Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Falafel Salam – Seattle
Falafel Salam - Seattle
Photo from Falafel Salam
Falafel Salam at a glance
Seattle Alaska Junction
- 🥙 Middle Eastern Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 96 of the guests
#539 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#3 Middle Eastern Restaurant out of 4 in Seattle
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
633
Reviews
69.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious falafel
- Great service
- Relaxed vibe
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Order errors
- Dirty tables
The restaurant Falafel Salam is a vibrant Middle Eastern Restaurant located in Seattle’s bustling Alaska Junction. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy spot perfect for a quick bite, offering an array of healthy, organic, and vegan options.
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch or a delightful dinner, this welcoming eatery provides a first-hand experience of authentic flavors, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone to enjoy.
Overview: Introducting Falafel Salam
Falafel Salam offers a generally pleasant experience, with many appreciating the chilled out vibe and inviting decor, often accompanied by good music. The falafel itself frequently earns praise for its quality and flavor, making it a draw for many.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding prices, finding certain items a bit steep for the portion size. There have also been occasional remarks about the cleanliness of tables and issues with order accuracy, suggesting room for improvement in these areas.
Good
7.1
out of 10
633
Reviews
69.7%
Satisfaction
155
negative
37
neutral
441
positive
Overall, Falafel Salam achieves a respectable 7.1 score, indicating a generally good experience for many patrons. However, customer satisfaction sits at 69.7%, suggesting a somewhat mixed reception.
This assessment is drawn from 633 customer remarks, with 441 positive observations outweighing 155 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (7.1) is a clear strength, frequently praised for its quality.
Service (7.5) also stands out positively, with staff often noted for their attentiveness. The Ambience (7.5) contributes to a pleasant dining atmosphere.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (5.5), which customers perceive as average, indicating some concern over pricing relative to what’s offered.
What people like
- Delicious falafel and pita
- Friendly, attentive service
- Relaxed, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- High prices, small portions
- Inconsistent order fulfillment
- Occasional cleanliness issues
With a recommendation score of 7.3, Falafel Salam generally earns a nod for its flavorful food and pleasant service. If you’re seeking a casual spot with a good vibe and don’t mind potentially paying a bit more, it’s worth considering.
However, be mindful of the value proposition and potential for minor service hiccups. While many find it a solid choice, those prioritizing strict budget adherence or pristine dining areas might want to manage expectations.
Similar Restaurants in Seattle
- Middle Eastern Restaurant
9.2
out of 10
out of 10
405
95.6%
- $$
- Magnolia Village
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Middle Eastern Restaurant
7.8
out of 10
out of 10
502
78.3%
- $$
- Kenwood
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Middle Eastern Restaurant
6.9
out of 10
out of 10
116
69.8%
- $$
- Roosevelt
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Falafel Salam
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.1 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 69.6%. With 332 positive remarks, diners often rave about the fresh, flavorful falafel, fluffy pita bread, and well-marinated chicken shawarma, with garlic fries also getting a shout-out for their deliciousness. However, with 120 negative comments, there are some areas for improvement.
Concerns frequently arise around inconsistent food quality, with some finding the falafel dry, gyro meat bland, or the pita less than ideal. Temperature issues, like cold dishes, also pop up occasionally.
Food
477
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
120
negative
25
neutral
332
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing falafel
- Fresh, flavorful food
- Fluffy pita bread
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Cold, dry food
- Bland gyro meat
Often praised
- foodWe had Falafal Salam cater our wedding this weekend and we cannot express in a Google review how amazing they were. All night long, we were being told how incredible the food was, how amazing Shimi and his team were, and how cool the food truck was! I cannot recommend Falafal Salam more for any event.
- falafelfalafel that is light, yet crisp on the outside and fluffy inside with lots of flavor
- pitaThe falafel was the best I've ever had – soft, crispy, and paired perfectly with creamy hummus. The beef gyro, picked veggies, and dolma were also excellent, as was the super soft pita. Their Tahini has a unique, bitter taste compared to other sauces, which is an acquired taste but likely authentic.
- garlic friessome garlic fries, and I can’t say enough good things
- hummusThe hummus was just about the only thing that was spot on
- pita breadTheir pita bread is thick and pillowy
- beef gyroThe beef gyro , picked veggies, the amazing dolma, and the super soft pita.
- falafelsone of the best falafels I’ve had
- pitasMy favorite is The Hesitator plate which gives you a taste of nearly all of the delicious menu items. Their pitas aren’t the typical flatbread type, and instead are fluffy pillowy goodness. The food has come out quick and fresh every time I’ve been here too.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a true gem of a place, offering fast service and big portions. As a locally owned establishment, it has a great feel.
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food was so Awful!!! The food you get is not worth
- falafelThe falafel are store-bought frozen... taste like sand.
- hummusThe hummus is runny where it drips off the "Pita" and has Zatar instead of parsley and cumin for seasoning, and lacks the lemon zest
- friesI ordered a gyro, but the meat was prepared like a patty, which I didn't enjoy as it resembled deli meat more than traditional beef or lamb. The fries were overcooked, and the portion size of their baklava was laughably small for the price. Overall, the food was decent, but it's not the best gyro spot in West Seattle.
- breadbread is not the traditional pita bread but some nasty doughy white bread pocket
- gyro meatThe gyro meat looked like spam with peppers and carrots
- pitaThe worst part is the tremendous decline in food quality, at least at the West Seattle location. On our most recent order, every single dish had an issue: the rice was so dry it was inedible, the pita was mushy/undercooked (on another occasion, it was raw dough inside!), the falafel was cold, soft, and dry, the shawarma was dry and overcooked, and the hummus was bland and not fully blended. The halva cloud was made without halva and served that way without warning.
- garlic friesI picked up the order within 10 minutes of placing it, so the timing wasn't the issue; it seemed like they just didn't bother on a slow night. Receiving cold fries that weren't even the garlic ones I ordered is unacceptable. This place was good once, but not tonight.
- lambtasteless lamb
- lamb meatThe lamb meat looks like it a prepackaged dog food
If you're craving fresh, flavorful Mediterranean staples like falafel and shawarma, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be aware that some experiences mention inconsistencies in food quality and temperature, so manage your expectations.
Service (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at 73.6%, its clear most diners have a good experience. Out of 87 opinions, 64 praise the quick and friendly service, hard work and dedication, and how well the owner and staff are communicating to ensure a smooth visit.
However, not every interaction is perfect. There were 17 negative opinions, with some mentioning lackadaisical workers and even rude staff. Issues like order accuracy and packaging problems, such as missing items or flimsy bags, occasionally pop up, suggesting theres still a little room for improvement.
Service
87
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
17
negative
6
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, quick service
- Great communication
- Dedicated staff/owner
What people don't like
- Order accuracy issues
- Rude staff
- Poor packaging
Often praised
- serviceThe staff love the food so much that it's on our short list of places to order from. The food is wonderful and only topped by the excellent service! They provide a list for dietary restrictions, which is very helpful for staff.
- staffAs a vegetarian, I was very pleased with their great vegan and vegetarian options. The staff was very nice and kind, providing good customer service. The restaurant itself is small, offering a very laid-back and casual atmosphere.
- ServiceService:5
- ShimiShimi was extraordinary-- generous, accommodating, communicative, and kind.
- foodThe food came out really soon.
- Shimi and his teamWe had Falafal Salam cater our wedding this weekend and we cannot express in a Google review how amazing they were. All night long, we were being told how incredible the food was, how amazing Shimi and his team were, and how cool the food truck was! I cannot recommend Falafal Salam more for any event.
- cateringShimi and the Falafel Salam team catered our wedding this weekend, and it was truly amazing. We had approximately 110 guests in a State Park with no existing catering facilities.
- communicatingI cannot recommend Falafal Salam more for any event. They were amazing at communicating and, I cannot stress this enough, the food was DIVINE. Thank you, Shimi!
- customer serviceprovided good customer service.
- dine-inService:Dine in
Frequently criticized
- serviceI specifically told them the name to call is Lee, but they wrote “Lie” on my food. Seriously?
- ServiceService:2
- casual responsetook it very casually
- deal with DoorDashsaying go and deal with DoorDash customer support
- lackadaisical workersThe lackadaisical workers just shoved all the meat in one side
- napkins and cutleryThe food quality has gone down dramatically, with my meal arriving cold. To make matters worse, essential items like dips and sauce were missing, and there were no napkins and cutlery provided. Old review: This was my absolute favorite place for falafel.
- order accuracysomething isn't missed from the order
- order fulfillmentthey silently agreed, but then it turned out they couldn't do it.
- packagingThe employee put them in a thin paper bag, which tore after a minute.
- pickup timeshowing to pickup after 2hours
Overall, you can expect a generally positive service experience here, often marked by speed and friendliness. While there are occasional reports of minor hiccups like order accuracy or packaging, these seem to be exceptions rather than the rule. It's definitely worth a visit if efficient and pleasant service is high on your list.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 27% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a highlight! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at 78.6%, guests frequently praise the clean, cozy atmosphere, often mentioning the great music and inviting decor. Many appreciate the real plants, chilled-out feel, and the unique touch of a dinosaur guarding the sidewalk, contributing to a welcoming neighborhood joint experience.
These positive sentiments come from 33 out of 42 comments. However, not everything is perfectly polished. A few of the 7 negative remarks point to issues like sticky or dirty tables, particularly a window bar table.
While the overall atmosphere is well-received, some found the location inconvenient or parking difficult to find, which can detract from the initial experience.
Ambience
42
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy, clean atmosphere
- Plays great music
- Unique dinosaur decor
What people don't like
- Dirty, sticky tables
- Hard to find parking
- Inconvenient location
Often praised
- atmospherea very laid back and casual atmosphere.
- musicthey always play really good music
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambiencethe ambience
- better places to eatLots of better places to eat within walking distance
- chilled out vibeThe place has a chilled out vibe about it.
- cozy vibeThe cozy vibe with all the real plants
- decorinviting decor
- dinosaur guarding sidewalkI had the best falafel I've ever tasted, and their salad was also top-notch. Adding to the unique experience, the restaurant features a dinosaur guarding their sidewalk, which was a memorable and fun touch.
- experienceGreat all around experience.
Frequently criticized
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:2
- locationWest Sea is a little too far from me
- marketingI have a significant issue with the way this restaurant is marketing itself
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- placeDo not recommend this place
- tablesdirty tables
- window bar tablewindow bar table wasn't, it was sticky and gross
If you're looking for a spot with a genuinely cozy and unique atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out, especially if you appreciate a laid-back vibe and quirky decor. Just be prepared for potential parking challenges and perhaps a quick check of your table upon arrival.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, many customers found the prices to be quite reasonable, often calling them a good deal and even great value. With 12 positive remarks out of 27 total opinions, theres a definite appreciation for the affordability, especially considering the overall score of 5.5 and a customer satisfaction of 44.4%. However, 11 negative comments suggest that some felt the food wasnt worth the price, describing the pricing as needing work and even a complete waste of money.
Some found the prices to be crazy high, leaving them disappointed with the overall value for money.
Value
27
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
11
negative
4
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Prices are reasonable
- Offers great value
- Good deals available
What people don't like
- Not worth price
- Prices are high
- Can be waste
Often praised
- pricesThe falafel is crispy and fresh, and the shawarma plates are generous — meat, rice, salad, sauce — everything clean and flavorful. Prices are great, and they offer both vegetarian and meat options! Highly recommend if you want something tasty that won’t leave you feeling heavy.
- pricethe price was also very reasonable
- Price per personBest $5 you could spend.
- affordableit was quick, easy and affordable
- fair pricefor a fair price.
- great valueGreat value!
- price-quality ratioPrice quality excellent
- valueone of the better values in West seattle
Frequently criticized
- pricesTrust me, I want to be here and give you a 5-star review, but the food was so Awful! The food you get is not worth the crazy high prices they charge. This place is on my never eat again list.
- sandwich price$13 for a medium sized sandwich from a food truck? Good flavor on the lamb gyro (purple style spicy), but with a tip I'm out $16 bucks and still hungry.
- $14.25$14.25 for what you see in the picture
- $17A waste of $17
- bread labelingdon't deceive people and don't call this strange bun - pita.
- food priceMy experience at this restaurant was largely disappointing. I probably won’t go back because the food wasn’t really worth the price. I ordered the chicken shawarma rice bowl, which was quite small.
- priceit was not worth the $45 I paid
- pricingthe pricing ... could use work
- value for moneya complete inedible waste of money
If you're looking for an affordable meal and catch them on a good day, you might find a great deal here. However, be mindful that some customers felt the prices were too high for the portion sizes, so manage your expectations to avoid disappointment.
How are the prices at Falafel Salam?
You’re looking at roughly $20 per person – reported by 96 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Middle Eastern Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most guests are right in this sweet spot, with prices clustering nicely around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 96 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Considering its a Middle Eastern spot in Seattle, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. Its a good value for what you’re getting!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Falafel Salam
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Thoughtfully Crafted Mediterranean Bowls
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found their Mediterranean bowls to be very thoughtfully crafted. The Purple Salad and their hot sauce are an absolute must-try.
The food received a perfect score of 5, and the service and atmosphere were also rated highly at 5. While finding parking was difficult, the overall dining experience was excellent.
- Mediterranean bowls9
- Purple Salad10
- hot sauce10
- parking space3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
8
Great Variety, Good Meats, Mixed Sides
My experience at this restaurant was largely positive, especially due to their unique 'hesitator plate'. This plate is a fantastic way to sample nearly every individual food item on the menu, offering incredible variety in a single order. It was an absolute ton of food, easily lasting me two meals.
The protein portion was substantial, featuring chicken shawarma, beef gyro, and falafel. Each of these was quite good. The chicken shawarma was well-marinated and juicy, the beef was fatty and cooked well, and the falafel had a nice crispy exterior.
I also enjoyed the massive, thick, and airy pita provided on the side – a quality you won't find at the grocery store. However, the rest of the items on the plate were more of a mixed bag. The purple slaw had too much mayo and was too liquidy for my taste.
The arab salad and pickled veggies were just okay, nothing special. The hummus was surprisingly plain. Among the sauces, I preferred the aioli over the tahini, which I found a bit too nutty.
While the price for this plate is on the higher side, around $20 after tax, the generous portion size made it justifiable. Overall, I generally liked this place; the variety and portion sizes are good, and the meats are quite enjoyable. The sides can be hit or miss, though.
- hesitator plate9
- ton of food10
- chicken shawarma8
- purple slaw3
- tahini3
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious & Cozy Waterfront Stop
If you’re walking along the West Seattle waterfront (just 4 minutes away), this place is absolutely worth stopping by. It's perfect when you want something quick, but still fresh, balanced, and light😍😍😍. The cozy vibe with all the real plants is such a nice touch.
The falafel is crispy and fresh, and the shawarma plates are generous — meat, rice, salad, sauce — everything clean and flavorful. Prices are great, and they offer both vegetarian and meat options! Highly recommend if you want something tasty that won’t leave you feeling heavy.
🤍🧡
- falafel9
- shawarma plates9
- food9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Best Gyro Ever!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I had the best Gyro I've ever had in my life. The quality of the ingredients, the flavor of the chicken, and the tortilla were all outstanding.
The price-quality ratio was excellent.
- Gyro10
- ingredients quality9
- chicken flavor9
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
4
Good falafel, but beware of cheese!
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The falafel was good, but there was an issue with the preparation of the fries. Despite asking them not to, they put cheese on the fries.
This made it unsuitable for vegans, and I would not recommend it for them.
- falafel7
- cheese on the fries3
What Falafel Salam offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Vegan options
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What dietary options are available at Falafel Salam?
Falafel Salam offers a wide range of choices to suit various dietary needs. You’ll find healthy options, dedicated vegan and vegetarian dishes, and organic selections. They also provide halal food, ensuring a diverse and inclusive menu for all guests.
What are the service and dining options at Falafel Salam?
At Falafel Salam, you can enjoy flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, and delivery. For dining, they offer lunch, dinner, and dessert with comfortable seating and counter service. Catering is also available for your special events.
How does Falafel Salam generally rate among customers?
Falafel Salam holds an overall score of **7.1**, with customer satisfaction at **69.7%**. Its **Food** (7.1), **Service** (7.5), and **Ambience** (7.5) are well-regarded, though **Value** (5.5) is seen as average.
What do customers particularly enjoy about Falafel Salam?
Many customers praise the delicious **falafel** and soft **pita**, often highlighting the generous portions. The restaurant’s **chilled out vibe** and inviting decor, along with good music, also receive positive remarks.
Are there any common concerns or areas for improvement at Falafel Salam?
Some diners express concerns about the **prices** being high for the portion sizes. There have also been occasional mentions of **dirty tables** and issues with **order accuracy** or missing items in orders.