GOLDEN FALAFEL — Restaurant in Denver

I tried this restaurant last night with friends after reading about it a few weeks ago in the Denver Post. We had the most amazing dinner. This is the best Mediterranean restaurant I’ve ever eaten at in the US and Europe. Our group shared a lot of dishes and it’s impossible to pick a favorite- we so enjoyed the Moroccan lentil soup, hummus, stuffed grape leaves, fattoush, chicken kofta plate, pita bread (and BTW it was the best pita I’ve ever had—paper thin), mint tea.. I’m planning to return in the coming days with some other friends, not least so I can try more things on the menu (the problem is that I both want to enjoy the same items I enjoyed last night, plus a lot of new things). We also so enjoyed talking with the incredibly warm and charming owner. I used to live in NYC and this is exactly the kind of spot (in terms of food and the role of the family that operates the restaurant) that I have long missed here in Denver. Final thing that I would add is that, yes, it’s an unassuming, unadorned spot in a boring looking typical Denver strip mall, but in many respects it’s well more welcoming and more possible to enjoy food and conversation with a group than in any of Denver’s fine dining establishment (since the new norm is that tables are crammed together and music is blared at nightclub levels). The quiet atmosphere of Golden Falafel allowed us to savor our food and conversation in...

(Updated as of 3/19/2023) About a year ago, Golden Falafel opened its doors unbeknownst to the owners of its success. And about a year ago, I predicted this restaurant will be successful when it is found since it is hidden in one of the many plaza businesses. But, I have great news to report: my daughter and I stopped in there around seven-ish on a weekday and people were waiting to be seated. It turns out that the restaurant was featured in the Denver Post’s Life & Culture series called “Hidden Gems.” When we were there, there was one two-table seat available so we were lucky to sit and observe the mad rush for Golden Falafel’s delectable Middle Eastern food. Zak, the owner, proudly shared the article with me, probably predicting that I would let him know again, it was my “good Arab vibe” that brought in the patrons as that was my joke to him in previous visits. But this time, as the words almost came out of my mouth, he held the “Hidden Gems” article to me with a big proud smile. He even gave me a copy. Apparently, many patrons have brought him copies and even volunteered to frame it for him, he said. They’re happy for him! Me too! That’s why I wanted to update my Google review. (Pictures are from before). Go and give Golden Falafel a try! If you see it’s busy, either wait or come back. They work as fast as they can, but you can’t rush good food without compromising the...

Honestly, I'm super surprised at the rave reviews for this restaurant. Took my daughter here for a special evening out and we were both unimpressed with our food, with the service, and the atmosphere. We both started off with the salad. Her house salad was decent but nothing special. I had asked to substitute a Greek salad, the house salad. An irritated glance from the server indicated his displeasure with my request, however he did allow it. My Greek salad was good but not anything special. Daughter ordered the chicken shawarma which was extremely dry, although had good flavor. Flavor. The only way to eat it was to dip each bite in the yogurt sauce. I had the gyro plate. This was by far the best menu item of the evening, but not that impressive. The gyro meat had good flavor though it was a bit salty. We also had pita bread and hummus. The hummus was rather bland although I appreciated how it was presented with cumin and paprika around the edges to help add some flavor. The one thing the restaurant did have going for it was the presentation on most. Every dish was impressive and made the food of appealing. Overall, this was an extremely disappointing visit and I have no intention of returning, despite the fact that I enjoy Mediterranean food and live only blocks away from the restaurant. The glowing reviews from most other people have me...