07/15/07

Exemplary (and extremely affordable) falafel and hummus lures budget-conscious students and homesick Middle Easterners to this friendly Coolidge Corner site.

by Contributor

The Scene
Popular with the plethora of students and young professionals who call the Coolidge Corner area home, Rami's is a community eatery where the friendly workers seem to know every other patron by name. With a bright, sterile environment and basic counter service, the restaurant puts all its emphasis on the food, which is certified Kosher (a must for its heavily Jewish clientele).

The Food
Locals swear by Rami's falafel sandwiches and homemade hummus--and that's a good thing, considering that there isn't much else to choose from. Diners looking for serious sustenance can top a fresh garden salad with either grilled marinated chicken or peppery turkey shawarma. Nothing beats the old standby: a warmed pita stuffed to the gills with creamy hummus, fresh vegetables and crunchy falafel balls--a nourishing, hand-held meal for less than five bucks. For dessert, grab a Middle Eastern pastry to go.

05/24/07

City's best falafel -- but not exactly Tel Aviv, and no longer such a bargain

by drewstarr

The review on this site indicates that a falafel in a pita can be had for under $5 -- it's obviously been a long time since citysearch editors have been to Rami's, since the price is now approaching $7. Stilll, no falafel in the city is better. But, you're best to show up at peak hours so you get a freshly fried falafel, as opposed to ones that have been sitting out for several minutes or hours (doesn't matter which, as falafel is only at its prime when fried to order.) Get there a few hours before they close of you want the shawrama, too. They make it in the morning, and once done, that's it. Curiously, they won't add fries (chips, in Israel) to your sandwich, even if you pay for the side order of fries. Still, in all of Greater Boston, this the closest you'll find to Israeli street food and is worth the trip to Coolidge.

• Pros: simply the best Boston has to offer in Israel street food
• Cons: won't put fries in your pita -- off peak hours mean old falafel