Porto Falafel- go there

Folks- maybe discussed, but in my opinion we have a local gem in the "MIllburn Mall"- Porto Falafel, high quality middle eastern fare, BYOB. We were the only ones in there tonight (Tues 12/27), been there several times almost alone each time, and had a great meal again. During this week of going out and time off, please give them a shot- downtown Maplewood is packed, they would be too if they were on the main drag...tucked back by the Subway and the convenience store to left of Walgreens.

http://portofalafel.com/

--- second the recommendation.

Are these the people who used to be across from the Shop Rite on Main St a few years back?

Yes.

We enjoy their food too -- za'atar bread! And sometimes they have live music! Enjoyable place.

I had a wonderful dinner there with my son, highly recommend it!

We used to go to their old location a lot. Very good food, and the people are friendly. I knew they had moved, but I wasn't 100% sure of the new location. I will be sure to go now that I know where they are.

They also do take out - we order at least 2-3 times per month. Very good food and a good value. Agree that if they were on "restaurant row" in the Village they would be packed.

If they were in Maplewood Village they would have to double their prices if they even hoped to make the rent.

And they have music on Friday nights

Delicious. I love middle eastern food and eat at all local establishments but the shwarma here is second to none.

We went tonight. The food is just as good as I remember, and the decor is (IMHO) nicer than at their old place.

Thanks, Drew. We finally took the advice and went there tonight. It was delicious; three apps and the family mixed grill were more than enough for the three of us, but we couldn't stop eating until only a single roasted tomato wedge was left. Maybe a grain of rice, too.

We're definitely adding it to our local standbys.

How's the Baba Ganoush? I love some good Baba Ganoush.

went to pita on Essex last night with some friends. Food was really good. The hummus was smooth, creamy and served warm with chickpeas and beans on top. Very authentic. I had the chicken schwarma platter and it was also very abundant and flavorful. Will definitely return.

Don't mean to be a complainer, but I still find the food in Paterson to be far superior to the above two place. Don't know why, but...

I would agree that one of the places in Paterson is probably better, but pita on Essex was acceptable for a week night

I'm not qualified to rank Porto Falafel among comparable restaurants in the region. All I know is that my family had a wonderful meal at a locally run restaurant last night, and I'm glad @drewdix called attention to it.

And although we didn't order the baba ganoush, I can recommend this power pop gem of a song:

I tried to make my own baba ganoush once. Google told me I could roast the egg plants by putting them directly on the burners on the stove top (gas stove). Technically it worked, and the finished product tasted good, but damn it made a huge mess.

I tried once many years ago. Was unsuccessful.

spontaneous said:

I tried to make my own baba ganoush once. Google told me I could roast the egg plants by putting them directly on the burners on the stove top (gas stove). Technically it worked, and the finished product tasted good, but damn it made a huge mess.

It's mess free and totally easy on the grill.

I make it often.

mantram said:

It's mess free and totally easy on the grill.

But then I would have to learn how to use the grill.

Based upon MOL recommendation, went to Porto on Friday. Falafel sandwiches were very good and the price was right. Live jazz duo playing in the background was a pleasant addition to the experience.

Loved it. Going back soon.

We had an especially memorable meal last night when we took my dad and his partner here after a matinee of The Band’s Visit in the city. Because a couple of employees had the night off, the chef was working the front while overseeing the kitchen. My dad and his partner had never really tried Middle Eastern food before and were eager, inquisitive samplers, sopping up the sauces and spices — and everything the chef explained to us.

One of the highlights: My dad decided to order the lentil soup because he couldn’t pronounce the other soup. After he enjoyed it, he asked the chef about the other one. When the chef (we didn’t ask his name, but the website says Hany Askander) told the story behind molokheyah, the “Egyptian kings’ soup,” we had to have a bowl. It lived up to the tale.

The four of us left completely stuffed.

When I've gone to Porto for lunch (great specials if you want to give it a try), I have enjoyed Egyptian disco videos playing on the TV in the dining room.

Porto Falafel is awesome.  We range from Vegans to bloodthirsty Carnivores in my family and all are always completely satisfied!  I LOVE their lentil soup!

Had lunch there today.  Five buck (5) lunch specials.  

Totally agree with all the above - I love that place!!!