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Big Fresh
Category: Restaurants Mediterranean Mediterranean [Edit]
341 Cochituate RdFramingham, MA 01701
(508) 879-7000
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
129 reviews for Big Fresh
Review Highlights
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129 reviews in English
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Review from Emily A.
Arlington, MA
Aboslutely wonderful vegetarian (and meat eater) food! Fantastic hummus and tabouli, wonderful salads, can't wait to try the stir fry. The food is fantastic, I want to try everything on the menu. Don't wait. Go. Now. Why are you still reading?
You're going to pay $10 for a meal, but it's fresh and homemade, so what do you want? -
Review from Tom M.
Webster, MA
I'm sitting in my car because I'm too spacey to remember the keys to my band's practice space. So while I wait for the drummer (who's never on time...amirite?) to unlock the door, I'm chowing on a killer falafel wrap. I didn't know metro west had this going for it. I have no idea about the other stuff available here, but!! I really liked the colors and cleanliness of the restaurant, the girl at the counter was super friendly, and their menu actually looks pretty good.
Seriously though, this falafel is fantastic!! And the wrap is huge. Aww yeah. -
Review from Helen M.
Boston, MA
Went here with a couple of girlfriends yesterday for lunch before shopping at Natick Mall. We must have been the first people here because it was empty and our order numbers were 2-4.
I ordered the teriyaki stirfry with salmon and brown rice. The vegetables were great - fresh and crisp - and the teriyaki sauce was great too - not too sweet or too thick. The salmon was a bit of a disappointment though. The texture was really rough (I think the salmon was frozen and not fresh) and did not feel like the usual buttery texture of this fish. The portions were very filling and I was satisfied without feeling stuffed.
My girlfriends ordered a falafel wrap (which was good) and a chicken meatball wrap (which was also good but a bit salty).
Overall, I'd give this 4 stars. I would definitely come back for fresh food if I'm in the area but I'd avoid the salmon. -
Review from Justin G.
Framingham, MA
This place isn't as good as it used to be.
It seems like something happened or changed sometime late summer 2011. The meals aren't "WOW" level like they were before. I've tried most of the menu, and for my latest visits (say last 6 times), it just hasn't been right. This place set the bar high, and now I can't help but feel disappointed with the mediocre dishes lately. -
Review from dan w.
Weston, MA
The food is good, as is the quantity. They are not afraid of spices and the freshness (it is called Big Fresh after all) is apparent in all the dishes. The help, at least on weekends, can be somewhat disengaged, bored and indifferent,(or maybe they are just tired), especially the young lady at the cash register.
One minor, but infuriating quirk- if you want another piece of pita bread- small to begin with, to go along with your chicken tagine and hummus plate- definitely a 3 pita dinner, they charge you 50 cents. You have to go to the cash register, wait for it to be rung up, etc. The cashier looked a little embarassed and said "It's not my fault, My boss makes us do it" . Of course the boss is nowhere to be found. I guess he can't get mad if a Mexican restaurant charges him for extra chips.
We will be back- but will do a better job of rationing the one, lonely pathetic little piece of of pita that comes with the dinner. (ok, petty- but grrrrr!!!) -
Review from Jen M.
Worcester, MA
Vegan, gluten free, & omnivore friendly. I'm a fan. Love their hummus!
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Review from Ira H.
Newton, MA
Excellent falafel. Nice atmosphere. The place is small. They have around 6-8 tables. It is counter service and you bus your food at the end. The Falafel was authentic and the hot sauce that came with it is as well. The pita bread was slightly thin so.. prepare to get messy. Will definitely return.
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Review from Georgina C.
Wayland, MA
I had a wonderful visit at Big Fresh yesterday , I ordered the Moroccan Tangine Stirfry and a side of falafel balls. I also enjoyed two glasses of the iced black tea. Its great that they offer Stevita instead of sugar or Splenda.
The hostess had somewhat of a glacial attitude, but my food arrived promptly, was delicious, the perfect temperature and flavorful.
The bathrooms are clean and parking is ample.
There is enough seating that allowed my friend and I to spend a few hours lingering over our meal and teas, catching up without feeling like we needed to vacate to make room for others.
The holistic magazines offered in the seating area are a great touch. I will definitely be back, I love this place. So healthy, so delicious!!! -
Review from kate m.
Worcester, MA
Yes, this place is very very great. My vegetarian friend loves it too. It's counter-order, but the seating is cute.
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Review from Maria T.
Auburndale, MA
Not too much to even say, no need for flowery language. I remember when they first moved into this location and I have supported them ever since! I'm no foodie but they manage to really get it right every time. Great food, even better variety, everything I have ever tried (regular menu or specials) has been EXCELLENT.
Vegetarian friendly, vegan options, good prices, great organic selection, quick, easy, and great service from seriously nice people!!!
My personal favorite, besides all the falafel dishes (really authentic and I have no idea how they make it) and stir-frys (also in great portions and good for take-out!) the sweet beets and feta salad is my favorite item on the menu. HIGHLY recommended. -
Review from Derick F.
Framingham, MA
Hands down best Falafel I've had, and their other dishes (cod cakes, homemade seaweed salad) are always made with the freshest ingredients.
Delicious and inexpensive place to grab a quick bite - I don't frequent here enough. -
Review from CJ N.
Boston, MA
Moving from Cambridge to Framingham, we were concerned that we couldn't get a good Mediterranean wrap. Boy were we wrong. Thank goodness we found Big Fresh.
The outside may be nondescript in strip mall fashion, but once you're inside, the menu speaks for itself. They are not kidding when they say Big Fresh!
They also have a row of fresh iced teas in various flavors - and BONUS - stevia packets! Thank goodness for people who understand natural food AND natural sweeteners.
No exaggeration, I think I had the best wrap of my life -- Chicken Tabouleh on wheat. The chicken tajine is also excellent. So is the hummus, which tastes like a wonderful middle eastern cool whip. :)
Service is efficient and friendly, and the atmosphere is casual. The walls are bright and cheery.
We are so happy that this will be out new go-to place! Thanks Big Fresh! -
Review from Shannon D.
Allston, MA
The title says it all, big servings and food is fresh (and delicious)!
Big Fresh has a variety of healthy meals including wraps, stirfrys and salads. I wouldn't recommend bringing any picky eaters here. Great restaurant for vegetarians and people looking for something different.
The food is reasonably priced for the amount you get and service is quick. I've also found them happy to customize the dishes to a certain extent if you would rather not have a certain veggie.
There isn't a lot of seating but I also haven't seen it very packed before either. Not a lot of room for large parties. The decor is fun and artsy, they have local artists works on the walls.
My favorite dish: coconut curry, yummm!
Definitely try out Big Fresh, it is a lot better than the multitude of chain restaurants in the Framingham/Natick area! -
Review from Anurag M.
Ashland, MA
Great food reasonable prices great quality
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Review from Dawn G.
Northborough, MA
I liked the food I got here all 3 times, but I thought it tasted salty and later each time my hands swelled up from the sodium so I won't be going back :(
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Review from Kelly G.
Framingham, MA
This is a great place to go for fresh, healthy food. Great salads, wraps and stir frys!
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Review from Matt K.
Millbury, MA
This place rules! The best falafel I have ever had. The taboule chicken wrap is also fantastic. It's small and can get crowded around lunch time but you can always get take-out instead. They use all organic ingredients and they have many vegetarian/vegan options. Not to be missed.
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Review from rita g.
Hudson, MA
Tired of traditional "fast food"? Pipes need a cleaning? Its small and cramped, very "70's love and peace", food is cooked to order, fresh as the name suggests, portions are hefty, prices are small in comparison to the portions, and its flavorful. I had the moroccan tangine with chicken (chicken a bit dry), which is prepared with sweet potato based curry, veggies and served over whole wheat couscous. VERY good, and I had enough left over for dinner. I sampled a vegan chocolate cake - moist and you can tell made with whole wheat flour, without having that pasty feeling - also good. My lunch partner had a salad - HUGE enough to share. So as we enjoyed one of their iced teas, we pondered what our next lunch sampling will be. Different, delicious, won't bust your wallet or your waist-line (I can't believe, ME the queen of stuffing myself has said this!)
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Review from Jason R.
Natick, MA
Wow. I can't believe food this good can be found in a what looks like a strip-mall, fast-food restaurant. Yes, that's Boston Market to the left and Papa Gino's to the right. One taste and you'll be amazed how little you paid. The beet salad was comparable to the best such salads we've had in restaurants---beets were tender and seasonsed, the greens were evenly dressed with a properly seasoned vinaigrette. The falafel wrap was also yummy---well seasoned with a nice dressing, various veggies and moist, tender falafel; most of the falafel I've had has been dry and under-seasoned. A step above all the wraps I've had in the Central and Kendall square areas of Cambridge. We got noodles and meatballs for our daughter. The noodles needed salt, but the meatballs were great---flavorful with great texture (tastes like they were made fresh by hand!).
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Review from Steve R.
Framingham, MA
We have been at Big Fresh at least 10 times (actually used to go to Rami's, a falafel place that was there- they still use the falafel machine). The food is locally grown, fresh and delicious. The falafel are crispy, tasty and plentiful. My favorite non-falafel dish is the Spicy Peanut Stir Fry.
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Review from Suzy L.
Framingham, MA
I wanted to love this place, I really did. It was good, but didn't quite live up to my expectations.
I was having a falafel jones (why I suggested this place to begin with), so I had the falafel salad plate, and it was good, but not great. The falafel balls themselves were tasty, but a tiny bit dry. The hummus was pretty nondescript, not bad, but not wow either. What really threw me off was the dressing on the salad. I didn't like it as much as similar dressings from other places.
My black mango iced tea was DELISH, however.
I would go back to try something else (my BFF loved her Moroccan tagine chicken), but when I return, won't bother with the falafel salad! -
Review from Catherine L.
Framingham, MA
My husband and I are pretty much regulars at this place. It's one of our favorite casual places to go for both lunch and dinner. We love the concept of the restaurant - organic food with emphasis on buying from local farms.
I've tried almost every dish here. My favorite is the definitely the Big Fresh Special, which is tofu with brown rice. The Big Fresh special is an awesome deal. It comes with brown rice, sauteed veggies, tofu and a side of collard greens. All of wich are delicious. I especially love the peanuty sauce that they use for the tofu.
The falafel is really good here - both in the salad plate and in the wrap. The portions are pretty generous too.
If they have it, get their sweet potatoe pie. Super delicious!
Other dishes I love from here is the Blackened Salmon and the Cod Wrap. -
Review from Renzie J.
Boston, MA
Such great food, and the best part is that it is extremely fresh, organic and healthy. My favorite is the falafel wrap, such deliciousness, and so fulfilling; and it's pretty humongous, I can't always eat the whole thing at ones. I've also tried the meatball wrap, also yummy. The only thing I didn't llke is the salmon wrap, the salmon was a bit too chewy for me, but I'm picky when it comes to fish so it might be just me. They also have a bunch of stir fry and salad options. Homemade iced tea is also really good, and includes free refills. Oh and their vegan pies are amazing as well.
Overall, I absolutely love this place. Although it's tiny, it is such a relief to have great organic, delicious food here in Framingham (which is ironically surrounded by papa ginos, boston market, and mcdonalds...aka crap) and it's not that expensive. -
Review from Prince V.
Danbury, CT
I wouldnt call this place Meditterean, but more of a Asian fusion and middle eastern mix. Food is very tasty here. I had the Falafel plate. They give you good amount of food and fast. Everything tasted very fresh. I would definitely go back here.
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Review from Rob F.
Reading, MA
Let's get the bad part out of the way: you can't have everything on the menu in one meal.
At the last minute, I needed to meet a friend somewhere near Framingham, for dinner. Yelped the area and opted for this place. Good call.
Since I arrived 15 minutes before my pal, I figured I'd have time to make my choice, but the aromas wafting from the open kitchen, the steady stream of plates being taken away from the counter by people who are obviously regular customers, and the huge number of dishes from which to choose left me paralyzed.
Finally, I put my faith in Yelp! and ordered the Hummus Falafel wrap, and a side of succotash.
Sufferin' succotash! I can't remember the last time... no, there has never been a time when I was still talking about vegetables 4 hours after I ate them. This stuff was so freakin' good!™ I know it had beans, I still remember the sweet sauteed peppers, and some kind of sauteed greens. Heck, it probably had corn, I don't know. I was hypnotized by a plate of organic greatness. The green sauce served on the side was surprisingly spicy hot and lent occasional punctuation to the dish when I dipped my fork in it before scooping up another mouthful.
The Falafel wrap? Loaded with fresh, crisp veggies, tangy tahini, smooth fresh hummus, and light hot balls of fried chickpea. The pita pocket was a fresh, over-sized pouch like loaf. On another day I might be more effusive about the wrap. Don't get me wrong. It was very, very good. It pales next to the succotash. Not a reflection on the wrap, I swear.
The "freshness" of all the vegetables was, quite honestly, notable, as was the "bigness" of the servings. Hence the name, I guess.
My friend had the Moroccan Chicken Tagine. He was not bowled over. He had also had a hellacious weekend, a long day at the office, a miserable drive to the restaurant through Mass pike rush hour traffic, and wanted an alcoholic beverage immediately upon entering the place. Honestly, had nubile nymphs been pouring nectar and peeling grapes, I think Fred would still not have been all that happy without a stiff drink. It looked good to me. He did admit that he loved the philosophy of the place and that all the food looked good.
So, thanks Yelp! for once again steering me towards greatness when I don't know where I am or know what I want. Today, I know I want more of that succotash! And to try the sweet potato pie.
(Dear Readers: I think "so freakin' good!™" will be my new personal catch phrase, indicating that a thing is unsurpassed. Hopefully to go down in media history more like "telling it like it is" than "boom goes the dynamite." Of course, only time will tell. :-) ) -
Review from Charlotte H.
Norfolk, MA
I was really, really pleased with this. Sometimes I am nervous about these new earthy-crunchy places because often the food is a little weird for me, and I absolutely hate the taste of whole wheat pasta! But here, I was really happy.
We ordered take-out for an office lunch. It was ready, hot, on-time, and well-packed when we got there. Everything was delicious! A coworker and I split a Chicken Meatball Wrap and a Big Baby salad. Both were delicious! The chicken was tender and the wrap was just awesome. All of the flavors worked. Big Baby salad was also decent. Field greens, pears, gorgonzola, raspberry vinaigrette, how can you go wrong? The dressing was great. Everything was fresh and organic, but it was still really reasonably priced! Lunch for 10 people was $92.
However, I hate their location. They're in this ugly strip mall with red overhangs. Right next to a Papa Gino's or something. I think with a better location, they'd be fabulous. Their location does not fit with their style and menu. But the restaurant looked nice on the inside! So I'm still happy. -
Review from Archie R.
Hey Big Fresh...
Your hummus is just as good as mine.
Your peanut sauce is light and delicious.
Your whole wheat pasta is perfectly cooked.
Your options are plentiful and healthy.
I am not sure if I really really love you or really really hate you (for not being in my area).
Regardless, I am down on bended knee asking your hippie vegan ass to marry me.
As my friends in Boston say..."you ah wicked good kid."
Tahini. -
Review from Dawn E.
This is my new favorite place. It is difficult living so far from Boston and finding a place that offers healthy alternatives. More difficult still to find local products being served at that place.
Big Fresh is somewhere between fast food and "slow food." You order from a counter and they'll call your number when your order is ready. The place is warmly lit with cozy little booths and they serve a selection of wine and beer and sodas (many organic also). Unlike similar concepts, this place is warm and inviting and someplace that you can pop in and out or linger for a while while an old friend. I wouldn't bring large parties here, because it's just not big enough to accommodate them, but a friend or three is perfect.
I went for the first time with my Mom, because she is in town and I was dragging her to Trader Joe's to buy beer and stuff. I remember expecting decent food because of the reviews, but I really didn't expect such a comfortable place to be. I ordered the Big Fresh Special, because what else would you start with? This was some baked and browned tofu slices in a delicate but delicious peanut sauce over a bed of brown rice with some teriyaki stir fried veggies and a side of collard greens. For me, tofu is either wonderful or horrid depending on how it's prepared, and this was wonderful (and not fried!). The rice was perfectly cooked and the greens were easily the best collard greens I've ever had (and I'm from the south, y'all). The vegetables were light in delicious, without too much oil or sugar.
My mother ordered the teriyaki stir fry with chicken, which was a larger portion of the same veggies I has, more brown rice (although you could also have wheat pasta) and, of course, chicken. She seemed very satisfied with her meal as well.
The food came out very quickly and we were in and out in a flash (we had stuff to do!) but, oh, how I wanted to linger there with a glass of organic wine. I will definitely return soon with one of my best mates.
We each only ate half of our food and combined the rest into a takeout tin (yes, tin, not echy styrofoam but old school aluminum with a paper top that I will dutifully recycle when I am done with it). The leftovers provided me with lunch for today and there is still plenty for tomorrow as well.
I want to try everything on the menu! I'm definitely going for something with hummus next...
Big Fresh, I know we only just met, but I love you. -
Review from Lindsey M.
Brookline, MA
A vegetarian's dream. Literally.
Although you have every reason by the looks of his place to think they are just another greasy fast-food joint, DON'T BE DECIEVED. This hidden gem is cozy and charming offering an amazing selection of nutritious veg and non veg entrees. Their organics come from local farms and couldn't agree with the restaurants name more. Everything from tofu, falafel, hummus, and salads to whole grains poultry and meats.
I am a huge fan of the Moroccan Tangine. -
Review from Carrie M.
Arlington, MA
I love this place!
The falafel is fantastic, as is the hot sauce that goes along with it.
Their vision is great, it's good to see restaurants using local ingredients and not using overly processed restaurant service ingredients. -
Review from Dharia M.
South Waltham, MA
i've been eating here for a few years, and i LOVE it. I like to call it "Hippie Fast Food", the kind of food that i grew up eating in california. The kind of place i miss from living in college towns, and definitely didn't expect to find in the shadow of the mall. I used to commute along rte 9 three evenings per week and when you're starving and cranky its so easy to get sucked into gross junk food. Big Fresh is awesome for vegetarians, but i've also hooked several of my carnivorous friends on the place!
everyone else has already touted their organic, local ingredients. yay. i recommend ordering the Big Fresh Salad with sauteed tofu on top, that's my fave. -
Review from Clark E.
Natick, MA
I love this place. Its always fresh, locally grown food for short money. I love the blackened salmon. Very unique meals and you can get in and out fast. Plant based diet friendly.
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Review from Sneakers A.
Framingham, MA
A good place to grab a healthy meal, but I wonder if they're spreading themselves too thin with the number of cuisines that they present. The falafel is decent, and I also thought that the Moroccan chicken dish that I tried was ok. No soda because of the hippie/eastern-medicine/psychic healing crowd that they're trying to attract, but they do have a couple decent teas.
Prices are reasonable. -
Review from Shanna L.
San Diego, CA
This place is so, so so good. Best falafel I've ever had. Tons of vegetarian options, all with extremely good flavor. I recommend the peanut noodle stirfry.
This place has all organic ingredients and is family owned.
They also serve a small selection of beer and wine.
They're good for the environment, too - they have real dishes and silverware.
I LOVE THIS PLACE.
I really see no downside...every time I've come here both the service and food is incredible. Also VERY reasonably priced, beautiful local artwork and quick food. Can't beat it. -
Review from Matthew O.
Framingham, MA
Buy Local. Eat Global.
Great food at Big Fresh. They buy a lot of their stuff locally and tell you where your food comes from. While they have a regular menu, they also serve up fantastic dishes based on what's in-season locally.
You can order most dishes with organic meats and fish, or with tofu or locally made tempeh.
Everyone who works there is very nice and a few seats allow you to sit and watch your food be made; great for kids. -
Review from Jef S.
I hate it when people call a restaurant a "hidden gem". Those goddamned Andelmans have taken over Boston as it is...don't encourage them any more!
However, if "hidden gem" wasn't such a loaded term, it would fit nicely for Big Fresh. This small deli-ish, restaurant-ish, I'm not even sure what to call it is located off Route 9 in the shoppers' hell that is Shoppers World. There are 7 billion places to eat in the area, (including the super BBQ calorie bomb lure of Tennesee's right next door) so why choose Big Fresh?
The food is good. That's why. Hummus is tasty (almost, but not quite as good as my wife's homemade) and falafel cannot be beat. They have great salad offerings and fresh vegetables on every plate or wrap that leaves the kitchen. Staff is very friendly, but they can be disorganized when the line gets busy...wait times are variable. The room itself is tastefully decorated, but small. I wouldn't recommend coming here with a group larger than four.
Big Fresh, understandably, is also more expensive than, say, the local fast food joints, but the food is worth it, worth it, worth it, all the way. And they're cheaper, faster, and tastier than a lot of places in the vicinity. 4.4999999 stars with some extra hummus to go.Listed in: Boston: Metro
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Review from Nicole S.
I took my fellow Yelpers advice and decided to go against my very strict "No Falafel outside of the San Jose Falafel Drive-In Ever Ever" rule (this was a VERY big step mind you), and check out Big Fresh. I don't think I'm as excited and wowed as other reviewers, but you put up a noble fight in the reign for Master Falafel.
I had to bring it home and smother it in garlic chili sauce, but if I closed my eyes and pretended hard enough I could trick myself for a second or two and think I was eating a real SJ style lunch. It was fresh, it was good, and the other stuff I saw coming out of the kitchen looked fabulous. I *guess* I'd recommend it if you've never had the Jesus Falafel in CA because then you wouldn't know what you're missing. -
Review from Amar C.
Shrewsbury, MA
I've only been to this place a couple of times... and admittedly haven't ordered anything to eat other than the Falafel sandwich. But Oh My GOD is it good!
Now when I go I get a falafel with hot sauce "for here" and one to go for lunch the next day!
Also, the Moroccan Mint green tea... dee-lish.
Strangely, I think this health-oriented place is owned by the same people as Tennesee's, the BBQ joint in the same plaza... or at least they share a catering menu. -
Review from Cory M.
Upton, MA
I went here because people keep telling me it's one of the only places in Framingham where you can get vegetarian food.
It was super crowded when I was there and I felt really rushed while I was ordering, so I might be wrong about this, but I didn't think they had very many veggie options. All those fresh veggies and only one meatless wrap? That's just silly.
I had the falafel wrap because it was the only non-meat thing that could be eaten without a fork. It was really big, which was good because it was also stupidly expensive (for falafel anyway). I guess it might be a good idea to use it to feed 2 people and then the price wouldn't seem so high.
If you are in the area looking for vegetarian food, go next door to the Indian place, Gold Star.
My actual review of Big Fresh is 2 stars, but they get one additional star for having a decent concept and being in Framingham. -
Review from Sameer K.
Allston, MA
Big Fresh has the best hummas ever made. No lie, in a Bobby F. like throw down, it would beat them all.
Now when you go in the first time, it is a big confusing on what you need to order. I would suggest the Plates. They give you falafel and boat load of greens. Also for the spice lovers, as for some hot spicy sauce on the side. This stuff is not really sauce but it tastes great and packs a good kick. Also the staff is real nice and if you ask them nicely, they will also throw in a piece of bread for no charge.
The decor is also great. Always interesting art hanging on the walls. For sale but not in my budget. The place is green friendly and the owner uses only locally grown produce.
The true original healthly place to eat and no gimics to prove to you that they are healthy. I love this place and recommend it.Listed in: Top Restaurants
