Everytime I come to the U District to do research, this is the only place I want to eat. The falafel sandwich is delicious and the atmosphere is kind. Samir is charming and he remembers me every time, even though I only come in once or twice a year. May Samir's Mediterranean Grill prosper for many more years! read more

We were fortunate to find this place while on a work-related trip to the U district. Recognizing that we were not "locals", Samir immediately made us feel welcome and recommended "sampler platters". Needless to say, we were not disappointed. The food was awesome and the service was exceptional. The quality of the food was great and it was super affordable (worked out at $14 per person, with tax and tip). Each of us had two helpings, the platters were huge and included: Chicken, Beef, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, stewed chickpeas, brown rice, white rice, vegetables, baba ghanouj, and hummus. He also gave us some type of spongy cake with cream, nuts and honey. The food was so good and plentiful, I brought leftovers home. My kids and husband loved it. This is an absolutely awesome place. I only wish I didn't live so far away, otherwise I would come here often. read more

I've been enjoying Samir's cooking since 1979. At that time he was running Cedar's which is located across the street from his current location (I think one of Samir's relatives still runs Cedars but I'm not sure). Great food, lovely family, excellent prices!!! If you want to try his excellent tabouli you should give him a call before you visit the restaurant. He usually doesn't have it on hand because it does not stay fresh for long. But when it is available it is very good as is all the other food. Samir is also happy to make custom dishes. Each time I walk in the door he asks me if I'd like something special. He remembers the things I like and comes up with suggestions that are not on the menu. That said, I also like the standard menu items. I've never had better falafel in spite of having visited Lebanese restaurants throughout the country. read more

Love love love samirs. He is so friendly and the food always comes fast and delicious. A true university way institution. I get a falafel plate or sandwich each time I ho, and my wife will try other things on the menu. We have never been disappointed. You will not be disappointed. read more

I have been eating Samir's food since 1990 when I started working in the U-district. I still try to stop by whenever I am somewhat close. The food is delicious -- the baba ghanoush is the best around and I love the marinated chicken in pita bread sandwich. Samir is so nice and he never forgets me no matter how ridiculously long its been since I stopped by. They're doing catering now and I would recommend the food for any event! read more

Today was my first visit to Samir's. The owner was there and I asked him if the grape leaves were home made or came from a can, he told me that they are made fresh at their home. When I got home, I found out that the they are not and the 20 grape leaves I ordered came from a can and they were not home made. The guy just lied for few dollars. I know the difference between home made grape leaves and the stuff that comes in a can...??? I also got an order of Hummus and and an order of Baba Ganoush to go, they were as good as the stuff you buy in a can, not enough Pita bread either, his falafel was also one of the worst that I have ever had. The owner might be a big talker with a big smile but this is not what I was paying for. . I have much better experience in other places. After all, he could have told me the truth about the grape leaves.....??? he knows that they came from a can and not home made. I will not go back again. Honesty is the key. It is best if you just walk few blocks and go to either Aladdin Falfel Corner or Aladdin Gyro-cery, both places have better food, better service and also better prices. All what Samir has to offer is BAD processed food. The place is always SLOW so the food just sets there unlike busy places that go thogh food fast and quick which means Fresher food for us. Don't go there, save your money and your time and eat in better places. Samir's does not represent the real Mediterraniean food or service. read more

I stopped in this afternoon and had a kafta kebob pita sandwich. The lamb is infused with some green leafy herbs; I couldn't exactly pin point what spices they used, but MAN was IT good. I think I may slightly prefer the shawarma, but I could definitely go for another kafta when I'm ready to switch things up a bit. read more

Not a fan. Tried three different dishes, the veggie combo platter, the gyro plate, and the beef schwarma plate. I guess I get spoiled eating at Mediterranean Kitchen, this place did not live up to that. The sauce on the meat was not tasty. The portions are large, but besides that, the flavor of everything was only ok. I've had much better mediterranean food elsewhere. read more

Love this cheap eatery!! Great tasting, inexpensive and HEALTHY food served fast by super-friendly Lebanese family. They treat you like an invited guest in their home kitchen. Nice to have a lunch option with friendly ambiance that doesn't leave you in a fat/salt/empty carb induced coma. read more

This fabulous little family-owned hole-in-the-wall restaurant is hands-down the best choice for a quick, delicious lunch on the Ave. On a sunny day, step up to the walk-up window and order an amazing gyro sandwich to go and find a spot on campus to kick back & enjoy. If it's cold and rainy, just hope there's a table available and treat yourself to an amazingly tasty plate of falafel or wonderfully spiced meats served with a delicious salad, rice, and pita bread. As great as the food is at Samir's, the service is even better. The owner and his family make you feel welcome and cherished. They treat repeat customers like family and greet newbies just as warmly. This is my go-to spot for a tasty, filling, healthy lunch. read more

Samir's! How I love Samir's. It's a fixture -- one of the oldest Arabic food joints in the city -- and Samir is flat-out one of the friendliest guys you will ever meet. The food can be inconsistent, but it's usually very good, and most of all, it's super cheap: you can get a bag full of sandwiches or two huge plates of food for $20. There's always plenty of pally chatter going on, and Samir will tell you some great stories if you get him talking, which isn't hard. Any of the sandwiches are dandy if you eat 'em piping hot, and the garlic-tzadziki fries are a great accompaniment. This is the kind of place where you want to become a regular the first time you stop in. read more

I work at the university and on my first day my colleagues brought me here. Since than I have been hooked not only is the food excellent. Samir is awesome as well, he is always friendly and happy . My favorite is the falafel sandwich but if you ask for it spicy. Samir puts this delicious green stuff on; i don't know what it is it but it is amazing. This is a great place hidden in the U-district. Also try the cauliflower and french fry sandwich it sounds weird but it is really good. Stop on by and treat yourself to a delicious meal. read more

At 4 bucks definitely the cheapest gyro on the Ave. The owner is a good guy and this is a true mom and pop restaurant.

Wow!!! AMAZING food. Samir is a great guy that will make you feel great even on not so great days. Again.. amazing good, amazing service.

Great food! Great service! The guy (Samir) has been a Chef for 33 years now, I think he knows what the hell he's doing. He use to manage Cedars before his family screwed him over for being a lovable, fun guy! Food is wonderful, Service is great! AND to Mo Y., Stop being a hater. You sound like a stuck-up punk. Go eat your moms Grape Leaves back in the middle east! read more

Outstanding service, the owner was super friendly and the food was delicious. We stopped by today for a quick bite and ended up getting a chicken shawarma and beef gyro with added falafel balls, the best we had. We order to go but ended up dinning in and the owner was so attentive and brought us plates and waters. We will definitely be coming back before we head out back to california. read more

Samir's a bro and the foods good too. We got the feast for two and it was more than enough. Baklava for dessert is totally worth it.

LOVE Samir and his delicious food, which is nourishing for the mind and body. Samir has been cooking up amazing delicious food for his lucky patrons since he was a young boy. Seeing his smile and tasting his delicious food warms and revives the spirit. It's a precious and wonderful family business that we should support! Miss seeing Samir as often now that I am traveling and cooking at home more. We loved him so much that we used to go almost every night for take-out dinner. So trust me - I speak from lots of experience eating almost everything on the menu :) read more

I heart this place. I love it because it's conveniently located near campus but the food is great too. I always get a gyro but their garlic fries are soooo good (with extra feta cheese!). He always remembers me when I come in and get great service. Delicious! I'm not a huge fan of mediterranean food so I can't give too much feedback. But it's worth looking into. read more

I don't know why I hadn't gone here before, but I finally stopped by. I had the falafel plate, which was quite good, and the owner was very friendly. I'll definitely be back to try more. read more

Samir is really friendly, the food comes fast, and it is very tastey and cheap. Great if you have a short break between classes.

Coming to Samir's is like coming home. Samir makes you feel welcome and will cook you a flavorful, delicious meal that leaves you happy and satisfied. Get the King's dish if you're hungry, you won't regret it when he puts that giant plate of food in front of you. read more

This is my favorite place for falafel. The food is authentic and made with love. Try the garlic fries and make friends with Samir, he is such a sweetheart! read more

Great place for a casual lunch or early dinner. Vegetarian options were a little limited, but the falafel was easily some of the best I've ever had. Samir is an awesome, friendly guy and it's a wonderful family feel inside. Definitely nothing fancy, but its fun, cheap and delicious. read more

Samir's food is terrific, but the reason you will come back is for his friendly, laid back personality. You will not find a better place to eat falafel and shawarma in Seattle. read more

Had a very warm and welcoming experience at Samir's during my recent visit. The owner was very nice, had a lively conversation with us and offered us some homemade special hot sauce. My friend had a lamb shank special which he claimed was just amazing. I had my usual tauwk (chicken) dish without any disappointment. Finally, I must mention about the dessert 'Nomoura' which was a unique sweet that I ever had. read more

Great lunch spot! I've been here a few times when grabbing lunch on my way between work sites and also when taking my sister shopping on the Ave. The gyro sandwiches are delicious (I'm a huge sucker for the shaved doner lamb kebab meat). The fries are crispy. The falafel sandwich is enormous and with falafel done right (these are not hockey pucks). The grilled veggie dish is surprisingly tasty and sprinkled with feta cheese. The prices are fair, the counter-folk are really nice, and I've had good food regardless of whether I took it to go or sat down to eat. read more

This is my favorite place to eat in the U district (and the best middle eastern food I've had in Seattle). The foul and kafta are favorites, but everything here is good. Samir and Rihab are so nice and make healthy, delicious food. They remember their regulars, are happy to work with you on food preferences and allergies, and frequently have off-menu secret deliciousness to offer. Ask about the specials. They are still open during light rail construction - get in there!! read more

Best Mediterranean food on the ave, and that's saying something! Samirs is that rare combo great food with even better service. The prices are easy on the wallet and portions are big enough for anyone looking for leftovers. So stop reading this and head over to Samir's... and tell him John and Sky said hello! Cheers read more

First off Samirs is the fire! All the negative people on yelp don't know Mediterranean go up the street and eat at the bland pitta pit.If you want good food and Samir hooking up the food with a great vibe.Time captured on the walls pictures people through the years. Point being respect the these places for they are a dieing breed.Good food at a good price.Despite the negative you should try if your in the u. read more

Very friendly cashier and waiter. Good selection of Mediterranean food on the menu. Very healthy variety of food.

Samir has a wonderful family and delicious food. I highly recommend Samir's restaurant when ur looking for Mediterranean food

I will give this place a Negative Ten Stars if I could.........Bad food, so bad that the four of us who ate there got sick and bad service. The meat was old and dry, the falafel was the type of mix you buy from the store and add water to, the hummus did not even taste like hummus, we left most of our food on the table, payid Samir for his bad food and bed service and left. We will never ever go back again. There are many great gyro places few blocks from this Samir guy and they are much better and the prices also are better. read more

Tasty food. Samir always has something delicious on special. And he'll make anything just the way you like it. A great spot for lunch, dinner, catering, anything! read more

AMAZING FOOD! its so tasty and the nicest people i have ever met! I went to Aladdin and got kicked out for being a Jewish, so i came to Samirs and ordered a lamb Shank and falafel sandwich. Best food ever and the service was amazing as well. later samir came over to our table and began to talk to us, he was very cheerful and friendly and after i told him my story about being kicked out of Aladdin he said it wasn't the first time he heard of this problem. also @ ana m. you probably are over exaggerating because if you havent noticed u were there on a very busy day a YEAR AGO, which means it wasnt how you make it sound since you didnt say anything about until now which is A YEAR LATER! read more

So delicious! I got the veggie combo and then a container of baba ghanoush to take home because it was so good. Also, very friendly service. I'll definitely be back. read more

We love Samir's! Not only is the food fantastic and affordable but the owners are extremely friendly and welcoming. The falafel wrap is my favorite and it's only about $5. They even have catering. read more

Their sandwiches are delicious, and I have always liked going in here to grab one. Unfortunately, I ordered their Kings Plate as a take out for my husband and was REALLY disappointed with how it ended up being. Its supposed to be a mix of meats, rice, hummus and salad. And it ended up being mostly rice with 3 slivers of gyro meat, maybe a half breast of chicken and a small spoonful of hummus. I'll go back for the sandwiches, but I'm not paying $12 for a carton of rice again. read more

I've been eating Samir's excellent sandwiches served with a warm smile, and sincere appreciation for every customer as the 'boss' for over a decade on NE 43rd Street. He has only gotten better over time. I almost always get his gyros or shawarma, but I've tried some of the salata and other plates and they always educate me on the delicious things I've kept myself from discovering. His falafel is as unmatched as his hospitality and friendship with almost anyone he's ever met. read more

My second favorite falafel on the ave. Good prices and friendly guy behind the counter. I often wonder if he and the gyro-guy across the street are in some sort of battle for best walk-up window service gyros. read more