Hummus Cafe — Restaurant in Seattle

I've come here twice now, once for dine-in and once for takeout. It's a solid, no nonsense Mediterranean place that's somewhere between 3 and 4 stars for me.

I've enjoyed the lamb & beef gyro plate and the similar wrap, both of which are generous in size. I'd put them both in the B to B- tier. Mint limeade drink was a lovely surprise - I was expecting a typically over sugary drink like lemonade but it was the perfect amount of slightly sweet and lime-y! (But it's $6, keep that in mind). I really enjoyed the baklava too, though I got it to-go and the container doesn't fit the brown bag they put it in, so the box was tilted and the clear syrup (?) sorta leaked all over the place when I got it for takeout. Hopefully just a one-time packaging mishap. Still delicious even after a 15min drive home.

Tbh I'd really only come here because the location is great and there's lots to do nearby, but there are definitely better fast-casual Mediterranean spots in Seattle that are just a short drive away, especially for the price which I believe is the biggest drawback. Pretty expensive for what you get in terms of food, service, and atmosphere. The staff (presumably the owners) are not super friendly, but also not outright rude either.

Other quirks or things to just know No free tap water which I find very odd. But I guess it's better to be safe than sorry? Bathroom is locked by default, so you have to ask them to unlock it for you. They do prefer cash to save on credit card fees. They don't really have a sign anywhere telling you up front, and only mentioned it once when I dined in with a large group. Point of sale (Clover) didn't ask if I wanted a receipt. I only care because I think they charge some kind of credit card fee but didn't mention this, as my cost both times have been a little higher than I would expect. However it was only 70 cents more than my calculation using the 10.25% combined tax so I'm not gonna cry over it. If I come next time, I will try to ask...

Went there for a second time, and the experience was even better than the first visit. We will obviously have to come back for more!

We got to try their weekend specials, which were the Hawawshy and the Lamb Shank. The hawawshy was crispy from the outside, yet the meat itself packed plenty of flavor and was so juicy. Fresh, as authentic as it gets, and so yummy!!!

I have tried the Lamb Shank at many other spots in the Seattle area, and nothing comes even close in comparison. No weird gamey taste or typical dryness, which is why I'm hesitant to order it in the first place when I go to Middle Eastern restaurants. The one I tried here changed my usual take because it's super tender and moist as the meat literally falls off of the bone. Plus, their red sauce paired with the onions and rice was such a delicious combo, so whatever they are doing is definitely working. Never had that anywhere else, to be honest!

Such a hidden gem, and the quality you're getting compared to their prices is unbeatable. Wish we could keep it all to ourselves, but it's only fair I share such impeccable experiences because they deserve the praise. Bravo👏

Add their level of accommodating customer service as well as their super welcoming vibes, and you will feel like you were at a close family member's home for the evening!

If I didn't stress that enough, we will be back for more and have also already agreed to a catering order of some of their authentic dishes for a gathering to celebrate a...

The lady that took our order suggested we try the falafel, stating "we have the best falafel". Now I'll preface my review with the fact that I am not a Falafel Expert, but I have had lots of falafels from all sorts of places around Seattle . I even made my own from scratch once, which were terrible. When she brought out our plates, I was excited to try out this supposedly superior falafel, if not just a little skeptical. As my fork pierced the skin of the first of two plump nuggets on my platter, I was greeted by what I can only describe as the most vibrant and lifeful greens I have ever experienced in my entire life. Tendrils of steam wafted lazily from the falafel, almost whispering tantalizing promises to my olfactory senses. Biting into the falafel felt almost a stage of its own, neither crunchy nor squishy, but yielding to my teeth a texture both firm, yet acquiscent. But the flavor, dear readers, the flavor was indescribable. Saying that it was the best falafel I've ever had seems like an injustice. My mouth felt as though I had been upper-cut by a heavyweight boxer, but instead of my mouth being filled with pain and regret, it was filled with the most delicious falafel, imbuing my tongue with magics most flavorous and delightful. I am glad that my original doubt was completely shattered by the Hummus Cafe's execution of the perfect falafel. I am slightly sad, though, as I feel I have a new standard of falafel which I feel no one else can...