Alyan's Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Restaurant

The restaurant was recommended to me and it is rated 4.7 stars. I was excited when the waiter said it was Palestinian food. It was NOT a pleasant experience, the atmosphere was dim and not welcoming at all. The restaurant wasn't clean, I had to clean my own table. I'm amazed that the health department didn't shut them down. The host and waiter were disrespectful and super rude, he fixed his act when I reprimanded him in Arabic. Talking about the food, I ordered: ● Hummus: unfortunately the organic one from ALDI or Costco is better. Came with stale pita bread, really sad and disappointing. ● Chicken shawerma but he brought us chicken kabab: was juicy, but flavorless. (We didn't realize till we reviewed the check, it was around a $10 difference) ● Rice with Lamb, served with mixed vegetables: it came with under cooked couscous (like sand), and overcooked lamb and vegetables. And again was flavorless. ● Alyan's mixed grill: dry overcooked meats, with no flavor what so ever. Food quality was overall bad and too expensive for what was served. Service was really bad, sloppy, and slow. And they had the audacity to charge 18% gratuity. I don't believe or know how they were rated 4.7, and I know Palestine would disown this restaurant and its food. Would I come back? I will never ever come back. P.S. If you are looking for this kind of food, you're better off going to Zahid’s Kitchen.

A laid back, casual BYOB middle eastern restaurant where everything was amazing!! All the items we ordered (even down to the pita bread) were so flavorful and delicious. The staff was also extremely kind, making the entire experience enjoyable. I will 100% be back!!

My cousin kept on bugging me to check out Alyans restaurant for a long time. He lives in south philly and i am 20 minutes away in south jersey. I finally decided to go one sunday. We walk in and my cousin said i finally got him here. I was hooked after the first time. I had an amazing Lemon Lentile soup that was amazing. Me not knowing what to order left it up to my cousin who new what i would like. He ordered a a plate with chicken, hummice, peppers, onion, tomatoes and more that escapes my mind right now. Some kind of flat bread. Now here is my favorite because i love fries. Alyans has "Dirty Fries" that has peices of green pepper that has a slight kick to them along with onions that are amazing. I can eat bowls of them thats how good they are. The owner always comes to take care of us and sits with us sometimes. Most of the time he is to busy to sit with us but always takes a few minutes to say hi. If you have never been to Alyans you need to check it out!!

This place feels truly just like back home —the seating area gave me authentic Palestinian vibes. I ordered the falafel sandwich and it was honestly the best falafel I’ve had in Philly! The fries were also a nice different—not your usual restaurant , they came with fried onions mixed in, which added a really cool mix. Definitely a spot I’ll be coming back to

Cozy back room on a snowy day. Wonderful food. Great baba ghannouj and hummus. Best falafel sandwich I have had in a long time. And the kibbi platter was amazing. And the service was friendly and welcoming.

This has been my fave spot since high school. Food is delicious, staff is amazing and it’s awesome to see the same owner for the 20+ years I have been coming here. Great spot for a quick bite or a hag with friends. Love the back room. They have an upstairs you can use for parties. BYOB. Reasonable prices!

I love many middle eastern and mediterranean restaurants in philly, but alyans is what I have been looking for for years. I ordered the middle eastern platter, falafel platter, chicken shawarma sandwich, and fries and couldn't be happier with the quality and value of everything I ordered. The eggplant in the combo was heavenly, and the falafel was as good as I've ever had. The staff could not have been kinder or more generous. I can't wait to try more on the menu and with food of this quality and at these prices it won't be long before I do.

We did a large order for take out…they had it ready at the scheduled time for pick up and assisted us in bringing it to our car. When part of the order has been missed, (just a salad) they refunded us that amount. The prices do seem a bit high but the food and service were good and our group was pleased!

Alyan's is a great casual and affordable spot dot for middle eastern food. The inside is cozy, and I appreciated the glass pane in the ceiling of the back area because it provided nice lighting. Service was good - our order was taken quickly and our food came out pretty quickly too. We got a big jug of mint iced tea that smelled and tasted lovely. The fries and onions were delicious. I also enjoyed the combo platter - it was my first time baba ghannouj, which was great. The spinach and mushroom was a little bland, but I liked everything else on the plate. I'll be back to try the falafel, shawarma, and kebabs. I didn't realize the portion sizes would be so size. I had a lot of leftovers. We were a party of two; just the fries and combo platter would've been plenty of food for us, but I'm glad I got to take stuff home.

Alyan's is a low-key, affordable spot that serves atmosphere and delicious food! My boyfriend and I ordered the chicken shawarma sandwich and grilled zucchini platter. The grilled zucchini platter is definitely a stand-out dish. It came out perfectly grilled with fresh warm, slightly crispy pita bread and flavorful hummus. The service here is also very warm and friendly. I'd highly recommend this spot to anyone looking for some comforting Mediterranean food.

The food is tremendous. Very casual spot serving Mediterranean foods. The sampler platter is my favorite as well as the shawarma and falafel.

Casual BYOB spot right off of South Street with fresh, tasty platters and appetizers. No frills interior but back patio is really charming. The service is quick and friendly. I love their falafel, but definitely grab an app and some tea too! Prices are a major deal for the amount and quality of the food! Great for relaxed group dinners (thought it's not a huge spot) and dates.

Came for the falafel and left trying everything. Nestled right on South Street, Alyan's is serving up some great middle eastern food. The back patio offers a ton of great ambiance for larger groups. Everything was pretty good I must say. I eat a lot off middle eastern food. Alyan's is tasty and affordable. We ordered ton of appetizers and platters. The fries are delicious. Well seasoned with onions and peppers. Falafel was super unique. Thoroughly enjoyed. Great spot you should try.

Ordered takeout from here last night and we were truly impressed. Everything was delicious, super fast, and the staff were friendly. We ordered the mixed appetizer combo, spinach and mushroom pie, falafel sandwich, and a side of rice. The spinach and mushroom pie was just okay but everything else was great. I would 100% recommend (and order again) the appetizer combo. It came with so many good things and that eggplant? Oh boy I could order that eggplant every day. So nice to find a good middle eastern place near us. My only regret is that we didn't try them sooner. We will be back!

Alyan's serves up GREAT Middle Eastern & Mediterranean food! The Mezze platter includes Hummus, Baba Ghanoush, Marinated Mushrooms, Carrots and Eggplant, Mixed Salad, Feta Cheese, Olives and Tabouli, Tahina & Fresh Tomato Sauce. The Falafel Platter includes Falafel, Salad, Hummus & Pita. Grape Leaves are served warm and stuffed with rice and vegetables. Alyan's offers take out or dine in with ample space and booths. Located at 603 S 4th St directly off of South St. Check out this Philadelphia spot!

Had the Falafel really good and deceptively filling!! Definitely a great alternative to a greasy burger! I think I would have enjoyed some garlic sauce or hot sauce like I love gotten at others spots but I forget to ask and honestly it didn't need it! Sever was kind enough to give me a fresh slice of Baklava! Now that was out of sight!!!!! Definitely recommend this place !

What an amazing and unassuming restaurant. Everyone is always headed to Jim's but with Alyans across the street, I'll always head here on my South Street Philly days. The food reminds me of grandmas, with complete platters and tasteful decor. Great smells and guaranteed satisfaction, don't miss out!

I had to give this place a one star which should've been zero stars but I had give something just to write this. We ordered takeout and the food was cold, disgusting and old like they refried it. We spent a lot of money at this establishment. Not only were the staff of two people (the cook and cashier) not friendly and cold, they sold us old food and I believe it's because we didn't leave a tip after the 4% credit card charge. They make us pay before the food is prepared, which I believe sets the climate for the type of service the customer receives. I also believe it's because we're black, as a white customer came in and was greeted with warmth and kindness. I want my money and my time back! We ordered: Falafel Sandwich Shawarma

Such an adorable spot! I got a baba and falafel sandwich and it was so delicious and fresh; it was steaming when I bit into it! The service was fast and attentive and the prices are more than fair. Come here!!!!!

If the wait is a little long don't worry, the food comes out quick! Delicious entrees, very simple menu, music is a bit loud and staff are genuinely friendly. This is truly a family owned establishment and I love it.

This place is such a hidden gem that I feel like no one knows about but it's the best. Food is amazing and it's so cheap for the quality and amount you get. I got a main meal, an iced tea and shared dessert and appetizers with friends and it all came out to only ~$20. Nice and fast service too, definitely come support this family owned business!

The food was just disappointing. The Kibbe platter - the kibbe hardly any beef mostly wheat not much filling at all . There were two fried kibbe oval shaped. The salad lacked in flavor quite bland. The hummus had too much oil put on top. The oil disguised the actual taste of the hummus. The bread wasn't fresh. The Turkish coffee had flavor and the Baklava was not great too much honey hardly any nut. The service was good The ambiance was nothing too great.

Alyan's is amazing! The absolute best Middle Eastern food in Philly. The food is delicious, the service is great, and the little back dining patio is beautifully decorated and so quaint. Came for lunch on a weekday and loved everything I ordered-- I got the falafel sandwich, fries, mint tea, and baklava. All of it was so good! The owner is also very kind and attentive. Will definitely be coming back regularly-- highly recommend Alyan's if you are looking for really good Middle Eastern food in Philly.

Got the baba ganoush, lamb kebab, couscous special, and falafel. Everything was amazing, but would particularly recommend the falafel!

Quaint little Mediterranean restaurant right off of south street. Feels like you are in someone's house inside. We were hungry but didn't want to eat too much so we split a mixed grill. Was so good and flavorful. The grilled chicken had the perfect amount of char. The lamb and beef were also very good. The hummus and tomato sauce complimented the meats and salad. Would love to try other things on the menu. When walking out saw some baklava in the window that looked very good.

Great food, friendly staff and timely preparation. A perfect dinner for take in or lunch for the staff. For a quick dinner out the restaurant is accessible with tables.

Fooooooooodd here is authentic and great, came here for vacation in philly. Wanted something different and this place did not disappoint. Very polite and welcoming. 10 out of 10 would recommend

Excellent food and service! The place has a really warm atmosphere, very welcoming. Me and my partner both got falafel platters and it was delicious!

So good. Once you go you'll think of it and what to go back - usually in the middle of the night dreaming of the fries and baba ganoush and hummus.

The worst couscous I have had in my life. I ordered lamb couscous and they gave me dry cous cous with lamb kabob .

Consistently good falafel and Egyptian coffee is great! It's on my list of stops ever other time I shop in Center City

The food has to be a lot better than it is for the guy behind the counter to have the attitude that he does. I want to leave the place feeling good about the entire experience. I'll check out another place.

Beautiful décor, the lamb wrap and fries with onion + peppers were delicious! Topped the meal off with a cup of Arabic coffee! Overall service is a 10 out of 10!

Delicious Middle Eastern cuisine! A cozy ambiance with the back room seating and the waiter made us feel very welcome. It was a cold day so we got the hot mint tea and he was very attentive to refill our mugs! The platters were all delicious with the warm pita. Very light and filling without making you feel heavy

The food was inedible, and the guy was a jerk when I asked whether they could send out our missing items. It went straight in the trash, and we reheated Thanksgiving leftovers. There are a dozen significantly better Mediterranean spots within walking distance of this place; just skip past this one.

Their food was so homey and delicious!!! Definitely would recommend this hole-in-the-wall gem to everyone. The rice was literally perfection, and paired with the hummus was *chef's kiss*. Their spicy green chili sauce was the best touch too. The service was so so quick from the time we stepped into the restaurant, to how fast we got the food, to how often they came to make sure things were good. The waiter gave me complimentary baklava and it was the best last touch for the dinner date.

Great food and family service , can't go wrong ! Excellent shawarma platter and falafel

Delicious Palestinian food! I highly recommend the spinach mushroom pie, falafel and shawarma! Amazing service!

I had the couscous with grilled chicken and vegetables through Uber eats, it was a simple and delicious meal.

Owner heard us talking on the sidewalk, trying to decide where to eat and told us, "Eat here! If you don't like it, you don't pay!" We thoroughly enjoyed the falafel and the kefta. A pitcher of mint tea really hit the spot. The owner was extremely friendly and brought us extra food because we were obviously enjoying it! Needless to say, we paid and overtipped. Don't be put off by appearances. The place has seen better day, but the food is delicious!!!

I have been going to Alyan's since the early 1990s. They have some of the best hummus and tabouli in town and it's reasonably priced. Service was very attentive. It's not much on ambience but you don't go there for that. If you want good middle eastern food at a reasonable price go to Alyan's.

Authentic Palestinian street / comfort food. Classic flavors, inexpensive and beautiful palestinian photos and art present. Falafel sandwich is delicious, hot and fresh. Support this long-standing Palestinian business and enjoy yourself.

So good. Kind service, great food, and the atmosphere is pleasant. It's a little hole-in-the-wall place, but a fantastic experience.

Very delicious mediterranean food! Such a cute little nook on South Street with lovely service. The mixed grill and baba ganoush were absolutely delicious. Would definetly come back again!

I just moved to Philadelphia from California and come to find that most of the food here is only ok, except for this place... This is the best food in this godforsaken place, maybe one of the best restaurants I've eaten at in the entire 47 years I've walked this earth. Can you believe how bad this city is? The others day I was walking down the street and I accidentally stepped on a rat, but right before I did it looked at me. That rat looked right into my face and I got the feeling that suddenly it knew everything as If looking into my eyes was adjacent to starring god straight in the face. That rat looked at me like I was god, right before all 3024 pounds of me crushed it. Anyway the food, service, and ambiance, was I'll outstanding. Me like.

I found this spot recently and love it! the food is super fresh and flavorful. i got dinner here with my husband first - i'm a vegetarian and he is not. we got a whole spread - Baba ghanoush, labneh, grape leaves, baklava, mint iced tea, and Shawarma. everything was super flavorful and delicious. the portions were also really great for the price. i loved it so much i took my friends back there this week for deserts and snacks - we each got the baklava (it was so good i had to bring them). i really wanted to get the stuffed grape leaves again but they were super busy and sold out - no worries though, as i got some baba ghanoush instead. this time i tried the arabic coffee which i can't even really put into words. it was more flavorful than regular coffee, and a little smoky. it was so good i drank it black! lastly, we shared some fries. their fries come with onions and peppers mixed in which just elevates the whole flavor - i have never had fries like that and i think that is the only way i'll eat them now. we are already planning our next trip back! the staff are super friendly, and the restaurant itself is very cozy. the back has a lovely skylight. a must try!!!!!

Amazing food, staff is super friendly and genuine, and don't even get me started on the baklava! So so good

This byo place right off south and fourth was really lovely. It has been operating more than 40 years. We had the falafel combo platter that was delicious. There's also seating inside which was really nice.

This place was recommended to me by one of my coworkers. I went with my aunty who was visiting from out of town and wanted good Mediterranean food. When we arrived, there seemed to be one person working the whole restaurant on a Saturday night so the service was not very good. I ordered a combo platter and my aunty ordered the ribeye steak plate. When I tell you, that was some of the driest meat I've ever eaten. And the roasted vegetables that came with my aunty's plate were mainly cauliflower. The hummus was good though. Then they charge an automatic 18% gratuity before tip and another 3% if you pay with card. The whole thing felt like a scam and I will not be going back.

Very solid choice for Mediterranean in South Philly. I've tried the chicken kabob sandwich and Greek salad, both left me happy !

Food and service was excellent. Grape leaves were super fresh and tasty. I also loved the burger, I never had anything like it to be honest. It was so tender, juicy and flavorful. Will be returning again!

Delicious mint tea, great food, sweet owner. Cozy, casual spot with full portions. Kibbe was okay, but shawarma and kabobs were better! Excellent hummus!

I ordered DoorDash delivery from Alyan's based on the rave reviews, and unfortunately the meal did not personally live up to the hype. I'll start with the positives. The delivery was fast, and the prices are affordable (under $20). The falafel wasn't my favorite ever, but it wasn't bad. Unfortunately, I didn't particularly care for the main course, my chicken kabob platter. It was not packaged appropriately so much of the hummus ended up dispersing throughout the container which made it difficult to eat separately. Most disappointingly, the chicken was just...not good. It was extremely bland and texturally it was quite gummy. I ended up just eating two pieces and tossing the rest in favor of the salad, which was also unremarkable. I hate to give low scores given the current situation but I unfortunately found the meal quite lacking. Perhaps at some point I will give Alyan's another shot but right now I intend to stick with other establishments for my Mediterranean fix.

Had a great BYOB dinner date here last week. Both ordered two different platters. Lamb and hummus was great!

Got takeout from Alyan's for a small dinner party tonight. My wife and I had eaten lunch here on a prior visit to Philadelphia and loved their food. Once again everything was great! They make the best falafel anywhere! Also loved their hummus, baba ganoush, and grape leaves. The owner and his son are both wonderful. We will return whenever we are in Philly again!

By far our most visit restaurant in more than 10 years. Had our first date here and ten years later, now we visit with kids out of the marriage from that initial date. We've had just about every item on the menu & everything is just authentic middle eastern & delicious. The service is always warm, with familiar faces the rustic walls & Arabic music is always a wonderful vibe to go with the delectable dishes, sandwiches, soups & salads. The desserts are always delicious as well

Growing up in a Lebanese family made me a harsh critic with respect to Arabic food, and I must say that Alyan's is pretty good. My family and I were pretty sad when Cedars closed, so we began searching for other casual middle eastern joints in town. I stumbled upon this place on Yelp and my dad, wife and I decided to give it a try. We ordered the combination mezza plate, kibbe and french fries for appetizers. We enjoyed the appetizers. The kibbe was traditional and flavored pretty well. The hummus and baba gannoush was quite tasty. The pickled veggies were a nice touch. The fries were so fresh and the onions were a great touch. They also kept the warm pita bread coming. For dinner we ordered the kefta, mixed grill and chicken shawarma platter. The mixed grill came with chicken and lamb kebob pieces and kefta, with rice and hummus. I really enjoyed my meal. The meat was flavorful and the rice was tasty. My dad liked his kefta platter too. The only downside was the chicken shawarma. It was very dry. It did not seem freshly shaved. It may have also been reheated. Other than the shawarma though, everything was good. Even the baklava desert. The service was awesome. We will definitely be back!