Goldie Reviews

It's a limited menu (see title above) but the food is excellent and for $20 you can eat a great Kosher vegetarian meal for 2 people. My honey and I split a falafel sandwich with harissa and a falafel salad which comes with six good sized pieces of chick-pea delight plus shared one of their incredible baklava pastries. Get one, even if you say you don't like baklava. I'm betting their version will change your mind. There's only about 6 tables inside and some counter seating by the window, so larger groups will want to come at off-peak hours. The staff is charming. The food is fresh and delicious - what more could you ask for? There's nuts in the kitchen and they have signs up reminding you to alert them to any of your allergies. Order and pay at the counter & just wait for your name to be called. Enjoy!

Came here 30 minutes before closing and they were still serving their famed tahini milkshakes, which I really appreciated. There is a line in this place for a reason. I went with the mint chocolate chip shake, which had real chocolate chips blended in and a mint leaf on top. The shake itself was incredibly rich thanks to the tahini. And $4 is a great price! Will be back to try the Turkish Coffee flavor.

Went to Goldie after eating at its sister restaurant, Zahav, the night before. That dinner gave me a falafel craving. The falafel was delicate and perfect. Not sure how else to describe it.

Best falafel ever! So crispy and tasty. The pita was soft and chewy, the veggies in the sandwich so fresh! We visited the Franklin’s Table location. What a nice find. Very nice people too

First, a very small place with limited tables and seating. However, the staff is excellent and quickly make your order. The menu is centered on falafel with varied options. I chose the falafel with harissa tehina and it was excellent. Loaded with falafel, pickles,lettuce, harissa tehina and cucumbers. Just excellent. The shwarma spiced fries were very good as well. Finally, do not leave Goldie without trying the tehina shake. The mint chocolate tehina shake was tremendous. My wife had the turkish coffee tehina and she loved it. We will definitely return. Great, great experience.

Stopped here for the first time for a late afternoon lunch to share. It's a small and busy but the line moves quickly. We got a falafel and baklava... Delicious! Next time we are going to try the shakes!

Our family of 4 just had the best falafel of our life! You can not go wrong in this super yummy joint with a friendly staff! Great everything....fries and mint chocolate milkshake were out of this world. We have not eaten our Baklava yet but I am sure that will also be number one. THANK YOU GOLDIE!

This is a vegan, Israeli-style falafel shop. The pitas, falafels, fries and tehina shakes are all fantastic.I highly recommend a trip to Goldie if you are in Philadelphia. This Goldie location is very small so I would suggest going at an off time or planning to take out. It is definitely one of the best spots in the city. They also have a mini store where you can buy Turkish coffee and other special ingredients.

The falafel here is absolutely delicious. We went for a late lunch at Penn Food Hall and did not wait in a line at all. The sandwiches we ordered were prepared just for us and brought out as soon as they were cooked, so everything was hot, fresh, and delicious. This is a very casual but fun spot. Please start taking Dining Dollars so that those on the Penn Meal Plan can come here more frequently!

This was my favorite meal of the week I spent in Philly. The menu is simple and short, the food is fresh and amazing. The line was out the door and onto the sidewalk when I went on a weekday lunch but it moved quickly and was worth the (short) wait. Seating is limited and tight so may be a good idea to grab and go. Get a shake for dessert (even if you drink it first).

Simple, cheap, great food. Can't be beat for a quick lunch or dinner option and the tahini shake is incredible.

I went there only for the tahini shake and I WASN'T DISAPPOINTED. It was one of the best things I had in my life. I would travel to Philly again just for this shake.

We were told about this place so we gave it a shot. Fun place and excellent food. Very busy so you may have to wait for one but it is worth the wait. Wish now I had purchased their cookbook! Guess I will have to go back!

We love Goldie so much, we ate at the U Penn location one day and the Sansom street location the next day. Husband loved the falafel sandwich and I found the salad to be packed with flavor and very filling.

I was in Philadelphia for a very quick visit. I was getting take out for me and one other. I was told Goldie was good True story. The falafel is as good as I got in the Middle East when I lived there. It would have been a tad better to give me the pita w/ the falafel in it and then have a fixings bar, but it was delicious. The staff was incredibly friendly. Kol HaKavod!

Great falafel. No need to say more. Line is long, but moves quickly since there are not a lot of choices. Do definitely try the tehina shakes. I was a skeptic, but tasted my companion's and was hooked. Great lunch place.

It was good food for Friday lunch. Me and my friend went there for first time, we wanted to try the flafel. First it was big line. I understand, it's because the location and it's small place. What we didn't like was the Flafel and the fries. they ware salty. NO NO not a little bit salty. it was like they get salt for free. The shake was great.

The menu is limited, however the items were very good. Dining area is small, so if you come at peak times, expect carryout only. Service was good. I would return.

Just like the title says, I thought the Falafel at Goldie was decent, but not great; a bit bland, to be honest. The Shwarma fries, however, were outstanding. I'll probably still go back to try out a different sauce to see if it helps any.

The falafel is better than passable, but you won’t remember it as anything outstanding. The Turkish Coffee shake is next level though. Show up for the falafel, return for the shakes.

We ate here for a quick lunch and had the best falafeel of our lives. Better than Israel. Light and not greasy at all. Very inexpensive but very informal and basic. Highly recommended.

A Falafel for some reasons has all it takes to make a good and fullfilling meal. While I have had bestter falafels this was definately not bad. Pity that the place was extremely smelly of fried oil.

We dropped by lunch and truly enjoyed their harissa falafel sandwich and their hummus. Cucumber slices and sour cherry iced tea made for a perfect lunch close to our hotel.

They offer Tehina shakes that are so good. I had the Turkish coffee, which had the perfect amount of sweetness. I definitely recommend the shakes.

Our first day in Philadelphia we stopped in at Goldie Harper for the falafel salad. We were hooked. Every single day of our 4-day visit we made a point of stopping at one of the Goldie outlets. We stuck to the falafel salad and the tehina shake. Wish there were Goldie's in Connecticut.

Never had falafel before. Never wanted to try falafel before. Instead of venturing down to one of the oldest Irish pubs in Philadelphia for lunch, I decided to try Goldie since I was with my wife and she has been wanting to eat here. We were lucky to get a table inside this very small restaurant. The lady at the counter was very nice and took the time to explain the different sauces and pretty much everything else. Food was prepared very quickly, even though the line started to extend to the door. I unwrapped the falafel sandwich and proceeded to enjoy a wonderful treat for my tastebuds! The pita was super-soft and fresh, with a fantastic blend of chopped vegetables and accompanied the several falafel balls inside. I also ordered the shawarma spice fries which paired excellently with my sandwich. Absolutely fantastic and I am so glad that I tried this food.

Goldie is delicious and I went early when we had to wait in line for lunch. Loved the tahina shake and the falafel. Not a lot of seating but we were able to get a table.

Owned By Michael Salamonov of Zahav, the quality of this Israeli themed lunch place Is just tops! The shakes are super- ours (all tahini based) was banana with a mashed banana giving it a great flavor. Don’t Miss this hole in the wall for a great inexpensive lunch!!

No reason it takes 10 minutes to make a falafel salad. Also, the compostable fork broke in my mouth - not coming back here

"There's this little place with a great tahini shake," said my husband. A shake made with tahini? To me, that sounded odd, kind of like having a shake made with, say, catsup. Well, I was wrong! At lunchtime, "Goldie" had a long line out the door, and for a good reason. The food was excellent, and the tahini shake was unbelievable. The restaurant is kosher parve, which means that there are no meat and no dairy ingredients in the food. That doesn't mean it's vegan, because there might be eggs in some of the dishes. The restaurant was too busy for me to ask (out of curiosity), so if you want vegan food, you'll have to ask to be sure. My husband and I placed one order to share: Shwarma spiced fries, a falafel salad, and a tahini shake. The falafel salad came with lettuce, diced veggies (lettuce, radish, carrot, beets, cucumber), mint leaves, plenty of sunflower seeds on top, and six medium-sized falafel balls. Dressing, which we didn't use, was served on the side. The salad was delicious and filling, and the falafel was light and crunchy. The shwarma spiced fries were excellent. They were crisp and flavorful with the special spices. We shared an "original flavor" tahini shake. The taste of sesame was deliciously apparent. Husband said, delighted, "It's like having a halvah shake!" Oh, it was. It was wonderful! The next time we're in Philadelphia, we are definitely eating here again!

SUCH DELICIOUS FOOD!!! The owner is the same as the very popular and expensive Zahav. Goldie is inside the Whole Foods behind the Rodin Museum. We spent the day between the Rodin, PMA and Barnes Museums. Goldie was the perfect place to stop for a fabulous salad and also an outstanding pita sandwich.

This is basically a limited menu of falafel sandwiches and salad, fries with various spices and region shakes. I know the latter sounds crazy but they were to die for as were the sandwiches. Another great place from Michael Solomonov.

Order: Falafel Price: $8 Pros: Amazing falafel, the tahini shake was very unique and pretty good, great price point, really fast food Cons: Parking (again), tiny seating area (literally less than 30 people) Thoughts: Still eating our way through the city as part of walking tour we decided to have our second lunch at Goldie (ya, second lunch, don’t judge me). We both love middle eastern food, and it received outstanding reviews, plus my wife was excited about this tahini shake thing, so we walked over. It took us a few tries to find the place as it is fairly tucked away from the street. Unfortunately, upon walking up to the door we discover that to our horror their shake machine was broken, and we wouldn't be able to try it out after all. Regardless we decided to try the food anyway since we were here. The menu is incredible simple and focused in what they do best. You order falafel in a pita or a salad, select you sauce, and then add fries or a shake of you want. They also had the option to get a bag of balls (falafel balls to be clear). That’s it. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated, just straight to the point. We ordered one falafel pita to split at the table and sat down. It only took about 8 minutes for our food to be ready, but in the total 30 some minutes that we were there at least 9 different groups of people walked up to the front door, read the sign, made a dramatic gesture and walked away. 9 people. 30 minutes. It was unreal! It convinced me that we had to go back just to get this Turkish tahini shake. Once the food came out I got to eat the best falafel I’ve ever had in my life. They aren’t the same size as most falafel, there a little smaller, like the size of a gold ball. The flavors though are killer, perfect seasoning, crunchy exterior, moist interior, and just the right size for eating on their own, or in a pita. The pita cane loaded with some chunky tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, a generous helping of falafel and then a slathering of your suggested sauce. It was tremendously good and I would 100% be a regular if I lived nearby. Given how many people walked away, we did come back the next day to try and tahini shake. It was like the consistency of soft-serve, the flavor of tahini and a tiny amount of Turkish coffee. While it was good, I probably wouldn’t go too far out of my way for it. I was far more impressed with the falafel and I really wish there was a lot more coffee involved.

We are visiting and went to Goldie for lunch. A very simple menu of three choices that are created fresh to your liking. Falafels, falafel salad are the choices with French fries. Degrees of heat are available. Totally fresh and created to order. Small, actually small place mostly to go. If you want fresh and simple , wait in line and get your taste buds to sing!

If you’ve never had a tahini shake, this is the place to get it! I don’t think there is anywhere else in Philly to get one - at least I haven’t found it to date. If you are vegan, be sure to ask about the ingredients. I eat mostly vegan and have enjoyed everything I’ve had. I love all of the tahini flavors! They are also very green and offer compostable cutlery. So if an occasional fork breaks consider that a good thing. We want compostable materials that will break easily as break down in land fills, right? Just grab another one. No worries! They have plenty. :) They stay busy so expect an occasional wait but it is worth it if you like falafel and tahini! The staff is always very friendly and answer questions but during busy times may appear distracted. I’ve found that they are still very open to help me make decisions even in the chaotic moments. Love the staff! It is a small place so it is great for take out. Eat in works, too. Just expect it be busy around lunch and early dinner. All-in-all, great place, great staff, great food, great vegan options! Final thought - Ignore any negative reviews. Perhaps those customers had a bad day or an uncharacteristic bad experience. Those reviews don’t represent the typical Goldie’s experience. The majority of the reviews that are extremely positive do. Happy eating at Goldie’s!

The best Falafel salad I've ever had two years running. People say the Tahini smoothies are great but for me its the beets, sunflower seeds, pickles and yummy falafels every time.

What an awesome little place. The simple menu keeps orders moving. The falafel sandwich is available with a choice of one of three sauces that vary in spiciness. Salads and fries available as well. We ended up ordering a tehina shake as well since everyone seemed to be getting one. It was awesome. I would highly recommend one. One surprise, there were no fries available at dinner time on a Saturday(!) For a small place, we had no trouble getting a table. Lots of customers going in and out. I will definitely be back again. Pay attention to the hours. Our first time trying to come here we did not know they closed at 7 pm. Had to try again a week later and it was a success.

All good things come to those who wait... that is why I admitted myself to the Goldie a couple days after national falafel day, rather than conform like the rest of the lambs. As a serial Yelper, I analyzed the Goldie reviews online, & premeditated my meal order meticulously. Upon entrance I noticed the principle of simplicity in this establishment. There was 1 small board on the wall with 5 menu items to pick from. There was no lamb or buffalo here in this vegan based business, which helped my cognitive dissonance for stuffing my face. The lady taking orders was acutely courteous (discourtesy is unspeakably ugly to me). I ordered the Tehini shake, Falafel, & Shwarma fries, & 15$ was the quid pro quo to try all of this. As I waited I sat in silence, coveting the point at which my eyes & mouth would meet this meal. The first to arrive before me was the choco-mint Tehina shake, it was a magnificent specimen & quite delectable. Next, I ate this Falafel with some fava beans & a nice Tehina sauce; paired with the crispy pinky-sized shwarma spice fries....I must say this meal was "to die for." I do wish I could review longer, but I'm having an old friend for dinner... Mr. Chicken. The Don approves of this establishment & will be back~

Good prices, delicious falafal pitta, simple menu, great spot for lunch. We went to the one on the Penn campus as well which is very popular.

A fabulous place for lunch. Very popular, so plan for a line. The line moves quickly and the food comes fast too. A few places to sit inside, but takeaway is an option as well. A simple menu, but they excel at what they have.

Loved Goldie & visited nearly every day! The Tahina shake is seriously the best drink I've ever enjoyed - it's dessert & a meal all in one! I tried a few flavours & didn't even get onto the falafel!! Staff ask if you've any allergies so really accomodating. Wonderful setting too.

Crisp, golden falafel in pita with all the usual trimmings. Amba, zhug, harissa, you name it. The shawarma spice fries is just amazing. Friendly staff!

This is a great vegan restaurant. I like the simple menu. The falafel is tasty! The lines are long so i recommend getting takeout. There is usually no where to sit. I've become addicted to the tehina shakes. The Turkish coffee one is incredible. It's a small place but the line moves pretty quickly. I would highly recommend!

Came in today for a Tehina Shake, I got the coffee flavored one. It was amazing and vegan!! Cute and cozy restaurant, definitely will be back to try other Tehina shakes and try the food!

We are looking for fast food, vegan food, which is easier to find these days, but not quite as fresh and filling as this restaurant's. The traditional falafel eaters in our group were delighted. I was thrilled and delighted with my very interesting salad. While space is limited, customers were patient and cooperative. Turnover at the tables is quick, so don't leave just because the place looks crowded. The staff is helpful and efficient.

I am sure I could make the tahini shake but I don't know how so go get one! Or two! Their food is really good and not expensive. You don't have to be vegan to eat here. It's good food!

I rarely give out five stars. Much less for falafel, which I barely like. This was all around fantastic, especially the price. The falafel sandwich seemed like it had a dozen balls (6 in actuality). Great balance in all the elements. I got the haressa one. Best fries anywhere. Know that last crunchy fry you always fight over? They're all like that. The tahini shake was also good, especially the homemade halvah that toss the Turkish coffee one. Excellent.

We found this restaurant in Whole Foods behind the Rodin museum. After asking questions from the helpful employee, we ordered falafel and a chocolate mint tahini shake. It was delicious and a quick way to try some great Israeli food. (We weren't able to score a table at Zahav even when checking months in advance.)

Felafel that had about 3 choices of sauces . Vegetarian/vegan middle eastern delights that pack a unique Taste that will make you want to return. For example: the Tehinah shakes - vibrant and unique....that tasted like the best halvah you've ever had; fries with sharma spice; salads with kale and felafel It took the second visit to get us through the door as the line was very long the first time! Good food is easy to find at a Solmonov restaurant!

It's all falafel here. You can have a side of fries and a vegan milkshake maybe, but the falafel is great! Bright green inside, I had falafel with the harissa sauce. Paired with a turmeric & lime soda, it was a perfect lunch. Hot pepper are in a small container on the table and extra sauces on the side. Others in our group had the banana shake, which was very banana-y, and the coffee shake, which was beloved by the coffee fans in the group.

Okay I am joking. You basically have two choices. Falafel in a pita with one of the three sauces or Falafel salad. My guests had the pita and they've had it before and they loved it and they ate every bit. They say the sauce is excellent. I tried the fries so I could comment on them and they were very good and the non-dairy milkshake is fantastic. I had the Falafel salad. I would have enjoyed that salad without the falafel. It's a unique blend of vegetables and well flavored with the dressing and just the right amount of Dill. The Falafel only made it better. Maybe it takes the limited menu Trend to its logical extreme but there are only so many ways you can eat falafel and if you want Falafel you can't go wrong here. The staff is a bit eclectic but extremely friendly and helpful. They actually seem personally invested when they explain the sauces to you.

We never heard of Goldie back in Canada however Philly is so lucky to have many of them spread out, they offer freshly made Israeli falafel meals and best of all is their Tahena shake! It’s like a Wendy’s frosty for vegans only much much better and healthier! I’m still dreaming of Tahena shakes! I almost never give 🍒 5/5 cherries but yessss! Food and sauces and pita breads were all fresh daily!