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oChef » FALAFEL KING – Seattle
FALAFEL KING - Seattle
Photo from FALAFEL KING
FALAFEL KING at a glance
Seattle West Edge
- 🫒 Mediterranean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 79 of the guests
#673 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#11 Mediterranean Restaurant out of 11 in Seattle
Good
6.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
462
Reviews
60.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Flavorful food
- Quick service
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Poor cleanliness
- Aggressive service
- High prices
The restaurant FALAFEL KING invites you to experience authentic Mediterranean flavors right in Seattle’s vibrant West Edge neighborhood. This Mediterranean Restaurant is your go-to spot when you’re seeking healthy options and a quick bite without compromising on taste.
You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious halal food, whether you’re dining in or grabbing takeout.
Overview: Introducting FALAFEL KING
FALAFEL KING offers a compelling experience for those seeking flavorful Mediterranean fare. Many appreciate the falafel, often described as fresh and crispy, alongside other well-prepared dishes like chicken shawarma.
The quick and friendly service also frequently enhances the dining experience, making it a pleasant stop. However, the setting can be a bit of a mixed bag, with some finding the atmosphere less inviting or even noting issues with cleanliness.
While many find the offerings a good value, there are also opinions suggesting that certain items might feel a bit pricey for the overall experience.
Good
6.6
out of 10
462
Reviews
60.4%
Satisfaction
141
negative
42
neutral
279
positive
FALAFEL KING holds a respectable overall score of 6.6, placing it in the average range, yet leaning towards good. Customer satisfaction sits at 60.4%, indicating a mixed but generally positive reception.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 462 customer observations, with 279 positive remarks outweighing 141 negative ones, suggesting a generally favorable view despite some clear areas for improvement. Diving into specifics, the Food (7.1) clearly stands out as a strong point, often praised for its authentic flavors and generous portions.
Service (6.3) also performs well, with many appreciating the friendly and efficient staff. However, the Ambience (5.7) receives a more moderate assessment, with some finding it less appealing, and Value (4.8) is perceived as average, reflecting a split in opinions regarding pricing.
What people like
- Flavorful, generous portions
- Friendly, quick service
- Affordable value
What people don't like
- Cleanliness concerns
- Inconsistent service
- Perceived high prices
FALAFEL KING presents a compelling case for its core offerings, particularly if you prioritize taste and portion size. While the food often hits the mark, be prepared for a no-frills environment and potentially varied service interactions.
It’s a place where the culinary experience often outweighs other considerations. With a recommendation score of 6.7, FALAFEL KING is worth considering if you’re in the mood for solid Mediterranean flavors and don’t mind a casual setting.
It’s a good option for a quick, satisfying meal, but manage expectations regarding the overall dining atmosphere and occasional service hiccups.
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Verdict: Our expert take on FALAFEL KING
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.1 score, suggesting a good culinary experience. Many rave about the delicious falafel and flavorful shawarma, often highlighting the fresh ingredients and generous portions. With 193 positive remarks out of 287 total, there's a lot to love about the taste and quality here.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 67.2%, indicating some room for improvement. Some diners found the food over-spiced or salty, while others encountered issues like burnt items or a lack of freshness. About 71 negative comments point to occasional inconsistencies in quality and preparation.
Food
287
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
71
negative
23
neutral
193
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious falafel
- Flavorful shawarma
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Over-spiced food
- Quality inconsistencies
- Not fresh ingredients
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was centered around the authentic and fantastic food. It's a very small place with limited seating, located right off the street.
- falafelI had one of the best falafel I've ever tasted. It was served hot, fresh, and crispy. I particularly loved the spicy sauce, which had a really nice kick and great flavor.
- chicken shawarmaordered the chicken shawarma, and was delighted
- hummusthe hummus and garlic sauce were absolutely delish
- FoodFood:5
- portionsWe stumbled upon it near Pike Place Market and were immediately drawn in by their street board. The portions were ginormous, especially the combo plate with beef and chicken. The food was perfectly hot and easily satisfied two hungry people.
- baklavabaklava and it was awesome
- flavorSo much flavor packed into a succulent package.
- portionThe spices, flavor, and texture were all there. The prices are a little high until you realize how big the portion actually is; we shared one plate with two people and were the perfect amount of full. The location is convenient and the seating is intimate.
- Mediterranean foodTop 5 best Mediterranean food I’ve had
Frequently criticized
- foodfood was really very disappointing
- Mediterranean friesMediterranean fries tasted salty too
- babaganoshThe babaganosh was unusually yellow, and it was so salty and spicy
- chickenI found the food to be not fresh and definitely not authentic shawarma. The chicken was stored in a greasy container, and the beef shawarma was actually doner kebab. The establishment itself was very dirty and poorly maintained, giving the impression of a place that would cause food poisoning.
- falafelnot lebanese Falafel. It is more like a indian food with curry.
- gyro sandwichThe gyro sandwich was small and tasted salty
- pitaMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. While the flavor of the food was okay and I generally like spicy food, the pita was hard and the falafels were burnt. The biggest issue, however, was finding a plastic bread tie inside my sandwich after eating most of it.
- shawarmaMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. I found the food to be not fresh and definitely not authentic shawarma. The chicken was stored in a greasy container, and the beef shawarma was actually doner kebab.
- Chicken ShawarmaChicken was too oily and shredded then shwarma cut
- Dajaj MishwiIt was damn salty and I was unable to eat it.
If you're craving flavorful Mediterranean dishes and generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences mention over-spicing or occasional quality hiccups, so it might be a bit of a gamble depending on the day.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot is a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.3 with customer satisfaction at a mixed 59%. Based on 83 total remarks, theres definitely room for improvement, but also some shining moments. Many customers praised the friendly staff and quick service, often highlighting individuals like Jacob or the owner for their kindness and hard work.
Positive comments frequently mentioned the efficient preparation speed and the overall pleasant experience, with 49 positive remarks noting things like "damn good job" and "top-notch" service. However, 30 negative remarks point to some significant issues. Concerns include an owners attitude, inconsistent service quality, and problems with online orders.
Some experiences mentioned long waiting times, lack of receipts, and even hygiene concerns like staff touching food with bare hands, leading to terrible service for some.
Service
83
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
30
negative
4
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, quick service
- Owner is kind
- Staff works hard
What people don't like
- Owner's attitude issues
- Inconsistent service quality
- Hygiene concerns
Often praised
- serviceI had the absolutely delicious falafel, which was thoughtfully prepared and very tasty. The quick and friendly service made the meal even more enjoyable. It's a great option for an affordable and satisfying meal near the market.
- ServiceService:5
- staffhe could tell I was hungry so he asked me what I wanted. Jacob is da man!
- ownerthe owner was friendly and nice
- customer serviceI had an awesome experience grabbing lunch at this restaurant in Seattle. The great chief and great customer service made for a memorable meal. I will definitely be stopping here again on my trips from Africa.
- wait timequick wait time
- JacobJacob (the store owner) is a very kind and gracious soul
- Wait timeNo wait
- YacobYacob is a friendly, incredibly hard-working man
- chef / serverfriendly chef / server
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe establishment itself was very dirty and poorly maintained, giving the impression of a place that would cause food poisoning. When I inquired about the source of their halal meat, the staff became aggressive, shouting and refusing to let us choose our sauces. We were eventually told to leave.
- closedfind out there was nobody in the restaurant and it was closed
- customer serviceI ordered delivery through their website and never received my order. When I called them, they brushed me off, stating it was DoorDash's issue and I should contact them directly. They offered no assistance in contacting DoorDash or sending a replacement order.
- deliveryMy experience with Falafel King was a nightmare. I ordered delivery through their website and never received my order. When I called them, they brushed me off, stating it was DoorDash's issue and I should contact them directly.
- free water refills75, and my wife's meal was a sandwich/roll. I expected to find fresh seafood, free water refills, and good service in a fresh fish environment, but this was not the case. The value for money was not good, and the service was off-putting, with the staff staring while I entered the tip, followed by no receipt.
- gentlementhe two gentleman had no mood for service
- gloves for preparing foodthey don't use gloves for preparing food
- helpstruggles to do so
- hoursthey don't update their hours
- online orderI ordered through the website, expecting my food to be ready upon my 30-minute walk to Falafel King. Upon arrival, the owner seemed surprised by my online order, despite my credit card being charged. After a 5-minute wait while he located my order on a tablet, he suggested I should have called to confirm, making me feel like I was in the wrong.
If youre looking for quick, friendly service, you might get lucky with a great experience here. However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies, especially with online orders or if you encounter the owners less-than-gracious side.
Ambience (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 45% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot offers a mixed bag, landing an average score of 5.7 with customer satisfaction at a mixed 42.2%, based on 64 opinions. Many appreciate the atmosphere, often highlighting the outdoor seating and window seat options, as well as the cleanliness and noise level being quiet enough for conversation. Its location is also frequently praised as a convenient hidden gem.
However, there are notable concerns, with 24 negative remarks balancing out the 27 positive ones. Many found the place to be dirty and cluttered, with issues like grease stalactites and a general lack of cleanliness standards. Parking is consistently described as difficult, and the seating arrangements, especially the outside seating area, are often noted as limited or cramped.
Ambience
64
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
24
negative
13
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Outdoor seating available
- Good location
- Quiet atmosphere
What people don't like
- Not clean
- Limited seating
- Parking difficult
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereLove the fact that you can people-watch
- locationThe location was great
- outdoor seatingOutdoor seating, and window seat, is bonus
- people watchingrelaxing time people watching
- Noise levelQuiet, easy to talk
- ParkingParking:Very close to the Westlake light rail station
- cleanThe place is clean
- cleanlinessIt is clean
- favorite placeI always ate at the shop when I was in Seattle in 2006. Of course, it was my favorite place! Now, I live in Japan, but I will visit Seattle one of these days.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereatmosphere were rated 1/5
- placeThe place was also very messy to eat
- cleanlinessThe chicken was stored in a greasy container, and the beef shawarma was actually doner kebab. The establishment itself was very dirty and poorly maintained, giving the impression of a place that would cause food poisoning. When I inquired about the source of their halal meat, the staff became aggressive, shouting and refusing to let us choose our sauces.
- parkingNo parking since it’s right downtown
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:1
- Kid-friendlinessKid-friendliness:The tables and chairs were a bit high for a kid
- Parking spaceParking space:Difficult to find parking
- PlacePlace wasn't very clean, yes its small & cluttered but I mean DIRTY
- black floorsoil, black floors, little trash here & there
- grease stalactitesGrease stalactites hanging over the cooking area on light fixtures were a bit disconcerting
If you prioritize a good location and potential for outdoor seating over pristine cleanliness and easy parking, you might find this place charming. However, be prepared for a potentially cramped and not-so-tidy interior, especially if you're sensitive to cleanliness or need ample space.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 26% of the guests
Some diners have found excellent value here, praising the inexpensive and reasonably priced options as a good price for a satisfying meal. Out of 28 total comments, 10 highlighted the affordability, with some even calling it the best value in the area. However, the overall sentiment for value is a bit of a mixed bag, reflected in an average score of 4.8 and a poor customer satisfaction of 35.7%.
Many felt the food was expensive or overpriced, offering low value for the amount given, and some were frustrated by inaccurate menu pricing.
Value
28
Reviews
35%
Satisfaction
16
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inexpensive options
- Good price
- Reasonably priced
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Low value
- Inaccurate pricing
Often praised
- $20best $20 u will spend
- good pricefor a very good price
- inexpensivewell cooked food and inexpensive
- low pricelow price place
- optionaffordable and satisfying option
- priceThe affordable addition of some pita bread made a satisfying lunch.
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- pricesfair prices
- reasonably pricedreasonablly priced
- valuethe best value of any restaurant I've had in Seattle
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was in a small place with a limited seating area, featuring only two tables and a few chairs. The food was just ok, and I felt it was not worth the price. I tried the gyro.
- pricesprices higher than what I’m accustomed to
- 2 lamb sandwiches2 lamb sandwiches came out to $31.64!
- chargewas charg me for sandwiches flafe 9$
- expensivewas expensive though
- menu pricingit rang up more than listed on the door
- moneyand $ -
- pricingPricing on the menu outside is inaccurate
- refundStill haven't seen my refund
- valueNot good value
If youre on the hunt for a budget-friendly find, you might discover some great deals here. But be prepared for potential price surprises, as many guests felt the overall value didnt quite hit the mark.
How are the prices at FALAFEL KING?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 79 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mediterranean Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests, a whopping 54 of them, spend within this $11–$20 sweet spot, showing prices really cluster around that average. A few folks do splurge a bit more, but the core experience is right in that mid-tier.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 79 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Mediterranean spot. It hits that sweet spot of being accessible without compromising on quality, offering good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about FALAFEL KING
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Downtown Seattle's Best Halal Spot!
My experience at this restaurant was simply lovely. The owner has surely held his title firmly as Downtown Seattle's best halal spot by a long shot. The owner was nice and friendly, and the wait time was quick.
We tried the Shawarma Platter, Shish Tawook Platter, and Falafel wrap. They absolutely tantalized my taste buds; the spices were on point with a slight hint of pepper. It was genuinely some of the best Middle Eastern food I've ever had.
I would highly recommend it, and to then walk down to the waterfront and have a bite there – absolute peak.
- halal spot10
- owner9
- wait time9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food, Go-To Spot!
This is my go-to place anytime I'm up in Seattle for a concert at the Showbox. Due to nerve damage from a surgery, I have very limited taste now. But every meal I've had here tastes amazing.
I can't taste meat, so I get the falafel plate and it's always great.
- falafel plate10
- meal10
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
1
Closed Restaurant, Unrefunded Payment
I have no idea what the food is like because I was unable to try it. I attempted to visit this restaurant a few weeks ago. I paid for my food online and went to pick it up, only to find that they were closed.
I would still like to try their food, but they do not update their hours. To make matters worse, I still haven't seen my refund.
- food5
- hours1
- refund1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Food, Clean and Reasonably Priced
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. I enjoyed a lot of great dishes on the menu, particularly the falafel and hummus dish. The place itself is clean and reasonably priced.
The atmosphere and service were excellent, with no wait time and a quiet environment perfect for conversation.
- falafel9
- hummus9
- clean9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Lamb Shish Kabobs Saved My Day!
My experience at this restaurant was incredibly positive, especially considering the circumstances. I was transferring from the light rail to the bus in pouring rain, completely soaked. Needing to use the restroom, I ducked into Pike Place Market.
I was also hungry as I hadn't eaten all day, and most places were closed the night before a holiday. This little hole-in-the-wall place was a lifesaver! I had the most delicious lamb shish kabobs ever, served with rice, salad, and hummus.
It was such a relief to be eating delicious food in a warm place while the rain poured outside. I had the entire place to myself, making it a truly wonderful and grateful experience.
- lamb shish kabobs10
- delicious food10
- warm place9
- Parking space3
- Kid-friendliness4
What FALAFEL KING offers
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Beer
- Small plates
- Halal food
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dining experience and offerings can you expect at FALAFEL KING?
At FALAFEL KING, you can enjoy a casual dining experience with a focus on delicious Mediterranean cuisine. They offer healthy options, quick bites, and small plates, including halal food. It’s a great spot for both lunch and dinner, providing comfortable seating for you and your companions.
What service options and amenities does FALAFEL KING provide for your convenience?
FALAFEL KING offers a variety of convenient service options, including outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, and delivery. You’ll also find amenities like Wi-Fi and free Wi-Fi available. The restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it welcoming for everyone.
How does FALAFEL KING rate overall?
FALAFEL KING has an overall score of 6.6, indicating an average to good experience. Its Food (7.1) is highly rated, followed by Service (6.3). However, Ambience (5.7) and Value (4.8) receive more moderate assessments.
What can I expect from the food at FALAFEL KING?
Many customers praise the authentic and flavorful dishes, especially the fresh, crispy falafel and generous chicken shawarma portions. However, some opinions mention inconsistencies, such as food not being fresh, overly salty, or even burnt.
Is FALAFEL KING a clean and comfortable place to eat?
Opinions on the ambiance are mixed. While some appreciate the location and cleanliness, others have noted concerns about the atmosphere being messy, dirty, or poorly maintained, with some even mentioning “grease stalactites.”