Alyan's Restaurant

4.0 star rating
88 reviews Rating Details

Category: Middle Eastern  [Edit]

603 S 4th St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Neighborhoods: South Street District, Society Hill
(215) 922-3553
Hours:

Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 11 pm

Fri-Sat 11 am - 12 am

Good for Groups:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good For:
Lunch, Dinner
Alcohol:
No
Noise Level:
Quiet
Ambience:
Casual
Caters:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
About This Business:

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88 reviews in English

  • Review from Pam S.

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here

    YES. Although it falls into the category of places-I-have-to-spell-when-I-rave-about-them, it's still worth the flailing arms talking about how good their falafel is. I walked in one day, on the recommendation of a friend, and just ordered a falafel baba sandwich.

    I saw the huge pot of boiling oil on the stove, and I knew this was going to be good. Falafel needs to be fried, people. Places that sell it as a "health food" are horrible, because they try and make it less fried. I get my sandwich and scurry back to work to eat it (I got take out). Amazing. It was gone in hmm, 5 seconds. Highly recommended.  Best falafel I've had yet in Philly.

  • Review from Paul C.

    Memphis, TN

    3.0 star rating
    4/13/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I came here to meet up with a friend for lunch at his suggestion.  This place is just a little bit off South Street.  

    The decor reminds you of a small deli in the Italian Market or something, but there's a decent small room in the back.  A few groups of 3-4 can sit comfortably in the room albeit a bit cozily together; the room has ceiling windows that let the sun in which lights up the room.

    We all got 2 orders of the falafel platter, and a order of their french fries.  Overall, everything was decent, slightly above average even.  Their french fries were really good; I highly recommend the fries if you come here.  Think 5 guys but with a bit of a jalapeno kick.

    Prices were sort of funny; some stuff was just a little bit expensive than typical prices (I'm just talking a couple dollars), while other stuff was a little bit cheaper, such as the fries.

    I'd give a 3.5 stars if I could, but 4 stars is a bit much as I'd only come back here again if someone wanted to meet up, but I wouldn't come back just for the food.  But if you've never been here before, I'd definitely add it to the list of places to try!

  • Review from Jennifer B.

    Los Angeles, CA

    4.0 star rating
    1/11/2012

    Wow Philly, good job on the Middle Eastern food front.

    My boyfriend and I needed to grab a bite before heading to a concert, and saw Alyan's on our handy Yelp app. We entered, sat, and proceeded to order a feast.

    The hummus was just alright, and the pita was warm, which was surprising. I got the chicken and couscous and it was SO good. Even though I had just stuffed myself with a sandwich from John's Roast Pork hours earlier, I finished almost my entire plate. My boyfriend ordered some sort of lamb platter, which was also tasty. Everything came out quickly and tasted really fresh. If I lived in the area, I'd most likely be back there pretty flippin' often.

    But of course there was totally a Philadelphia twist: we ordered a side of French fries tossed with grilled peppers and onions. Boy does this city love its peppers and onions!

  • Review from Winnie T.

    • 17 friends
    • 28 reviews

    South Street District, Philadelphia, PA

    4.0 star rating
    5/14/2012

    Great little place to get your falafel fix. The chicken shwarma with tabouli is fantastic. The fries are a little salty/greasy, but who doesn't LOVE crispy fried onion rings? I will definitely come back here to try the rest of their menu. This is a BYOB, so that just makes it even better.

  • Review from Caroline B.

    • 11 friends
    • 65 reviews

    Washington, DC

    4.0 star rating
    5/8/2012

    The fries with jalapeno and onions are awesome as many have pointed out. So are the stuffed grape leaves (cooked, not cold, which in my mind tastes far better), the rich and creamy labneh, and the falafel and hummus plate. Cheap and delicious. My foodie boyfriend and I dug our dinner here.

  • Review from Alyssa W.

    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Lawrence Township, NJ

    5.0 star rating
    3/26/2012

    AWESOME middle eastern food. Wonderful and speedy waitresses. A huge steal, the price is so worth it.

  • Review from Aisha M.

    • 3 friends
    • 132 reviews

    Irvine, CA

    1.0 star rating
    10/17/2011 1 Check-in Here

    WORST. PLACE.  EVER.  

    We came here after reading the reviews, and the place looked like a nice hole in the wall, and we were excited to support a ma and pa kind of place, but boy were we wrong!

    They carry a turkey and chicken only shawarma?  Really?  What kind of authentic place doesn't have a beef nor lamb shawarma?!

    Fine fine, so we ordered a beef sheesh kebab and a falafaal.  They use a low quality pita bread so the thing comes apart immediately.  It is full of veggies and no meat/ falafaal.  When I finally did get to the meat, it was the hardest, rubber like material with no flavor EVER.  It was so bad, I threw it out.  Not even my dog would eat that crap.  The falafaal was just ok.  

    Save your money and time, and go elesewhere.  This place SUCKS!

  • Review from Keyur J.

    • 16 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    3.0 star rating
    11/27/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Falafel-- 4/5
    Hummus-- 4/5
    Pita 2/5 --not fresh, not warm
    Fries 3/5--
    pricing ---REASONABLE
    Over all a good restaurant, decent service. Will definitely stay on my bookmarks for Mediterranean restaurants

  • Review from The Hungry Scientist I.

    • 0 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    2.0 star rating
    12/2/2011

    This place is ok, I wish I could give 2.5. It's a little dirty, but that's more the vibe I get from its location. I have, however, eaten here several times because its easy, close and decently priced. The people that work here are nice and its nice that you can bring your own wine if you choose to dine in.

    I have only had the falafel and shawarma sandwich with either hummus or babaganoush. I actually really like the falafel, its nice and crispy on the outside and not too greasy. The shawarma is hit or miss. It can range from being fatty/rubbery to decent. They should put a garlic sauce to it, but they don't, so I recommend you add hummus to the sandwich (which is good and garlicy). The babaganoush is also pretty good. The main ingredients here are worthy of at least 3 stars.

    But the reason for the two stars are the bread and salad at this place. The pita is dry, stale and tastes like the ones you buy at the super market.  Its really a shame. Its like a pizza place where the dough is soggy or a mexican place that doesn't use fresh tortillas, it just makes you wonder how much they really care about the food. Its those details that separate good food form serviceable food. And the salad is dressed with what appears to be water and yogurt? It lacks any and all flavor. All in all its ok. I wouldn't go out of my way, but I will probably eat here again at some point in my life for some serviceable middle eastern food.

  • Review from Matty M.

    • 4 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Collingswood, NJ

    5.0 star rating
    8/8/2011

    I have been a fan of alyans since I was in high school in the late 80s. I'm sure I wore my favorite "punk" army trenchcoat there with my cvs crayon yellow dye job.

    Neither the food nor the decor have changed much in the intervening decades, which is  good thing.

    Look for the oddly erotic painting of the woman cutting watermelons and try to sit in the houseplant laden back room downstairs.

    Everyone raves about their french fries so give em a try, though they were never my favorite. I go for the traditional hummus and felafel on a pita with a side of cucumber and yogurt salad. Maybe a mango juice if I'm feeling rich at the time.

    A great place to have lunch or a snack while you're people watching along south street.

  • Review from Taylor S.

    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    4/3/2012

    This is my favorite place for food in the city.  The place isn't much, but the little room in the back is cool and comfy.  Their food is great and their falafel is by far the best in the city.  Their platters are a great deal, love the kefta and the beef kabob, and while their hummus is pretty great too, their rice is just not that good.  I eat here at least once a week, it rules!!!!!!

  • Review from Lisagail Z.

    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Ardmore, PA

    5.0 star rating
    9/10/2011

    Best Middle Eastern in the city!

    The lentil soup is so good, I eat it in and take some home. Their falafel is reliably great. You can usually get wheat pita if you ask. Mint tea in the winter!

    I usually also get: Labne, Eggplant, Ful and Zucchini with feta. It's a feast!

    If you have a big group, sit upstairs.

    The owner is very kind. Go!

  • Review from K. A.

    • 0 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    4.0 star rating
    3/28/2012

    Many people would never walk in the door, because it looks like a little dive, just off South Street (which it is) but Alyan's is near and dear to my heart.  I always thought it was my own little secret place (with little back room that feels more like Istanbul than Philly) until I realized that a lot of other people feel the same way.  The same owners have been preparing the same thing for years and years, and whenever I am in that part of the city, the Alyan's magnet seems to pull me in.  And I've been going there for years for the ckicken kabob sandwich (or lamb), and the lentil soup.  They have it down to a science- the pita is warm, the grilled vegetables done well and chicken is consistently tender.  With an abundance of grilled vegetables, it's a pretty healthy meal, too.  It's so healthy, in fact, that you will have to get the "fries," to balance things out (all things in moderation...including "moderation!").  My wife uses this logic whenever we go to Alyan's, and (for someone who doesn't eat fries) she always calls back the waitress to add the fries because they are "that good."  Topped with crispy onions and peppers as a garnish.  As good as fries at Rouge (but, Middle-Eastern style).  I would give it a fifth star if not for the occasional inconsistency in the lamb, which sometimes is really, really good, and sometimes a bit dry.  Never bad, though, and equal to what you get in even very expensive places.

  • Review from Cindy A.

    • 1 friend
    • 9 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    4.0 star rating
    6/4/2011 2 photos

    We ordered tabouli for appetizer which was very flavorful.

    We also ordered chicken kabob sandwiches which were a pleasant refreshing surprise. My only advice is to ask for the tahini sauce on the side because it becomes too messy and heavy otherwise.

    I am excited to try there other items on the menu the next time around.

  • Review from Allison B.

    Philadelphia, PA

    3.0 star rating
    1/23/2011

    I felt like I was cheating on my Mama's boys!

    Mama's VS Alyan's Ultimate Falafel Throwdown:

    ALYAN's has glass tableware, as opposed to Mama's paper and plastic.
    ALYAN's will let you bring your own beverage.
    ALYAN's has a pita with just enough chew (Mama's is a bit bready).
    ALYAN's has the best fries in Philadelphia (hands down).

    MAMA's has better FALAFEL (and that's what we're judging here, right? Alyan's is too hard on the outside, with a weird dense muffin top shape and a strange aftertaste)
    MAMA's has fresher tasting toppings and salad.
    MAMA's is less expensive and in a more convenient location for a quick bite.
    MAMA's has a free pickled vegetables bar with your purchase.
    MAMA's employees have a charm and sweetness to them unlike any other.

    I feel at home at Mama's. Alyan's isn't bad of course, and it's definitely better for dining, but there's something about Mama's...you just can't get that "hamish" feeling anywhere else.

  • Review from Fay H.

    • 7 friends
    • 87 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    4.0 star rating
    5/26/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I've been a patron of Alyan's for about 10 years now.  I love, love, love their french fries with the fried onions/leeks and jalapenos.  

    I love to get a bunch of side dishes as my meal.  Every time I go I have a hard time deciding what to get, but I almost always get their grape leaves.

    The garden room is always nice, and you never feel like you're being rushed out, (however, if you're in a rush, you might need to track down your waitress for your check).

  • Review from kathleen d.

    Philadelphia, PA

    3.0 star rating
    3/23/2011

    Yeah, the fries at Alyan's are very, very good! They're cripsy with the right amount of salt and those fried hot peppers and onions. I'd like to echo the sentiment that you gotta get the fries...you gotta get the fries...you gotta get the fries. See what I did there, like an echo. Heh?

    I liked the falafel fine but I wouldn't order the shawarma again. It was dry as a desert bone! Maybe it was just an off night for the shwarma though?

  • Review from Karin R.

    • 12 friends
    • 105 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    3.0 star rating
    11/23/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    Good for at great prices.  You can't go wrong.

  • Review from Ben P.

    Philadelphia, PA

    2.0 star rating
    3/27/2011

    Yeah, you know, this place has been here forever. And I've been going for a long, long time. But lately, it just seems like things are a little off.

    The pita isn't as good, the meat tastes cheap, the hummus just is no big deal.

    Sure, it's cheap. No doubt. But for easy and cheap-ish middle eastern I'm sticking to Sahara Grill.

  • Review from Jay D.

    • 77 friends
    • 58 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    3/4/2012 3 Check-ins Here

    this is the first falafel i ever had, and thank god for that, because some (MAOZ) are horrible. this one is not horrible, in fact, it's fantastic. i like getting a sandwich to go and spilling most of it in front of the tattoo shop next door while staring at the poor souls in line across the street at jim's. it's cool to sit in here too, especially in the back. nice atmosphere. the servers and staff are always super cool. unless i'm on the other side of town and mama's is open, i'm hitting up alyan's whenever i need a falafel fix. yeah!

  • Review from bhiladelphia b.

    • 8 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    4.0 star rating
    10/5/2010

    Here's an idea. Let's grab a few beers (it's BYOB), snag a table in the back room, and order a whole bunch of fries (with the fried peppers and onions)... Ooooh and some hummus too.

    Fun.

  • Review from Sara H.

    • 3 friends
    • 37 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    10/15/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    there's only a few things you need to know about alyan's:

    1. it's delicious.
    2. the falafel is the best i've ever encountered. so fresh, so crisp and non-greasy, so yummy.
    3. the prices are insanely reasonable.
    4. go there.

  • Review from Bill M.

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    7/14/2007

    I absolutely love eating here. They make the best falafel platters in this city hands down. also be sure to share a platter of their amazing fries with your friends when you go (avoid the peppers if you don't like spicy food though). top it all off with their mango juice and an Arabic coffee and your set for an incredible meal.
    They also always offer up service with a smile. And you can do take out.

  • Review from Colin C.

    • 47 friends
    • 84 reviews

    Irvine, CA

    4.0 star rating
    9/20/2007

    If you are in the south street vicinity and looking for falafel, definitely head to Alyan's.  The prices are similar to nearby establishments, but it has a pleasant atmosphere--especially in the backroom which is kitschy, but comfortable... it's a little rough around the edges, which is refreshing in a city with a minimalist, post-industrial, sterile (seemingly, at least) stevenstarr-restaurantscape.  It even smells like the middle east, right?
    To contrast, Maoz is great, especially for people on a budget, since you get to put the fixings on yourself, which can easily triple the size of the sandwich, but it is right on south street, which can be exhausting when you just want a quiet meal.  
    At Alyan's, it can be kinda tranquil in the backroom, especially compared to south street ruckus, and to top it all off, the check always comes with a thick, complimentary (?) slice of sweet orange.

  • Review from Dan F.

    Philadelphia, PA

    3.0 star rating
    6/17/2010

    So let's say you're stumbling down a dark street post-workout, starved, stinking and a visual mess. If you're normal you'd get your ass out of public view stat. Or if you're me, busty, hungry and clinging tight to your very last calorie, you'll bypass shame and walk yourself cockproud into a bustling restaurant. Even if you're in a t-shirt the color and silhouette of Violet from Willy Wonka. Even if you're clad in those tight shorts worn by gym teachers with uncomfortable pasts. Even.

    I'm gonna cut to the chase here: this place ROCKS. I got a platter of hummus, falafel, baba-whatever, and salad the size of Joan Collins' Kentucky Derby hats ... and it cost approximately 27 cents.

    Everything was clearly homemade, expertly prepared, absolutely fresh, and 100% delicious.

    The falafel demand a special shout-out: it was light and crisp on the outside, and fresh and fluffy on the inside without a dot of grease. Plus zero texture problems. A+++!

    The vibe of the workers was really nice: you can tell they like the place, and they create a good feeling all around.

    I can't speak to the grilled meats - that's for a future update. As are the fries: add in hot peppers and onions as they do ... and my moobies say Oh yeah!

  • Review from Davin B.

    • 12 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    8/12/2010

    I'll keep this simple:

    BEST FALAFEL IN TOWN.
    BEST FRIES IN TOWN.
    Great staff,
    Cozy place to hang out.
    Cheap.
    Vegan friendly.
    Outdoor seating in prime people-watching location.

    Also a great place to take friends who "don't like falafel" (everyone likes falafel if it's GOOD falafel.) Can't recommend this place enough. I go every week... sometimes twice... sometimes thrice...

  • Review from Rebecca S.

    • 12 friends
    • 32 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    3.0 star rating
    9/26/2011

    Decent sized menu and tasty authentic (or what i would think is authentic) food and good prices. I had the delish combo meal with the spinach pie and my boyfriend had something that sounded like the work kitty. they also put a nice salsa type salad and hummus on the combo meal plate. With a side of falafel and feta cheese....we were set. The food is GREAT and has good spice use (we even got a side of homemade green hot sauce which was VERY hot). Downfall, the place is def a hole in the wall. not the cleanest spot in town, but i'm not a princess....so it worked for me!

  • Review from karla g.

    • 17 friends
    • 128 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    4.0 star rating
    5/30/2008

    The one thing you have to do at Alyan's is sit in...don't event think about taking that falafel to go [unless you really have to, then it's ok].

    The rear seating room provides a truly authentic feel to the food. The sunlight peers in through the ceiling and the hanging plants give a sense of warmth. There are beautiful throw pillows for the pew-style seats along with pictures of middle eastern markets filled with beautiful crafts to really give you an environment you just don't get at Maoz around the corner. It can get a little cramped when full seated but the food is worth it.

    Definitely have a pitcher of the mint tea [served hot or cold] and some of the fries with the pepper and onions. Yum. They also have the best falafel, in my opinion, in the city.

    I have not personally tried some of the other dishes simply because I do not eat much meat but they look absolutely delicious. One of the cooks can also be caught singing traditional melodies [as well as some newer mid eastern songs] in the window during the lunch hours. Hey, anyone who can sing a phrygian scale get props from me!

    The price is very reasonable for the portions provided in the meals. Sandwiches will run you around $6, which for South Street is great. A Hamilton will get you one filling lunch and bottle of Egyptian mango nectar that will leave you craving for more.

  • Review from Liana K.

    Malden, MA

    5.0 star rating
    11/9/2010 1 Check-in Here

    Three visitors are walking up and down south streeet trying to find a place where you can eat cheap  but still sit down that isn't a loud bar.  Walk by a bunch of steak & cheese places and ehh not in the mood after having one for lunch.  Thai place?  Ehh looks empty, never a good sign.  Finally off a side street we saw Alyan's.

    Highly recommend the lamb soup, spicy fries and falafel.  Portions are decent sized, the staff is nice,   and I just have no complaints.

  • Review from Caitlin C.

    • 103 friends
    • 389 reviews

    PA

    4.0 star rating
    2/13/2007

    Don't judge a book by it's cover.

    Try their green tea and pretty much any of their pita sandwiches are great. They are not too spicy, and are packed with juicy goodness. When I ate in, it seemed that everyone around me was amazed with their food and how surprised they were how tasty everything was.

    Vegetarian friendly. Try anything and you'll be happy.

  • Review from Arseny R.

    • 32 friends
    • 86 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    4.0 star rating
    9/23/2009

    Good spot for some Middle Eastern fare on South Street.  Its small and cozy, service is relatively fast and menu is well priced.

    My only problem there is that there is great variation in quality of food prepared.  I like turkish/arabic coffee, but most times it comes out bland there, while on few other occasions when older cooks were making it, the taste is simply superb.  Same goes for some of the food, falafel last time was overcooked and hard :-(

    Still, if you want to lay off the usual pub food of South Street and not spend much, it is a good place in a good spot.

  • Review from Mallory P.

    • 26 friends
    • 144 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    2/5/2009

    Very cute, very authentic, very worth the price! I don't eat meat, but I can appreciate the authenticity of the meat cooking pole or whatever that's called.  The space is really cute (that back room is great!).  The service is fast, and the food is filling!  You get a lot of food for what you pay, especially compared to the competitors.  Their outdoor seating could be a little bit more glamorous, but I don't know if I'd want to eat on Tattoo Row anyway.  
    I'm getting hungry...!

  • Review from Madeleine B.

    • 6 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    7/22/2009

    One of my favorite places for fresh, affordable, quality vegetarian fare. If I lived closer I would go to Alyan all the time, but it's certainly a treat whenever I'm around that way especially since healthy food in the South St. area is a luxury.

    Highly recommend the falaful/hummus sandwich. The mint iced tea is to die for. I want to propose marriage to the entire appetizer menu. Service is great and it's a pleasant environment. I've never felt rushed or crowded there. Best for a small group or a dynamic duo.

  • Review from Stef S.

    Palo Alto, CA

    4.0 star rating
    10/9/2010

    Great hummus. Decent baba ganoush (but i've had better). Great fries that are nicely seasoned and crisp.

    The chicken shish kebob platter was fantastic. Tender juicy chicken. I love the hummus and salad. The pita bread is standard supermarket pita bread. The server was nice and dealt with our large group nicely.

    The platter was $11.50. More than I'd like to pay, honestly, but the portion was huge.

    I plan to get a sandwich next time. For $6-7, they looked filling and just enough.

  • Review from Pamela D.

    • 2 friends
    • 8 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    11/5/2008

    I love this place! The atmosphere, as many others have said, is terrific. It gives you that "Yeah, I should come here all the time," feeling. Relaxed, clean, cozy, small (sit in the back room).

    I've had their pita, hummus, falafel sandwich, lamb platter w/ couscous and hot mint tea and every single one of those items (which I order over and over) cause me to stop and have a "Damn, this is a delicious moment" moment. Hot, fresh pita, thick, fragrant hummus with extra tahini and olive oil on top, tender and flavorful lamb and veggies...mmm, the best!

    Maybe I'm just lucky, but seriously, if you like Middle Eastern fare, try Alyan's. You might get lucky, too! ;)

  • Review from Aditi C.

    • 5 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    4.0 star rating
    9/1/2011

    Great shewarma sandwich. AMAZING fries--you NEED to get these if you're eating there. Very good service.

  • Review from Christine E.

    New York, NY

    4.0 star rating
    7/30/2009

    Yay for another Palestinian Philly gem, bringing light to the darkness that is my usual Swarthmore existence sans Arabic food! I love, love, love Alyan's. As has been mentioned in other reviews, they are also very reasonably priced. They do /not/, as others have suggested, offer the best falafel in the city (see Hanan's stand off of Walnut for that), but the falafel is nevertheless quite good, along with most everything else on the menu. The bread is even decent quality, which is especially hard to find in Philly, because, as the owner explained to me when I mournfully asked about Arabic bakeries in the area, there is just about no place to find fresh bread in the city. He orders his from New York.

    I implore everyone going to Alyan's to try the grape leaves/wara' dawali/dolmeh/whatever you want to call them, as this is just about the only restaurant I know of that makes them right. The baba ghannouj is truly excellent, and from what I hear the meat dishes are also worthwhile. They also make their own pickles, which is hugely exciting; for those of you who are familiar with traditional Arabic fare, good pickles are a must.

    I've made big orders from Alyan's for cultural events on multiple occasions, and I encourage others to use them for catering, as they are very generous with both portions and pricing. You do have to go pick the stuff up on your own, though.

    The only negatives I can think of are that the salads are only mediocre and not always fresh, there is usually not enough seating for all the people I want to bring, and it's a bit of a walk to South Street from any of the major SEPTA stops (I'm not a fan of buses). Give Alyan's a try if you're looking for a cheap eat or just craving real Arabic food. They're definitely worth the trip!

  • Review from Larissa M.

    • 48 friends
    • 48 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    5.0 star rating
    2/18/2010 3 Check-ins Here

    There is not one other restaurant I can say this about: Alyan's has been consistently good for over 15 years. I love it so much that when I moved away I always made a point to eat there whenever I visited. I have friends that still do the same.

    The portions are the perfect size. The food is fresh and delicious, all made in-house, including the Spanikopita. I don't even think the prices have changed much since I started going in the early 90s. And somehow over the years they have managed to consistently hire some of the more delightful servers in Philadelphia.

    Some specifics...
    Get the mint tea, by the pitcher if you have enough people at the table to share it with. It is light in flavor and it compliments the food so well.

    I also recommend getting a plate of Alyan's fries no matter what. If I could order a plate of the fried, little onion and pepper nuggets that come hidden in the fries I would, but alas, they don't offer them that way. But be warned, if you go with me I will eat all of them if you aren't looking. (Also, the peppers are HOT!)

    Most platters come with a salad but if you have room for it, get the arabic salad, it is so refreshing and lightly dressed...it's one of those things that just feels healthy while you're eating it. Then you won't feel so bad about the plate of fried you just ate.

    Otherwise, if you are not sure what to order off the menu I recommend a platter of any sort. They give you a good sampling of everything including baba ganouj and/or hummous and a small portion of the arabic salad. This goes for the meats/kabobs just as much for the vegetarian options.

    It does appear to be a tiny place but there is a large room upstairs if you want to go with a group, just ask! Then order EVERYTHING ON THE MENU! And it's BYOB if you want to make a party out of it.

  • Review from Trena B.

    • 9 friends
    • 57 reviews

    Washington, DC

    5.0 star rating
    5/19/2010

    All you need to know is these are the best fries you will ever have.  Ever.  They toss in hot peppers and onions and the fries are perfect and the peppers and onions add an amazing level of heat and sweet.  I had them about a year ago and have been dreaming of them ever since and when I returned to Philly last weekend they were my top priority.

    The falafel is good too.

    But really.  The fries.

  • Review from Kristin W.

    Philadelphia, PA

    2.0 star rating
    7/7/2010

    The french fries were the best part of the meal - crispy, but not dry.  I would have liked a little more seasoning and heat, but overall, they were tasty.  The hummus had more garlic than I normally like (and I like a lot of garlic!).  The pita bread was disappointingly dry and thin, and it split easily when we were eating our sandwiches.  My shawarma lamb/turkey meat was also not very moist or flavorful.

    The back room with a see-through ceiling and hanging plants is charming.  The staff was friendly, although a little slow (it appeared that there was only one server for the place).

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