort of thing, I love the foreign music videos, so this made me happy. The music isn't too loud, so you can definitely enjoy your conversation, but it's there if you want to check it out. We ordered the grape hookah, for 15 dollars, and a few drinks. The hookah was great, the drinks, less so. I'd just say don't order anything with tonic because they are using bottled tonic and it was flat. Stick to the hard liquor w/non carbonated mixers or beer and I'm sure it's fine. Conveniently located near Belltown, it's a great place to hit up for some food once you've gotten sauced at one of the Belltown bar's after-work happy hours and need to get some nourishment in you. more

I really love Zaina. I have only dined at the location on 3rd and Stewart. Recently renovated, the restaurant is spacious and interesting. I usually get a gyro and a falafal because I can't decide. I went with a friend who was studying Arabic. She ordered one falafal and a tea without sugar. Though they didn't have any unsweetend iced tea, the woman behind the counter brewed a fresh pot of tea for my friend right there, poured it over some ice and added a ton of mint leaves--- for free! I recently visited the Pioneer Zaina at night for hookah time. The design was pretty shabby but everyone there was having a great time and the music was fun! more

Best falefel in town. That's all you need to know. more

This place is the best! The food is delicious and the people who run it could not be nicer. The Pioneer Square location fills fast at lunch-time. The 3rd & Stewart is bigger, but still draws a crowd. While I love the falafel, I typically get the vegetable sandwich, medium spicy. Perfectly tender eggplant and cauliflower and potatoes, wrapped in soft pita and dressed with earthy hummus and cooling tzatziki. WOW! I have not been there in the evening, but I hear there are often belly dancers and hookah's for nearly everyone. more

I love Zaina, right across the street from the downtown Macy's (Bon Marche). They have a location in Pioneer Square too. I always get the lamb gyro, I'm very predictable, but I suspect everything else is as good! They have falafel, schwarma, and whatever else you'd expect from a Middle Eastern cafe. The place is pretty busy at lunchtime, which may be another good indication. Plus, it may be the only hookah bar in Seattle if you're into that sort of thing.... link to Times review http://www.nwsource.com/ae/scr/nws_rev.cfm?c=r&rtype=v&id=14722 more