Headed here right before pandemic hit. I was so overwhelmed! Everything I tried was delicious. First falafel in history of falafels I've liked (I had given up in them...alas in steps Yafo). I loved seeing the pita bread being prepared- aka fresh!! The hummus is out of this world creamy- I love that you can never get bored here as the bowls lend lots of choice and also that helps with families who like different things- you can be healthy or not, vegan, load up on the chicken, your hearts desire! Round of applause YaFo!! read more

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Food was fresh and delicious. The service was quick and helpful. It was our first time and we were from out of town. This was a great little find for a not so heavy dinner. Good kids options as well. read more

Great place for "fast" Mediterranean food! I had a bowl with lentils and pork with crispy pickled radishes etc etc We definitely need one of these in Indiana!! read more

Decided to look around and see if I could find a middle eastern place for a good falafel bowl and I came across Yafo. It reminds me of Bezoria in Atlanta. The good Food is fresh, healthy and taste good. Ordered two bowls. One with rice, chicken swarma, hummus, falafel and cucumber tomato salad and the other bowl with rice, chicken swarma, hummus and cucumber tomato salad. The bad Prices are too high! A bowl with just hummus, rice or cous cous and other toppings is $8.99. Then if you want falafel thats another $1.25 and chicken swarma another $2.25. Expect to spend $12 - $15 on one bowl depending on whether you order just falafel, chicken swarma or both. If a bowl with nothing but veggies on top of rice is costing more than $9 there's a problem. They are very stingy with the hummus and other toppings. They use a small ice cream scooper and put one scoop of hummus in my bowl and for the type of money they charge they should be putting more food in the bowl. The parking situation at this location is ridiculous. Most of the spaces are reserved for residents that live in the apartments around the restaurant with a very small amount of spaces for others to park their car. You have to sit and wait for a parking spot. Might visit Yafo again but it won't be the Southpark location. read more

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Yafo was hyped to me, so I was skeptical, but the food lived up to the hype. It tastes SO fresh and flavorful. My recommendations: - Get a side of fresh house baked laffah (a soft pillowly flatbread that they make in front of you) - IMO, the falafel is better than the chicken. The falafel is one of the best I've had. - The veggie toppings are delicious! I love adding pickles, tabbouleh, and the tomato and cucumber salad. - The hummus is super creamy and delicious. I get both condiment options - the hummus and the tzatziki. Even non-salad/veggie people will LOVE the vegetables here. They season everything to perfection. read more

YAFO Kitchen - Falafel and Grain Bowl - Middle Eastern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Love me some YAFO. We get YAFO delivered with Door Dash at LEAST 4 times a month. Last night we finally decided to go IN and sit down. Great food, great price point and lots of space to sit and enjoy your meal. I knocked off one star for the comment one of the workers made. He made a slight comment about me being away from my kids and I told him I didn't have chIldren. His comment isn't relevant to the restaurant and he did apologize so it's not worth repeating. He was nice as was the rest of the staff and that's all that matters. read more

I had been meaning to try this place for a long time, as my wife and I are both big fans of the fast casual restaurant concept. There were definitely some positives with Yafo, but I must say I left slightly disappointed. There was an impressive selection of fresh ingredients to choose from and overall my bowl tasted great. The only weakness was the lamb, which I found to be somewhat lacking in flavor. On the other hand, I tried some of my wife's Beef Kofta, and it was much better. My other major complaint is that there are no different sizes to choose from and the one size is way too big and expensive. None of the three of us managed to make it even half way through our bowl. And the price, although justified by the size of the bowl, is just too much for lunch. Three bowls with one fountain drink cost around $46. We had to make an unplanned trip back home to the fridge in order to avoid throwing away $20 worth of food. If I return, my wife and I will be sharing one Beef Kofta bowl. read more

YAFO Kitchen - Lamb Bowl - Middle Eastern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

I was looking for a healthy option to go to for dinner with one of my girl friends. She suggested Yafo. I had been to Yafo before and didn't have a good experience, so I was anxious to give it another shot especially with the incredible reviews. I ordered half hummus, have quinoa, with chicken, cucumber, feta, and chickpeas. There was some delicious taziki sauce drizzled on top. I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious this bowl was. I also ordered the cucumber green drink that was really refreshing and delicious. I wish Yafo published their nutrition because I can't tell how many calories I ate. I will return. read more

YAFO Kitchen - Middle Eastern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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I was in Charlotte for a layover and had the opportunity to leave the airport to get some real food. I happened to be in this specific area and found this restaurant just walking distance. I love how clean and modern the space was. I built my own bowl which included all of the following; rice, hummus, tabbouleh, some chickpeas, brussel sprouts & chicken salad (add'l $2). They gave me a rolled naan to go with it. I thoroughly enjoyed this meal and ate it all in one sitting! Definitely worth leaving the airport for if you have the time. read more

YAFO Kitchen - Build Your Own Bowl - Grain Bowl - Middle Eastern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Omgee yesssss. Finally tried this place out! I was sad I missed the yelp event here. So glad to have such a healthy option on Central Avenue! Welcome to the neighborhood, Yafo! For starters, the place is gorgeous. The outside patio is so nice! In fact we sat out there since the sun was out yesterday. The inside is roomy and nicely designed. Parking is easy, they have spots right out front. There's also a apartment complex next door where customers can park on the bottom floor for free. But do not park across the street at Central's shopping center, you will get booted! They don't play there. Yafo is the chipotle of Mediterranean food! All delicious options, where you pick your base and toppings. From what I remember prices start at $8.99 and go up when you add meat or certain sides. For example, +$2 for chicken and +$4 for pulled lamb. The staff is super friendly! I'm not sure if the lady checking us out knew we were new or not but she gave my son a free cookie to sample! That speaks volumes on their customer service. The cookie was "blueberry muffin" and made with all good stuff. That made my son's day, and he wanted to go back inside when we're done eating just to tell her he liked it! Also you do not have to bust your own tables, they say to leave it all and they will take care of it. There are signs that remind you also. Their juices are all amazing! So fresh tasting, so hydrating! Yummy. My favorite was the tumeric mango! I'd come back just for the drinks! But I'll be back anyways! read more

YAFO Kitchen - Their juices are sooooo good! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Yafo is one of my favorite places to go for quick Mediterranean food. I go here probably at least once a month even though it's not close to my house. I usually get the bowl and I will mix that up with either rice or half rice/half hummus or if I'm feeling healthy half rice/half kale mix. You get to pick your toppings and usually what I'll pick is the cucumber tomato and the red cabbage. Last, I like to top it off with chicken. You get a pita bread with your bowl plus there is some different sauces to choose from. I always choose the garlic sauce it is delicious to dip the pita in as well as to add to the bowl. read more

YAFO Kitchen - Middle Eastern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

I ordered for pickup today. Easy connection through Yelp, and pay with Apple Pay. Seamless! Ordering was super easy, just click on what you want, right ? So I pick up my order and I got one of the 3 proteins I chose. I did however, get charged for all of them which is good, on top of the tip I automatically gave. The place is packed and food is decent, why they keep messing with me?? This will be the last time I come here. Ugh! read more

Great place to get a family meal. I have only ever gotten to go but it has always been great and ALOT of food. So we usually get their rotisserie chicken but we switched it up and got their Greek chicken which was delicious. We got their Mac N Cheese because it's the best along with the Brussel Sprouts which were incredible as well. Everything about their family style meal is great. We love the hummus rice and pita that they include with it. I tried 2 sauces that I have never had before. 1 was their standard tahini the other 2 was the schug and the mint vinaigrette. The schug which is a cilantro jalapeno is AWESOME. We will continue to order from Yafo. It is a little heavy on the price. It's $37 versus paying $25 from Viva Chicken. The food quality and quantity is worth it but that is the ONLY factor that keeps me from choosing Yafo every time. The food is awesome tho read more

If you live or work in the South Park area this a must go place. I can't count the amount of times I've come to Yafo but each time I've never been disappointed. Food is always fresh and delicious. I especially like the bowls, grain or salad, then add whatever topping you like (my favorite - Falafaal. If you like avocado then you can't go wrong with the quinoa stuffed avocado. One of my favorite lunch spots in SP. Tip- order online this place gets pretty busy. Tip - parking is hard to find sometimes - park in the Earth Fare parking garage then just walk across. read more

YAFO Kitchen - Build your own bowl - salad - Middle Eastern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

One of my favorite spots in town. I've been going here for a few years now and they never disappoint. I heard they've opened up a few locations around town but I still go to the South Park location. I usually order the BYOB (Build your own bowl) and just get unique and crazy with the combinations you can go with. My order would usually end out as colorful as it is delicious. But this time I went with the Israeli Hot Chicken sandwich that my friend was recommending me on. Especially with chicken sandwiches being on the rage today, I had to try it! The sandwich was really good, the batter and crumbs they battered the chicken in was really light and tasty. The only drawback I noticed was that the chicken wasn't that spicy throughout the sandwich but only at certain bites. Perhaps they didn't coat the entire chicken breast evenly? I'm not sure. Definitely give the sandwich a shot! read more

YAFO Kitchen - Israeli Hot Chicken and Brussel Sprouts - Middle Eastern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Great food! Super friendly and helpful staff! Enjoyed my entire meal. Definitely recommend! read more

YAFO Kitchen - Middle Eastern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Love this location! Always great service, good food and portions. The staff has always been super kind every time I come here. And the seating area is well maintained and clean. read more

Quick and easy online ordering for pick up. Very filling and yummy! I would not order the Kofta patty again as it was mostly raw in the middle. Actually the dish is so filling and full of yummy goodness I believe I will forgo the protein option in the future. Definitely made 3 meals off of one bowl. read more

YAFO Kitchen - Build your own bowl with beef Kofta patty - Middle Eastern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Absolutely love this place. Their tzatziki sauce is to die for. They're very quick and timely with their food. The only downside is I don't always want to spend $25 on lunch. read more

Delicious, fresh food. I always build my own bowl and the portions are generous. The line always moves quickly and you can see them prepping the bread while you are in the line too. They offer a great selection of proteins, and veggies and I have always contemplated the family dinner with the roasted chicken, so maybe one of these days I will actually do it! Near the cash register is an assortment of beer, wine, kombucha and desserts to add on to your meal too. They also offer some refreshing, unique drinks in addition to the typical soda if you are feeling some fruity goodness. read more

Great place to make your own bowl. Simple. Pick your basics, add delicious sauces and vegetables, and top it off with a protein + falafel. Can't go wrong. Service was like an off sync cafeteria line, granted it was during peak dinner hour so we understand. I'll come back and I definitely recommend! read more

YAFO Kitchen - Chicken Yafo Shawarma Bowl - Middle Eastern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

So, I hate to do this and I know people love Yafo, but I just don't get it. After several visits and several different Entrees/items, Yafo just isn't my thing. Yes, service is great, the line moves reasonably fast, because it is always busy, and the food tastes good, nothing is great. On my most recent visit, I ordered the 1/2 chicken with Brussels Sprouts and Potato Fries. Although the chicken was cooked to perfection, moist and piping hot, the two sides were pretty bland and probably wouldn't order again. If you like Mediterranean food, fast casual atmosphere, typically a wait, and decent food, Yafo is your place. As for me, I'll probably go elsewhere. read more

Not a good value. You get a base and basically hummus and sauces included. Too many up charges in my opinion. I paid $16 for a bowl with no protein. Paid extra for avocado and cauliflower. If everything was included at say $12 I'd come back. But not as is. read more

I'm slightly sad that I've waited this long to check out Yafo Kitchen, because it was delicious and I will certainly be back again! Coming at the peak of lunch time and being my first time was slightly overwhelming, so I'd recommend checking out the menu online prior to, just so you have an idea. I went for the half and half BYOB, and I'm glad I did because I was able to try a little bit over everything. Their hummus is delicious and smooth, and their taziki has that tangy cool texture you want. I'm not vegan, but I chose the falafel, and I'm glad I did, they were delicious! The bread that you get with the oil/herb sauce on the side helps to scoop up all the goodness in the bowl, getting all the delicate Mediterranean flavors! Parking can be a little tricky in the center, so just find a spot and take a stroll! read more

YAFO Kitchen - Half and half bowl (grain and hummus) with falafel, cucumber, tahini, olives, feta, chickpeas (and some accidental tabouli). Delicious! - Middle Eastern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

I visit this place once a week. I love Mediterranean food and this is my go to place in CLT. Not only do they have healthy options, but everything is filled with flavor. I normally always get a build your bowl, but everything is fabulous here to be honest. You must try their hummus it's the best in town. I had the honor to meet the executive chef and taught us how to make this hummus. The Mac and cheese here is a must. After trying this one there hasn't been anything I can compare it too. The potatoes are wonderful. Honestly, go and check this place out! It's a must in CLT!! read more

YAFO Kitchen - Build your own bowl with half chicken and half falafel - Middle Eastern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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American junk food version of healthy Mediterranean food. The sodium content is through the roof. Quality ingredients do not need that much salt to taste good. I ordered a bowl with salad greens and hummus base, chickpeas, tabbouleh, red cabbage and olives. My intent was to have a healthy and tasty lunch but instead was served just another fast food garbage meal. I'm sad. read more

I would eat at Yafo Kitchen daily if I could. The food is so good. I usually go with vegetarian fare (hummus, falafel and quinoa) but my husband loves the chicken tacos. The line moves were quickly but the staff at South Park is hit or miss. Some are rushing you down the line and others go above like the manager who requested a new batch of chicken for my husband because she did not like the appearance of the first batch. It's casual, the food is delicious and everything is freshly prepared. We need a Yafo in Steele Creek. read more

Yafo is my all time fav place to eat! All three locations have a very consistent taste and portions of food. Yafo is 1000 times better than the other style food place that starts with a C. I will not name names. I have since moved to Florida and I am missing my yafo!! Cannot wait to come back & visit! read more

My first visit was a week ago. Our son ate here regularly when he worked nearby and he wanted us to experience Yafo Kitchen. He and my wife ordered Chicken Shawarma and I tried the Galilee Kofta. I will try something else next trip - and there will be a next trip. The Chicken Shawarma orders received excellent reviews. Sunday evening is, apparently, an excellent time to visit. Service was very helpful, pleasant, and prompt. I am told weekday lunches will find Yafo very crowded. read more

Pricey but the food is absolutely delicious. I highly recommend if you like Mediterranean food or wanting try it out for your first time. The portion is big so for the price I think it's totally worth it. read more

YAFO Kitchen - Middle Eastern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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I'm downgrading my rating from 5-stars to 3. The quality of the food and service has been steadily declining. I no longer look forward to going; I go when I have no other choice. Shame - I really used to like this place. read more

Love the food at YAFO. It's 5 star. It was the first time I went there in person ( always had delivery ) I was excited for my husband to try the food. The service wasn't great. The poor girl at the start of the line was sweet, but the young lady and young man in the middle KEPT on and on with their personal conversation and we just stood there without an acknowledgement for what seemed like forever. It was such bad form, and made us feel really uncomfortable. They had great communication with each other, just not with us. read more

This spot has become my go to for healthy lunches and dinners on the fly! Don't sleep in their meal packages. After a busy day of activities, this is a great way to feed the kids and feel like I am providing a healthy option. Delicious food at an unbelievable value! COVID guidelines are being followed snd feel heat popping in at least once a week to support them! read more

Needed some clean eating after spending a week in the Devil's kitchen....I mean Charlotte. I had the Lamb hummus bowl and my wife had a byo bowl. Lots of options for toppings, spreads, and dressings. Several options for base including two types of salad, hummus, or grains. The serving size is generous and the staff was super helpful and friendly. My wife and I eat at Zoe's a lot due to healthy options and she said she liked this better than Zoe's. Gasp! They also offer a variety of flavored waters/juices like watermelon or cucumber along with typical fountain drinks and a mango black tNo unflavored tea for those tea purist like me. I do wish we had one in Columbia. Stopped in again on 10/14. Still yummy. Had the chicken Byob this time over hummus. The veggies had changed some. Like that they keep it fresh! read more

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I went to Yafo one afternoon for lunch and it was pretty crowded. The staff was very quick so I waited in line for no more then 5 minutes before placing my order. The set up is very similar to Chipotle so I was able to see all of the ingredients and pick what I wanted in my entree. I had their falafels which were some of the best I have ever had. They were seasoned perfectly and fried to perfection. I also ordered the sabich which included eggplant, hummus, cucumber and tomato salad, hard boiled egg, pickles, purple slaw, amba, tahini, schug with tzatziki sauce and garlic naan bread on the side. I loved that the eggplant was lightly fried, i wish that the dish came with more. Overall I thought all the sauces went perfectly with the dish. I think my next go round I will order extra eggplant. Great flavors and wonderful tasting Mediterranean dishes. read more

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I had my first experience at shawarma chicken and it was delicious! My bowl was delicious with fresh ingredients and the service was friendly. Sitting outside was a plus! read more

Excellent - the schnitzel is life changing but everything is amazing. Order ahead and pick up since it gets busy but they hustle! No

First time visiting this establishment. I am glad I read Pryor reviews so I had an idea of what to order and expect once in. We arrived around 11 am, took our seats scoped out the menu and then ordered. There were maybe three people in line. The food is already prepared and ready to be out on. Your plate as you go through the line. So there is no wait from order to table which is awesome. I ordered the half chicken and my wife ordered the lamb dish. Both were very good and had leftovers to take home. Total bill was around $36.00 and included one drink and a side of mushrooms. Everything was great and I have no complaints. However it was not what I expected and a little disappointed because of all the 5 star reviews. Overall great place but not to die for. read more

YAFO Kitchen - Dining area - Middle Eastern Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Fresh and flavorful and lots of healthy choices for a to-order Mediterranean bowl. I like the riced cauliflower base.

Fresh Mediterranean style cafeteria food. Seating is minimal and not comfortable. Warehouse decor. Great selection, fast service and a little pricey for a meal that consists of 80% veggies and sour cream/yogurt sauces. Quality of food and authentic spices make it a spot to take out when your hungry for clean food and don't want to spend the time to make it yourself. read more