Yafa Mediterranean Cuisine — Restaurant in Riverside

WOW! This place is amazing. Their bowls taste great and there are a variety of options in store that are fresh.

Things I wanted to mention:

Initially, when I entered the restaurant my first thought was wow this restaurant is very clean (better than brand name competitors like Cava) with easy to read signs displaying not only your options but also your sides clearly. The variety of choices is just perfect, the menu is not confusing at all and gave me confidence in what I wanted to order.

In terms of choice, you could choose either a pita or a bowl (comes with rice or salad if you get a bowl) and you'll be given some protein options and sides to add on as well.

While we're on the topic of protein, I gotta say the beef shawarma is very delicious and has just the right amount of savor. Not too just what the Falafel Spot did to make their beef shawarma taste this good but wow, it was delicious!

I think the part to top this all off is that this is a small business with a very exceptional customer service that goes well beyond just ordering food but also bringing a friendly ambiance to just uplift your day whether you just got off from work or are looking for something to devour on.

I'm grateful that I encountered the Falafel Spot because they can have my money for...

Flavor Explosion at Yafa Mediterranean Cuisine – Riverside’s Hidden Gem!

Just had one of the most satisfying meals at Yafa Cuisine in Riverside, and I’m still thinking about it!

I ordered the chicken pita—got it for an amazing deal—and it was absolutely loaded. The pita was soft and warm, the chicken was juicy and perfectly grilled, and the veggies were crisp and fresh. But what really brought it all together? That white sauce. Creamy, tangy, and poured generously—every bite was heavenly.

And get this: even after I was 75% done, it still looked huge. Super filling, super satisfying.

Then I tried their rice pudding, and let me just say: perfectly balanced. Not too sweet, not too bland—just right, with a touch of crushed pistachios on top for texture.

Best part? The people. I had the chance to meet Walid, and he was incredibly kind and welcoming. You can tell the folks here care deeply about the food and the experience.

I’ll definitely be back—and if you haven’t tried Yafa Cuisine in Riverside yet, you’re seriously missing out.

Lastly, cherry on top is the place, super clean, peaceful. Checked a few emails chilling here.

5 stars, no question.

#YafaCuisineRiverside #ChickenPitaGoals #RiversideEats #SupportLocal...

Let me start with food, which tastes excellent, I went in at 7:30 pm on Friday it was busy and my order took 25 min, they asked me I choose dine in, once I received my order they said we close at 8 pm, so please next time pay attention to the time, this was so rude. ( By law, once you are in store, no one can kick you out) They have thin pita and Saj, which ia kinda tortilla, but it does not taste like tortilla (just explaining another review I've seen above)

They told me they have no more thin pita or kibbeh, so I got Saj and samosas, I got cold samosas which I requested to microwave, and also one of the Saj bread was brown bread which I didn't order, they said they don't have anymore

I suggest they should have 4 types of breads. Saj, tortilla, thin pita, and thick pita ( Egyptian or Iraqi Diamond shape pita)

Also, it will be better if they have different kind of falafel like arabic Gulf Countries falafel, which is served with fry eggplant and fries, Egyptian falafel which made of diffeeent beans Iraqi falafel, which served with yello Amba sauce and thick...