The food is absolutely delicious and the owner is a sweetheart. I was shocked to hear some of the other reviews, that was not my experience at all, fun eccentric, and a passionate owner. I hope you all give it a shot. read more

Delicious lovely food. The Schwarma is out of this world. Oh and the chai is spicy and authentic! Love this place. A Boulder gem.

My friends and I visited this recently for lunch on a cold blustery day. We ordered the only available vegetarian option which was a hummus sandwich. The owner was downright rude from the get go. She swatted at my friends hands when she reached for a napkin and also at me when I reached out for my plate as she was delivering our food. While eating our food we were talking amongst ourselves that we thought the flatbread would be warm which it wasn't. She overheard us and went off on a rant about how hummus is supposed to be traditionally eaten with only fresh bread and not as a sandwich. This was strange considering we had just ordered this off her own menu. She dropped off our check at the table and pointedly ignored our attempts to pay quickly and leave. She made us wait 5-10 mins while she cooked and served others. Our friends were supposed to meet us there but we warned them off the place so they got food elsewhere in the area. Oh and to add insult to injury she asked me whether the tip to be added automatically was 20% or 25% so we were forced to pay for her abysmal service as well. I hope the owner realizes how rude and unwelcoming she is to her customers especially in a city which offers many options for dining. read more

Wow! Extremely rude woman, possibly owner, I'm not sure. Food was below average. There was a funny smell in the place as well. Not appetizing. I hate leaving bad reviews but the woman who "helped" me was so beyond rude. read more

In the mood to be screamed at for asking to buy a drink in order to use the restroom? Then Arabesque is the place for you. Pls note this review is about the women owner not the man (he tried to bring her intensity down to no avail). I have never been treated so poorly at an establishment in Boulder in my life. Literal screaming, hands in air, being told "this isn't the suburbs", "I have somewhere else to be"...it was appalling. I haven't ever had the chance to eat at Arabesque, and now will never attempt. Tread lightly. read more

Amazing food and warm, friendly service. The owner was genuinely happy to serve us and was so wonderful. The baba ghanoush was the best I've had in a while. The bread was warm and like a pillow. The Arabic coffee was the perfect accompaniment and the quiche was heavenly, I think the dough is homemade. We loved the sassy comments and the food is absolutely delicious. We left with full bellies and huge smiles thanks to the owner. Everything was clearly prepared with love! Highly recommend this place. read more

Arabesque - Sampler and hummus wrap - Mediterranean Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Great place. The owner has a strong personality but she is friendly and helpful. I think the other reviewers just can't handle someone with a less-than-laid back personality. We had the lentil soup, chicken shawarma plate, and Mid East sampler and they were all delicious. read more

So so good! Love the sampler plates! The baba gannoush is so garlicky and creamy. The tabbouleh salad is minty and refreshing. Top notch.

This is one of the best Middle Eastern food I have ever had. I had the opportunity to find this place through a friend's recommendation. Everything is made with a lot of love and joy. Manal, the chef and owner is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. She makes everything herself. The hummus is delicious, and her homemade pita is soft, fluffy and delicious. All the food is fragranced with the zest for life of the Middle East. Her baklava is amazing and scented with lavender!! She has a great sense of humor, and being a NYer I am familiar with her humor and find her quite funny. Many reviewers on here says she is rude--she is anything but rude--you just have to know that type of humor. I fly from NYC just to eat Manal's food! read more

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If I could give Arabesque zeros star I would. I have never in my life been treated so poorly by anyone - let alone a business owner. The owner is so unbelievably rude that I sincerely question her mental health. My sister tried to "surprise" me by going inside to pay our bill while I dined outside. She, as a waiter in a past life, paid with a credit card but intended to tip in cash. Before she could come outside, while I WAS STILL EATING, the owner came to my table and yelled at me for being "cheap" because we didn't tip. I was confused because I didn't see the bill or even know it had been paid... I explained that she must be wrong - OF COURSE we were going to tip, we weren't done yet. She went on to comment on how "fat" and "cheap" we are, and to "go back to where we came from." She then continued to insult our clothes and our appearance. I was so upset by the way we were treated that I walked away shaking... as I heard her tell random strangers walking by that we didn't tip. I honestly feel that her behavior was abusive. I fully support independent restaurants - my husband is a chef, both he and I have worked in restaurants for many, many years. However, this woman does NOT deserve your business. Plus - the food is mediocre at best. read more

This place is wonderful. The food is awesome! The people who work here are super sweet, we'll be back soon!

This place is terrible. Awful service and the smallest portions I've ever seen. It's basically highway robbery. The shawarma plate is basically and tiny piece of chicken with a lot of greens and some hummus. The hummus platter was maybe .3 ounces of hummus for 7 dollars... I wish I could get my money back. read more

The sparkling lemonade is worth a visit alone. So refreshing on a hot summer day! Beyond the tasty, fruity beverages available at Arabesque, the food ain't too shabby either. Hummus, chicken shawarma, baba ganoush -- all of the typical findings from a Mediterranean restaurant. The big difference? All of the food is made from scratch by a lovely woman in the kitchen (also the owner) and it feels like there's a lot of love coming out on each plate. Did I mention their desserts? Oh yeah, you can get a giant slice of tiramisu from Arabesque. Seriously, save room because it's heavenly. And quite large. Someone will offer a to-go box if you need it. Enjoy your eats inside or on the patio, either way it'll be a casual yet filling meal. read more

Arabesque - Sparkling lemonade - refreshing! - Mediterranean Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Lady owner is so disrespectful and rude cannot believe the way she talked to us to be honest.

This hidden gem has the most delicious food I have EVER tasted--fresh and genuinely farm to table. Everything from the chai and fresh juice to the mouth-watering soup to the delectable chicken and the flavorful and homemade Hummus and Baba Ghannush was absolutely amazing. I only wish I had learned about Arabesque sooner, but I will go back as often as possible. read more

The food here is very flavorful and fresh. I recommend trying the Thursday-only lunch special which is a spiced chicken and potato dish that is very unique and delicious. The chicken sharwma plate and mid east sampler entrees are also both excellent choices. I appreciate the small touches like the rose water and fresh baked bread. My only bone to pick with this place and the reason I gave a 3 star rating- is the very blunt and salty woman who owns and runs the restaurant. I have seen her really offend her customers on several occasions. On one visit, she actually told me and my friend to leave because they were trying to close up and said next time for us to get there earlier. They close at 3 p.m. daily and I think she approached our table and told us to leave at exactly 3:05. It was not a very pleasant way to end our dining experience which is a shame because the meal was very satisfying. If you do not offend easily, then I would recommend this place. read more

Arabesque - Chicken Shawarma Plate - Mediterranean Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

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I was recommended this spot by the Instagram food combining influencer, Kenzie Burke. Boulder, CO is across the country for me so I was determined to try this food on my visit here. It was the most greens i've had this whole trip. I honestly haven't been too impressed by the food in Colorado, but this place changed that for me. The owner was a woman who cooked, cashed, and served all herself. I have so much respect for the food and business. It's as if she's cooking for her family, but making money and sharing for the public. The food was so full of flavor and authentic mediterranean. The hours are short so make sure you stop by before 3pm! I had initially thought to go for dinner, but it is definitely a breakfast/lunch restaurant. I loved the mid-east sampler because I got to try a little bit of everything. I would definitely recommend to a friend and go back myself! Cute spot for locals or tourists. read more

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I don't always give 5 stars on a first visit. My friend and I were given a lead to try Arabesque for lunch. I ordered the Sampler plate with chicken. My friend ordered the Arabesque Omlete. I'm no aficionado of middle eastern cuisine. But I know well crafted food when I see and taste it. A stunning food experience. I ordered the iced chai, the co-owner and chef Manal, set the glass on the table and said " I made this ". When a chef takes the time to say this, that's a signal to pay attention. Once again I am taken back with the subtle excellence. My one regret is that my home base is a thousand miles away. Arabesque is one of those rare places that I would spend a very long time exploring each dish offered. On the menu a caption reads "FRESH, HOMEMADE, AUTHENTIC FOOD" . There are volumes of understandings that can be read into those words. Manal told me (paraphrasing) "this food doesn't have to have a name. All ingredients are local", which for me rings true. Yes Arabesque is decidedly NOT a hamburger joint. The food origins come from far away and are vastly older than most North American foods. If the reader wishes to experience something rare in the world of prefabricated food, go to Arabesque. Ny guess is like me you'll be amazed and surprised with the quality of the food set before you. read more

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My favorite place! The only healthy food that's also comfort food. Must have baklava and black coffee for desert. My husband eats baklava all around the world and every time he finds the one is good he says "it good but not Arabesque good". read more

Arabesque - Zucchini soup! The only soup you don't have to add salt and pepper to! Perfection in a bowl! - Mediterranean Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

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Ummm, that was interesting. The woman/owner who helped us was super rude but that isn't what this review is about. Instead, when she ran our credit card she entered in her tip. There was no notice anywhere of this on the menu or bill (for a party of 3). It was especially peculiar after receiving such bad service. When I asked her about it she was extremely rude and defensive only offering to change it if I wanted to add MORE tip. Yeah, no. Not only did I call my credit card company but I will be contacting the BBB. If this is a stated policy re tip then I would have been happy to abide. In light of COVID above average tips are important for small business providing mediocre to good service. For this experience, that's a different story. Bummer. For dishonesty, 0 stars but the one can be for the food. read more

Arabesque is a good spot to have some tasty lunch on an outdoor patio very near downtown without the crowds. Their unsweetened iced tea is delicious. The chicken Shawarma sampler plate is an excellent choice to experience authentic flavours and tastes. Finish your meal with some delicious baklava and Arabic coffee. read more

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Arabesque, by far has the best tasting Middle-Eastern or Mediterranean Food in Colorado. The restaurant itself is well laid out and welcoming. Manal is an excellent chef and loves to introduce people to her authentic homemade cuisine. Arabesque is a must stop for my wife and I whenever we're in Boulder. read more

Holy cow. The most uncomfortable dining experience I've ever had. After being the only ones in there and waiting 10mins for a water- I kindly got up to ask the lady working there if I could get a water and she told me to go sit down and be patient. I kid you not. The food was delicious but be ready for a very odd and hostile experience. Literally, have never had a waitress be so mean. Lastly, while we were patiently wAiting for our food 2 people walked in and out because nobody was around. Good luck to the next customers that decide to dine in here! We were scared to ask for the check! Ha! read more

0 starts would be more appropriate. My wife asked the owner if she could make a couple of substitutions because she can't eat wheat or anything with gluten (as per her medical doctor's orders). The owner insulted her (even her clothes), and called her entitled. My wife walked out immediately. After I heard what happened I immediately called to ask why she would treat a customer like that. She further insulted my wife and then hung up on me. The other bad reviews about this woman make sense. I've never in my life experienced anything like it. It is unbelievable, and I can't believe she is running a restaurant. read more

Rude. The lady is very rude. I don't even typically leave reviews, but it is striking.

The baba ghanouj wrap I had was good, although a little messy. I was a little uncomfortable when my waiter came back with my debit card and asked for my PIN number twice, which should be private. My card has been compromised recently, so I was a little reluctant to give him that information. read more

This place is one of a kind and one of the hidden secret gems In Boulder. Everything is delicious and made with so much love.

Absolutely perfect in every way. Can't wait to come back. The hint of rose in the lemonade was maybe my favorite part.

I never knew about this place until a work friend from Seattle took me to lunch here. The food is so fresh and authentic! The chicken shawarma is so tender and flavorful. The sparkling lemonade is not your usual run of the mill lemonade, the flavor so unique! And their baklava - yumm! I am definitely coming back for more!! read more

I'm going to be real: this place is heaven-sent. It's located just a block away from Pearl and probably in one of the quietest parts of Boulder. The atmosphere is simply astonishing. I've always been wanting to come here since I moved into the area and it lives up to the hype. The inside is small but it adds charm. The walls are decorated with local art that you can buy. I'd like to think of Arabesque as a quaint cafe that's worth the while. Customer service is excellent. I went on a Saturday and it was well staffed if that makes a difference. I know other reviews talk about the cook/owner (an elderly lady supposedly) being completely rude, but I guess I came on a splendid day. The waitstaff was happy and there seems to be a personal connection with everyone that walks in. I found the overall aura of the people and place inviting and warm. The water is delicious, I think they flavor it with a hint of jasmine or something. The Arabic coffee was delicious too. Would definitely recommend if you need that strong pick me up. The shawarma plate was outstanding. The portions are fair and the plate itself offers a lot other than meat. Surrounded by a healthy size of greens, the chicken was succulent and well flavored. The yogurt sauce was delightful and a nice tangy twist. For dessert, I had baklava. Some baklava can be too syrupy or too dry, but Arabesque is that perfect consistency. I had it with another cup of Arabic coffee. Definitely recommend. Price wise: you'll get what you paid for and you'll be "comfort-full" by the end of your experience. The only nitpick that stands out is the lack of physical handheld menus, but people will complain about anything and everything these days. Their giant sign with all the foods is plenty enough menu for me. I will definitely be back for seconds. read more

Arabesque - Baklava and Arabic coffee go hand-and-hand the perfect dessert. - Mediterranean Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Lunch was very good. Time after ordering was close to 25 mins.. and was understandable because of the rush . Outdoor patio was simple but the tree shade made it feel like you were eating in your backyard. Food : 4/5 Ambience : 2.5/5 indoor 4/5 outside Price : 3/5 Service :3/5 read more

Arabesque - Chicken shawarma.. yumm - Mediterranean Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

If you want REAL Middle Eastern food this is the place for you. It is easily the best Middle Eastern restaurant in town. I usually order the vegetarian combo plate which gives you small portions of a variety of Middle Eastern treats. The desserts are also wonderful. This is a cozy, comfortable, and charming place with outdoor seating in warm weather. It's a family-run restaurant. The owner/chef is a real character with a crusty veneer, a good sense of humor, and a warm heart. I recommend it highly! read more

Food is great, but the owner is extremely rude and demanding. She criticized our menu choices (why is this on the menu if you're discouraging customers from ordering it?), wouldn't let us approach the counter to pay, and we waited for a very long time while she rummaged through the basement (there wasn't anyone else around to help us). That and the random, snarky comments about the time we arrived ("you should have come earlier!"). She clearly wanted to be heard. Nearly left, but we made a 40 minute trip for lunch. All said, the food was excellent. She's a very talented cook, but she should hire someone else to interact with customers. read more

I've lived in Boulder for over a decade and never noticed this cute little lunch place. A friend told me about it and just ate lunch there with my husband. The waiter was so friendly and helpful in choosing some great dishes. The chai tea with a homemade blend of spices was fantastic both hot and iced. We got the soup of the day and shared a vegetarian platter which was a great sample of all of the appetizers they offer. Sat outside at one of the tables on a beautiful spring day and thoroughly enjoyed our lunch. I highly recommend their homemade fresh food and will definitely be back! read more

The food is divine, and we have been coming here for years. The owner offers an authentic experience and it feels like she is opening her home to guests. Some seem to expect a fast-food experience when this is anything but that -- in the best way possible. I don't often write reviews, but we like the consistency, how seriously the owners take covid precautions, and the outdoor seating is always charming. Highly recommend the chicken shawrma and desserts. read more

Just....NO! Absolutely not...never again. The prior reviews referencing the treatment they received by the female owner are Spot On. It is extremely rare for me to encounter a person that embodies a level of negativity and nastiness that both confuses and enrages you simultaneously. She wears her disdain for humanity like a badge of honor , clearly thriving off of the discomfort of others. As both owner and Chef , It makes you wonder how much of that shockingly vomitous energy is being imparted into the food you are about to consume. I'm gonna go ahead and pass on that.....and I STRONGLY suggest you do too. read more

If you like being treated poorly and receiving bad service with a huge helping of attitude for overpriced mediocre appetizers check this place out. It will be just your cup of tea. If you value reasonable prices, good service and people that seem to be glad you are giving them your business go elsewhere. I have always thought it strange when I hear stories of waiters complaining to patrons about their tip (or lack thereof). I have never experienced it myself and I am a better than average tipper. Someone must be merely acceptable to garner a 20% tip from me. If you blow my mind I'll throw down a fatty. When I went to Arabesque today for the second ( im not sure why now ) time I expected the help to be mediocre. I dont like that I have to sit go inside to look at the chalkboard on the wall. There are only a few choices so if you like this place it makes sense that you'll memorize the menu in no time. I thought the food was decent but unremarkable so it is doubtful that I'll memorize the 5-8 items on the board. In any case, I was never given any silver or napkins nor was my wife, although I asked for some twice. I suppose this is self serve? Our food came out, I ate it with my soup spoon, ordered coffee and got the bill. 50.00 for lunch. Pretty spendy for essentially appetizers for two. Of course they dont bring you the bill it is required that you go in and get their attention to pay your bill. So after deducting for no menu, no napkin, no fork and no bill I tipped 10% anyway. The owner ( really unpleasant ) actually CALLED ME OUT saying that she thought I tipped poorly based on the amount of the check. I was not going to go back anyway. You should take the same approach. This lady is rude and clueless. read more

My group, The Boulder Foodies, went to Arabesque. I called 3 days early to tell her we would be coming and she was all nice and happy and was going to make sure she was prepared with food ready so we could all eat together. Well, I did not personally attend the breakfast, but my group of 13 people were all perplexed to have met the most unpleasant, mean, curt restaurant owner. She even told one of my members that we should not come back! Our group is a really nice, patient and kind bunch of diners. We have big breakfasts at every restaurant in Boulder, all with great results. According to my foodies, this was the strangest experience they ever had. read more

Worst place ever. I and my husband were walking one day and we saw that place so we decided just to grab some coffee to go. I'm from Eastern Europe so I like strong coffee and we wanted to try the Arabic coffee that they have. But my husband likes just regular coffee. So he wanted to try it too but with milk. So the owner was really mean to us, first looked at us weird because we didn't want to eat there and second she told us " I don't allowed milk in my Arabic coffee". WTF She doesn't allowed milk!!!! So we decided not to get coffee from there. The owner lady is horrible. We will never return to that place. P.S Also while we were in there a guy ordered the coffee and we saw how the owner lady got his cup of coffee somewhere from the back and put it in the microwave to heat it up. What kind of coffee is that?! read more

This was a great find! Highly recommend. The owner was delightful and a fantastic cook. I ordered an arabesque omelette, which was served like a gyro sandwich, inside pita bread with mixed greens and yogurt on the side. Also delicious were the creamy, rich tiramisu and flakey baklava. Don't forget the Arabic coffee to complete the meal! If you're looking for something other than the standard gyro kebab and you're not in a big hurry, this is the place for you! read more

Arabesque - So much good food! - Mediterranean Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

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