"Am I being Punked!?" Is this Boulder's version of The Soup Nazi?? Overt hostility by the woman owner/cook made our meal SO UNCOMFORTABLE...unwelcoming, rude, brusque With a vibe of supreme annoyance. Never again will I set foot in there, despite the fact I love the chicken shawarma wrap. She needs to be in a back kitchen and let somebody else do the "front of the house!" read more

This is the kind of sweet, homey, friendly little nook where it physically pains me to be honest about how not-good the food is. Everything was pointing toward hidden gem - the sassiness of the owner, the fact that it took 15 minutes to even get our order taken because the tiny place was so packed, the fragrant smells pouring from the open kitchen right behind the counter, the lime flavor permeating the table water, the small menu, the happy patrons. Alas, everything we ordered was SLATHERED in vinegar. The beef, the hummus, the dolmas, the beef shawarma wrap (even though we ordered chicken), the tabouli... everything. I don't know how they managed this feat, actually - it's as though they used vinegar to fry stuff up instead of oil. In between bites I frantically drank water and carrot juice to try and clear the vinegar. It didn't work. I couldn't taste anything except that. The only respite was the baba ganouj, which was fantastic. I tried to wall it off with bread from the rest of the meal so no residual vinegar snuck over. I was unable to finish the meal, even though I was still hungry. However... everyone else at the restaurant seemed to be enjoying their food, which I didn't understand. Is it possible that we got the only bad batch out of a restaurant full of orders? Am I just super-sensitive to vinegar (the same thing happened to me at John's)? Or does everyone just love the food despite it? I'll say this: all the ingredients were clearly fresh, especially those in the tabouli. They tasted like they'd just been plucked from a garden. Explosive parsley, crisp green onions, everything. I just wish I'd been able to taste them better over the onslaught of vinegar. read more

I have worked as a server for many years and have never been so blown away by how bad service can be till I came here. Very confusing on how to order and once we got directed on how things work I figured everything was fine. After being there for close to 20min we had no water so my friend asked nicely for water. Our server came out and proceeded to scold us for asking for water and asked why we were being so rude and called us fat when we left. Needless to say I will never return and I would recommend you avoid it at all costs. read more

One of my favorite lunch spots in town! The food is amazing and the people are interesting. A small, family owned business that may require additional patience on busy days. Well worth the time to visit--enjoy!! read more

4.5 stars Arabesque is a tiny little family run operation that you probably won't run into on accident as it's on a quiet stretch of Walnut. The family has always been super friendly and nice to me. They have a lovely shaded patio, and a small inside dining room. I came in over the winter and the entire restaurant was steamed up and smelled strongly of vinegar (it made our eyes water) so that could use some attention. I always get the shawarma plate so the no menus thing hasn't been a problem but if you sit outside and/or are a first-timer here, I can see how it could get tricky. The food is super fresh and super tasty. Even the water - they alternate between rose water and cucumber water - is super delicious. I'm gluten-free so I haven't tried the pitas or baklava, but when I took my mother here (she's a world-class cook), she actually bought a half-dozen of the pitas to take home - so that speaks well for them! This place would be great for a lunch date - terrible for a group (tiny place with only small tables) - and probably only good for kids if they are adventurous eaters. read more

Wow, how quickly a place can go downhill. Portions have been reduced, prices have risen, and quality has dropped. I've never had an Arabic coffee in a demitasse cup, it's pointless at that point you'll have a mouthful of grinds, that pretty much describes this place & my experience there. Be forewarned. One other quick note, the smell of vinegar permeates the restaurant & there doesn't seem to be an exhaust hood. read more

One of boulders best kept secrets. By far the freshest, most delicious food in the city. All handmade with the love of the eccentric and exotic owner. You can taste the love weaves into every bite! read more

After finishing a nearby appointment, my daughter and I were looking for a good place to grab a quick, light lunch. We'd seen Arabesque before, but always assumed it was a coffee shop - and since it was right there, decided to give it a go. It turned out to be a great decision! The place has a great feel to it - comfortable and welcoming - and the service was attentive, but not intrusive - granted, we were there for a late lunch and the only ones there. The menu featured some pretty good coffeehouse options, but what caught my eye was the choices of middle eastern cuisine. I quickly decided on grape leaves for me, and my daughter, a vegetarian, had multiple choices as well. She settled on the hummus wrap, and, having the leftovers, that, too, was a delicious choice! All in all, the service was great, the atmosphere pleasant, and the food offered some adventurous variety compared to the usual fare and was quite fresh and delicious to boot. I'm sure I'll be back again - in fact, I'm looking forward to it! read more

I have dined at this location previously and enjoyed it. Today, however, I was very disappointed. I ordered the chicken shawarma plate. Field greens laid across a layer of hummus and topped with chicken (which is already cut into pieces). The owner brought out two dishes, shot my boyfriend and I a sneer and slammed down the dishes on the table. The chicken came out dry, overcooked and almost inedible. Two pieces were set aside, they were brown, seared to the point of leather and tough. The wait person never asked how the meal was, but instead stomped in and out of the restaurant (there were diners out on a patio), displaying her disdain with the owner. The owner (who prepares the food and appears to be the wait person's mother) argued noticeably with the wait person about the state of the restaurant. Regardless it was unprofessional and definitely had an impact on the food as well as our dining experience. Too many great places in Boulder to eat good food. From the other reviews, it sounds like the owner is an angry woman who has good days and bad ones. This was definitely one of her bad ones- we won't be back. read more

A real Boulder treat. Authentic, delicious, and friendly service. The chai is to die for, and I love warming up here on a cold day with the cozy atmosphere and warm flavors. read more

Arabesque is the best restaurant in Boulder. Manal works her magic in the kitchen in full view of everyone, and fills the restaurant with her artistic spirit and vivacity. On weekends, she is often joined by her husband, Saeb, who is the soul of hospitality, making each and every customer feel welcome. Every dish on the simple chalkboard menu is exquisite and an experience. Nowhere else in town have I found a meal at once so deeply satisfying, aesthetically pleasing, and also healthy. If you are new to Arabesque, try the Mediterranean Sampler, or take Manal or Saeb's recommendation. If it is summer, try the spectacular lemonade. If winter, the Arabic or French Press coffee. All are unique and exceptional. Arabesque is more than great food, it is a cultural experience. Thank you Manal and Saeb. read more

Arabesque - The Mediterranean Sample and Lemonade! - Mediterranean Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

I can't believe it took me so long to try this place! Had lunch here recently with a friend. It's a bit off the beaten (Pearl Street) path and can be a challenge to find at first, but don't give up - it's awesome!! Comparable in quality to Ali Baba Grill in Golden. We had the sampler platter (baba ghanouj,tabbouleh, hummus, Arabic bread, chicken shawarma, 3 freshly stuffed dolmas) and the chicken shawarma plate (hummus, tomato slice, red onion, spring mix, chicken shawarma, yogurt sauce on the side, and Arabic bread) and the small baklava (3 pieces). Everything was super fresh and tasty, the chicken tender and flavorful, and I thought the portion size was perfect -- we were full but not over-stuffed -- and the prices were on par with other places in Boulder. I enjoyed it so much I got the beef shawarma plate to go. If I had one suggestion it would be to make the yogurt sauce a little saltier. It was also such a pleasure to speak with the married owners and their family. They are incredibly friendly and enthusiastic, and seemed genuinely interested in getting to know their customers. I thought the service was fine for a leisurely Saturday afternoon, and I wouldn't trade it for impersonal, more efficient service. They serve complimentary rose water in a carafe and refilled it once so we never ran out - it's a pet peeve of mine to run out of water, especially when I don't have anything else to drink. Let's see...what else, their patio is dog friendly - they have a little water dish outside for 'em. In response to James G's review - nothing smelled of vinegar while I was there :-) They serve breakfast but unfortunately they are not open for dinner - I would be stopping on my way home from work for take-out if they were! For now, Arabesque is a weekend lunch place for me. read more

We loved discovering this little gem! We felt like we fell into a little European cafe when we came in. What a cozy spot - not for people in a hurry. This is much more about hanging out and taking your time getting to know the other customers and owners than just eating. Right when we walked in, we were warmly greeted by the owners, who immediately coddled over our baby and carried her around while we enjoyed our meal. It's rare to find restaurants run, cooked, and served by the owners anymore. The service, food and ambience were all fantastically fresh and simple. Great new restaurant! read more

My boyfriend and I ate here for the first time today and had incredible food and a really enjoyable experience. The vibe of Arabesque is airy, intimate, and quiet, a nice change from Pearl Street not too far away. I ordered the sample plate: chicken shwarma, stuffed grape leaves, baba ganouj, hummus, and tabouleh salad. The boyfriend ordered the shwarma plate. Everything here is made from scratch by the owner's wife, and you can tell! The pita was incredible as was the baba ganouj. I'd also like to mention that they have the most refreshing water; it's infused with rosemary and limes. We ended our meal with baklava and arabic coffee because the owner told us it was a wonderful combination and it was! We really enjoyed the atmosphere of Arabesque and the owners. You feel very at home at this family-run restaurant. read more

Located on Walnut Street in Boulder, CO is a fantastic little place called Arabesque. It has only been open a couple of weeks, so as a result I can't say the exact address. When I googled it, nothing appeared ... but people really need to know about this place! It is by far the freshest food of this sort that I've had in Boulder. They offer tradition Middle Eastern fare, such as hummus and baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves, and homemade arabic bread (pita). All of the ingredients were vibrant and fresh - this food is obviously prepared with love! Small touches, like fresh mint from the owners' garden in the drinking water and the hint of rose in the baklava, make it feel that much more special. I tried the sample plate (tabouleh, hummus, baba, grape leaves, pita) that came with a kebab - AMAZING. As long as I have lived in Boulder, I've longed for this type of food to be available; Falafel King just does not cut it. It is very affordable and the portions are very generous! The atmosphere is charming and the owners couldn't be sweeter. They have a lot to be proud of. I'm very excited to have this place in the neighborhood - please check it out! read more

I CANNOT believe there are any bad ratings for Arabesque. This is one of the best spots in Boulder, full stop. The schwarma is delicious, the arabic coffee is amazing (though super strong!), the chai is homemade and the best chai I've had in town, and the atmosphere is everything you'd want from a small restaurant. Reading the reviews, it seems some people take issue with the owner. I sincerely cannot figure out why. To me, it has always seemed like she treats customers as though they are guests in her home. She is perfectly lovely, a wonderful cook, and her passion for her restaurant is evident in the way she seems to dance around the kitchen. Basically, everything about Arabesque is just perfect. read more

Best best best. I crave this place now that Ive moved. Sampler platter is allllll good. My favorite is tabouli and hummus oh and chicken schwarma ... and...... BAKLAVA!! Owner former dancer hence the name, another reason I love!! read more

Always incredible! An enlightening experience :) Family is so kind and inspired, nice to be around. The Chai is wonderful and I like to try whatever dishes they recommend... read more

Arabesque - Mediterranean Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

Amazing Arabic coffee (coffee with cardimum). Exactly like my Omani friends would make! Super friendly staff (owner) I guess. Ate the schwarma plate. Definitely different than the street vendors in Dubai and Oman. The fruit infused iced tea was great. Really enjoyed the atmosphere. read more

We've been here many times. So many times we've taken guests here to have "real" Arabic food. The food is delicious; it reminds me of my mother-in-laws cooking. Today we brought my father here because we've been talking about it for ages. To our shock and dismay Manal the owner was raging, yelling, and cursing up a storm in Arabic. My husband speaks Arabic and I understand a lot. She was so belligerent, rude and disrespectful we felt super uncomfortable. To behave like that in the place that provides your livelihood is unacceptable. She mentioned in her ranting and dish slamming that people could just go eat at McDonalds and that she should just close for the day. Yes, you probably should have closed-- because of this experience we won't be driving the 45 minutes to eat here any longer. read more

Finally, some real Mediterranean food in Boulder! I had the Med-East Platter, which i worried would be an enormous amount of food, but I had no problem polishing it off, even with the addition of their delicious lemony chicken. Vibrant green tabbouli (traditional parsley salad, no bulgar overload here!), flavorful baba ganoush, and fresh hummus are all happily resting in my belly. The hummus was not the best I've ever had, but I did really enjoy the whole chickpeas they incorporated into it just to remind you where it came from. That being said, I still scooped up huge globs of it with my bread without hesitation. And speaking of...huge authenticity points for serving the same Arab bread that my mom made all throughout my childhood. A taste you truly can't get from anywhere other than your own hands. The homemade taste is true to form. It seems that the owners have set up a restaurant around their very own kitchen, which makes the atmosphere more akin to friends having you over rather than a regular restaurant. But keep in mind, your friends are never in a rush to hurry up a dinner party, and neither is Arabesque. Call well ahead for take-out orders. read more

This food is VERY delicious. The closest approximation I've had is a family friend from the Mediterranean who also owned a restaurant. So delicious and fresh. I've had chicken shawarma plates and the Med sampler. Delicious! Amazing bread. Turkish coffee with Cardamom. MMmmmm The baklava is amazing as well. I've definitely seen the owner be finicky, so go in with eyes open that she is very particular about her food and the experience there. Worth it, to me. read more

Wonderfully Warm hospitality. Delicious food. Hummus is good and their bread is freshly made. The food has delicious flavors, well balanced spices and the chicken shwarma just rocks! and don't forget the dolmas! read more

Small quaint place. EXCELLENT food. Gotta try the coffee, the cream they use is so fresh. Love this place!!!

Reasons why this place rocks so hard: The water is flavored with mint. They have a book of poetry to read by the faux fireplace. The food is best - super best and fresh and wow. Food came quick! If I could give this place a sixth star I would. If you eat here once you will come back for sure. You can also buy a few items, like the baklava market style - from a glass case - no joke! read more

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Some body help! I am eatting healthy! I went here today after reading some great reviews and I must tell you that my fellow yelpers didn't disappoint. I had the chicken shawarma plate and my husband had the sampler. I was afraid that the sampler would be too big for me but it turned out to not be that big at all. The chicken was lean, not too much and everything else was just wonderful. I've never had such wonderful pita. It's like a cross between a pita and an english muffin with some cornmeal crust. The meal was very healthy and satisfying. And anyone saying that the portion is too small, the rest of the world eat like this! so they aren't obese like Americans! AND the meal wasn't even the best part! The baklava was to die for! I always try to order baklava everywhere I go and I feel like I've never had a baklava before in my life. this one just blew any other I've had out of the park. It was sooooo good! Don't skip dessert! In fact, next time I go I might just start with baklava and Arabic coffee. I am not much of a coffee drinker but the next table ordered some and the smell was wonderful. I will have to try it, it comes in a tiny, dainty little cup, so precious. I LOVE THIS PLACE! and the atmosphere is great. it felt like a little bistro, I wanted to sit around longer but feel like I am taking up room b/c they only have about 7-8 tables. Will be back soon. read more

I'm not sure I've had Mediterranean food (outside of the Mediterranean) that's this good. Tucked away in a slightly hidden spot on 17th and Walnut, this restaurant is without a doubt a gem among stones. The first thing you'll notice when you walk up is a wall of aroma that is mind-blowingly enticing - the sort of smell that would make one hungry immediately after a 3 course breakfast. The outside seating is pleasant and shaded, with a certain European aura about it. Within moments of me sitting down, two servers came out to ask me what I'd like, and I settled on Arabic coffee. I have to note here that if this had been my only encounter with Arabesque, I would have already given at least 4 stars - I'll be back many more times to just sit on this patio and drink Arabic coffee. But it only got better. Hearing from foodie simpaticos that I must try either the Chicken Shawarma or Chicken Sampler, I went big for the sampler. With an enormously generous and beautiful platter of Chicken Shawarma, Hummus and Pita, Dolma, Baba Ganoush, and Tabouli, I couldn't have asked for a better or more delectable palate. Adding the sparkling lemonade was a refreshing addition, as it was loaded with fresh fruit and had an incredibly fresh taste to it. I finished off my visit with Baklava, which was unsurprisingly, absolutely delicious. read more

This place had such potential. Years ago the food was incredible, and the service by the owners was testy. I went in this week and the food was fair, the portions were small, and the price was high, and yes, the owner/chef is testy and rude. I will not be back. read more

Nothing has gone downhill, nothing smelled of vinegar and nothing tasted of vinegar! My husband and I ate lunch there today. We went in a little later around 1:30 or 2pm. We sat in the leather chairs buy the fireplace. It was a lovely lunch. From the water scented by rose to the ooey gooey nutty delicious baklava. We ordered the lentil soup and the the amazing sampler plate. The sampler plate is the perfect amount of food...very often portions are huge and i regret eating that much later. i felt fantastic when we left. My very favorite was the tabouli...spectacular! I appreciate their authentic food and authentic personalities! The owner and her son were adorable. read more

Home made everything. Down to the Chai. The waitstaff and owners are wonderfully friendly and familial, bring a great sense of humor with you. The food is delicious. The menu doesn't overwhelm. You'll walk in feeling good and walk out feeling better. Keep in mind the place is small and they don't take reservations. So take it for what it is, don't get upset they won't make a reservation to seat 7, that's a 1/4 of the dining room. And be patient, this isn't a chain with a massive kitchen designed to churn out mass produced crap. read more

I like the food and have been here a few times. The husband and daughters are lovely and provide good service. Unfortunately, the last two time I've had the owner/wife and she is abrasive and rude. I thought it was a fluke the first time she was my server but after today I won't be coming back. Losing my appetite kind of defeats the purpose of going out to eat. read more

Arabesque is an absolute gift to Boulder. Don't know why I waited so long to try it! My tasty meal began with a friendly greeting. Seems like a family owning this place and running it. I'm guessing the young man who greeted and seated me was the son? I didn't ask. Rose-flavored water appeared at my table. Exquisite. I ordered from the menu posted on the wall. There are no printed menus, I was told. Today I tried the Chicken Shawarma and a Spinach Pie. All of this was more than enough to eat half of and save half for a meal later. I enjoyed the Spinach Pie, which was something very different from a Spanakopita. It was fresh spinach cooked inside a bread-consistency thin crust. There was another vegetable in it, with a pinkish-red colour. Chard perhaps? I meant to ask but forgot to. The Shawarma was really the star of the show. Generous portions of various fresh organic vegetables accompanied the flavorful spicy chicken and yummy hummous rolled inside the tortilla-like flatbread. So good! Lots of happy customers were inside and outside, smiling and talking. Oh, and last but not least, my chai was made especially for me, brewed from scratch. They make their own chai spices here. It was aromatic, with bits of ground spice atop the chai. Parking in the area closeby here is a challenge, especially during their open hours (8a-4p) but the effort is worth it. And like I always say, bicycling, walking, or busing are possibilities as well. read more

Incredible restaurant/cafe. I recommend it to anyone in Boulder. It's delicious and always fresh. The Mid-East Sampler is my go to order, because it offers a variety (and I love it all), but everything on the menu is stellar. Man, I'm actually salivating as I write this.... The desserts...oh God, the desserts.... The Baklava is wonderful. The larger order is definitely enough to share, and your group will appreciate it. This place is off the beaten path, but is a true gem. And it's still close to Pearl Street. I'm just surprised more people don't know about it. I wish them well with their business, and know they'll succeed given the sheer quality of their food and their friendly service. read more

Cute and friendly little place to eat. They don't have menus for the table so you need to pick from a board inside. I ordered the chicken shawarma plate. The chicken was somewhat on the dry side and the yoghurt part ion was very small. Besides that it was tasty but not what I had expected with a 4 star Yelp rating. read more

Really charming little cafe with fresh, tasty food. Probably the best hummus and baba ganoush I've ever had. I've only ever ordered the Mid-East Sampler because it's so amazing. I can't bear to not have it when I go. The baklava is also awesome-- another must-order. This is definitely high on my list of places to eat whenever I'm in Boulder. read more

Arabesque - Mid-East sampler is amazing! - Mediterranean Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

So good! The presentation is beautiful and the food is fresh and delicious! Highly recommend.

Great food, super friendly service, and unique menu! I loved it! I will come back! Loved the colorful iced-tea and lemonade....and the food was memorable. The servers worked together and were very accommodating. I sat outside with my dog and they just brought him water without me asking for it. I can't wait for my next visit to Boulder! read more

Arabesque - Yummy chicken Shwarma - Mediterranean Near Me - Boulder, Colorado

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Manel is very passionate about her food and it shows! Love everything on the menu and always my first choice for lunch in Boulder!!!

Arabesque is a local's secret- but some of the best food you can find in town. The breakfast omelette is my absolute favorite- it comes in a piece of pita with a bouquet of veggies and the eggs are combined with delicious herbs. The owners are very personable and kind and will make you feel welcome while enjoying the delicious food! A great healthy option in town! read more

I've never given 2 stars to a place with such good food. Home made as well. Best chicken ever. ..the catch? They tell you " go outside and we'll serve you." The only menu is inside. They come outside and say, want do you want, but you haven't seen the menu, which is.on the wall inside. Other review says served with a snarl. So true. Owner could really use some manners of how to get you to come back....ie... "Welcome! The menu is here, then have a seat" smile smile. "Let me know if you have any questions " that would help as the protocol is unusual at best Then, "Thank you for coming!" Smile.smile. I told her she was a great bake. , get more bees with honey, and all that. She just turned around. Thus, the empty restaurant. Too bad As I said, great food ..served with a snarl! read more