Fresh and delicious food (try the Kabob plate!), friendly service, quiet eating! Was fantastic and will certainly return!

Order at the counter and food is brought to the table. The order taker helped me choose. Food came hot and quickly. Delicious chicken shawarma and seasoned fries. I also ordered fried cheese borek that was a new taste for me and delicious. Restaurant is clean and quiet and Nicole decorated. read more

Great food, I had gotten lamb kebab and salad and fries. Service was great and quick . Ambience was quiet. read more

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Ooooh my hubby and I love the food here. We have not had a thing we did not like. This was our second time visiting. I had the pumpkin kofta with rice and kabuli (a sweet carrot and raisin topping) and he had the beef and lamb pita wrap. We added a hummus plate as well. So yummy. It is always a bit warm there, but the food is worth it. Seating is not guaranteed because the space is small, but we have always been blessed. I am including photos from our first time there too! read more

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I ordered takeout on a Friday night and was really excited to try Zaitoon. I ordered the Lebanese Veggie Pies, Lamb Gyro, Rice Plate with Beef and Smokey Buffalo Rub Chicken and Baklava Rolls. Short version: everything was absolutely delicious! Longer version: Though the Lebanese Veggie Pies were flavorful, I could go without them next time. The gyro was awesome and the rice plate was great. I did wish there was a little more meat on the rice plate, but again, everything was great. The desserts are made by a Niskayuna based dessert company, MeeZan Kitchen. I love that they support another small business and the dessert was really good! I'm looking forward to trying more things this year. Highly recommend! read more

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This immaculately kept place is not to be missed! Although I noticed that their clientele do place their orders to go, they offer a cozy dine in eating area. Their Lebanese menu items and very popular gyros are so very tasty! I love that they provide ample tzatziki sauce in good size containers as I am a big condiment lover myself. I'm always disappointed when establishments are skimpy on it. I ordered lamb beef gyros to go and it met my every expectation. The pita was toasted nicely and had a generous ratio of gyro meat to my mixed greens and onions and tomatoes. It was moist and slightly saucy but of course I added extra tzatziki on it as I really love it! This will be a regular go to spot when I'm in Latham and craving either a chicken shawarma platter or gyro! Their service here is quick, friendly and efficient. It's a must try! read more

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I feel so bad writing this review. This restaurant was rated so high that I was so eager to make it and the chef might have a bad day, and now I become the villain. The restaurant is centrally located in Latham, NY. I discovered this restaurant while I was at another restaurant across the street. I googled it when I got back home, and found this restaurant to be very highly rated. I wonder why restaurant management chose not to market it better. It's more like a self service restaurant, where you order at the counter and wait for the food. They have ample seating and while I was there, they did receive a lot of take out orders. The food arrived in a timely fashion, but my issue was with my main dishes that I ordered...a spicy sandwich for my son....the chicken was either old as it was way to fibery almost like a gum. Bolagni, had a weird smell, usually smells that way when oil is a lil old. Shawarma on a nan roll combo, I ordered fries as a side and the fries was stuffed into the shawarma, which was odd. The grape leaves was good. Overalls based on the reviews my expectations were high and that definitely were not met. I will probably go in again, giving them the benefit of doubt and leave the review neutral. read more

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Food is consistently great for take out and always feels positive and welcomed when I walk in.. Very highly recommend this business. Nice spot to eat outside when it's warm enough. read more

Holy Moly! First time here...... won't be the last. Food was amazing and authentic, and the staff so helpful explaining all the menu nuances! The outdoor seating will be lovely on a dry day! Inside charming and quiet. Great atmosphere. read more

Zaitoon Kitchen - Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl Falafel. Delishhhhhh - Mediterranean Near Me - Latham, New York

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Needed a quick lunch and decided to try Zaitoons because of the convenient location. I was impressed!!! They had so many veg options. The pumpkin kibbeh were definitely the star of the show. Great texture, great flavor, very unique. I liked them in the rice bowl and felt like all the components were really well thought out and complimentary. Hummus was good, falafel wrap wasn't my favorite. It wasn't bad - veggies were crisp, naan was soft, falafel had good flavor. Just compared to the bowl it wasn't as unique or tasty. read more

Talk about an upgrade! What was formerly Bob and Ron's Fish Fry is now a lovely near-eastern place, with a small seating area in the same area and walk-up counter service. We really liked Zaitoon at the other (since closed) location on Washington Extension, but somehow had never managed to have an occasion to eat at this one, until recently when we had an errand to run that went right by. The food is up to the standards of the other location -- very good for fast casual, service was reasonably prompt for fresh made (although not instant, nota bene), and the portions and variety of dishes are ample. We tend to stick to the vegetarian offerings, so this time we had the strange trio of the felafel bowl, the felafel salad, and felafel burger (while our fourth opted for his traditional cheeseburger - his fries were excellent, by the way). The felafel as good all three ways, although we'd recommend the bowl as it has rice and different vegetables in it. I really loved the cucumber-yogurt salad as a side. The place seems to have a loyal neighborhood following -- we had a steady parade of people come for pick-up orders in the early afternoon on a holiday -- and as noted, everything is made fresh, so plan accordingly. read more

Zaitoon Kitchen - Mediterranean Near Me - Latham, New York

Everything was amazing! Had the Jordanian Mansaf (Lamb Shank) which is a seasonal special as well the Lamb Chop and Salad. Sweet potato fries also were really good! Service was friendly and patient with our how long we took to decide. read more

Zaitoon Kitchen - Mediterranean Near Me - Latham, New York

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This place is fantastic! I absolutely love it! The chef is passionate about their cooking and it shows in their dishes! Kabobs, shawarmas, gyros, baklava, and lots more. Thr staff is friendly and welcoming, and you can order online as well. I'd frequent this delicious eatery if I lived closer. If you're in the area, do yourself a favor and try it out. You won't be disappointed. read more

I am happy to provide an enthusiastic recommendation for this restaurant. Yelp had listed it as serving Afghan cuisine. If it does, I would suggest that there's more regional food on offer here. The chef said she is from Lebanon, but she prepared a Jordanian dish on two occasions we visited. I have eaten a good deal of Middle Eastern food and there's obviously a lot of diversity in cuisines across the region, but this was a work of artistry and obviously a very talented chef. The restaurant's format is "fast casual". Many people seem to preorder for takeout. The food, despite the format, includes preparations that take time. For those who stick around, there might be the chance to meet the chef, who clearly takes an interest in satisfying eaters. read more

Zaitoon Kitchen - Mediterranean Near Me - Latham, New York

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Was in the Albany area for work and found this place on a quick google search for best food in the area and I was not disappointed. I got the falafel bowl and baba ghanoush. The baba ghanoush was garlicky and delicious. The falafel bowl was everything I wanted with delicious rice, hummus, and vegetable stew. There was plenty of food so I even had lunch for the next day and it heated up great. For dessert, had to finish with some baklava, trying both the chocolate pistachio and double pistachio. Both were good, but the double pistachio was my preference. Will definitely be back here if I'm in the Albany area again! read more

We had catering from this place at an event in town and it was AMAZINGLY delicious. Everything was full of flavor and cooked to perfection. The dishes were greasy or oily and the sauces were SOOOOOOO good. As a vegetarian there will so many options for me while my carnivore family enjoyed assorted meat dishes. I went back for seconds then had leftovers the next day!! 10/10 so delish. read more

Consistently delicious food, friendly service, great selection; easy on-line ordering

Great food. Portions are huge! Great service. Very clean. Will definitely be going back again and again.

Big portion but chicken swarms is not grilled but sautéed, gyro was overloaded with sauce. Friendly service tho.

I like their food but every time there is a little issue, food made incorrectly, wrong protein, missing sauces, things not added. But this made me so upset! I ordered pick up, went up the counter and they said a few minutes. Ten minutes later I'm walking around, 5 minutes for a different person to notice me and they were like we didn't see you there. I talked to 3 different people and no one thought to check on the person sitting there for ten minutes? You forgot that you spoke to me a minute ago? read more

As far as platters go their fish over rice is my favorite. They season the fish beautifully before frying and the rice is delicious. The sauce they include gives all the flavors a nice balance when you get everything in one bite together. I had to dock a point for the fact that our fish is overcooked half the time we pick up from here. Some days it's cooked to perfection, but other days it's over fried and the edges become hard and inedible. All in all though it's a great quick dinner spot that we come back to on lazy nights when we don't want to make dinner ourselves. read more

Ordered a chicken shawarma and when my order came out there was no sauce. The cashier/server then went to the back and I had a super dry sandwich. Fries were good though. read more

You come here for the food, which is extremely flavorful. My wife and I each had the Beef & Lamb Kofta Rice Bowl that were very well made. But, I preferred my daughters Shawarma Rice Plate. The problem is that while it looks like a fast food restaurant, it actually takes a very long time to be served. We had gotten off a plane at ALB, drove here for dinner because Southwest does not feed you, and then waited an additional 30 minutes. There was only one other couple in the restaurant. I assume the delay means that everything was made to order. That is a good thing. But, you should be prepared because the ambiance gives you another expectation for speed. read more

I need to get back here more often! This time I had a naan wrap with lamb and beef and it was as big as my forearm and delicious. Do not fail to request the tamarind hot sauce and do not forget to pick up knife and fork at the counter because the sandwich is sure to become a salad plate (in a good way) before you're done. Right now with COVID almost all the orders at lunchtime were takeout, but the interior is plain but clean if you choose to eat in. My wrap was served on a handsome earthenware plate, fancy! Menu has been honed down a bit and is mostly middle eastern (no more wings) which is fine with me. read more

Zaitoon Kitchen - Lamb/beef naan wrap. Note sauce cup in background for scale. This thing was HUUUGE. - Mediterranean Near Me - Latham, New York

While visiting Albany had Zaitoon twice in as many days. First was a delivery service order of the lamb chops and rice pudding (which I don't see on their menu at the moment but I definitely ordered). Second was a falafel salad bowl, fries, and baklava for lunch. Delivery order was ready and delivered incredibly fast - they run a very efficient kitchen. Lamb chops were tender and grilled to perfection (just under medium). I didn't love the rice pudding; the texture was not quite right to me and had a strong floral taste and aroma. Falafel salad was top notch. Crispy exterior, tender interior with tons of herbs and spice flavor. Absolutely would order this again and again! Fries were fine, but use your carb allotment on rice or naan instead. They had a cashew and a traditional baklava and we tried both. Neither blew me away, but I am not the biggest fan of very sweet desserts - these were very sweet, which as far as I know is the traditional way to make them. Despite not loving the dessert options, the lamb and falafel are absolutely worthy of 5 stars on their own! read more

Not great 1st impression. Food was OK/good. I am super into food and specifically into Middle-Eastern, afghan, and Mediterranean cuisines. I was recommended to try Zaitoon since 2 of my favorite restaurants in the area are similiar and I visit them and talk about them so frequently. Placed a take out order for pickup. Email confirmation said 20 mins. Next, I arrived. 1 pet peeve already: The online menu doesn't match the online ordering menu/process/choices which also doesn't match the digital sign menu on site. I realize it must be a hassle to keep that all aligned but it shouldn't be difficult to browse menu, find items you want to order, and place the order. Saw something on the in person menu that I would've ordered, had I seen it on the web menu. No worries, still excited to try hopefully great food. Arrived at the pickup time stated in email and noticed several people sitting at front windows near the entrance and at different tables with no food on them. No problem, just strange. Maybe that was the waiting area. Went up to register area, which had no line. Said hi, here to pickup order # xxx. Person asked for name on order in a tone. Wasn't super pleasant. I answered and was told it would be just a few minutes. I moved back to clear the area for others. After 20 additional minutes, after my stated pickup time, I moved closer to counter and register area and the other counter person asked what I was waiting for. As I was answering the other girl told her and was getting the cook. They didn't know what came in my order. Cook said already gave that to you. (To her). Then they had to get someone else from the back (another chef, cook, or owner) to ask what came with the platter that i ordered. 4 people stood there trying to figure it out from memory, while I stood at the register holding the website open with the description. Neither counter person came back and said anything to me and then they started to rush to assemble my meal (order) that was supposed to be ready 20 mins prior to that. I have patience. If someone is new or not trained or it's busy, I can be flexible but I swear this was a hidden camera moment. I kept watching the counter people saying what the ____ is going on. There was a lot of confusion. another 5 or more minutes go by. When my meal was ready, I was passed the bag and something was said very quietly like thanks for waiting. Got home, tried the food, and it was just ok. The falafels were small and very dark and overcooked. As was the fried Kibbeh. Way too dark and honestly not great flavor for me. Both were tepid and dry. It was clear the "hot part" of my order was cooked and prepared in the 1st 25 minutes after placing my order and sat on the expo line counter and went cold as the cold part and next 25 mins went by while they scrambled to figure out what came with the platter I had ordered. The naan was okay, but again, not the best. The kabuli rice was delicious. Wish it was hot. The tabuli was fresh and tasted great, probably the best I've had in many years and certainly in this area. The white sauce was delicious, too. I didn't try the chicken or meats as my dining companion was hungry and not willing to share, but I'll come back once and give that a try. I hate to leave a not so great review but this clearly was a miss and not anywhere close to the hot delicious food that I was seeking. 3 stars. read more

Lunch at ZaitoonKitchen located in Latham. I got the Beef and Lamb Minced (Kofta) Rice Plate and it was delicious. Fresh salad, soft pita, flavored rice and the kofta's were well spiced and tasty. Plenty leftovers . The staff is super friendly and took good care of us as we chose to dine in. The restaurant itself is minimal in decor but serves the needs of someone looking to grab a delicious meal. read more

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Delicious food, excellent service. Their baklava is so good. Ordered several times and never disappointed.

I regularly order from Zaitoon. Their food quality is always outstanding and delicious. I can't recommend them enough.

I stopped by this place for a quick meal before going out. Plentiful servings, freshly made, really great.

I was staying at a hotel nearby and looking for a vegetarian option open on a holiday. I'm so glad I choose Zaitoon. I had the vegan pumpkin kibbeh over rice. The four kibbeh were very flavorful and served over a very generous serving of seasoned rice, a side salad, and two pieces of lavash (or similar). The sauces provided added to the already flavorful meal. The hot sauce is hot but a great accompaniment to the kibbeh. I was by myself but I wished that I had dinner companions so we could have sampled other items. Note the interior isn't fancy, but the food is great. Now if they'd just open up a location where I live.... read more

Zaitoon Kitchen continues to impress. The mixed kabob rice platter was excellent. The meat juicy and tender.

I think about this place all week long. Their food is unreasonably delicious. They're super nice and the place is very clean.

On the evening I went it wasn't as clean of restaurant and bathroom as I remember, and my takeaway food had a long hair on top when I opened it. Disappointed in the experience but they apologized and offered a full refund. read more

Very kind staff and delicious food! I got takeout and did not end up staying to eat but they also have an outdoor area. The lamb and chicken were both delicious! read more

Food is amazing! Would be 5 stars if the lady taking the orders wasn't rude to customers. Giving a bad rep to Muslims. Other than that a wonderful delicious spot read more

I like the food at Zaitoon and their bread as well. They have really good chicken and fries.

Delicious food, always hot and fresh. Buffalo Chicken wrap is my favorite, naan is always perfect. Crisp veggie and white sauce that is bold with dill. Loaded with chicken, can't beat the price! read more

I've been craving a good gyro for a while now and after asking around this was a place that was told to me by many. I figured why not? I decided to go with the normal lamb kabob and bakalavia for dessert. After placing my order the mantu which sounded amazing. The pricing wasn't bad either plus I told the guy at the counter that if I check in with yelp I should receive 5% off. He in fact did not honor the percent off which was disappointing being a yelp elite and checking in to his business. Back to the food... the lamb kabob was pretty good. Not the best but decent. No onions on it when it states it comes with. As for the mantu... I am unsure on how to describe it. It was very... mushy. Nothing as I expected. Just looks like a bunch of sauce thrown into a container. I def couldn't indulge in it as much as I was hoping. Then the baklava. It was perfect! I guess I saved the best for last. All in all.. I don't think I'll be back. I'm sure I can find a better gyro elsewhere. I'm not disappointed, I'm glad I tried it but as they say, to each their own. Right? read more

Zaitoon Kitchen - Lamb Kabob Wrap - Mediterranean Near Me - Latham, New York

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We have only been there twice. It's decent. Big portion of rice. I've had better afghani rice at other places so it's not like I want all that rice. The chicken kebab was juicy. The falafels were nice as well. Salad was fresh and I like the variety of sauces. White spins sauce is very good. My little one got the chicken tenders and they were nasty. They did take it off the bill. But I hate being put in that awkward position of having to tell them something is disgustingly inedible. The place is clean and the service is great. I will post a photo of the chicken tenders. It looked a lot worst then it appears. It was hard and old looking read more

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