I have dined at Yahya’s multiple times over the years, throughout COVID and following. Of the various offerings on Colfax for Mediterranean fare, this restaurant shines above, and I have happily always been impressed and left satisfied. Yahya and his food are exemplars of high-quality eats on Colfax Avenue, and is, in my opinion, a Denver staple.

Though boasting a relatively unassuming exterior, patrons are greeted to a bright, intimate dining area and the constant, delectable aroma of gyro and kafta. Beautiful art adorns the walls, which, combined with the varied tunes quietly being played, feel to transport you straight to Turkey. I feel as if, when I enter Yahya’s, the hustle and bustle of Colfax just melt away.

There’s something at Yahya’s for everyone, yet the menu is perfectly simple without being too cluttered. I firmly believe Yahya’s has the best falafel in town, and I encourage anyone to try it. I start off my meals at Yahya’s with the hummus. Having had hummus elsewhere, I was blown away by the texture and taste of the hummus, and I can’t get it anywhere else (you can get it to go)! Those who aren’t fans of the chickpea would be better off with the Labneh, a savory yogurt served with flatbread. The authentically shish-roasted chicken shawarma is without compare, with citrusy notes perfectly complimented by a savory marinade. The gyro meat is juicy and bursting with umami, and strongly reminds me of my time spent in Istanbul. If you’re looking for something a little less common, I highly suggest the lamb kabsa: a shank of lamb served with stew, cooked to perfection; the meat falls right off the bone. My personal true indulgence is the “cheese rolls,” delicious sigara borek; flaky phyllo stuffed with melted cheese.

If you have the fortune to meet the owner himself, his passion for food and flair is palpable. Often, he’ll emerge from the kitchen to greet his customers himself and ensure everything’s made to perfection (spoiler alert: it always has been). From my understanding, he personally toils in the kitchen with his chefs every single day to ensure things come out exactly how he wants them to. Yahya’s various travels, from his birthplace in Turkey and throughout Syria and Iraq, are represented perfectly in his varied presentation and product. If you ask him about his history or food, he’ll proudly tell you anything you want to know with a cheerful smile.

I’ve eaten at Yahya’s time and time again, and I’m happy to say it’s found a permanent place in my personal list of must-have’s in Denver, and I strongly encourage everyone to have a literal taste of this hidden culinary gem.