Victor's Gyros Falafel & Mediterranean Food

4007 Farnam Street

Omaha, NE 68131
402.341.7347
Open lunch and dinner, closed Sundays

Falafel Sandwich

Victor, the man, wears many hats. Owner, chef, and server. We can assume he also had a hand in the restaurant design, that he places the daily orders for the tomatoes and pita bread, and that he mops the floors after each busy night. During our dinner, every single customer that came and went seemed to know him personally. He even heroically shoveled out my friend's plowed-in car last winter, just to be nice. Ah, yes, Victor and his restaurant. It's about as locally owned and mom-and-pop (or in this case, just "pop") as it gets, but, does this mean we have to love it?

First, Victor nonchalantly crushed my dreams to try fava bean dip, stating that he was fresh out. Fortunately, the hummus served as a fine standby; it was coarse and garlicky, suiting my personal taste. The falafel was an almost buttery, beany goo with sesame seeds adorning the crisp exterior, and a complex spice blend that would probably puzzle the dudes at Amsterdam. The presentation of the falafel, however, was anything but complex: Spring mix, store-bought pita, chopped tomatoes, and a tasty tzatziki-like sauce that will give you some mean breath. There is no doubt that Victor serves some quality stuff, but seriously, what's up with the price? One hummus and one falafel sandwich came to $18.50, which is extremely steep, let's admit it.

Are we paying for the vibe? There are neat posters of Egypt to gaze at, but no music whatsoever makes me self-consious. I'm a really loud chewer! (Or do I just have thin cheek skin? I can't figure it out.) And halfway through the meal, I started giving my dining buddy the "I'm-still-going-to-be-hungry-after-this" look. I want to support Victor and his one man show, especially since his falafel patties are heavenly, but I think I have to wait for my tax return to go there again.

Hummus