Simply saying the word falafel makes mouths happy. Fa-la-full. And, when tossed with tzatziki and wrapped up in a blanket of lavash bread, tastebuds become happy, too. Yes, that little lightly fried ball of spiced chickpeas or fava beans is a very good thing. And the people behind Spitz restaurant—also home of the meat lovers’ Döner Kebab—have made it even better.The newest addition to the Spitz family of restaurants opened its doors in Little Tokyo almost two months ago. (The flagship store is in Eagle Rock.) And, while Mediterranean delicacies may seem out of place on sushi row, at first glance, downtown diners file through the doors in throngs.Let’s start with the succulent smell of roasting spiced chicken and lamb-destined for the Döner Kebab-wafting from the open flame grills into the dining room. The dish’s name means “roasting meat” in Turkish. First appearing in Germany during the 1970’s, the trend spread throughout Europe. Spitz’s version was modeled to “fit the American palate,” and Angelenos will be particularly pleased to know that this sandwich is a far cry from the greasier ‘sandwich Grec’ (or gyro) sold in the stands of Parisian street vendors, for example.
Each Döner is dressed up with various Mediterranean vegetables, humus, chili sauce, feta cheese, or tzatziki and sandwiched between artisan focaccia or soft lavash bread alongside pita strips (deliciously crunchy yet soft in the middle) or luscious sweet potato fries. Vegetarians won’t leave hungry either choosing from either the Falafel or “Vég” options. The restaurant is marked by a fun, casual energy with rustic-yet-modern-metal décor, high tables and an outdoor patio. The bar pours a generous selection of beer and wine and the house-made sangria is quite tasty, too. 
Check out Happy Hour from 4-7pm, weekdays when every drink is a dollar off and there are deals on munchies, too. Beer aficionados will love $2 “cañas” (small glasses). And, for under $50, a couple can indulge in an authentic European-meets-Mediterranean-in-Little-Tokyo dinner date (including drinks), proving that Spitz is the spot to keep the wallet happy, as well.
