Lafa Mediterranean by Zeina's — Restaurant in Town of New Hartford

Love this place and go here about 2-3x/week sometimes. It’s one of the only healthy ‘fast’ food options in the area, with actual real whole food, not greasy or heavy, there are lots lots of veggies, a sugar- and sweetener- free drink option, and the staff is friendly and quick.

Had previously given 5 stars but am now to 3, as I was really disappointed when they changed their menu last week - the small bowl option I always ordered for myself has been discontinued and been replaced by a not-so-great kid’s plate option.

The problem is that 1) the kid’s plate only allows rice pilaf as the base (so while delicious, it’s higher in carbs and fat than the salad or mix of greens and brown rice I prefer) 2) you are only allowed two toppings, so definitely not enough veggies/fiber possible in that for an adult for a well-balanced meal from a nutritional standpoint. While ok for a little kid, it is not enough variety, balance or portion size for an adult simply looking for a portion size that is larger than a kids plate but smaller than the large bowl. The small bowl was truly the perfect option for an adult seeking a reasonable portion size and nutritional balance with lots of flavor from various different toppings and base options.

The wrap and large bowl are simply too much of a portion for me (and I think many diet-conscious people would tend to agree), and I don’t like to order the large size and just keep leftovers with bread and salad that get soggy and aren’t so pleasant after a few hours or the next day. This means that I end up throwing out what I can’t eat, which is a waste of both food and money, and has really made me reconsider Lafa when choosing to eat out.

Please bring back the small bowl like before, Lafa!...

We visited Lafa this evening to celebrate their four-year anniversary, and it was immediately clear from pulling into the parking lot just how much the community treasures this place. As a frequent visitor, I couldn’t agree more. When it comes to fast-casual dining, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better value.

We opted for pick-up, as we usually do. Upon arrival, the crowd was noticeably larger than usual for a Tuesday evening, which was to be expected with the special promotion for their milestone. There were about 8-10 people waiting for their pick-up orders, and the line to order at the counter was nearly out the door. Despite the increased foot traffic, the food was just as delicious as always. Even with the larger crowd and the anniversary discount, they didn’t miss a beat with their signature large portions.

The wait time for our pick-up order could have been a bit better. Our scheduled pick-up was at 6:40 PM, but our order wasn’t brought out until closer to 7:10 PM. It wasn’t a huge issue, especially considering how busy they were, and I know this isn’t typical. However, while it didn’t deter us, it might be off-putting to others who aren’t as patient.

We ordered the build-your-own grain bowls with the Hot Honey Falafel, and if you haven’t tried it yet, do yourself a favor and get it before it’s gone!

Over the years, Lafa has become one of our go-to spots not only because of the variety they offer but also because they’re incredibly inclusive of dietary restrictions. There’s truly something for everyone. Cheers to another fantastic four years and many...

The food selection, quality, and preparation at Lafa are superb. The kitchen and dining room are very clean. Best of all, the staff is capable, trained, kind, helpful, and really enthused. They take time to patiently answer questions - and their information is very thorough.

I really appreciate how they stick to what they do (mission, food type, health-conscious, and technology) and nail it (do one thing and do it well).

• Their recent addition of equipment and processes to make Saj bread is a great example. You’ve got to try it! • They’re the type of place that enables orders through an app, online, etc. In-house orders are placed at a counter. Door dash (et al) can deliver for you or you can pre-order, pre-pay, then come in and pick it up off the rack. If eating in, there are tables next to large windows. It’s not luxurious, but it’s neat, tidy, and clean.

An added bonus is that the owner/manager takes the time to support the community in a variety of ways.

The location is excellent and parking (right outside the door) is plentiful.

Every single time I eat there I am delighted. I can’t help but overeat a little - and I don’t mind one bit.

Check them out to see if they’re for you. If it looks good, definitely give them a try. You’ll be...