Yalla Pita — Restaurant in Oakton

We had the greatest experience here today!

It was our first time and definitely won't be our last. A lot of places are closed on Sundays in this area but I really wasn't in the mood to cook, so I started searching for a place we hadn't tried that was open (we've lived here just under a year). I was floored by all the 5-star reviews so we knew we had to try it.

They deserve every perfect review they've gotten. The food is fresh, perfectly seasoned, and clearly made with love. I decided to try the "Everything Box" so I could sample the steak, chicken, and falafel. The steak and chicken were very tender and flavorful, and fantastic with the garlic sauce. The falafel bites were my favorite; just simple, fresh ingredients but so much flavor! The falafel was tender inside with a slight crisp on the outside - just perfect!

But really, the owner's attentive and kind service is what elevated the experience to something exceptional. Here we were, eating at a picnic table in a parking lot, yet we felt so valued and appreciated. He brought us out some nice placemats, then when it started sprinkling, he and his wife (assumption on my part) put up a canopy over us! We told him how much we loved the food, so he brought out a new dipping sauce he was trying out (sweet and spicy, very good). He took the time to make our experience as enjoyable as possible (and let's just say we weren't dressed the best having just finished a serious landscaping project in our yard). We were so impressed that we left an extra tip in the jar before leaving to grab a dessert at another truck across the parking lot.

The owner came all the way over to thank us again and gave us two pieces of their baklava! We were so touched by his generosity and warmth. It's so rare to find a gem like this where the excellent food is matched with such incredible, genuine service. We left full and very happy!

Oh, and if you're wondering, the baklava is...

So I guess I had a different experience than most others. I had the very real sense that somehow I made the owner not like me. I walked up to the counter to order, but not having been here before, I asked if I could do the shawarma w/fattoush. The man said No, and seemed a little miffed... But no problem, I ordered the shawarma bowl with half rice and half salad. For my $16.95 meal, I offered the man a $20, and he responded by asking if I had a card, saying they don't take cash when a person has a card. Okay that was interesting, but I said nothing and used my card, though it was really my preference to use cash, I didn't want to cause a problem. I sat at a table to wait for my order, and the owner came out and gave a free taster falafel to everyone but me! This confirmed that I somehow made him unhappy with me, but really I don't know how! As he was packing my order, I told him I didn't need plasticware, and though he didn't say anything, his nonverbals just were just so intense. I'm telling you, I don't know what I did, but it was just a very uncomfortable experience.

But even after all this, I was still expecting the food to be tasty given the reviews. Unfortunately, my chicken was dry. I also didn't care for what appeared to be bagged salad. The rice was just okay. All around, I would give this place 2.5 stars for flavor, but I'm rounding up to 3 because of the hot sauce - that little side of it was really, really good. For those of you from the south, it tasted like a tomato-ey chow chow. The portion of the meal seemed small for the almost $17 price tag.

I really came in hoping to find a good Mediterranean hole-in-the wall, but instead I got a kind of bland and dry tasting, over priced, chicken meal; I was given no choice but to use my card instead of cash, and the next morning I am still wondering why the guy seemed so hostile with me. I definitely will not be returning...

A Taste of the Middle East: A Shawarma and Falafel Extravaganza!

I recently visited the Shawarma and Falafel restaurant in Oakton and was blown away by the delightful flavors and authentic Middle Eastern dishes they had to offer.

From the moment I stepped inside, I was greeted with the warm and inviting aromas of freshly grilled shawarma and falafel. The friendly staff made me feel right at home and helped me navigate the menu with their recommendations.

I started with a classic falafel plate, which consisted of perfectly crispy and flavorful chickpea fritters served with a side of creamy tahini sauce and freshly baked pita bread. The falafel was light and airy on the inside while boasting a satisfying crunch on the outside - a true testament to their expert preparation.

Next, I tried their signature shawarma wrap, which was packed with tender and juicy slices of marinated meat, fresh vegetables, and a generous drizzle of tangy garlic sauce. The combination of savory flavors and textures was out of this world, and each bite left me craving more.

To top off my meal, I indulged in a decadent baklava dessert, which was the perfect sweet finish to my Middle Eastern feast. The layers of flaky phyllo dough, honey, and nuts were a symphony of flavors that left me in dessert heaven.

Overall, my experience at the Shawarma and Falafel restaurant was nothing short of amazing. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was cozy, and the service was impeccable. If you're looking for an authentic taste of the Middle East right in your neighborhood, this is the place to be. I can't wait to come back and try more of their...