Daniel B.
Yelp
I've returned to Falafel Cafe several times since posting my original review a few years ago. I've tried some different items on the menu, which I like and recommend, so here's an update. Despite it's somewhat hidden location, the restaurant's popularity continues to grow and maintain. I've been here for weekday lunches where almost every table is taken.
To me, Falafel Cafe still remains one of the most authentic Mediterranean/Persian restaurants in metro Atlanta. It's evident in both the food and drink. Restaurant specialties include Mediterranean salads, kabobs, and stews and traditional dishes such as stuffed grape leaves and gyros. Prices are affordable as you won't be spending more than $5-6 per salad/appetizer and $10-15 per entree. Lunch specials, which are smaller portions of the main menu items, are available for under $10 each.
Recommendations:
Eggplant Dip - seasoned and pan-fried eggplant and sauteed onion, topped with cream of whey and sauteed mint and garlic
Falafel Platter - three falafel patties, hummus, Tabbouleh salad, and tossed salad topped with yogurt dressing
Lamb Kabob - marinated and charbroiled lamb sirloin cubes served with basmati saffron rice
The eggplant dip definitely has a roasted/smoky taste and aroma. It wasn't exactly what I was expecting the first time I tried it, but it turned out to be pretty good. The plateful of dip looks like Mexican refried beans drizzled with melted cheese. However, it's not cheese, but whey. The dip is addictive. All dips (e.g. hummus) are served with warm pita bread.
If you're looking to go simple, healthy, but still tasty and filling at the same time, order the Falafel Platter. This platter not only tastes good, but looks good too. The platter is made of glass and is separated into five different compartments. The main compartment contains the falafel patties, one compartment each for the hummus and Tabbouleh salad, and two compartments for pita bread (four slices total). Everything is freshly prepared and is appetizing. The falafel patties are comforting and the Tabbouleh salad is tangy and minty.
The Lamb Kabob, and all of the other meat kabobs for that matter, are flame-broiled. You can take a peek over the ordering counter and see the flames cooking the kabobs. Speaking of which, the kitchen is semi-open, so you can see the owners and cooks working away and preparing meals. The cubes of lamb meat are nicely charred on the outside with some bits of crispiness. The meat is sufficiently tender and flavorful.
The saffron basmati rice is amazing. I think they put some butter in the rice to make it taste that much better. It's soft, fluffy, and aromatic. I love this type of rice.
Service is still polite and friendly as always.
Falafel Cafe is a casual, hole-in-the-wall restaurant. They haven't changed the space in years and it feels a bit old and dingy. Regardless, the food is where it's at. There's an outdoor patio and the parking lot has been repaved.
See my previous review below for additional thoughts on this restaurant including the Fesenjan Stew, which made Creative Loafing's 2011 list of "100 Dishes to Eat in Atlanta Before You Die."