We ended up at Alyan's due to lack of seating space at Maoz Vegetarian on South Street — and we're very glad we did! We dined with our two vegan friends and we're happy to report that all of our meals (three falafels and one shawarma, a lamb and turkey rotissere broil sandwich) were delicious. (Guess who had the shawarma?) The hummus and falafel sandwiches were hefty enough on their own, and they were served with mixed salads on the side. We can't imagine how big the 'platter' size, which costs $4 more, is in comparison. The schwarma was also a huge sandwich, overflowing out of the foil wrapper. It partially exploded over Picky's hand.
But the true highlight of the meal was the large side order of Alayn's Fries: French cut potatoes mixed with hot peppers and onions. They were perfect! Not too greasy. Not too spicy. Not too anything. Everyone liked them. They are more like homefries, with chunks of potato instead of thin strips or wedges.
It was semi-cramped at our table in the front room, but there is a larger back room as well as more seating upstairs; we didn't venture into either of those rooms so we can't verify how spacious they are.
The menu is quite extensive and the prices, not expensive. The total bill for four was under $25, a miracle in Center City! We were all quite full too– no room for baklava, the only dessert on the menu.
We went back to Alyan's a second time and found the service to be especially slow, but the food was just as good. Picky had the same sandwich and was not disappointed. Messy branched out and tried a "small" Greek salad, which was certainly big enough to share as a side and filling enough to be a meal on its own. She also tried the spinach and mushroom pie, a delicious, almost pastry-like concoction.
Messy ***
Picky ***1/2
The final word: Great, Middle Eastern eats at diner-like prices.
603 S. 4th St
215-922-3553
Sun – Thur: 11am – 11pm
Fri – Sat: 11am – Midnight
