Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Zaina – Seattle
Zaina - Seattle
Photo from Zaina
Zaina at a glance
Seattle Roosevelt
- 🥙 Middle Eastern Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 26 of the guests
#599 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#4 Middle Eastern Restaurant out of 4 in Seattle
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
116
Reviews
69.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh falafel
- Generous portions
- Quick service
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent quality
- Dry/cold food
- Poor value
The restaurant Zaina, a welcoming Middle Eastern Restaurant in Seattle’s Roosevelt neighborhood, invites you to discover its casual atmosphere. You’ll find a perfect spot for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, offering healthy options and delicious small plates.
Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, this spot provides a comfortable setting where you can enjoy authentic flavors. It’s an ideal choice when you’re in the mood for a satisfying and convenient dining experience.
Overview: Introducting Zaina
Zaina offers a dining experience with notable strengths in its culinary offerings and attentive service. Many appreciate the fresh falafel and generous portions, alongside a generally positive atmosphere.
However, some experiences point to inconsistencies, particularly with certain dishes and overall value. While the quick service and pleasant setting are often highlighted, there are occasional reports of food quality issues and moments of less engaging hospitality.
This suggests a varied experience, where some aspects shine brighter than others, making Zaina a place with both clear advantages and areas for improvement.
Good
6.9
out of 10
116
Reviews
69.8%
Satisfaction
31
negative
4
neutral
81
positive
Zaina achieves an overall restaurant score of 6.9, placing it in the good category, yet customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 69.8%. This indicates that while many patrons leave content, a notable portion has reservations.
The data is drawn from 116 customer observations, with 81 positive remarks and 31 negative ones. Delving into specifics, Service (7.3) and Food (7.1) both register as good, reflecting many positive comments about the staff and dishes.
Ambience (6.9) also performs well, suggesting a comfortable setting. However, Value (4.8) falls into the average range, indicating that pricing can be a point of contention for some diners.
What people like
- Fresh falafel and pita
- Generous food portions
- Friendly, quick service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent gyro quality
- Dry or cold food
- Perceived poor value
With a recommendation score of 7, Zaina presents itself as a solid option, particularly if you prioritize quick, friendly service and a generally good food experience. It seems to be a reliable choice for those seeking well-regarded Mediterranean staples like fresh falafel and generous portions.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in certain dishes, especially the gyro, and consider that some items might feel a bit pricey for what you receive. If you’re looking for a casual spot with a good vibe and don’t mind a mixed bag on value, Zaina could be worth a visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Zaina
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
Alright, let's talk food! With a solid score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction at 72.7%, it seems the culinary experience here is generally good. Based on 77 total opinions, with 56 leaning positive, many rave about the delicious and fresh falafel wrap and gyro fries, praising the generous portions and flavorful sauces.
However, not all experiences hit the mark, with 20 negative comments. Some found the chicken chewy or dry and overcooked, while others reported issues like soggy salad or even food poisoning, suggesting inconsistency in quality and preparation.
Food
77
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
20
negative
1
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious falafel wrap
- Fresh, flavorful food
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Chewy, dry chicken
- Food safety concerns
- Soggy, cold dishes
Often praised
- foodAmazing food for hole in the wall
- Greek friesBest Greek fries in the city - so tangy and delicious!
- dessertsreally good desserts
- falafelthe falafel and pita are always fresh and warm
- gyroGreek fries and gyro hit the taste buds
- portionsThe portions are very generous
- Baba GhanoujI'm a huge fan of the Baba Ghanouj
- DolmaDolma came out fresh and it was just what I wanted
- FoodFood:5
- GyroThis is good Gyro
Frequently criticized
- gyroMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing, primarily due to the food. I ordered a gyro, which turned out to be the worst gyro I’ve ever had. It was completely obliterated with hot sauce, and lacked the expected tatziki sauce, resulting in a very unbalanced flavor profile.
- avoid this placeI would avoid this place
- baklavastale baklava that had clearly been sitting for a long time
- chickenthe chicken was chewy and not seasoned
- chicken gyroI really wanted to like this place, as the original Zaina is great. However, I got takeout today and was disappointed to find only 4-5 pieces of chicken in the chicken gyro, which cost me $17. 42.
- chicken shawarmachicken shawarma was served out of a pot and not fresh
- chicken shawarma platevery dry chicken
- dry and overcookedIt was dry and overcooked
- falafelthis was so soggy, cold
- falafel gyrosHe then prepared two falafel gyros in under two minutes, which immediately raised concerns about the quality. To our dismay, the gyros were freezing cold, as were the fries on top, rendering the sandwich inedible. This was a far cry from the hot and crispy falafel I've had before.
If you're craving authentic Mediterranean flavors, especially falafel and gyro fries, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some experiences point to inconsistencies, particularly with chicken dishes, so choose wisely.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
Overall, the service here is looking pretty good! Many customers, in 12 positive remarks, raved about the wonderful and friendly staff and the quick service. Youll often find lovely customer service, with specific shout-outs to people like Muhammad for being so kind.
This contributes to a solid 7.3 score and a 70.6% customer satisfaction rate, which is definitely a good sign! However, its not all sunshine, with 4 negative comments pointing to some areas for improvement. A few experiences mentioned nonexistent hospitality and a man at the counter who was reportedly on his phone, even gruffly thrusting the card reader without a word.
While the overall picture is positive, these instances suggest there's still a little room to polish up the customer interaction.
Service
17
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Lovely customer service
What people don't like
- Poor hospitality
- Gruff counter staff
- Distracted staff
Often praised
- serviceservice was quick and friendly
- staffThe staff are really wonderful
- MuhammadMuhammad, who prepared it for us, was so kind!
- ServiceService:5
- customer serviceLovely customer service
- foodfood comes out super fast
- peopleVery nice people
- second locationI'm so glad Zaina opened up a second location. This is perfect to grab for a Green Lake picnic.
Frequently criticized
- card readerhe thrust the card reader at us. Doesn’t say anything
- hospitalitynonexistent hospitality
- man at the counterthe man at the counter was on his phone
- serviceVery gruffly
If youre looking for generally friendly and quick service, youll likely be pleased here. While there are a few reports of less-than-stellar counter interactions, the positive experiences far outweigh the negative, making it worth a visit for a pleasant dining experience.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot generally hits the mark! Many folks rave about the overall Atmosphere, praising the convenient parking and its fantastic location. With 8 positive remarks out of 12 total, its clear that the varied seating options, including a blend of interior and outdoor spots, are a big plus, contributing to a good score of 6.9.
However, its not all sunshine and roses. While the score is good, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 66.7%. A couple of diners found the atmosphere unpleasant, and theres a notable concern about the C rating displayed.
These 2 negative comments suggest theres room for improvement in ensuring a consistently pleasant environment for everyone.
Ambience
12
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
2
negative
2
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great parking
- Excellent location
- Plenty of seating
What people don't like
- Unpleasant atmosphere
- Health rating concern
Often praised
- parkingPlenty of parking
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- interior and outdoor seatingblend of interior and outdoor seating offers nice options
- locationgreat location
- seatingPlenty of seating
- spotSuper cute spot
- spots to sitThe pistachio baklava is to die for. Food comes out super fast, and there's always plenty of spots to sit.
Frequently criticized
- C ratingignoring C rating in the window
- atmosphereunpleasant atmosphere
Overall, the ambience here offers a lot to like, especially with its convenient parking and appealing location. While the overall score is good, the mixed customer satisfaction suggests some minor inconsistencies. If you prioritize easy access and varied seating, it's worth checking out, but be aware that the atmosphere might not charm everyone.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 42% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems some customers found the prices to be quite decent and even affordable for the area, with many noting the price per person was reasonable. With 5 positive remarks out of 10 total, theres a sense that for some, the cost aligns well with whats offered, contributing to an average score of 4.8 and a 50% customer satisfaction. However, the value proposition isnt universally praised.
Others felt the price was too high, describing some items as audaciously expensive and not worth the money. With 5 negative remarks, its clear that a significant portion of customers found the cost-to-quality ratio disappointing, leading to a mixed bag of opinions overall.
Value
10
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
5
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Prices are decent
- Affordable for area
- Reasonable per-person cost
What people don't like
- Not worth money
- Overpriced items
- Audaciously expensive
Often praised
- pricesPrices are on par with the neighborhood
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- affordableaffordable for the area
- priceit’s not too expensive
Frequently criticized
- priceoverpriced gyro
- $16It was completely obliterated with hot sauce, and lacked the expected tatziki sauce, resulting in a very unbalanced flavor profile. It felt like a waste of $16. The food score was a 2, service a 3, and atmosphere a 3.
- audaciously expensiveAudaciously expensive for very little
- moneyThis was a far cry from the hot and crispy falafel I've had before. The soggy, cold food was not worth the money, and the overall experience was incredibly disappointing.
Value here is a bit of a mixed bag; some find it affordable, while others feel its overpriced for what you get. If youre considering a visit, be mindful that certain items might feel like a splurge, so check the menu carefully.
How are the prices at Zaina?
You’re looking at roughly 19 per person – reported by 26 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.
Most guests, 22 out of 26, find their perfect meal within this $11–$20 sweet spot, with only a few opting for slightly higher-priced dishes.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 26 reviews.
Comparing value for money: how this Middle Eastern Restaurant stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Middle Eastern spot. It offers good value without breaking the bank, especially since most people are finding great options within that comfortable mid-range.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Zaina
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Cold Gyros and Poor Service
My recent experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. While I've enjoyed their lovely and delicious food on previous visits, this time was a stark contrast. The man at the counter was engrossed in his phone and responded very gruffly when I asked for no onions, questioning if it was my first time.
He then prepared two falafel gyros in under two minutes, which immediately raised concerns about the quality. To our dismay, the gyros were freezing cold, as were the fries on top, rendering the sandwich inedible. This was a far cry from the hot and crispy falafel I've had before.
The soggy, cold food was not worth the money, and the overall experience was incredibly disappointing.
- falafel gyros1
- fries1
- falafel1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fresh and Delicious Late Night Treat
My late-night stop for fries and baklava was a great introduction to this restaurant. Everything was incredibly fresh, delicious, and perfectly seasoned. I'm already looking forward to returning for a proper meal because the quality of what I tried was so impressive.
- fries9
- baklava9
- everything10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
6
Decent prices, but chicken was chewy
My personal experience wasn't to my taste. While the desserts they offer are good, I found the chicken to be chewy and not seasoned to my liking. However, the prices are decent.
- desserts8
- prices7
- chicken3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Gyro and Stale Baklava
My experience at this restaurant was underwhelming. I found the gyro to be overpriced and not very good. The baklava was stale, clearly having been sitting out for a long time.
The atmosphere was unpleasant, and the hospitality was nonexistent. I don't see myself returning.
- gyro2
- baklava1
- atmosphere1
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delicious Food and Kind Service!
My experience at the restaurant was wonderful. The food was very delicious, and Muhammad, who prepared it for us, was so kind! I highly recommend this place!
- food9
- Muhammad10
What Zaina offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is parking available at Zaina in Seattle's Roosevelt neighborhood?
Yes, you’ll find a free parking lot at Zaina, and there’s usually plenty of parking available. This makes your visit convenient, whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or a leisurely meal.
What kind of dining options and food choices can you expect at Zaina?
At Zaina, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert. The menu features healthy options, delicious small plates perfect for sharing, and a range of vegetarian options to suit different preferences.
How does Zaina generally rate?
Zaina holds an overall score of 6.9, indicating a good dining experience, though customer satisfaction is a mixed 69.8%. Food (7.1) and Service (7.3) are strong points, with Ambience (6.9) also performing well, while Value (4.8) is considered average.
What are the food highlights at Zaina?
Customers frequently praise the **fresh falafel** and pita, **generous portions**, and specific items like the Greek fries, Baba Ghanouj, and desserts. Many find the food to be a satisfying experience.
Is Zaina considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some find the prices comparable to the neighborhood and affordable, others perceive certain dishes, such as the chicken gyro, as **overpriced** for the portion or quality received.