East West Cafe: A standout local restaurant
Photo of the East West Restaurant (The Puma Prensa / Sloane Crocker)
By Sloane Crocker, co-executive editor
Most everyone knows the area around Howard Park—there’s the park itself as well as a slew of fan-favorite dining options including Yogurt Time and Mary’s Pizza. But there’s another restaurant right in the same spot that deserves just as much recognition as the others: East West Cafe.
East West is a Mediterranean fusion restaurant that was established in Santa Rosa over 30 years ago, and over half the staff has remained with the restaurant for 20 plus years. The idea for the restaurant was first conceived by brothers Nawar and Maen Laham, who had the vision of honoring their beloved family recipes while putting a unique twist on tradition with a “blend of the East and West,” according to the restaurant’s website.
Across the entirety of the menu, there is a clear focus on wholesome and fresh ingredients, with a wealth of vegetarian and vegan options and a diverse array of dishes. The menu is broken into sections, including sandwiches, served beginning at 11 a.m., as well as a vegetarian selection, specialty entrees, and more.
Within the sandwiches section, the chicken fajita wrap is a standout option, featuring fajita marinated chicken along with bell peppers and onions wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla with hummus and brown rice. Diners also get the choice of a salad, soup, or fries as a side to top off the already delicious meal.
As for the vegetarian options, the falafel wrap is a staple of the restaurant and a must-try for every diner. It includes falafel patties along with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce and is a perfect meat-free lunch or dinner choice.
The specialty entrees section is the largest and every item is worth tasting, but the taco plate in particular is a great choice. Like all the dishes at the restaurant, the portions are generous, but this isn't a problem when the food is so good—diners get to enjoy a plate of corn tortillas filled with hummus, bean chili, veggies, and cheese and can choose to add chicken or tofu if desired.
If all these options sound enticing, it’s the perfect time to try this standout local eatery. And if you choose to visit, not only will you get a top-tier plate of food, but you will be supporting local business owners who truly love the community that they serve. As Nawar Laham said, “I love East West because it’s intimate, social, and I have the opportunity to interact with the community. I see regulars…and I continue to see the new generations come through the doors. It is an amazing feeling.”