This isn't intended as a restaurant review, although Falafelmania ticked most of the boxes that would give it 5 stars. In fact, reviewers on Tripadvisor, who rate the restaurant 98th out of 1368 in Alicante, and Happy Cow (a website for vegetarian and vegan establishments), have done just that. It is an article about the obvious professionalism of the owner.
We first passed the restaurant about 11.30am and were pleasantly surprised that it was in a reasonably good area, and someone was cleaning the tables and chairs outside, getting ready for service. We then went for a walk and returned just before 1.00pm. As we entered, we were warmly greeted by a man who later introduced himself as Diya, the owner. As a caterer myself, I recognised that the whole place was spotlessly clean and organised, with small touches that showed that the customers' requirements were considered. At that time there were no other diners, so we had the full attention of Diya. He carefully explained the menu and, when we asked him, told us that he was Spanish but with Damascene roots and that the menu was Syrian. His career had been in hotel management and that explained his professionalism and attention to detail; he was accustomed to looking after the needs of people.
The food was delightful and tasty and the falafel wraps were fantastic. The side dishes with unleavened bread were varied and delicately flavoured. Diya served the dishes as if he were proud to share his prized possessions and was genuinely pleased when we told him how good they were.
This is not an upmarket restaurant and it would be wrong to expect one when the daily menu is priced at 10€. If one is picky, and I tend to be, I could mention the plant-pot holders on the wall with IKEA stickers still on them and fake plants within, or the electric fly killer prominently placed in the alcove to the kitchen. Maybe a notice in the toilets asking people to put all paper in a bin, not the toilet, was a gentle reminder of Asian practice. One reviewer wrote that it was not a place to take your partner on a first date. So not perfect, but it would be wrong to linger on that.
What stood out was the effort that Diya has put into his project. It's a shame that we were still the only diners by the time we left and hopefully the restaurant is busier at other times. It certainly deserves to be and his Facebook photos show groups of happy eaters. Many restaurants are unfortunately run by untrained individuals who think it would be easy to do so, and the difference is blatantly shocking. I look forward to returning to Falafelmania, not only to sample the delicious food again, but to experience another portion of Diya's charm.