The Mediterranean
1847 Willow Pass Rd,Ste B, Concord, CA, 94520
The Mediterranean Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Concord for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Concord for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Concord for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
1847 Willow Pass Rd,Ste B
Concord, CA, 94520 - Phone (925) 825-0608
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
Categories
Greek Cuisine
Greek food is a fine melody of the finest pressed olive oil, fresh fermented bread, colorful vegetables, juicy meat, sea food all cooked in spices and fresh rosemary. The people from Greek were great scholars who aimed to excel in everything they do. The results are quite visible in their food as they are the inventors of olive oil which is beneficial to health. Greeks also made different type of wines from the best quality of grapes fermented in controlled environment.
Today, you can find hundreds of restaurants offering authentic Greek food or popularly termed as Mediterranean cuisine in New York city alone. People wait in line to taste the exotic Greek dishes like saganaki, taramasalata, souvlaki, loukoumades, spanakopita, moussaka, and many more. One thing which most people like about these authentic Greek dishes is abundant use of lemon juice, olive oil, fresh rosemary and sea salt. A smart mix of few ingredients can virtually take you on the pebble streets of beautiful city of Greece.
For those who don't have time to enjoy fine dining should try tasting the famous souvlaki with pita which is type of meat dish, also a trademark Greek fast food. For those who are vegetarian, or vegan can try different versions of Greek Salad. So, if you wish to enjoy a hearty yet healthy meal that tastes divine then try dining at the best Greek restaurant in your city. Greek cuisine not only tastes good but also help maintain your body in a natural way through healthy diet.
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Becky S.
Love this place! I don't live too close, but anytime we are in the area for concerts at the Concord Pavilion or taking my car to the dealer, whatever, we go here for a quick bite. Great food, friendly staff, fast service, and clean. Can't beat that!
(4)Niana D.
I feel like this place dropped in quality recently. But my falafel was still delicious, my salad was satisfying, and my baklava was on point so I guess I really don't have anything to complain about. Maybe it's just peer pressure. Can I also take a moment for some of the most handsome men I have ever seen behind a cash register ever? I appreciate it.
(3)Kathy C.
Had lunch here on a Saturday afternoon. Hubby and I shared the gyro with fries, the babaganosh???sp??, greek salad and the hummus with pita. Oh and falafel. The servings are huge. Everything tastes really good and I'm assuming authentic . I've had greek food before but this had richer flavors. The hummus is outstanding!
(5)David C.
Pretty good food, extremely friendly service. I only wish I remembered this place more often as I'm often driving by it after I've already eaten somewhere else. I love their lamb kabobs over rice with the salad.. it's like the perfect plate.
(4)adam p.
Lamb Shawerma's are sooooooooooooo good!!! This place is Expensive but worth it.
(5)bah h.
Pretty damn good, falafel were a little dry, prices were moderate, lamb and chicken kabob were excellent, house made hot sauce was very good.
(4)p v.
They do a nice job, nice food, and I go there for lunch about every week. They always forget to bring me hot Tea and always ask if I want sugar, 3 times..... I always say , "No Thanks" LMAO. If in Concord, want a nice Med Food Place, I'd say, your tummy and tastebuds are going to be happy with this one! pv2
(4)Hopia M.
This is the Sistine Chapel of Concord. Visit and you'll see what I mean.
(4)salini k.
So good! I ordered a falafel and got an order of hummus, mujaddara and a turkish delight which came to $17, sounds like a lot but that was for a half pint each of mujaddara and hummus! Which lasted me for days. Everything was excellent and I can't wait to try more of their menu.
(5)Marc B.
Stopped by over the weekend because I'm on a non-meat diet for Lent and I heard their veggie menu was pretty good. Picked up a falafel deluxe sandwich (basically their regular falafel sandwich but with eggplant and potatoes added). And then I also bought a feta sandwich The feta sandwich was just alright. Actually, I think they put in a little too much feta so the cheese was overpowering everything else for the most part. The falafel sandwich was pretty damn good. I have to say, though, I underestimated the size of these sandwiches. I should've just bought one item, because the sandwiches were pretty huge. They looked like burritos from a taqueria or something. I couldn't finish either one, so I saved the leftovers for the next day. Oh, and while I was waiting for my food to finish cooking, the staff gave me a free falafel ball to try. Sooo good right after coming off the stove. I wanna try their Greek pasta next.
(4)Bayarea K.
Good food. Good selection on side dishes. Hummus is creamy and good. Service is pretty good too.
(4)Angie I.
One word....yummo! Found this place by chance and have been a loyal customer ever since! The prices are reasonable and the quality of the food is perfect! Me and my hubby lways get the lamb shawerma which is filled with goodness....love the sauce (a little spicy) and fresh veggies. I wish they had pita, but it is still delicous nevertheless! Your order is cooked when you order it, so they grill it right up and in about 2 mins, tada...warm shawerma in your belly! =) My hubbie likes his a bit spicy so he gets the spicy sauce on the side as well as inside his shawerma. I've had the beef one, and prefer the lamb. Unlike other places, their lamb is sliced and so tender! Usually we add a side of hummus and pita...the hummus is a little tangy and so smooth and rich and perfect! The pita is hot and fresh! If you have a sweet tooth, try the baklava, it's sweet and nutty and yumo...I think one is enough to share since it's rich and sweet, cuz of the honey. All in all, it's a hidden gem in the shopping center it's located in, and worth the trip! The service is always great, and the ambiance of the place is cute and the place is clean. If you love Mediterranean food, definitely hit this place up! =)
(4)Barron C.
I was always skeptical about visiting this place, considering its location. It's not a scary strip mall, just semi-sketchy and kinda gross. But! The Mediterranean is definitely worth a visit. I usually get the falafel and the hummus (which is the best I've had in the area). Don't let the sketchy strip mall deter you from visiting The Mediterranean! And tell 'em Barron sent ya! They won't know who you're talking about, but that's okay.
(5)Sarah B.
This place is amazing! I have traveled all over the Mediterranean and have eaten authentic Greek/Mediterranean food on a regular basis there, so when I went I was skeptical. This place is your food find. Your classic hole in the wall gem. Food was fresh, delicious, huge portions and great prices. Tasted like I was back in Europe again.
(5)Melisa G.
One of my favorite places for mediterranean/veggie food!
(5)Elaine S.
Was sooo excited to find a Greek food place this close to me, I came scampering home with my food, totally starving and expectations high!! I guess they were a little too high...because it wasn't quite what I was hoping for. The pita bread wasn't as fresh as some I've had in other Greek restaurants, and the falafel was decent but nothing to write home about. The Greek salad was GREAT but I guess it just wasn't enough saving grace for the whole meal. The prices are good, the hummus is good, the service is great and quick, but everything didn't quite have that little KICK I was hoping for. Ah well, I am still in search of the perfect local Mediterranean food... I'd try this place if you're in the area and it's convenient, but I wouldn't go out of my way...maybe I'm just too picky who knows? Pros: Friendly, speedy service, Fun atmosphere, Good prices Cons: Didn't quite match up to my expectations. Not amazing. Not bad. Somewhere in the middle.
(3)Kelly I.
The Mediterranean has been on my radar for a while and the hubby and I went to check it out on Friday. We didn't have the amazing customer service experience most other reviewers described, the three servers/food preps we encountered didn't seem to be interested in working a Friday night. They were attentive but not necessarily helpful since I think we put off a pretty good, "we're new here" vibe. After staring at the menu for a bit, I ordered the falafel salad, because the whole reason we came was because I was craving falafels. Hubby ordered the lamb shawarma and we split some hummus and a pot of mint tea. Here's where the review becomes mixed. Things we LOVED: the mint tea is delicious with the slightest hint of sweetness and mint leaves floating in the pot (I need to try this sometime at home), the hummus was smooth and lemony, the lamb was tender and the salad dressing on very fresh veggies and greens of my salad was flavorful and delicious. On the other hand: I was expecting the falafels to be crispy and at least warm, but they were barely luke warm and hard on the outside, decently soft on the inside but lacking a little in flavor. Maybe this wouldn't have happened if we came during a busy lunch rush or if I had ordered a sandwich but I'm pretty sure I got the bottom of barrel. We ordered the lamb spicy and it was barely graced with hot sauce. Nothing really packed a punch although some parts of the meal were done well. If I was in the area I'd consider stopping in again, but Dublin to Concord on a Friday? Maybe we'll give Babalou's in Walnut Creek a try since they are by the same owner and closer to home.
(3)Brian W.
Really Desiree??? CHEAP?? Why just one $ sign? This should be increased to represent the actual price ... $$. Over $14 for lamb schwarma, drink and Turkish delight. There are Mediterranean shops in the heart of the financial district in SF that offer better schwarma cheaper. Why do we pay more for a schwarma at a well established place in Concord that has been there for years? Now to the food, the schwarma had great flavor. Nice portion of each ingredient so it was balanced. However, it didn't have the hot spicy kick I expected when I ordered mine to be EXTRA spicy. The spicy sauce was more tangy than of chili spice. I will go here again because I am hooked on schwarmas. I will also ask for a side car of extra chili sauce to kick up the heat.
(3)qomag K.
I really like this place, the food is good and affordable. Do not expect a 5 star restaurant people, this is a kebab place helooooo its like a Mediterranean hamburger for Gods sake!! They have great baklava, veggie plate and kebabs, service is super nice and friendly. My friends really enjoy the Athens Burger and Lamb Kebabs I highly recommend this place for a casual dinner :)
(5)Heather H.
When we went here for lunch and my husband BEGGED to go back for dinner the same day I knew we had a winner. There are some things I love on the menu and some things I "like." But the superior flavor/technique on the things they do well makes it worth it. The dolmas are the best I have ever had.
(5)Abigail O.
Thanks to a simple Yelp search for "greek food" in zip code 94523, I found this place. I never would have assumed that, in such an unassuming, slightly worn down center, there would be such a great place. When I walked in, the man behind the counter was incredibly friendly and when I informed him, this was my first visit, he immediately helped me get exactly what I wanted. I ordered the vegetarian/vegan plate and since I am not a big fan of dolmas, asked him if I could substitute extra falafel. He instantly agreed and conjured up my meal. The hummus was some of the best I have tasted, rich and full of spice. It had more of a garlic flair than some I've had which set it aside in my mouth---just the right amount too. The baba ganoush was fabulous, with an impressive spicy after effect. The portions were generous and the price was right too. I took a few tubs home of hummus and baba ganoush and have been enjoying ever since.
(5)Ninette B.
I've been going to this place for 10 years.. one of my favorite places EVER, hands down. EVERYTHING is amazing, though I usually get either the veggie sampler or a chicken schawerma. I just had brunch and I'm full but I am kind of hungry now just thinking of The Med...
(5)Peggy N.
I had a lamb shawarma here on Monday. The darling guy behind the counter says to me "you want it spicy?" since there was a long line of other white people behind me I figured I'd show off a little and respond "yes!" Which I did. Inside I kept thinking I'm going to pay for that in the morning. HA HA - I didnt! The lamb was generous and tender, it was seasoned just right . Not too spicy - you see, every now and again its OK to show off. The hummus is out of this world - I could nose dive directly into a bowl of it if you'd still call me a classy girl in the morning. It can get a little crowded during lunch but the line moves quickly and the staff is very friendly!
(4)Ryan M.
Go to spot for my wife and I on a take-out night. Love the chicken and lamb shawarma along with the kefta kabob. They have some of the best hummus I have ever eaten, great babaganoush, and great fallafel. Even better is the friendly service. I'll keep coming back.
(4)Evil W.
Good news, bad news. The good news is that this place serves the best falafel and shawarma in the Bay area. The bad news is that the owners know it, and I have watched the prices climb steadily over the years to the point where I seldom go anymore. However if you like Mediterranean food then this is as good as it gets without a plane ticket. Lunch always is busy (Bank of America Technology center is a block away) so go early or late depending.
(5)Jennette B.
Very good - friendly service too. Love the eggplant stacked with tomato Yummmmy
(5)Elizabeth T.
4.5 stars actually. My husband and I really enjoy coming here, as does my 2 year old daughter. The food is delicious. We crave this type of cuisine often and this is a great place for us to grab a casual bite after work. The seating area could use some renovating, but over all this place is really great.
(4)Steven O.
Decent eats at prices reflective of their portion size. The service is friendly and efficient. Worth trying at least once to see if it suits your fancy. Can't decide if I'll go back...guess time will tell.
(3)BORAMEY H.
Great lamb shawermas (that's how they spell it). I requested extra spicy and boy was it! Thick slices of Lamb, freshly diced tomatoes, just-picked-from-the-garden greens and fiery sauce, all wrapped in a flatbread. Stay awhile and enjoy the murals on the ceiling, we did!
(5)Bill J.
Have only had take out. But found the food good and a change. Have only tired a few items the Falafel sandwich, Lamb kebab, falafel balls and Hummus with Pita. Except for the Pita which was too stiff for me but the rest was great. Service was good and i will return for more.
(4)Jennifer P.
I had read some great reviews about this place and had no idea where it was. I frequent this shopping plaza and had not ever seen it. I have been on a Mediterranean kick lately and craving dolmas and hummus and falafel. I decided after working out at Velocity one evening, that I was bound and determined to find this place. Sure enough, it did exist! The place is more fast foodie than I was expecting. But, that did not deter me any. I went right in. The staff was very nice. They offered me samples of the falafel and helped guide me through the menu. It is pretty basic and really I just wanted the staples. No fancy kabobs or anything, just dolmas by the piece, falafels by the piece, pitas and a combo plate with a selection of the above plus tabbouleh and another side salad. As predicted, I loved the falafel and the dolmas. They were very good, but pretty standard. I realize that I just do not like tabbouleh. Too much parsley! The hummus was just basic run of the mill hummus. I think that is just the standard, but was good. I know that I will go back here, especially after a workout to try some more things or just get the stuff I know I love. I think I need to go and try a few more things there, and may even
(4)M N.
Ok, based on other reviews, I might have gotten them on a bad day or something. Don't know why, but the lamb shawerma wasn't very good...and I love my lamb shawerma!!! Oh well, on with the hunt for a better shawerma. Whatever little amount of lamb that was there was drenched in a bland thin yogurt sauce. If you managed to find a piece of lamb that hasn't been drenched in the sauce, it wasn't that flavorful...almost tasteless. The bread wrapping was so dry and tasteless...stale...and grilling it didn't help either. The humus was average. I think it is missing the fat-rich taste of some sesame seeds oil. May be they didn't add enough?? The baba ghanouj was pretty decent. But again, the side flat bread or pita was cold, dry and stale. The only plus there is the people were nice and friendly. Probably not going to return.
(2)Elly G.
The food is good. We ordered the lamb kabob and lamb shawarma. Service was good too. Good place for take out.
(3)Anne M.
I just got back from my first trip to this restaurant. It was great! The first thing I noticed was the superb service from the host/owner/manager (I'm not sure, she is a middle-aged lady who has a striking resemblance to my mom). She explained the menu to us, and came back to check on us many times. She was very accomodating of my grandma and mother-in-law, who have dietary restrictions. This place has lots of vegetarian and vegan options. I'm neither of those, but I appreciate it. I had the lamb kabob combo platter with hummus and couscous. The lamb was delicious. It came with plenty of rice, and the tomato topping was very flavorful and delicious. My MIL raved about the baba ganoouj, saying it was the best she had ever had. The tabbouleh was very light and crucnhy. Get the mint tea. Seriously, it's slightly sweet, refreshing, and goes great with the food. I will absolutely come back to this place next time I go to a movie at the Brendan Theater.
(5)A. T.
Every time i go here for lunch it has been refreshing. I always get a chicken shawerma and some type of hummus or mixed salad. This most recent time i ordered some falafels and mujadarra (sp). I was very pleased with the whole meal. I would have given them a five stars but they are a little expensive for the portions.
(4)Madison S.
This is an awesome lunch place in the Park 'n Shop in Concord. The walls paintings are so neat! My personal fave is the falafel wrap, and I usually get a side of hummus and tabbouleh. I realize this is a lot of food, which is why I usually get someone to go with me to share (yay sharing!). The staff is super nice, as is the owner. All in all, I have no complaints. It has a sister location in Walnut Creek near McCovey's restaurant, called Babalous.
(5)Rama K.
Been going here for years. Before the current owner even, though he has been there for close to 10 years I think. I always get the lamb shawerma (sp), I like it spicy. F*! yeah! The blast of flavors soaks in and take you for a culinary journey. Rich lamb flavor and bold mediteranean flavors. While I wait for my shawerma (sp) I ask for a couple falafel balls and a couple dolma. It's how I roll.
(4)Nate S.
Every time I come back here this place grows on me. I wish there were more places that serve Mediterranean food in the area like this place does. If they had a greek bakery I'd 5 star this place!
(4)chris b.
I went here once a week for at least a year. so you know the food here is super legit. Get the lamb shawerma combo with tabouleeh and babaganoush and a few falafels (sorry if my spelling is off, i've had a few drinks today). Everything is fresh, homemade and very consistently delicious and high quality. there are no wrong choices at this place. def one of the best restaurants overall ive eaten at. one of those local spots youll be bragging about to your friends in la, chicago, and miami
(5)Kerry n Tony L.
Totally in love with the Chicken Shawerma and the Babaganoush. The chicken shawerma is GIGANTIC and delicious- I could not finish it in one sitting. The babaganoush came with a whole gang of pita bread. My husband ordered the lamb shawerma over rice and it was just as delicious! ;D I am TOTALLY coming back to this place.
(4)Rishi C.
Had a deluxe veggie falafel wrap (which comes with grilled veggies like eggplant and potato) and enjoyed it quite a bit. The taste was good and my only reason for giving four (rather than five) stars was that there was nothing "extra-special" about the meal: the taste, the atmosphere, and the price are all reasonable and consistent... but I didn't find myself thinking "whoa daddy!". In short: if competent, reliable middle-eastern fare is desired then The Mediterranean is not a bad choice.
(4)DJ N.
We were hankering for some shawarmas (actually I found out they're spelled shawermas!) and went on Yelp! and found this place close by to Fry's. Aside from it was conveniently close to where we were already going, I really liked the lamb shawarma! It was bigger than what I was used to so I had half to take home. Would definitely go back again! 5/23 thought we'd check it out while we were I'm the area - still yummy! :)
(4)Hai T.
Ughh! I've experienced much better greek food elsewhere. The falafel (sp?) tastes like flavored dirt. I used to work in the area, and would walk past this place all the time. The workers there would constantly stare at me as I walked past their restaurant, as if to say, "what? you too good to eat our food?" so I caved in one day and went it. I'm sure garbage tastes better than this place.
(2)Amanda O.
This is one of my favorite places to eat in Concord. Its a cute little place in the Park n Shop. The food is always great but my favorite part is actually the people that work there. Every time I walk in, they make sure to greet you and they are always very friendly. They let you try anything before you order it to make sure you like it. The last time I was in there I brought a friend with me who didn't order anything because she was feeling sick. So she went to go sit down at one of the tables and one of the guys working there came over and made sure she had water without even being asked because he over heard her say she felt sick. I would recommend checking this place out if you haven't already!!
(5)Kat H.
My mom was holding out on me! I met my mom and her friend here for lunch yesterday. She was so proud of introducing her friend to this place but then she had never told ME about it. I had a chicken shawerma and it was sooo good. Then I mooched off of my mom's veggie combo plate--that was delicious. The falafel balls are the best I've ever had--even better than the Falafel Drive-In in San Jose. The hummus and their pita bread is just to die for. I'm going back tonight and bringing my first friend of many to experience it. P.S. I forgot to mention how I love how it's painted. You gotta check out the bathroom.
(5)Abiud A.
Great falafel sandwich. Very nice service. Recommended for the value given the price.
(4)Jorge J.
i come here at least 3 times a week if I can, I love everything at this place. All the freshly made salads and grilled chicken.... ummm just thinking about the Mediterranean is making me hungry. I have not found a better Greek restaurant in all of the bay area, yet I am always on the hunt.
(5)Rachel B.
I was looking for nicer pita than they have in grocery stores when I found The Mediterranean on yelp. Although I could buy it by the piece here, it was pretty dry. Still, I loved that they served Greek food deli-style like dolmas and falafel balls by the piece. I will definitely be back to try their falafel salad, greek salad and gyros.
(4)Janete K.
My husband and I loved this place. The staff is very friendly, the food is awesome! We tried almost everything and it was very fresh and delicious. The neighborhood is not inviting, but I'm glad we gave it a try. It's definitely one of our favorite places from now on. Prices are good!
(5)Christopher S.
Great falafels, only thing I would change is to have fresh dolmas. The ones they do serve are from a can, but I would pay extra for the fresh kind. The food is authentic and reasonably priced.
(4)Lindsay L.
I had the chicken shawerma and the chicken was very tough (made my jaw hurt) and didn't tase like much. The spicy sauce was nice but overall, I was pretty disappointed. The staff was very nice (cute cook, too!), so I guess I'll just have to try something else next time. I'm hoping to be wowed so that I can give them more stars.
(2)Lani R.
This place is awesome! My husband and I found out while I was pregnant and it was one of the few things I could stomach. I love the falafel supreme it was soo good and filling, it took me multiple sittings to finish it. My hubby loves the lamb combo. This is one of the best MED places ever, I highly recommend it.
(5)Aber M.
Never had Mediterranean food in my life before this place. It is now added to the list of food establishments I crave to eat now and then. The first time I went here the place was packed! That's always a good sign that you've hit the culinary jackpot. The place is a bit small to my liking but the murals from wall to wall and from ceiling to floor makes up for it nicely. The food is addicting, so many flavors its like an explosion in my mouth. Quick and pleasant customer service, also the prices are very affordable. YUM!
(4)Becky L.
Truly a hidden gem!! I LOVE me some good Mediterranean food & after reading all the great reviews here on Yelp I had to check it out for myself, & I'm SOOOO glad I did! I had the chicken kabob & my bf had the lamb shawerma. Huge portions & very authentically delish! My bf had never had falafel before so the guy working let us both try one. Didn't get to try the salads but they looked really good. Location is a bit sketchy, but for DELICIOUS Mediterranean food, I'll deal w/ it!
(5)Gary L.
The lamb kabab was small chunks of lamb grilled instead of the "shaved" lamb they use for the shawerma on the lavash flat bread. The grilled meat was topped with onion, cucumber and sauce and wrapped up in the bread. Also ordered the kefta kabab-it is in the same wrapped lavash configuration, but uses ground, marinated lamb and grilled tomatoes with the onion and cucumber and dressing. Both items were tasty and fresh-but be sure to ask them to add some of the hot spice to give it some kick. Also ordered two small sides to try: The couscous was tender and fluffy grains with sweet dried cranberries and the hummus was a silky smooth dip of pureed chick peas, tahini (sesame paste), with a garlic (or onion?) undertone. The pita bread would have been better if slightly toasted on the grill, but it was still a great dip! The guys behind the counter are always friendly, and the restaurant is clean. The Mediterranean is a much better choice to satisfy your yen for grilled lamb than the institutionalized food and portions from someplace like the omnipresent Daphnes Cafe you now see in the malls.
(4)Betty B.
def a fan. The owners are really friendly and forward thinkers.. The food is pretty damn good. I love thier dolmas.. I have had other dolmas and I just cant eat other peoples dolmas. I find them to be either too mushy or the leaves not the greatest texture. You can customize a shawerma and add roasted eggplant or a falafel if you like. Everyone I dragged to the mediterranean has been delightfully satisfied. Oh and check out the bathroom.. youll see what I mean.
(4)Jennifer R.
Tasty food, but nothing over the moon about it. If you're on Yelp looking at restaurants in Concord, you're probably sick of pizza and Chinese/Mexican/Thai food. In which case, totally go for The Mediterranean, because its a nice change from that which flows in more abundance around here. If you're looking for knockout, fall-down, faintingly great grub, you'll be disappointed.
(3)Wendy B.
This restaurant is clean and usually has a line out the front door during lunch. I would not say this is the best place for mediterranean food, but in Concord and surrounding areas there isn't too much competition. In Concord, this is probably the best place for a Shwerma (sp?) -- only because I don't know of anywhere else. They will make your Scwerma anyway you want them too. I like mine with potatoes and feta cheese -- it isn't offered like that on the menu, but they made it that way. I usually get the lamb and on more than one occassion have found fatty pieces in the schwarma -- that is just disgusting and almost ruins the entire experience. The owners are very nice and courteous. I have been coming for years and have never had an unpleasant experience. I prefer Baladies in SF over this places Schwerma's but, like I said, I will come here on occasion.
(3)Robbie S.
My family's been going here for years and it's a classic amazing hole-in-the-wall local place. The food is absolutely delicious and always hits the spot for me. I inhale their falafel, and the flatbread they wrap it in is tender, yet lightly crisp. Although it isn't the best turkish coffee in the world, it remains of the few places I can find it without going to Berkeley, Oakland, SF, etc. and it's still pleasant and tasty :) I have a strange affinity for the kind-of-ghetto, not very well painted mural covering every surface of the place. One section to note is Adam and Eve handing God(/) falafel from the Garden of Eden above the register to the entrance to the back room. I'm still stumped by the painting of Marilyn Monroe and JFK walking out of the bathroom door though...
(5)tanner r.
great food!!! yuuuummmy. really nice and good service. big portions casual atmosphere elevator music?
(4)Gail N.
This place is great -- great food, great services, & great prices. It's not in a great area, but it's easy to get to & close to downtown Concord.
(5)Melissa A.
Whenever I travel to Concord to visit family I try to stop here for a meal. The food is wonderful and the staff is great. It may be a little hole-in-the-wall but the food is big time. Love it!
(5)Iveta T.
One of my favorite's!!! I love your lamb shawerma !!!!
(5)The T.
Very good food. Go, you will not regret.
(5)Heather G.
The Mediterranean is super tasty! My husband and I each split a chicken kebab and a chicken shawarma and both were full of flavors! I liked the shawarma a bit better, but I liked being able to try both. We also had the hummus and the baba ganoush. Both had complex flavors that made me want more! I highly recommend this place. I'm glad to have a tasty family run business like this close to home. We will be back for sure.
(5)Dragon P.
These are the shawermas by which I judge all other shawermas. I moved to this area a few years ago and tried this right off the bat. FAB-U-LOUS. The shawermas are hot (freshly prepared, right in front of your very eyes), spiced to suit you (they always ask, even though they know me), and an excellent ratio of meat/veg/lavosh. The only thing they don't do is hold together when I eat them out on my patio (in other words, use a plate). They're also huge. On the rare occasions that I have leftovers, they reheat really well, too. In all fairness, there were a few times that my mum and I went here back in 2006 that the food wasn't top-notch. It wasn't bad food, per se, just bland. They probably did some tinkering with the recipes. However, I've been about 10 times this year and never had a bad bite, much less a bad meal. Whatever the reason for the difference, at least they've got it sorted. The hummus is both bland and flavorful, which makes it perfect for using as a dip with whatever you have handy. And the falafels, well, if you can't actually go the Middle East to get lunch, then at least go here! The decorations are also whimsical and well-done, as others have said. I like looking at the map on the floor as I stand in line. And they're nice people, too :)
(5)Lee Ann M.
Love this place! It's in a totally random location, and is pretty much the epitome of "hole in the wall." The prices are good and the food is tasty. Try the mujadara and the baba ganoush!
(5)A B.
By the majority of great reviews on here, we decided to try it out a few months ago. The location isn't the greatest & apparently they were robbed around the time we went there (September 2008). The place was empty, but the warm welcome from the owner made it comforting. The staff was super nice and helped me decide on what to order. I'm a big hummus & pitas fan, so I got a container of that to go with our chicken shawermas. A few bites into them and our shawermas fell apart causing a big mess. We ended up eating them with forks. The taste wasn't bad, but it wasn't the greatest either. If I do go back, I will probably order something different and hope that I find something a little more suiting my tastebuds!
(3)Heather P.
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! I loved this place! I've never tried greek food before, and I was utterly impressed. It was soooo different and so yummy! The service was great, very friendly, and cute too ;-) I TOTALLY recommend this place!! It's GOURMET!!
(5)Marvin Z.
I ordered the Athens burger (spicy) to go and literally wolfed it down in the car. The sirloin meat was tender, the sauce tasty and the spicy was just right. Becareful because it can get a little messy with the juicy creamy goodness it comes with but well worth the mess. Next time I will try the Kefta which is a lamb-beef combo. Definitely a repeat!
(4)henry s.
This place ROCKS --- great Mediterranean food at great prices. Lots of veg/vegan options, which is rare on this side of the Tunnel. I like the relaxed atmosphere and the owners/workers are hella cool. They recently opened another location in Berkeley at Shattuck and University. Awesome falafels! Gotta stop writing now cuz I'm starting to drool all over my iBook...
(5)Carla B.
Yum-O! We went there for lunch yesterday after seeing the good reviews on Yelp. We both got the lamb combo which is served over rice, with warm pita bread and two side salads. My honey had the babaganoush (VERY tasty) and tabouleh. I had the Greek salad and mujadarra - I could be totally wrong on that spelling, but wow, was it goooood! The service was great. Everyone was so nice and friendly. It's like a little hole in the wall place stuck in a strip mall right by a McDonald's, but don't let that deter you. This is a diamond in the rough and we will definitely go back. The prices were good, the casual atmosphere was entertaining (interesting murals all over) and the food was fantastic.
(5)Salernitana A.
Absolutely wonderful! Their Baba Ganoush is really truly amazing. I go to them to cater all of my work parties and it's always a huge hit (and very reasonable pricing). The caterer is a wonderful woman named Sherry, very sweet! The location is less than ideal (next to a McDonald's in a mini mall) but get over it and try them out! It's great great great Mediterranean food, simple menu.
(5)Candace C.
mmmmmm this place is sooo good! i read the reviews on yelp, and true to what the other yelpers say, this place is REALLY REALLY delicious! the portions are HUGE, (i have half my shawarma left, and its calling me....) and the prices are really cheap ($7.95 for chicken shawarma that will last for 2 meals). the guy behind the counter was nice too! the place isnt really where you go for ambiance so i was going to give it a 4.5 stars, but because it was so cheap and the service was so fast, i will round it up to 5!
(5)Sarah H.
This use to be my stand by for decent falafel in my area. However the last time I went for dinner I was sorely disappointed. The person taking our order was very rude and we were rushed and reminded several times that they closed in 30 minutes. I guess it would take 30 minutes to make our food? We left and sadly I don't think I will be returning.
(2)Larisa S.
This place is the best for amazing and inexpensive Mediterranean food. I love to order the vegetarian sampler and save half of it for lunch the next day....they definitely don't skimp when it comes to serving up the food! Speaking of which, why would anyone buy hummus at the grocery store when you can get a huge container of it at this place for much less? Also, I recently tried the falafel with potatos and eggplant -- SO GOOD! A little heavy on the onion but it was nothing I couldn't pick out.
(5)Jay L.
I love this place! I been here many time. I tried the chicken schwaerma, the lamb combo plate with several different side dishes. The service is always fast and friendly. At lunch time, it's always crowded. The food here is always delicious. The chicken in the shwaerma was spicy and moist. The lamb was definitely tasty and tender! This is my fav Mediterranean place.
(5)Renzo D.
Great food, fast service, excellent value! Lots of options for vegetarians! Place is small and seating is limited, but the food is delicious! Great for take out! They have the best hummus! One of my favorite places in Concord!
(4)Michael N.
One of my favorite lunch time places in Concord. Delicious falafel, shwarma, and kebab plates and sanwiches. Falafel tastes perfectly spiced. Lamb is juicy and flavorful with the slight gaminess that make lamb tasty. They also advertise that they use high quality meats from reputable purveyors. Everything is made fresh Large portions. Eat all of it and you will be in blissful food coma for several hours later. Large lines during lunch but they have high throughput.
(5)Lloyd S.
When I moved to Walnut Creek from San Francisco I was worried about finding a falafel/schwarma substitute for Truly Med. Thankfully due to Yelp I found out about The Mediterranean. I've been there a few times now and have had the lamb schwarma, falafel, and humus. Each experience has been fantastic. They use a lavosh bread to wrap their sandwiches like a burrito, a much better alternative to the uneven stuffing of a pita. The staff is fantastic and usually gives those waiting a falafel ball to snack on. Prices are very reasonable and they're in a shopping center which makes parking a snap.
(5)Trinity X.
Went today for the first time..Didn't even know this place is so well known.. It's a little hole in the wall. You blink and you miss it. :) Walked by this place many times, never went in, but thought "hmm, good to know they have lamb kebab". Finally we went to eat today. I ordered the Falafel Deluxe and it was huge and I loved it..Very tasty. My boyfriend ordered a lamb sandwich and it was also very good. Very low cost too. We must have picked a good time, just as we sat down the crowds fell in.. They got so busy, everyone in the kitchen had to come out to lend a hand. We'll definetly go back, great mediterranean food for under $20 for two. Besides I love to eat my food wrapped up like a burrito. :) It's got plenty of parking in this little strip mall. Nice downtown location.
(5)Erick Z.
I gave it 4 but my wife convinced me to give it 5. She said that they have the best falafel she has ever had and she's crazy about her falafel. I had the lamb shwarma which was the best I've had in quite a while. Make sure you get it spicy! I had the chicken shwarma on another occasion and I wasn't that impressed... Overall, very good and I will definitely go back (especially since there is a Fry's next door)!
(5)yelp l.
lamb shwarma and the falafel is wonderful! very casual and not expensive! Amazing paintings!
(5)JoAnn L.
I'm wondering if this changed hands. I went today and instead of pita bread, the shwarma was enclosed in a tortilla, there weren't as many vegies and the hot green sauce was missing.
(3)James J.
just tried this place for lunch today. i'm glad i found a decent mediterranean joint here in concord for my lunch breaks. it's a little ways walking distance from my office, but considering the other lame lunch choices i have in this area (besides luigi's sandwiches), it's well worth it. for those who know me, i have a slight addiction to chicken shawarmas. so yeah, i ordered the chicken shawarma from this place. i'll be honest, it's definately not as good as Oasis Grill (SF, Financial District), but it's a close second place. i like the fact that they give you little containers of extra hot sauce - if you like it extra hot, which i surprisingly have taken a real fancy to spicey foods of late. really strange ...
(4)Navi T.
I do agree with my peers that this place is a hole in the wall. Absolutely great shawvermah. What I really like about this place is the meats are not processed blends, ala Daphne's. Everything's done right in front of you. It's a little on the pricey side, but in return you get something that's bigger than a burrito and it's damned good. It's messy, so don't wear those $180 Citizens or Paiges if you go here...
(4)Arnold G.
This place would be one of the only reasons I would want to live in Concord. Amazing food. Both the hummus and baba ganoush are excellent and the shawarma is awesome. If for some reason I had to go vegetarian, this would be one place I would definitely frequent. This restaurant got me started on a two-month Mediterranean food kick. Too bad we live in Fremont now, but when I lived in Lafayette, we would drive out to Concord just to eat here.
(5)Lee K.
LOVE it! This has been one of our favorite take-out spots for years. I love the chicken shawerma, my husband loves the lamb shawerma. I can't get out of there without the babaganoush and mujadara tempting me (we get large portions, so we're sure to have plenty left over). Everything we've had is fresh & delicious. The people that run it are so genuinely friendly; it really adds to the experience. And while this place is in the ugliest strip mall imagineable (they seriously named it "The Park & Shop"??), once inside, it's quite charming (I'm a fan of the head-to-toe murals).
(5)K H.
being a vegetarian, you get to be a bit of a connoisseur of Falafel....and hummus and baba Ganoush (although I can't spell it) anyhow, they are the BEST, second only to Sinbads in San Mateo. The BEST Falafel ever!! served in a flat bread grilled on an open flame, super!! I used to live in Concord, now I have to stop anytime I am anywhere near there just so I can get one!!
(4)J E.
Went there for the first time today and will definitely come back! I had a great veggie falafel and a couple good sides. A little more expensive then I like to pay for lunch (everything came to $10) but still not bad. The guys that work there are super nice and let me try all the sides since it was my first time there. Definitely recommended!
(4)Hire Me H.
the people there offered me a free falafel while i waited for my lamb shwerma?!? i ordered that because all the people on this site said it was HUGE. well, it is pretty huge, like the size of a burrito, BUT....it's not filling at all. i really felt for the amount i paid that i should at least get a little full. the wrap itself is kind of thin, but the filling is tasty. anyways, for a guy you're not really goinga get full off of this, but i give them an A+ for great service!
(4)Tom B.
Good place for a Greek/Near-Eastern lunch in a strip mall setting in busy Concord, I had their Athenian Burger in pita, tasty sauce and very edible...the place has nice murals but is very basic otherwise...not a place for a date unless you're both college students or trying to make a proletarian statement....you line up, give your order, then continue down the line to pay, after which they call you when your food is ready so you can rush back with it to your seat before that fat guy sits down in your spot....a decent family run place, nice alternative to those bad news burgers from Mickey D's (have you read Fast Food Nation?)
(3)Stephen H.
Average place, the food tastes healthy which is to mean, a bit bland and lacking of much flavor. In interest of fairness I only tried the Chicken Swarema and the meat was mostly white meat and tasted a bit dry. OK place but I expected more for the price ~7.50 for a wrap (Albeit a fairly large wrap)
(3)Robert F.
Great place for good food!
(4)Smart P.
Awesome place , I take all my friends and family here and all have loved it! Super fresh food , great casual service!! Love the falafel!! Great place to stop and get deli sides when going to a party or potluck , always something different!!
(5)Zach T.
What can I say about The Mediterranean that hasn't been said already? I've been here a handful of times now a have had the shawarma (both lamb and chicken), fallafel lamb kebab, hummus and the baba ganoush; all of it was amazing. The food is reasonably priced and the staff is very friendly. Its quickly become my number one spot to head for on my lunch breaks.
(5)Zach F.
Excelent food no doubt. Service was also great, very helpful with any questions of what foods were called what was in them and such. the bathroom was so cool. I would pay just to see it the food is just a pleasant upside. The bathroom is a huge aquatic mural with fish and spongebob. the whole restaurant has a cool mural on all the wall with Mother Teresa, Maralyn Monroe, JFK, and other famous people. Truly an experience I tell everyone to go.
(5)Chris P.
I used to think this place was the best Greek food on this side of the hills. That distinction now goes to Yanni's on Alhambra in Martinez, but I would still come here again if I wanted a sit-down restaurant experience with a lot of options. The food is good and the staff is friendly... but it's no Yanni's.
(3)YUP K.
Let me just say, I love mediterranean food. I've been to Greece and had fantastic Greek food. Maybe I went to The Mediterranean on an off day, or the ownership changed, or something... This place was terrible. I had the lamb shawerma. Muddled musty flavors, burnt wrap, extremely gristly lamb... Yechh. It was barely edible. I went with two other people. They both hated it. We left feeling ripped off. Also, for food that bad, it was pretty expensive. Oh yeah, and the rotating shawerma griller thing was turned off, which looked fairly unsanitary to me. Personally, if I'm in Pleasant Hill/Concord and I'm desperate for Mediterranean food, I'll go to Flora's over near Diablo Valley College and get a gyros sandwich. Flora's isn't great, but it's pretty tasty and is at least edible. However, maybe there's something I'm not understanding, because it did have a few customers come in while we were there who seemed to be regulars. I don't know...
(1)Bob F.
Don't forget the falafel at this place. It's unique and delicious.
(4)Stephanie C.
Ok, I know it doesn't look like much from the outside, but the food and friendly service are worth it! I have been going here for years. This is a family run restaurant that I first came to because I saw shawerma on the sign. Of course, I had to go in because I wanted to compare the taste to that of shawerma that I've had in the Middle East. Bingo, its the same spicy sauce. I love the falafel, and have been a vegetarian for about 8 years now. This place still rocks! I always bring my out of town friends here to feast on the hummus and veg. combo plate (way too much food for one person, better for three).
(5)T-Squared S.
It was worth going out of our way to this Small (~seating for 25); informal restaurant (There's also one at 1984 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, 94704, a little larger & just as good! ) Very tasty; We got the mild (vs the hot) and enjoyed: Lamb Shawerma ($7.50) & Chicken Shawerma ($7.25) - thin marinated meat, tomatoes, parsley, seasond onions and Tahinis Sauce on Lavash (flat bread rolled up like a burrito) Other Items Vegeterian Sandiwches-Falafel (reg $5.95 or deluxe $6.95); hummus(5.50); Dolma {stuffed grape leaves+ more $5.50) Salds & Dips (Tabbouleh 1/2 Pt $2.95)
(4)Nicole W.
Ok so we all know the Mediterranean is the best food ever. I just wanted everyone to realize that there is a new location downtown Walnut Creek where the Quizno's used to be. It is called Babalou's Mediterranean (the owner gave my bf and I the whole rundown why they changed the name, but it's because they want to eventually franchise it and couldn't franchise "the mediterranean".) It is the same exact place though: same menu, decor and owners. I'm ecstatic about the new location! I've only been there once so far but it is definitely just as amazing!!!!! :)
(5)gimyii N.
love this place. been here many times and i am never disappointed. we love the atkins special which consists of lettuce, finely sliced cucumber, tomatoes, and onions. then smothered in their yogurt sauce and perfectly cooked tender lamb meat in a red sauce. it is a very satisfying meal for those who are avoiding carbs.
(5)Roberta C.
I love this place. There are tons of vegetarian options, including hummus and falafel sandwiches, and they are always willing to accomodate substitutions on the veggie plate. My personal favorites are the mujaddara (rice and lentil salad) and the bakdonsieh (yogurt and cucumber). They're my favorite place in Concord to eat and are always super nice!
(5)Arthur D.
I have to do justice to this place by given them a good rating. Their food is excellent. Decor is decent and funny. It has one of the best humus I had in the Bay area and desert is marvelous. Price is fair for the quality.
(5)carlo c.
lamb shawarma is good and they serve it big! o yeah, make sure you have some hand wipes and mint gum..
(4)N W.
Excellent and friendly. I would come here once a week if I lived closer. You should go at least once so you know what Mediterranean food should taste like. Oddly, the Mediterranean on Shattuck in Berkeley is not as good, eventhough its the same people and same set up
(5)Matt K.
awesome food, nothing more to be said... if you have any doubts, eat there :)
(5)Misti L.
I live in SF, I have all the food options I could possibly ask for BUT I will actually drive to Concord for this place! The hummus is fabulous and the cucumber salad is the best. The place is family owned and they are so wonderful. I highly recommend everything!
(5)Natalya N.
Came in here today with the family after a long day. What a great choice. The food was great ordered the lamb shawarma combo, it was a great value 2 sides, entree, rice, dolma and pita all for under $12. Not to mention the lamb was tender and well seasoned. We also got the kefta combo ground beef and lamb also delicious. They have a kids plate which is seasoned chicken with rice and veggies. The plate was huge not like any kids menu item I've ever seen. The owner and staff are very friendly and made sure we had a great experience. Check it out definitely worth a try.
(5)Martin K.
Good food, the right price and friendly service. Been there a few times and never disappointed.
(4)Steve A.
Good price, GREAT food and quick service. Can you ask for anything more? Sure, you could, but that would be unreasonable. Found this place while killing time in the area waiting for a car repair. I was looking for indian food, but will always happily settle for good mediterranean. In this case, an exceptional falafel wrap. The wrap was pressed and the falafel was not nearly as dry as I'm used to, so these are both plusses. I also got a side of fries, which perfect. The environment is a relatively spacious(at least, it wasn't crowded) eatery with pretty murals all throughout the restaurant. The staff were attentive and polite to everyone who came in. I haven't tried anything else in the whole plaza, but I'm going to tentatively say this is the best place there. I know, it's a bit early, but I'm willing to take that risk.
(5)Daniel R.
Not quite sure if my meal was just an anomaly, but I was very unimpressed with it. first off, I am a lover of Mediterranean food and my relationship with hummus is enough to make my girlfriend jealous, but I do not presume to be an expert in the regional flavors of the Mediterranean. I just go by taste. So please take this with a grain of salt. I ordered a side of hummus and pita bread. the pita bread was fine. But the hummus was ridiculous. it literally tasted like plain milk. even the consistency was more like a milkshake than hummus. I don't know if maybe they mix in milk to make more or what, but I couldn't even eat it without being grossed out. I had the lamb wrap. it was alright as far as how it was cooked. But it had almost zero flavor whatsoever. I don't know what sauce they put on it, there was a lot cuz it was dripping all over the place, but it didn't taste like anything. I had to ask for some hot sauce just to have at least SOME flavor. Oh and when they gave me hot sauce, it was in a super tiny little cup, not much bigger than a thimble. The wrap, pita bread & hummus, and a small drink came to almost $16. Not at all worth it in my opinion.
(2)Cal S.
I lived around this area few years back, when I think of a great Falafel or Shawerma sandwich I think of this place . they are the best food for people that like healthy Mediterranean cosine. try this place and you to will give it a 5 stars.
(5)Michael H.
Came here to try out the food after visiting a couple other locations in the East Bay. Definitely one of the top places I've been too. The only downside was my Shawarma came out a little burnt on the pita wrap part. The Baklava and Turkish Delight were solid as well.
(4)Rachel M.
First thing's first - why are Marilyn Monroe and JFK painted on the bathroom door? My veggie sampler was decent. The hummus and baba ghanoush were excellent, but the cucumber salad and tabbouleh took up way too much of the plate and they were pretty bland. The hummus wrap was fabulous, but be sure not to take all the foil off - it's a ridiculous, delicious mess if you do. We also ordered the mujaddarah, which is supposed to be a mixture of brown lentils, caramelized onions, and warm spices. Theirs, however, had yellow lentils, fresh onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers. It just wasn't right at all.
(3)Ron K.
The food was good, but the service is what stuck out the most for me. I ordered the lamb kabab combo. The lamb was good! The lamb was not overcooked and very tasty. The reason for 2 stars for me was the service. I waited for quite a long time for my order versus people who came in after me and ordered the same thing and left before me. I noticed if you knew the cook that helped process your order a lot faster. I will definitely not be coming back.
(2)George F.
It's been years since we last ate at The Mediterranean and I have to say the food has changed. We always get the Shawarma plates. The meats was really dried out no flavor. The dolmas are way too soft and mushy. I don't know if the ownership has changed but the people working there don't seem to be the original staff.
(3)Lavina T.
I can't deal with the vegetarian options are not the best, they skimp you when they can and the vegetarian options are SUPER FRIGGIN DRY. It's more on the Turkish end of Mediterranean food, not fresh Greek food. That part is the more sad end for me, but it's a convenient location, lots of parking.
(2)Shane N.
I've definitely had better Greek food. I had the Greek Salad, and also Lamb & Chicken Kebabs. The salad was nice and fresh. The meat was a bit over cooked, and salty; still I ate it all. Their Tahini sauce was just your basic Tahini sauce. I ended the meal with their Turkish Coffee. It tasted like some regular coffee. I bet my rating would be higher if I'd tried one of their wraps, or something adventurous. They had some good looking desserts like Baklava and Turkish Delicate in the case too! The restaurant is small and divey which is fine, but pretty warm inside because of the grill. The service wasn't all that warm really. I could tell they didn't really love me. :)
(3)Stanley C.
I'm not one to eat mediterranean food, but I was craving something else other than Asian food that day I went. I got the chicken shwarma wrap and it was pretty delicious! I think the way they prepared the veggies and sauce was flavorful and complemented the whole wrap in general. It had a combination of lettuce, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers that were seasoned or pickled, but they had good natural and fresh flavors. I was pretty full after eating the wrap too so it was a good buy and well worth it. Their service isn't that fast, but they were very friendly and their food was pretty good, so I think I'll be coming back to try their other entrees.
(3)Eugene T.
The owners are very friendly and are always eager to serve. They provide excellent quality meats and salads. I order here weekly and the quality of the food is consistently good, although there have been time when it hasn't been excellent. Very satisfied with this place overall - I feel like they give me the special treatment when I order!
(5)Nhung D.
Came here for a Sunday brunch. Ordered the lamb schwarma with Greek salad and hummus. The lamb had a funny taste to it and nothing like other lamb schwarma that I had at other Mediterranean places. The hummus and pita was good! I would actually get that again. Greek salad was ok. Food was blah. I wouldn't come back here. I would maybe only stop by for some hummus and pita to go.
(2)Chris D.
We've been a half dozen times now and enjoyed it every time! The lamb is always tender and flavorful, the rice is never dry, and each of the sides is delicious. If you've never had Turkish coffee, give theirs a try. The staff is very friendly.
(5)NicholE K.
Lamb shawarma is the bomb!!
(4)R C.
Took the kids...5 of us altogether. Kids loved it. They had the lamb wraps and chicken wraps. I had the chicken salad. Food was great, good prices, super friendly staff. The place is a bit dated, and I didn't care for the restroom decor but overall glad I went and would go back if I'm in the area.
(5)Janelle M.
Good food for a great price and one meal is enough for two! (If you're petite!) I had awesome leftovers for lunch the next day!
(5)CRYSTEL C.
This place sucks. Mediterranean/ Greek is my favorite food and if I experienced it here first it definitely would not. The wraps are big, but taste like burritos. I got a chicken for lunch today and it literally had a few tomatoes and cucumbers and chicken. No lettuce, no other veggies... plus, they gave me (2) dinky sauces. I really do not like how they grill the pita, it makes it hard. The fries are frozen. I think the falafel's are too.. the way the way they're shaped like a puck and so uniformed, doesn't make sense. It was pretty pricey too, $10.00 for a wrap and (2) falafel's. DISLIKE, DO NOT RECOMMEND. You are better off going to Gotta Eatta Pita in Pleasant Hill or Troy's in Oakland/ Berkeley.
(1)Natalie R.
As I journey into the realm of healthy eating in 2015 I decided to try this hole in the wall instead of opting for greasy fast food. Since I broke my "Mediterranean" virginity that one cold January night, I have stuck with ordering the Kefta since it hasn't let me down. Normally, I get the combo and request that they only include greek salad (no rice or other sides) However, one time I did order the kefta combo with rice, some pita and hummus. The hummus and pita scored low on my taste bud scale, but the rice, complimentary dolma and Greek salad came back for the win. Then the Kefta always manages to carry a flavor unlike anything I have tasted. Verdict: Mediterranean, hold me in your arms next week.
(4)Avi Z.
Awesome authentic experience. We happened to see it while running errands (since everything is around here ...) Come with an open mind - you can't get more authentic than this - it takes me back to the bazars in Iran and the middle east. Pros: Friendly service Good food: we ordered lamb plate, wrap and kids plate. Everything was perfect.. And the biggest surprise - REAL TURKISH COFFEE with hel :) I was delighted The painting on the wall (and the bathroom :)) entertained my son. Con's : (for me these were not con's , but I know it might be) A bit too authentic perhaps for some: Ceiling fans, ac was a little on the high side Arabic music - again for me it just part of the atmosphere but if you aren't a fan... Overall not to be missed for fans of Mediterranean food!
(5)Scott P.
I came here after a birthday party elsewhere and had some time to kill before the next venue with my little one. I was craving some Mediterranean food and found this place on Yelp. When I came in I was worried as the benches may have needed a bit of help and maybe a new paint job. The menu is not extensive but I didn't expect it to be so. Soon after entering an enthusiastic employee ask if I had questions or needed help. At first, I was thinking gyros but the bread is lavish bread and the food is served more as a wrap. Now, I like my pita, but I ordered the chicken shwarma and was sooo happy. The chicken was tender, the yogurt sauce was tangy with a good bit of seasoning from the spices. The tomatoes were ripe and the onions good. The crunch from the bread/wrap was a nice and welcome change from the usually soft pita. I would definitely come back here to try more of the menu!
(5)Ethan Z.
* The best falafel, crunchy and perfectly spiced * Tender, juicy and tasty shawarma * Reasonably priced * Family run, service is especially good when the mother is at the helm * Kitschy murals inside provide a comic retreat from the run-down mall outside *F*I*V*E* Stars The Mediterranean has been here for decades, a testament to their outstanding food and service. Family owned and operated, the owners are usually there behind the counter during peak hours and really seem to care about your satisfaction. We usually come here for a shawarma wrap (spelled shawerma on their menu) or a falafel sandwich. Not all shawarma and falafel are created equal! I have tried a majority of mediterranean restaurants in the East Bay and many more beyond and can tell you that the falafel here is fried fresh and crunchy and is spiced perfectly. In most other places the falafel is relatively limp and tasteless. The meats here are also fresh, tasty and tender, not dry and overcooked like at many other places. Some reviewers have referred to the restaurant as a "hole in the wall" but I view it as more of an oasis within a crappy old strip center. Given the iffy surroundings you may want to get your food to go, but rest assured that if you stay you will be happy and welcome!
(5)Cara R.
The falafel wrap is really good when the falafels are fresh (that's where the two stars come in), but my BF got the plate and didn't find the sides that great. Also, I don't like the risk of going in and getting the falafels when they've been sitting around a while. There are better places in the area to go if I'm craving Mediterranean food.
(2)Lisa H.
I went here for lunch the other day and ordered a gyro. I was surprised by the bread used for the wrap, I was expecting a more typical pita bread, instead it was a thinner wrap read that I see at a lot of grocery stores, and it ended up being wrapped like a burrito. Overall it was ok, but I've had more flavorful wraps at other places. They were out of baklava, so I ordered another Mediterranean inspired dessert, which seemed very baklava inspired, but it was a little soggy I was expecting it to be a little crisper.
(3)Jonny A.
This was easily the worst Mediterranean food I have ever tasted. It was to the point where after a few bites I tossed it in the garbage and walked out. The Shawerma was wrapped like a burrito with meatball like insides with absolutely no flavor other than stewed tomatoes, and that flavor wasn't even good! I just couldn't believe it after reading such rave reviews. The food felt somewhat old as though it had been sitting for hours on a warmer, and the pita was hardly pita at all! Hummus was purely smashed sesame and garbanzo beans, with no type of flavor either. I most certainly won't be coming back.
(1)Sheila N Matthew W.
My husband discovered this wonderful little place while seeking out lunch for us while we were at work. The food is authentic and fresh! My favorite item is the napoleon. It's a slice of grilled eggplant, a large scoop of falafel, a thick slice of grilled tomato, a beautifully grilled chunk of onion and topped with the tastiest dressing ! I'm amazed at the onion.....I usually don't like onions but they cooked it so well that it was sweet and still crisp...and not oniony at all! So far this is our second time here and I plan to keep coming here!
(5)Todd G.
I've been here many times. Everything has always been delicious and on point, never had any problems. Fast service and friendly staff.
(4)Jim D.
The Mediterranean is situated right by a Mexican, Korean, and Noodle house restaurants. The choices you have to make. I usually have the chicken schwarma when I visit. I thought the schwarma was stuffed in a pita bread but the Mediterranean wraps it similar to a burrito. Strange! The taste of the special tahini sauce with the chicken, cucumbers, tomato is very good. On this visit I also had a baklava dessert, which was very tasty. At the Mediterranean they offer falafels, schwarmas and combination plates. When you first walk in you see a standing roast of lamb on a vertical spit. Plus they have a large assortment of salads. Definitely something different for everyone who likes Mediterranean food. Fairly priced, a great change of pace in the city of Concord, CA.
(4)Janette J.
Yummy gyro combo- 1st time here. I was grateful that they let me pick fries as 1 of the sides so that my picky eater minime could eat! They only lost a star as they could use a remodel/thorough cleaning. Otherwise awesome.
(4)Jessee B.
I'm not a vegetarian, but those are the menu items that shine here. The rice, hummus and bhaba ganoush are unbeatable. I've had the gyro platter and lamb shwarma; like the latter better than the former (gyro meat= very rich), but I could eat the wonderful veggie sides they have available and never miss the meat.
(4)Dawn V.
Not the same place anymore. Two bad experiences, plus overall quality has gone down hill. One time, the mujadarra,which I loved so, was completley missing the critical fried onions, seemed to have no salt AND tasted a little rotten. I actually went to the trouble to take it back, it was so gross. The guy (new owner?) seemed unconcerned by the quality issue. He said, "sometimes that happens." Second time, i brought some food to my sister who gets sick when she eats dairy. She never got sick here before, but did this time. When we asked if there was dairy in anything, again, he didnt seem concerned and insisted cross contamination would be impossible, acting like the kitchen had no dairy, even though the eggplant dish in the deli case obviously, visibly had dairy on it. Had he shown any concern at all, i might have tried them again, but feels like a lost cause at this point. Fortunately yummy falafels are available at Gotta Eatta Pita in PH or at the Concord farmers market stand on Tuesdays.
(1)Jef F.
The lamb wrap was alright, but I have had more flavorful ones else where. The baklava was not very crispy like I'm used to. The fries were good but had a weird taste which I felt may have been from the oil they cooked them in.
(3)Catherine L.
Ordered the vegetarian combo ($8) since they ran out of one of the salads.. Dolmas - Okay Falafels - Good but the crust was a little too thick. Pita - Stale/dry... Hummus - Really good but wished the pita was soft to dip it in. Tabbouleh - a little too tart but still good. Cucumber salad - Slices of vegetables were a little too large but it was nicely dressed. The falafels and hummus were my favorite, would order to go but wouldn't return for the other items.
(3)Brandi W.
The Mediterranean is an unassuming little cafe tucked in a strip mall of a few dozen restaurants and assorted retail shops. It's sort of like that shy wallflower standing in the corner... surprisingly appealing, once you give them a chance and stop judging based on the exterior. I ordered the Vegetarian Combo Plate. Let's get straight to the nitty-gritty: the falafel are AWESOME. These were some of the best ones I've had in a long, long time. At lunch, it seems that they pre-fry about a dozen, so they don't come out piping hot. This is probably for the best, as I always tend to scald my mouth on freshly fried falafel balls. These ones are also the perfect size.... not too big, not too small, but just right. They have a delightfully crunchy sesame-seeded exterior. The murals on the walls are aesthetically pleasing, and most of their vegetarian items are also vegan (and are marked as such with a little green leaf!). I really, really appreciate that. The service was friendly and accommodating. They gladly substituted extra cucumber salad instead of baba ghannouj for me. At a mere $8, this is a totally filling and satisfying meal.
(4)Denise L.
Stopped by this place to grab some food before the concert nearby at the Sleep Train. It was a stinking hot day, and walking into this place, you'd expect some AC blasting, but it was even warmer. Yuck. At 5:00 PM, there were a decent amount of folks in here, felt like they were all heading over to the concert as well. There are a total of 2 workers here, one taking orders at the cashier and assisting with the food, and one cook. They have a huge menu on the wall, but the paper menus give you more of a description. Typical mediterranean fare, and I wasn't all that hungry so I went with a small order of pita and hummus and 2 falafels. Minimum of $5 to use your card. Mural paintings everywhere, even in the bathroom, nice touch. We put a couple tables together, and the booth sitting is super uncomfortable. They made it so high, that they give you about 5 inches from booth to the table. Our food was delivered one by one, and they gave me an entire container of hummus (imagine Trader Joe's size). HUGE! Along with 2 pita breads cut in half. The hummus was good. However, everyone's pita was HARD. nearly pita CHIP hard. I'd prefer mine fluffy, but these were definitley store bought and cooked way too long. The falafels were decent, but has way too much sesame seeds all over them. At least they weren't dry. Overall, our experience was just okay. Wouldn't come back unless if I wanted some home made hummus.
(2)Carol M.
I went in for the first time today and ordered my food to go. I got the Lamb Combo which comes with lamb shawerma, rice, dolma, and my side choices were greek salad and hummus and pita bread. For dessert I got baklava. I'm afraid to say this but I wasn't impressed with my food. The meat seemed too dry, the pita bread didn't taste fresh but tasted store bought and the hummus had no flavor. The only thing that was ok was the rice and the greek salad, even though they didn't top off the salad with feta cheese. The baklava was decent. The workers were very focused with getting our food prepared and cashing us out in a quick manner and weren't very talk-a-tive. I initiated a friendly chat and they both seemed friendly. The menu has a lot of interesting items on there and I'd like to come back to give this place another chance. I will post an updated review after my next visit. In the meantime this is my review.
(2)Victor G.
The Mediterranean is an unassuming hole in the wall offering huumus, shawarma, med eats. there's a serving counter and a few "tables" for sitdown eats: lamb shawarma(7.95) -tender pieces of lamb with tomato, cucumbers, tahini sauce. -saw lamb/chicken on a spit, good sign -wrap grilled before serving, interesting flavoring falafel ball(.50) -fried fresh constantly -crispy, a bit spicy. notes: -pricing in house is slightly higher than prices on lone. -food is pretty good though place looks "dumpy" -friendly service, offered water when i didn't order a drink.
(4)Bri K.
What a LET DOWN! How in the world does this place have the ratings that it does?! The food was just awful! Anyone giving this place a good rating has obviously never eaten Mediterranean food!! The lamb shawarma tasted like meatballs!! What a joke!
(1)Michael A.
Very tasty food at a good price. Ultra casual like a deli so a tuxedo might be a bit too much
(5)Andre E.
VERY BAD EXPERIENECE!! VERY BAD FOOD HANDLING!! VERY BAD SERVICE AND HONESTY! I've been eating at this place for years but it seems like there's new ownership now. The new owner is a Indian gentleman and was highly rude to me the whole time. First off, as I walked in he was ringing up a customer and just finished up. Then walked over to ask me how he can help me and I ordered. He started to make my Sharwerma and I asked him if he had washed his hands before making my food. He was shocked that I asked him and he made me repeat my question twice. He then went to wash his hands. When he came back he explained that he has hand sanitizer under the counter and he used that before he walked over to make my food. I told him that even then I don't want hand sanitizer in my food then asked him if what I am saying makes sense, he didn't answer. I order 2 falafels as well and noticed the price before ordering to compare with another place I eat at. We then went to the register where he charged me for the Sharwerma and then charged me double on the falafels. I asked him what that charge was for and he played DUMB and asked me, "Didn't you order 4 of them?" When clearly he was the one who placed 2 of them in the bag for me. He gave me a dollar back and rung me up. Now on to the food...I did notice that the size of the Sharwerma have gotten smaller BUT the taste was still good and was very satisfying. Best falafels in the area hands down. I was happy food wise BUT would not go back because of complaints above. Too bad.
(1)Rhonda B.
Very tasty food. The men behind the counter are very helpful and nice. Located at the Park and Shop shopping center with lots of nice locally owned stores to shop at after lunch. We love the lamb shawarma, basmati rice, baba ghannouj, hummus, and falafel. The halwa is terrific with the turkish coffee. My husband loves the dolmas.
(5)Hannah P.
The combo plates are your best bet here. I ordered the lamb with baba ganoush and couscous, and everything tasted so deliciously wonderful. The employees really pile on the meat for you, and despite how hungry you may be, you're going to have leftovers! My dad ordered the falafel wrap, which tasted super fresh. It's definitely a gem, just be sure to look out for it as it's hidden in the shopping center!
(5)Jon M.
This is my once a week go to restaurant for lunch. Chicken shawarma, spicy is delicious. It's not too spicy, more flavorful. I like to call it a Mediterranean burrito when people ask what it is. Be aware that the sauce usually leaks out the bottom of the wrap, but it's not an issue if you are expecting it. Staff are very nice. Wish there was better parking in the lot, which gets very full at lunchtime, but not the restaurant's fault. The food is very good. I've had better Mediterranean, but for the price it's very good.
(4)Debbie R.
Tried my favorite place again and again I am disappointed. Looks like I will be searching for a new restaurant. They have changed the Swarmas ingredients. They took away the hummus sauce and added lettuce. If I wanted a burrito I would have went to a Mexican restaurant. I'm done with this place...
(1)Tootie T.
I was intending to have Vietnamese food today, but struck out (see my review of Saigon Bistro). On the sad, disappointed (and HOT - 96 degree) walk back to my car, I decided to try these guys. It was a little dark inside and there is NO A.C. Being that it's Ramadan, the two guys working were a Mexican and an Indian. I just thought it was funny - no impact on the quality of the food. It was actually really good. I wish I'd been hungrier, because the falafel wrap I ordered was GINORMOUS. It also tasted good. Their menu is pretty basic, but it's solid. It's the closest shwarma spot to my house, so it would be worth a trip if the craving strikes me. I'll wait until it's 70 degrees outside or less, though.
(4)Corrie B.
First visit, I actually called ahead for take out. When I arrived, my order was ready to go and I had no wait. All the salads in the display case looked great. I ordered the chicken kabob which had excellent flavor with the right amount of flame grilled taste without being dry. It came with the cucumber salad and the chicken was served on a rice that had somewhat of a light tomato base to it. Overall, my food was delicious and I would definitely come back.
(5)Sammie G.
Went in during the end of the day and I love Mediterranean food in general. Very healthy tasting food and the hummus is excellent. I also love the decorations and paint on the wall symbolizing the very important Abrahamic history of the Mediterranean regions. Only knocking off a star because I did come in pretty late and the guy looked like he had a long day and lazily propped my rice on the plate, just wasn't the most professional customer service but he was nice nonetheless.
(4)Jamie G.
This place is pretty good. The food tastes excellent. The people who work there are very nice. My only complaint is that it can get really hot in there. I'd recommend coming to eat here once the weather cools down or getting your food to go and eating somewhere else. I had the chicken kabob combo and my sides were Greek salad and pita chips with hummus. I will be coming back for sure.
(4)Hayder A.
The food was ok, ordered the warp and it was good and the sides was ok, however the rise was below average
(3)Steve A.
Ate here twice already. I think 3 stars is very fair for this place. The food is ok, nothing spectacular, both times the rice was way overcooked, the sauce on the kabob really took over the other ingredients of the other food, and the pita tasted like it came from a family pack you buy from Costco. Would be nice if it was baked in house. Would come back if I happen to be hungry and in the area, but not because I must have the food. Ps. My first place I ever ate "Greek" salad with no kalamata olives or feta cheese, but that's none of my business tho...
(3)Emmy G.
I'm addicted to the chicken shawerma wrap with a side of hummus. I order mine spicy and it's excellent! Family owned, great service, excellent food, and reasonably priced. Would highly recommend!
(5)Matt T.
Good food. Great pricing. Really fast. Portions were plenty. I probably could have got one more side and split it. We thought we'd have some food left over but it was so good we ate it all.
(4)Jen C.
I was so looking forward to trying this place. It was cute inside, the guys working we're really nice, service was fast and the food LOOKED great. That's, sadly, where the pros end. Some of the food was edible-the falafel and the dolmas were decent. the rest was either tasteless, or downright bad. Lamb and meatball wraps-just...bland. Tasted like nothing and so mealy. The lavash and toppings were ok but main ingredients were really sad. Even doused in the "meh" babganoush and hummus, and siracha---not worth the calories. I would have gone with at least two stars If the tabouli didn't have a totally distinct mold flavor. I had to spit it out. I'm crossing my fingers that neither of us get food poisoning tonight. Want delicious, amazing Mediterranean food? Visit oasis cafe in Lafayette. Looking for something local? Hit up taqueria la Soledad on the backside of this strip mall. Sketchy-ish location, amazing customer service and killer food. Sorry Mediterranean. I tried!
(1)Clarice O.
I am not a vegetarian except during Lent and when I feel that I have been overindulging in unhealthy food and must go back to my usual healthy-ish diet. On these occasions, one of my go-to places is The Mediterranean. This place is very casual and has a mom-and-pop feel to it. I am not a big fan of the decor, but honestly I do not go here for the ambiance. I go here for the delicious vegetarian dishes ordered to-go. I usually go for their falafel sandwich and the vegetarian sampler. The falafel sandwich is delicious, cheap and humongous. But my favorite thing to order here is the vegetarian sampler. For $7.95, you get a generous serving of hummus, baba ghanouj (perfectly spiced), taboulleh, falafel (2 pcs.), dolma, Greek salad, and pita bread. The pita bread could be better, but it is not horrible, and the dips more than compensate for its touch of dryness.
(4)Kevin W.
Awesome wraps, great decorations. Such a shame that they covered up some of their art a few month ago, but at least food is still great!
(5)Reu Ron M.
Falafel deluxe wrap. Just get it The menu design changed a little and it looks like they cleaned up.
(5)Amber G.
I've been here twice, but the first time was just for baklava and to admire the artwork - the bathroom is a must see (I'm not being facetious! It's great in there). Today, however, we stopped by after a friend reminded us how delicious it was. We each had a dolma (I regret not having more dolmas), some baba gannouj (it came with good pita bread. Not the best I've ever had, but upper tier for sure), and half a shawarma). I loved putting the baba gannouj on the shawarma. It was like they were meant for each other. After, we were stuffed, but we decided to split a falafel ball since my husband had never had one, and that was the correct decision. I have never had falafel so delicious and warm and crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside... it was truly a texture and flavor delight (I am REALLY big on texture)! Will definitely be getting dolmas and falafel every visit from now on, no matter what. I can't wait to try their kabobs (my husband said they were quite good), and an actually falafel sandwich, and... and many other things. YUM.
(4)zia h.
Went there because of the 4 star 300+ reviews. I was very disappointed with the food. We ordered two lamb gyros with fries. The lamb gyros were awful tasting. I had never tasted a gyro that bad. I didn't know it was possible to mess up a gyro that bad. I don't even think these things are considered gyros. The owner should take a trip down to Fremont and taste a real gyro from some of the legendary gyros spots. I was really disappointed and was not worth the price at all. I almost wanted to go to mcdonalds next door and get a mc double instead :( The place wasn't even that clean. Fries are bought from their food distributor. Not fresh.
(2)Annabelle P.
Surprisingly surprised with how much I liked this place. I ordered the falafel wrap (deluxe, as suggested to me by the employee). The falafel was a bit on the dry side, but still edible. The place is a bit hidden in this shopping center, but worth the search for a quick Greek fix. Definitely trying the gyros next time.
(4)Greg L.
The restaurant has changed hands under new ownership the food quality has dropped to below "PAR " the Falafels are very dry and when you request extra sauce the owner is very rude. I advise staying away. owner is east Indian and very rude.
(1)Stop Y.
Here's da trueff, The food here is really good. BUT, the employees aren't EVER friendly. They rarely speak or smile, other than the basic; What do you want? I only come here because I've been coming to this location since 1996 and the food is good, BUT there's a lot of great food in the Concord/Walnut Creek area now that provides great, friendly service. I go here once or twice a year now because I prefer to give my money to an establishment that serves great tasting food with friendly staff.
(3)Jeromy G.
I came here for lunch one day with the girlfriend after shopping at the Mall. It's a nice little place inside of a strip mall and I work in Concord and I have never noticed it before and boy do I feel dumb for that. This place is the bomb.com . I had a lamb shwarma and it was delicious. I got it spicy and it wasn't to the point where you are dying so it was a nice controlled burn. The lamb was juicy and tender and the yogurt sauce (which is hard to spell so I won't attempt to but I can pronounce it) was delicous as well. Never been a fan of cucumbers and I forget the Greek love them some phallic shapped veggies so I should of ordered it without but that's a personal problem. Anyway, the girlfriend got the chicken shwarma and it was delicous as well so it's a great place to grab a good, cheap lunch. I will be coming for my lunch hour in the future.
(5)Abdullah H.
New Owners yesss! the old lady was very rude. the new guy we met was very easy going. updated menu list, its easier to read. they made it look a bit cleaner in there. always had great food!
(5)Wendy A.
So good!! Fresh ingredients and hit the spot! Not the fanciest looking place but def a hidden gem
(5)Jacob M.
I have been in Concord for work for the last few days and decided to try out The Mediterranean. It was so good I have come back numerous times during my stay in the area. The food was excellent, although admittedly I am not very familiar with Mediterranean food. I particularly enjoy the Baba Ghanouj. Their Lamb Shawerma and Gyro is quite good as well. I haven't had anything here I haven't liked. The people who work there are very friendly and helpful. I highly recommend it.
(5)Ricky A.
Tastey tastey. Went Easter (to pick up food for future work party to be catered Food was nixed by coworkers and I no longer can suggest the Med. Go there when busy - not when its holiday for kitchen. The food could not have been fresh and tasted ... I will continue to visit for lunch cause I know how good it usually is
(4)Francesca V.
I looove this place. The perfect kinda food on a hot day. All of the vegetarian food are tasty and refreshing!
(5)Zohaib K.
Excellent service. Great size with load of meat. I will go back again. Everything is fresh.
(5)Gerard A.
Had better, had the lamb shawerma the meat was not tender and the sauce that they used not tasty.
(3)Melody K.
Came here with some good friends after shopping at the Concord Farmer's market. I was in the mood for some good Mediterranean food and since the reviews of this place were so high, I had a feeling that I had made a good choice. Were very warmly greeted by a very nice woman who proudly told us about her products in the glass case, their fresh falafel and how they cook and slice their meats for gyros. If you are looking for fresh meat that is not pressed and formed for your gyro, then this is the place for you! I explained to the woman that I had had Greek food in the past but some of her dishes I didn't recognize. She got several tasting spoons for my friends and I gave us nice size tastes of some of the things they serve...falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, tabouli and something else...I decided on the vegetarian plate that came with the freshest pita I have ever tasted! All the food was fresh and prepared THAT morning. Incredible service, incredible food...I will be back!!
(5)Ivania N.
I loved the falafel delux the first time I went. The second time I brought mu husband and we paid and sat down and waited over 20 minutes then we noticed everyone after us already had their food... Idk what happened to our order. Seems like its not a good system to track the orders. Got a refund and left.
(2)Sirisha K.
Doesn't taste as traditional Mediterranean food. Kabobs are not baked well, Side orders for combo was horrible. Shawarma wrap was burnt and chicken flavor was bad. Didn't like food at all. I won't recommend this restaurant.
(1)Lisa S.
I love this place!. The server was very nice! I ordered Chicken Shwarma combo with hummus, dolma and tabouleh salad and it was awesome! I'll be back for sure!
(4)Stephanie C.
People reviewing here must not have had very good Mediterranean food, because I thought the food here was only mediocre. I had the veggie combo that included tabouleh, babaganoush, hummus, two falafels, and a dolma. I was especially disappointed in the babaganoush (grilled eggplant), which texturally and by taste cannot be distinguished from the hummus. The price is great, but everything seems to be under seasoned and could use more tahini sauce, acidity, or even salt.
(3)Andrew C.
Quick bite during a Fry's mission. Standard Mediterranean deli fare with falafel, shawarma (lamb & chicken), various salads and combo plates. Lamb shawarma ($7.95) - slices of tomato & cucumber. onions, tahini, lamb and parsley wrapped in grilled lavash. It comes sliced in half on the plate ( yelp.com/biz_photos/_RNp… ) Somewhat dry meat with a few gristly pieces. The hot sauce is very thick and flavorful. My medium spicy had a nice kick. Dolmas ($0.50 ea) - Nothing to write home about. Oily and small (but cheap) slightly bitter and stringy grape leaves. OK shawarma, might try the falafel at some point but with the Korean or the two Vietnamese places in the same strip mall, might be awhile. Apparently haven't been to Park & Shop in awhile. when did 99 Ranch take over the Office Max/Depot(?) space?
(3)stephanie p.
My one star is for the couple of smiles and friendly service I received from the nice man who took my order. To you, thank you. I am your typical dork who won't go anywhere without looking at yelp reviews and guidance. This time I feel completely let down. I must be missing the time of business that deserved this four star rating as well as it's single dollar sign ($). My story is like this. After a long debate with my kids over what we should grab to take to the drive in movies, I finally get one of my two kids to join me on Greek. Might I also mention that this place, I would definitely classify as Mediterranean food over what I call Greek. I've eaten at all classes of Greek my entire life and after moving to the Bay I've found there is indeed a difference. Anyhow, we agree on Greek...me craving a fat gyro like they advertised and my son convinced on promises of meat kabobs or souvlaki with rice. Well, far from home and time running out to get to our movie, we find they have neither!! Now as a person who rarely eats out with my kids in tow or springs for something beyond fast food on a night like this, I have no idea why I didn't just walk out. I kept going?! The ordering process was difficult as if they didn't understand or know their own menu. But I ordered two chicken wraps with fries. They misunderstood and took only one order with fries. But I didn't have the time to wait for a second order as they already delayed the first. This was the closest thing to Greek that I could find. I was looking forward to chunks of grilled chicken as the "retribution" for not having anything I had anticipated. But it was simply chunks of marinated chicken out of a chafing type dish. :( Perhaps if fresh hummus and falafel was what I was looking for, this place would be the bomb. But certainly not if you are looking for Gyros or other Classic Greek cuisine. In the end I payed $28 for one wrap, one wrap with fries, two cans of soda and two tiny (but delicious looking) baklava rolls. I've done much better and gotten the entire package of service, reliability and overall deal AS well as flavor elsewhere. If I were you, I would not waste my time or money!
(1)Sherry G.
Shwarma, falafal..it's all bueno. Cheap fresh delicious!!! If you need to grab something on the go, it's the perfect stop. Dining in is good too, but a little noisy due to acoustics.
(5)Radheka S.
A little dive-y, hole-in-the-wall type of place, but with GREAT food. Their shawerma & falafel are delicious. My family has been coming here for years. As a little girl, my parents would take me & my sisters to the drive-in movies, & we'd always stop here to pick up food first. As adults now, any time we are in Concord, we always stop to grab some falafel to snack on, on the drive home. The only downside to this place that it's not close to home. If it was, I would be there much more often.
(4)Mark C.
This is probably my favorite Mediterranean place in the area. I've been to several places in Pleasant Hill but I keep coming back for the lamb wrap or the Kefta wrap. Plus the Turkish coffee!
(5)Stephanie D.
Great Service aqesome food! We got shwaremas, bab ghanouj lamb! Dolmas!Everything is good! The people that work here were really nice and helpful! Love it here!
(5)Vernz G.
i love this place. their greek salad is the best. chicken shawarma is a must try. the service is fast and accurate. the price is ok not expensive at all. the food portion is good for 2. the murals are impressive. the servers are men and im not mad at it. i love coming to this place.
(5)Jon V.
Mmmmm. Everything from the food to the artwork all over the walls and in the bathroom is awesome. Nice little gem of Concord. Always leave here completely satisfied and more importantly FULL.
(5)Michelle C.
Best baba ghanoush I've had in a while! Lamb is very tender. Hummus had a great consistency. I will definitely return.
(4)Carol H.
My husband and I get cravings for this place. The food is really good and the customer service is ok.
(4)Ryan S.
I have always loved this place, great atmosphere and food! Fresh salads, falafel, shawerma, dolmas, etc.
(5)Marcy H.
I have only ordered a few things here, but those items were well made and very tasty. When I am in the mood for Mediterranean food, this is definitely the place I hit up. They are friendly, clean, and fast. And their prices are good! Their taboleh is really tasty!
(4)My best mea l.
Found this place courtesy of iWant on my wife's iphone. This app helps you find yelp-tastic places close by even when you don't know the area. Anyways, we dropped our kids off at a birthday party at the jungle and then were on a hunt for great food at a reasonable price. Mediterranean fit the bill. I'm not the biggest fan of mediterranean food but this place was good. The employees (I'm assuming they were the owners) were as nice as could be and very helpful when we needed suggestions on what to order. I got the lamb shawarma and my wife got the combo platter with chicken. Check this place out if you're in the area. It's only a couple blocks away from Fry's but that's another review.
(4)Tammy H.
You will NEVER find babaganouch like they make it here!!! NO WHERE!!! The Hummus...nutty, creamy, smooth, thick hummus....omg...the BEST! The lamb plate....OMG!! The Shwarma...OMG!!! dont forget to extra spicy sauce. The Falafel Salad...nuttin like a fresh falafel on a bed lettuce covered with lemony greek dressing. No matter what you get it will be great! The owners, who ALWAYS seem to be there everytime I go, is just the nicest people you will ever meet. They will feed you whatever you want if you just look at it! Did I mention get the babaganouch?
(5)Erica L.
My boyfriend about died when he saw the lamb cooking in the window. We went to this place and the wrap that was like a gyro was delicious. I wish I remember what it was called, but I think I might go there today noe that I think about it. mmmmmmm delicious!
(4)Lucius M.
Great drop-in place. For more than seven years this place has been consistantly producing good Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean food. The prices are great for the portion that you get and it feels nice to be eating healthy food that tastes good.
(4)Brian W.
Good food, nice selection, wonderful service. Best babaganoush around.
(4)Sarah C.
I didn't have any expectations for this place at all. This is primarily because I've never eaten Mediterranean food before in my life (except for some TJ's hummus, if that even counts) and I didn't know what to expect. We were tired of our old stand-bys: Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, etc. so it really was about time for us to try something new. In comes The Mediterranean. I've lived in this area for 10+ years, shopped in the shopping center where this restaurant is located, and walked by a million times, but never stepped foot inside. Wow, that really sucks for me because the food and service were great. The bf had a lamb shawarma and I had a plate of lamb over basmati rice with tomato sauce with fresh tomatoes and cucumber sides. The meal really hit the spot, and I even have enough leftover for a substantial lunch tomorrow. The flavor of the lamb infused my rice and was all sorts of delicious when eaten with a bite of crunchy, cool cucumber. Overall, I would say that my first venture into Mediterranean food was a success. Friendly service, decent prices, nice-sized portions, and tasty food - what more could I ask for?
(4)Jessica A.
Greek and no Gyro.... What!!! It's amazing! my mind is blown away! I came here thinking Greek, Gryos Yum! I was already a bit concerned because it is in concords Park & Shop, Not the best place in concord (in my opinion) and then no gyros but sharwarmas I wasn't sure what to think. The sharwamas here are amazing though the first I have had, they are still so far the only ones that are not dry and tasteless. The lamb here is excellent though if you catch them at the end of a meat hunk it can be fatty and rather chewy.
(5)Kat V.
We go here @ least once a month if not more.... I used to hit Ike's in Oakland .. til it sadly closed ... When I moved to Concord my BF introduced Me to this place.. It Awesome!! The Falafel is Great ! As is the Bakdonsieh & Hummus ... The Swarma & Kababs are Great too.. the interior is Painted fun... You'll see Ghandi & Marilyn Monroe.... Love this Place! Keep it up ( But don;t get SO busy I can't get My Falafel Fix!
(5)Kristoffer C.
I've been to this place countless times. Don't let the area where it's located fool you. I truly think this is one of Concord's hidden gems. I ordered the Lamb Shawarma. Boy! Let me tell ya'! It's as good, if not better the last time I sank my teeth into one. If you want to have good starters, try their falafel and Eggplant Napolean. The service is fast and friendly and of course the food is to die for and delish. I never get tired of eating here, because when you finish eating, you want seconds. I highly recommend this place to anyone if you want authentic mediterranean food.
(5)Gurpreet K.
This is a basic, no frills place. The food is decent, I've always had their falafel sandwich and it tastes good. The people are friendly. Great place to pop-in, grab some food and out the door.
(4)Oliver U.
Staff is always attentive and smiling...from the greek salad to the kabab combo plates, can't go wrong here... Food always fresh and try the foul salad!
(4)Luis M.
I am by no means an expert on the subject of Mediterranean food, but I know what I like and I likes this place. The lamb shawarma was juicy, tender, and packed with a flavor that seeped out of my pores for hours after I was done eating it. The hummus was wonderful as was the dolma, cucumber salad, and the spinach-feta pie. The mint yogurt drink was a bit much for me. If they had it in a much smaller container I could have finished it but not in the ginormous cup they gave me. They totally had the same song playing on a loop when I ate here. By the third loop my Concord buddy and myself were moving our heads to the beat and reciting the chorus while we chowed down. We were also admiring the mural that covers pretty much every square inch of the place. Floor, ceiling, all the walls...everything! Marilyn and JFK...naughty naughty!
(4)James R.
This hole in the wall is beautifully painted. The food is very good, and the salads are outstanding. They also have a pomagranite drink that is very tasty, although a little pricy, but you get what you pay for. Overall a great place to eat. Unfortunately the location is in the middle of park and shop, which at lunch time is a complete zoo. Good luck finding a parking place.
(4)Ken-ichi U.
Ate here once, think I got falafel. Nothing surprising, but would probably meet your Mediterranean craving if you're in the area. Was unimpressed by the use of styrofoam plates.
(3)Maria M.
Great price for a tasty shawarma! I had the lamb. They ask if you would like it with the spicy sauce.. say yes please! Its some sort of spice paste they sandwich between the flat bread and it compliments the meat very well.
(4)FoodIE R.
Hummus, Dolmas, Falafel, Kabob, Did I say Hummus. OMG GREAT Greek food. So amazing, such great prices and super friendly staff. Like the art too, total hole in the wall (Come on, in the park&shop, cant get too fancy). Best hole in the wall in Concord. LOVE IT!
(5)Joe O.
Maybe I just don't like Greek food...but I love falafels, lamb, gyros... The hummus is good. The lamb was very bland though. It did have a bit of gameness that I enjoy, but overall it was very bland. The Holy Land Restaurant in Berkeley has the best falafel I've had so far. Don't know if that says much, but it was really really good!
(3)Ken L.
I used to go here for lunch when I worked nearby. I've been many times, but mostly stuck to the Spicy Falafel. Solid 4 stars. This is one of the better places in Concord I found.
(4)Chris S.
I lived in Walnut Creek for 10 years and aside from Gourmet Burrito, fast food and Tomatina, could rarely afford to eat elsewhere. Fast forward to living in Concord, and the variety and affordability of diverse restaurants make Walnut Creek seem bland and pricey. The Mediterranean is a great example of inexpensive food that is NOT fast/junk food. Admittedly, I have only tried their Shawverma - but it is awesome! The hunky and friendly staff only helps makes things better, and the decor is funky and different. When you see McDonald's sitting a couple of shops over, you can't help but wonder why tasteless, cow-hoof infested meat patties and fried potatoes can sell billions while we have only one delicious and approachable Mediterranean 'fast food' restaurant!
(4)Jason R.
Eat here and be well satisfied without lightening your wallet much. Trace your steps across the Mediterranean map on the floor. I'm not sure if the area by the door is a political statement, but serving high quality, inexpensive food while existing next to a McCrappy's is a wonderful food statement. The wraps are large and satisfying without being obscene. They have Turkish-style coffee, but I haven't asked if they're partial to calling the pot an Ibrik or a Briki... Eat, smile, and enjoy this oasis in a strp mall.
(5)Roland R.
Love the food and decor!!! We tried the falafel, greek salad, lamb with basmati rice and their garlic tomato sauce. Everything was very tasty and the portions were definitely worth the price. We thought that the falafel sandwich was huge! Service was okay too. The place is decorated with wall paintings. Makes you feel like you're somewhere else. The bathroom is really cute too. The paintings in there have an undersea theme. There's Spongebob too!! We had a very pleasant experience there. Highly recommended.
(4)Diana R.
Great Mediterranean "fast food". I ordered the falafal sandwich, I was surprised when I received a falafal burrito, but it tasted great anyway. I enjoyed checking out the various paintings on the wall while I ate. My only complaint is that I wish the place were a little bigger, but hey the food is worth the cramped environment. I will definitely be returning. Oh, and it's cheap eats, I only spent about $5!
(5)Grace G.
I really liked this place. Fresh food, lots of it! Great prices too! The most expensive things on the menu are the combo plates- Chicken or Lamb at $10.95. You get a ridiculously huge portion- enough for my hungry hubby and I to split! I'll definitely be returning! We split the Chicken Combo plate- you get chicken in yummy red sauce over rice with 2 sides of your choice and a basket of warm pita. We were stuffed after sharing and even left some behind! Maybe I'll try the lamb next time! Bravo!
(4)Holly B.
the food here got the stamp of approval from my Greek friend, which is not easily given. we've been here multiple times for the lamb shawerma (order it spicy!) and the hummus. the shawerma is loaded up with meat, veggies, and sauce, then grilled and wrapped in foil. it looks like a huge burrito when it's all wrapped up. this is an honest place- the cooking is all done on a grill and fyer up front and the menu is even painted on the wall since nothing really changes (and doesn't need to- food is simple and delicious). the guys working here are funny and courteous and just go ahead full speed with your order instead of waiting around for the lame person in front of you to hem and haw and ask questions about the sides. the murals are a lot of fun too. my favorite is the hand of God passing off meat and veggies skewer to David. haha! just another great place in the Concord shopping center. it kills me to choose between Kevin's Noodle House, Korea House, and The Mediterranean.
(4)Nisan P.
Some of the most delicious and satisfying falafel and shawerma wraps I've ever had. I may be partial because I grew up eating here, but I am seriously constantly on the lookout for any place that compares to here.
(5)Sambar C.
Not sure what folks see in this place. The food is average at best and the prices are a bit much -a felafal sandwich is over $6 dollars with tax (Six bucks!?!, christ, there's nothing even in a felafal!). Love tebouli and hummus with some bread to for a quick meal, but they charge six dollars for a measly pint so it winds up costing me like $13-14 for what are relatively cheap ingredients. I go here only out of desperation.
(2)John H.
Excellent falafel and Mediterranean cuisine! I travel all the way from Oakland to visit one of my new favorite food categories. First timers should go with the basic falafel sandwich to get the gist of the quality of food offered at a reasonable price
(4)C M.
In a word: WOW. I was bored at lunch today and I didn't know what I wanted to eat. I wanted something different. No more sandwiches and burritos. I tried the chicken kebab at The Mediterranean with a side of couscous and was blown away. Everything about the kebab was perfect; the meat was grilled just right with a good mix of flavors, tender white meat chicken. The cucumber/onion/bell pepper mix in the lavash bread wrap was aces. I dislike onions and will need to ask them to hold the onions in the future, because there were a lot of onions in there. But the point is, if you like it, they give you a ton of it. The staff was great, friendly and helpful. Definitely going back there soon. One of the things I love about this type of cuisine is they can feed my desire for carnivore fare with the chicken, or if I want to go lighter I can always have a falafel dish or a hummus sandwich. I'm almost disappointed that I'm going on vacation next week because I'll be away from this place! Great prices too. And as everyone has said before me: beware the spicy stuff. They are not kidding around when they ask if you want it spicy.
(5)Brett L.
I've been working in Concord for the past year and a half, eating the drudgery that is Panera, Fuddruckers, 360 Burrito and Tony Roma's. Then some of my teammates dragged my tasteless ass to what appeared to be the scariest strip center this side of...well...Concord. I was actually given the directions "next to the McDonald's in the scary strip center", but didn't believe it until I got out of my car and checked the surroundings... Nearby businesses include a wig shop, a latino nightclub and Korean BBQ. I knew I was home. Once inside The Mediterranean, I was transported back to some of my absolutely favorite drunken nights in England. 2 rotating meatjuicers hold massive quantities of perfectly braised lamb. A salad window gives you a peek into a world of beauty: ripe dolmas, creamy hummus, chunky baba ganoush, glistening tabbouleh...it's all impossibly tempting. Top-notch members of the cooking staff are chopping, carving, grilling and wrapping some serious kebab up here. The atmosphere is pretty spectacular, as well. From the outside, you might expect a dingy rattrap of a hellhole, but the open windows and colorful paint job make this place an oasis in the desert of Concordia. I won't even mention what's going on in the bathroom, but highly recommend LSD before stepping inside. Though there's no formal table service, the owner/manager walks around constantly, asking if people need a refill or if they need part of their massive portion wrapped up for a take home meal. Gotta love that treatment... I can't recommend it for a mid-week lunch, as it will put you straight into falafelcoma. Or maybe that's just what you need to make it through the day, my friends. There are few places that I crave, but The Mediterranean happens to be one.
(4)Cristelle J.
I was really in the mood for baklava one day and decided to stroll by and see if they had any that were good. To my surprise they did, it was reasonably priced and very delicious and satisfying. They forever will have a return customer :)
(4)Sean L.
I've tried my share of mediterranean restaurants in the Bay Area (SF in particular) and this is my favorite. It's small and casual with friendly owners who clearly take pride in what they do. If you're lucky, you'll get a free falafel ball or dolma while waiting in line. Admittedly, I haven't tried much beyond the Lamb Shawerma, it's just so perfect that I can't resist every time. Go spicy, it's a must. The hummus is superb and the falafel balls are the best ever; hot and crispy, fresh off the fryer. This place has earned the name "THE Mediterranean".
(5)Adam B.
I had the lamb gyro. It was good but I have had better. Very messy experience.
(4)J. O.
Very good place with excellent falafel, hummus and the chicken shawerma. Gotta try the Turkish Delight and some mint tea for dessert. It really sets the food just right. Now only if they can figure out how to get a Banana shake on their menu like the Falafel Drive-In down in San Jose. So good.
(5)Richard C.
Really reminds me of Simply Mediterranean in the city. The decor is simple but playful (with some hand-painted murals on the walls & ceiling). Makes you feel like you're outdoors which is pretty relaxing. I did not have too much of their food while I was there so cannot give the most comprehensive review. I had the chicken schwaerma which was delicious...although I'd rather have the thinly sliced meat than the chunky style I had...but the flavor was better than the texture. The seasoning was excellent and was a very satisfying wrap. I followed my wrap with some robust Turkish coffee (which most people are wary of because it almost resembles mud near the end of the experience). Their coffee was very strong and had good flavor (from what tasted like cardamom). Strong enough to wake you up but not overpowering. Good for desserts. The service was good and friendly and the prices were reasonable. I hope to visit again so I can add at least one more star!
(3)Carol B.
Absolutely perfect. Very deceiving as this wonderful restaurant is tucked into a strip mall. This was our third visit and we like it more each time. Wonderful food, friendly employees. We'll be back!
(5)TJ Q.
I work in Concord, and without this place, I think I'd starve. The falafel is excellent and the service is great. It does get mobbed, but the owner and staff work hard to keep everyone happy. The hummus is fabulous and it's all fresh, real food- something I took for granted when living and working in bigger cities- but it's here and I am thankful.
(5)Christine P.
this place gets a really, really solid three-stars. falafel is my benchmark for mediterranean places and i had the deluxe falafel sandwich. i liked how it was wrapped in lavash versus in a pita and that they added roasted eggplant, but what's up with the french fry bits that were in there? was that a mistake in the fryer or intentional? i just don't know! towards the end of the sandwich, it was way too watery, since i'm i usually grub on falafel while on the move, that can't be good. i also think their falafel is too big - i prefer smaller onces because the crunchy crust to inside ratio is higher. they end up smooshing their falafel before wrapping them up. my bf took his chicken kabob wrap out of his foil and the whole thing fell apart. i felt really bad for him and was on the verge of getting him another one. =( i still think small world deli in napa is the mecca of falafel and shawarma mecca and totally ruined me for all other places!
(3)D S.
This is definetly not a Greek food. Turkish it is. The food is average.
(1)Mike L.
Hot damn those shewermas are good. Great place to go to for lunch. They get pretty crowded sometimes but are great at accommodating the lunch crowd. The manager is super nice and is always willing to give you a free sample of the different sides they have, good stuff. The shewermas are off the hook. The lamb is delicious and they give you a generous portion of meat.
(5)Heidi H.
I've been in here a handful of times and still not impressed with the food. The falafels are very dry and the kabobs are hard and little more over cooked than to my liking. Customer service is decent but overall, I'd rather drive to Berkeley to get my Mediterranean fix!
(2)matt k.
A rare oasis of good if not great food in barren Concord strip mall where the staff are as cheerful as the murals. 778
(3)Joe H.
I have eaten here twice and been happy with both the lamb shwarma and especially the chicken kabob. The older lady has been more helpful than the younger man working the grill. The couscous is good as well.
(4)Chuy C.
After reading all the review on yelp I was excited to try out this place. It's very rare that one finds good Mediterranean food outside of the city. But sadly I was disappointed. The food here is not that great. Don't get me wrong its not bad food just far from what I expected. The menu was limited but they do have a little deli with lots of extra goodies to eat which I am tempted to go back and try along with a falafel. I ordered the Lamb Shawarma expecting the meat to be super tender and full of flavor. The meat was not as tender as I expected and the gyro like wrap that it was served in was on the bland side. The guy behind the counter asked me if I would like it spicy. I said yes, and still ended up with a bland wrap. Oh well! Guess I'll just stick to eating Mediterranean in the city, and stick with the burger and fries when I visit the East Bay.
(3)Shan S.
I've been to this place twice. And that's definitely NOT ENOUGH for me. Do they put CRACK in this stuff? It's soooo good that my belly gets pissed if I drive by it and don't go in! They have the world's best hummus. And their Shawerma's (did I spell that right?) are to die for. No, really, I would walk through downtown Baghdad at 2am for this stuff! And it's really pretty inexpensive, too. Cheap addiction . . . Who could ask for more? I almost had a nervous breakdown this week when I was nearby and couldn't go!!! Since I couldn't, you should go so I can live vicariously through you. Let me know how you liked it (but don't blame me if you get addicted)!
(5)Erin B.
SOOOOO GOOOOOOOD!! I am so sad that my husband and I moved away from Concord (to the peninsula). I am so sad! :( This place is the best! Best falafels....great hummus and other salads. My husband loves their shawera...so its all great! The staff here is awesome! So nice and friendly and lively! Its the best lunch in Concord!!
(5)JJ J.
We come here for the Keftakbab (Beef and Lamb) Shawarma. This is the bomb! It is a savory blend of ground beef and ground lamb grilled to perfection all rolled into a flat bread which resembles a burrito. I like to think of it as a healthy alternative to a burrito. You should dine in so you can take in all the murals which cover the place (including the bathroom). Salads and hummus are all homemade and fresh. This is an overall great value.
(5)D J.
I LOVE KEBAB and Shawarmas. I've been going to this place before the name change from La Medierranean to The Mediterranean back when it was owned by this really nice elderly couple in 95. The shawerma changed a bit but it still rocks. They used to put chopped cucumbers but guess if you order the cucumber salad with tahini sauce it would be the same. Anyways, although this place is almost perfect, I think the price for the sharwarmas and kebabs are getting to be ridiculous. But I guess if the prices were much lower I'd be going back there every 3 days as opposed to once every 2 months nowadays.
(4)Joe B.
Another gem of a restaurant in Concord. Takes me back to when I lived in Crete. Check out the murals throughout the restaurant (even the bathroom) for a chuckle. Open on Sundays - a big plus!
(5)Mike R.
A hidden gem. When I lived in Tempe, AZ there were numerous Greek places to eat. For some reason Greek cuisine hasn't really taken off in the bay area which is surprising considering how lite and healthy it is. However, I have discovered one place and it truly stands out! The Mediterranean offers terrific greek food for a cheap price. And it's located in Park and Shop of all things. You could live in Concord for ten years and never hear about this place and that would be a shame. Check it out.
(5)Jenna H.
I've been going to this place for about 5 years and it is always a treat for my belly when I go. I'm fond of their lamb shawarma, without the spicy sauce, but I've tried it spicy and it's not really all that hot at all. The tahini and yogurt sauce are yummy and I love how they do their cucmbers or perhaps their proportion in it. We tried the bakdonsieh last time and it was ok. I am so fond of the lamb shawarma that I get it every time, but I think I will get the combo plate next time to try it out.
(4)Laurian C.
I love this place. No shawerma in San Francisco (or New York for that matter) even compares. Try the moist lamb shawerma, made from organic lamb or the falafel sandwich deluxe, both wrapped in lavash /lavosh bread. The interior is also beautifully painted with murals on the ground, walls and ceilings of Mediterranean scenes and maps. This place is a Concord gem!
(5)Jen C.
I haven't had a shawarma before and I didn't know what to expect. I had the lamb one and thought it was OK. I think it's been on the roaster a while so it was kind of dry. Everything else was ok. I think I'd go back next time when they have more so hopefully it's not as dry. The chicken looked fresh as when it was first made during the day. I think I know what's the popular choice.
(3)Sasha V.
I found this place to be pretty decent. All the side dishes like the hummus, the dolmas, and everything else I tried was very good. I also ordered the lamb shawerma which unfortunatly left me very dissapointed. I found it overly dry and gritty. The lamb was not very flavorful on its own either. So it was just ok but I will probably go back to try something new or give it another shot.
(3)Paul V.
Its been a while since I have eaten mediterranean and this definitly hits the spot! The flavors remided me when i was back in saudi arabia when i was a kid. Their lamb kabob was the best! Though interestingly they seved the kabob burrito style, im sure you can ask them to prepare any way you like. My gf had this lamb combo and it was the best. All their stuff is flavorful and very delicious. I would sure drive alll the way to concord if i have that halal cuisine itch.
(5)Stuart M.
Despite the strip-mall anti-ambience and uncomfortable seating, this is the go-to place in the Far East Bay for falafel and shawerma. All the home-style salads and finger foods in the deli case are worth trying too - especially the rich, creamy hummus and tangy, garlicky fool. Just had a chicken shawerma sandwich from this place yesterday and it was all there: perfectly gyro-roasted chicken, house-made tahini, grilled tomatoes, crunchy onions and sliced cucumbers, and a nice spicy garlic sauce. I've been going here for years and the quality has been quite consistent - it's a family operation, and Mom keeps a watchful eye from the register to make sure everyone's fed properly.
(4)Jess H.
I wish I could give this place a better rating because the staff was so nice and friendly, but I have to knock off points for the food. I got a couple of lamb shawermas and a few dolmas. The lamb meat was very bland, dry and fell apart like sawdust, which was drowned in the equally flavorless tahini sauce to the point of dripping and running everywhere. It was a mushy, hot mess. The dolmas had okay flavor, but the rice stuffing was really gummy and starchy and had a very icky texture. I was excited to try this place after reading all the good reviews, but was disappointed. Maybe they were having an off-day?
(2)Joe E.
It's close, quick, and ran by nice people. Unfortunately, I can't stray away from the Lamb Shawarmas. I always tell myself I'm going to get something else but in the heat of the moment, all that can exit my mouth is 'Lamb Shawarma...extra spicy please'.
(4)Matthew P.
I used to live in Concord and I stubbled across this place by accident one day. I really like Mediterranean food so I figured I'd give it a shot. Their lamb dishes and falafel's are very good. It seems like its family owned restaurant and the people are extremely nice and will let you sample anything on the menu. I think I've tried just about everything they have, including the side dishes and I can't think of one complaint.
(5)Lynn G.
Yumm. Have only eaten here twice and got the falafel wrap both times, but it is REALLY good. They are large, served in lavosh instead of pita, and they grill them a bit which is a nice touch. Plus, they put a ton of stuff in there and their sauces are really great. Will stop in here any time I'm in Concord.
(4)maya d.
This place is awesome especially for Concord and the location. When we lived there we went here all the time. The food is cheap, plentiful and so yummy. The owner is really nice and always made conversation with us. Love the murals. Order the traditional coffee and watch how it's made - very cool.
(5)Manny S.
Ok folks, this place is not super fancy, nor does it feature the finest in utensils or fine china....it is simply good middle eastern food. I have been here several times and while not a raging fan of lamb, in fact ordered the lamb Shawerma combo plate...and absolutely loved it. I had it with the Greek pasta salad and the tabbouleh, both were executed deliciously. We also ordered a lamb kabob combo and my third friend ordered a chicken combo plate. Everyone enjoyed their selections. We also ordered 3 dolmas and 3 falafel balls...so each of us could try one. The dolmas were done great, the falafel were a bit dry and had a very hard texture on the outside. They may have been there for several hours, and we did arrive toward the end of the evening. The service was fast and courteous. We shared the pomegranate juice, mixing some sparkling water with it. Delicious! The place is very casual, located in an aging strip mall in Concord, along Willow Pass Road. My only complaint...I ate my food too fast, sort of like a prisoner eating their last meal, instead of savoring it. Try this little spot out for some good eats. It is not the cheapest place for middle eastern food, but it is priced fair and well done.
(4)Angela N.
Ah, this place has made it so I will never go to Daphne's again! The Mediterranean is your Greek version of the classic hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant. It's been around forever, it's a little ghetto, but it's family owned and authentic. I had the lamb shawarma, which was wrapped lovingly in a grilled flatbread that remained thick and airy, and yogurt with crushed mint to drink. That was like a meal in itself.
(5)Rebecca H.
Don't be fooled by it's location in a strip mall. You can get quite authentic, tasty, and affordable food here. I rotate between the spicy chicken shawarma and the spicy chicken kebab (I think I like the kebab slightly better, although it takes a little longer to make). The hummus is as good as the stuff my great aunt makes (and she prides herself on her hummus). This is such a great change from my standard lunch of sandwiches and salads.
(4)Franz V.
Excellent food. Great menu, that I hope to return soon to try more from it. As you walk in, you're greeted by an amazing aroma and the sight of tasty kabobs and salads. I ordered the Chicken Shawarma, Feta Sandwich, and some tea... all of it was delightful! Finish that off with a pair of sweet, flaky baklava, YUM! The people working there were warm and inviting, and the interior is very nice. I'm looking forward to returning!
(4)Jeannette L.
We absolutely LOVE the food here!!! Super fresh and full of flavor! And the people are awsome!. The same family also own's Babalou's in Walnut Creek, and even though the concord location is more casual, I prefer it!!!
(5)Eric W.
I have had some REALLY good falafel sandwiches around the world and was excited to find a place that can hold their own. It's hard to find good places that use eggplant, fries and square flat-bread around. Their sides are also delicious.
(4)Lesli B.
Love their Chicken Shawarma! It's the best. Love their Falafels, Ganoushes, and Turkish coffee, too. All their sauces are very tastey as well, and my husband says the Gyros are fantastic. The 45-minute drive from Pleasnton is worth it (in the daytime, it's kind of a runned-down neighborhood). Plea to The Mediterranean: PLEASE, open a branch in Pleasanton! We have a lot of hungry people here who need your delicious food.
(5)Jean L.
When I'm craving mediterranean food this is where I go. Everything I've tried there is delicious. I always get the lamb combo...they give you a massive amount of food PLUS 2 salad sides to choose from. I always get the baba ghanoush and hummus sides to dip my pita bread in. The staff are friendly and the service is good. Best to call in your order during weekday lunch rushes or be prepared for a long wait.
(5)Angela D.
This place is a diamond in the rough..and when I say rough, I mean it. Sure, it's located in a dreary strip mall,but the food and staff make it worth the trip. I have never left here unhappy, the falafel is perfectly done and the hummus and dolmas are great. Don't forget baklava for dessert! I am a self-proclaimed baklava snob and I liked theirs. Also, their prices are extremely reasonable. I highly recommend this place!! Minus 1/2 star for the location. Also..I agree with Nora S. I grew up frequenting this restaurant and always thought it was Lebanese..
(4)Michael C.
The falafel is good, very flavorful and huge. I always get it spicy.
(5)Amera G.
I have been coming here for years, back when the older gentleman and his wife used to own it. Hands down the best shawarma I've had outside the Middle East. I love that the people who own the place now have kept the recipes the same. I wish that I lived closer to this place, but I'm lucky that my dad is in the area often and brings home spicy chicken shawarma every now and then. Warning: if this is the first place you've tried a shawarma, it will be very difficult to try one anywhere else because no other place makes it the same.
(5)raj b.
If you have never had Mediterranean food before then this place would be good. But I have had my fair share of Mediterranean food that outbeats this place. I ordered s Shwarma, which was only because they didnt have Gyros. How are you Mediterranean and not make Gyros?!?! The meat wasnt that flavorful and I asked for spicy and what i got was bland! The meal was somewhat filling but a shwarma and a drink ran me about $10. Presentation was a foil wrapped shwarma on a plate, when i was eating there! Like i said not bad, but not the best!
(3)Crystal T.
Greek food is my fave! I come here for lunch and I always order the lamb plate, which is served over rice and includes 2 sides of your choice. One day, I tried to avoid eating rice (lol) but they were nice enough to substitute it with couscous. Plus the meal comes with dolmas and pita bread. I also noticed that a lot of customers order the "wrap" (kinda looks like a huge super burrito). And due to it's popularity, I decided to try the lamb wrap. Awesome decision! It was filling and just as good. *Great vegetarian menu *Try the lamb plate *Try their baklava *drools* *The pita bread is so good! *Inexpensive (Don't forget to ask if they have any specials for that day. Most of the time they have it written down on the dry erase board) The workers here are super friendly (Especially the woman that is usually at the cash register, she's so nice). They serve the food really fast (Great place to eat out for lunch, less than 5 minute wait). You seat yourself, but when you dine in, they serve it to you at your table. This place is pretty small. The tables are too close to eachother and when it's packed, it's such a hassle to get out. Overall, highly recommended for you Greek Food lovers. My opinion, the best Greek Restaurant in the area!
(5)William D.
Not the fanciest place, loacated in the semi grundgy Park & Shop mall,we normally fuel up before a Costco run to curb the over spending. The food makes up for the lack of ombience The Chicken Swarma is excellent. Kinda a greek version of a burrito,with grilled onions,hot sauce,cucumbers in heated crispy peta bread wrap. The girls ordered the Falfel version of the Swarma noted above.It may be better than the meat laden ones. A side of maybe the best hummas & pita I have had anywhere. $20.10 for all three order's & you will be pleasantly plump afterwards..
(4)Joseph W.
The Mediterranean was my first experience with this type of food, and I'm hooked. So far my experience has been limited to shawermas and dolmas (creature of habit), but that's enough to keep me coming back for more. The food has been excellent, and the folks who help are always very nice.
(4)Jenny W.
The Mediterranean is my favorite go-to place for dinner when I'm too lazy to cook. My absolute favorite is the Falafel Sandwich. Not only is it cheap, it is incredibly delicious! The sandwich itself is wrapped like a burrito and in a more-than-enough portion. I could eat half of it and be full (but I'm a piggy and eat the whole thing!). Definitely ask for 'spicy', which isn't spicy at all and gives the sandwich a nice kick. Also, although the food comes out super fast, take your time to admire the walls, ceiling, and floor. It's very original and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the little subtly hidden images. Enjoy!
(5)J D.
Based on the reviews I was hoping for great Greek food. It was okay. Nothing spectacular. A small notch above Daphne's.
(3)Ken F.
This is a little hole-in-the-wall place that serves food more suited for a big fancy restaurant. For about six months I went as often as I could. Then I sort of dropped out for a while. Well, I went back on Friday and things hadn't changed a bit. The food was great and portions were large. The Lamb Shawerma is awesome! The Baba Ghannouj (charbroiled eggplant dip - I know it doesn't sound that great but give it a try) is to die for. Falafel balls, Dolma, Hummus - it is all great. Sure it is served on paper plates with plastic dinnerware - but it is all sooooo..... good.
(4)Christine H.
Awesome baklava. I had the lamb shawerma and it was ok but not great. The lamb was tough and it had way too much sauce. My mom loves their homemade lentil soup which they make from scratch daily. I would try this place again but I will skip the lamb and have something else.
(2)Mel M.
This review is for lunchtime only. The Mediterranean is a cute little place tucked away in the strip mall area next to Fry's. I keep their menu tucked in my desk with the good lunch places to go to in the Concord area. For any vegetarians, the falafel is really good (not too dry). For the non-vegetarians, I'd recommend the lamb shawarma, it's my coworkers go to meal when we go here. Don't forget to get a few dolmas as well. The art on the walls is super crazy. My favorite has to be the recreation of the Sistine Chapel's Creaton of Adam, with God handing Adam a kebab. Well that or the drugged out looking Marilyn Monroe coming out of the bathroom with JFK.
(4)Tiffany T.
Hmmmm. I love the decor of this place! I kept looking at the ceiling and walls and adored Mona Lisa watering her window box and the other playful takes on major artworks. I also liked looking down at the floor when I was in line and seeing it was a big map! First time I stepped in Greece and was happy about it. HA! Also the men working behind the counter are cuties. Hello eye candy! But for my first time eating here I ordered the chicken kabob and ended up with more of gyro? My chicken kabob was wrapped in a sort of tortilla with cucumber, lettuce, tomato and light yogurt sauce. It was good but wasn't what I was expecting. My husband ordered the hamburger which also looked like a gyro and had cucumber, tomato, lettuce and yogurt sauce too. I think once I figure out what's going on with the menu I will like eating here more. The food was great but the results unexpected. I loved the cous cous and the mudjarah was really tasty too! If the burger had been more like an American burger I could probably get my husband to come back with me but I doubt he will venture here again. It's too bad too because everything looked fresh and wonderful.
(3)Ana P.
Family has tried this twice now. Great place to stop after a full day at the nearby Water World. Inside decor is painted wall to ceiling - fun to discover what's hiding along the walls. Seating has bench seats and plastic chairs, nothing fancy. Order at the counter and pick up your food, or they bring it to you. My kids love the chicken combo which comes with rice, cut up stewed chicken, a dolmadas, and two sides - they like the hummus/pita and greek salad made with english cucumber, tomatoes, and onion. Husband gets the lamb shawarma wrap sandwich, spicy. Food is tasty, comes quickly, and tastes home-cooked.
(5)abby d.
I had a really lousy shwarma wrap here last week. I don't know what happened. Maybe it was just an off day. The meat didn't taste like it had been seasoned. It was very mushy except for a few bites that were full of gristle. I'm really hoping my experience was an anomaly.
(2)Debbie T.
I revisited this place after many months and was disappointed really. All three of my family members found it to be edible but truly lacking the quality and flavor it once had. Most entertaining to us was that out of the three meat items we had, we argued the meats tasted like some other kind of meat to all of us! Even the textures of the meats seemed to conflict with their identities. We were very loyal customers to this place for almost two decades but no more. Over the last few years we have not been here much because each experience was less memorable. I think this family has lost leadership and I would be scared to take a look in the kitchen fridge. It is clear the place has been neglected and no one is making an effort to look from fresh eyes at what a newcomer might see. If I had not been here a hundred times I wouldn't come in just looking at the old grease mountains forming on the back of that wok in the window!!!!! Sadly it was likely our last venture for what used to be good food.
(1)Wanugee N.
The Mediterranean is a popular eatery in the Park and Shop strip mall in Concord (near Fry's). It's really more of a deli than a restaurant, with a very casual style to it like many Falafel stands. But besides the vertically roasted meat slabs for Falafels, they do offer a good variety of other dishes, mostly Greek. Salads and Dips: Tabbouleh, Bakdonsieh, Greek salad, Hummus with Pita, Baba Ghannouj with Pita. These are all about $4 for 1/2 pint and $6 for a full pint. The Shawermas are like Greek burritos, with slices of Lamb or Chicken, with tomatoes, onions, parsely, maybe some zucchini slices served with Tahini sauce all wrapped in a Lavash flat bread wrap. Lamb $7.95, Chicken $7.50. I make my own Shawerma of sorts at home with Trader Joes' fixins. I use whole wheat Lavash, spread Green Olive Tapenade on it, add onion slices, capers, sometimes add spicy Indian relish, and smoked salmon slices, then roll it all up and eat for a meal or a snack. About $2. Being surrounded by water and having a zillion islands, you would think there would be more popular seaffod dishes in Amreica at Greek or Mediterranean restaurants? Someone educated my on why ther isn't. (Besides the Moors a 1000 years ago with their goat herds). They also have Kebabs for $7 - $8., and combo platters for $11. The Dolmas are $0.50 each. Baklava and Turkish coffee are available for after, but somehow this place isn't conducive to lingering. The murals are painted all over every surface that isn't tiled, and they are great. And there is mediterannaen music spritely playing on the PA system. So this place should have a better feel to it. But some how, it is just another ho-hum Falafel place in feeling. Perhaps an energetic staff with personal attention would help make this place feel better. But what do I know? It is all Greek to me.
(3)Dominique M.
This place is amazing! Love, love, love it! Great food, great prices, great atmosphere! Nothing bad to say!
(5)Sarah G.
I used to go here when I was single and poor and did not know so much about food. In the last fifteen years, I've learned to appreciate the better foods in life and a lot of the places I used to frequent just don't measure up when I revisit them. I stopped by here out of extreme hunger and nostalgia after a job interview in Concord. It was better than I remembered. Their falafel deluxe had everything one could want - potatoes, eggplant, tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumbers - divine things all perfectly prepared. I meant to just have one bite in the car (there was a lot of traffic and I was REALLY hungry!), but I ate half of it and now I need to have my interview dress cleaned. It was worth it.
(5)Sandyann G.
I ordered the Chicken Shawerma spicy last night. Now normally, I am not a fan of chicken, but this was so yummy! The combination of the chicken, cucumbers, spices, sauce and wrap were delicious. The portion was very large so I could only eat half. Since I was getting two meals for the price of one who am I to complain?. The other half I ate for breakfast this morning and the flavors had combined so that it was as tasty in the morning as it was the evening before. I only wish I had asked for a little more Tahini on the side to go with it this morning. I can't wait to go back and try some of the other items on the menu.
(4)J. M.
This place is amazing. It fits all of our wants/needs in a casual restaurant! * Inexpensive * Delicious * Vegetarian/Vegan options (many of them!) * Friendly * Fresh * Clean * Not an eyesore (well, except for the surrounding Park-n-Shop location) My husband loves the shawarmas. I love the vegetarian combo, or the deluxe falafal sandwich. One time, the owner could sense we hadn't tried many of the sides/salads, so one by one, he offered us samples until we'd tried them all! Amazing--both the food and the business model.
(5)Linda M.
I'm a big fan of the quality strip mall lunch establishment and this is no exception. No atmosphere here...but the food is real flavorful. You have to know what to order or ask lots of questions, because the menu isn't descriptive. I had the falafel sandwich, which while large and tasty...it was just a bit dry. I really could have used a side of hummus or greek salad. Not because I needed more food...just to balance it out with something moister. My husband had the lamb combo, which was good, but not amazing. Should you find yourself in this strip mall (the same one where Fry's is) -- shun Mickey D's and go for The Mediterranean!
(4)Sarah C.
There is nothing not to love about this place. The food is great, the service is great, the artwork inside is excellent!
(5)Scott M.
This place likes to add a pre-tip to the bill. I personally like to tip depending on service. 1 person to go I don't think warrants a pre tip especially when the service is hit and miss.
(3)Van W.
The best part of this place is the awesome murals in this place. The ceiling, walls, and bathroom are all fun to look at and it makes me happy when I do go there to see that someone put in the effort to paint it all. As for the food? It's not bad, but it's also not very memorable. It'll fill you up. I've ordered a lot off of their menu and nothing has been disappointing -- but again, not amazing either. I don't like the pita they use for their wraps either. Oh, and as a note, kebab refers to how the food is prepared and now how it is served. So their kebabs are in a wrap (think burrito) and not a shish kebab (meat on a stick). It originally meant fried, but these days through out Europe, it is common to see food vendors with giant logs of grilling meat. Yum indeed.
(3)Angel S.
The Mediterranean is probably our favorite spot in the Walnut Creek- Concord area, and unlike its sister spot Babalous in Walnut Creek, this spot has more of a hole-in-the-wall feel. The menu is extensive, with the usual cast of characters -- Falafels, Shawarmas, Tabbouleh, Bakdonsieh, Greek salad, Hummus with Pita, and Baba Ghannouj -- all priced fairly and made to order. I found nothing pretentious about this place, just a very casual eatery with good food, good prices, and friendly service.
(4)Rachel S.
Their shawarma is THE BOMB. 1 extra star added!
(4)Ania L.
Who loves murals? I love murals. And The Mediterranean is full of 'em. My fave is the bathroom door, a tromp l'oeil of Marilyn coming out of a bathroom with John F.K. behind her. Okay, so the lavosh wraps with meat or falafel are super great but the tahini is excessive and will make a real mess (my keyboard will never be the same again), but a simple 'on the side' request takes care of that minor problem. The Mediterranean lunch special is really huge (SO much baba ghanoush, SO much hummus, SO much taboulleh) but you'll have some left over for dinner. Hooray for Park'n'Shop delishness! Overall, good times for the palate and the stomach, it may take a few tries to find your favorite here...but once you do, you'll be addicted.
(4)Chiara C.
i LOVE this place and have been going here for YEARS when i'm craving a chicken schawerma (i usually have them add a couple of falafel to the schawerma, which is super yummy!!!). i recently went back today after not going for a couple of months and saw that they remodeled/repainted the place - it looks great! however, i didn't realize that they have also changed their schawerma recipe :/ what used to be your choice of meat (still lamb or chicken), spicy sauce (if you like it spicy), cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and tahini sauce is now lettuce, pickles (?!?!), onions, tomatoes with the tahini/spicy sauce. i ate it anyway since i was starving and i had picked it up for lunch and brought it back to my office, but i was really disappointed (especially when i kept biting into a pickle - bleh!). if anything, i wish that there was a sign or something addressing the recent change in their recipe - i would have requested the recipe that i have been getting all these years. lesson learned for next time i have a craving!!! ;)
(4)Paul M.
Got the lamb shawarma the other day..rather large portion, great value! The meat was seasoned well, vert tasty. It was a bit harder than I would expect lamb to be, but with the excellent seasoning and large portion size I am happy as can be! Will definitely be back!
(4)Cheryl M.
I have been going here, off and on for about 10 years. It has declined with time, or maybe I just keep getting 'off' nights, but the biggest difference I have noticed is they have ruined the Baba Ghannouj, by adding jalapeno peppers. Being that Baba Ghannouj is one of my all time favorite dishes, and I ALWAYS order it when eating Mediterranean food, I have noticed that this is the ONLY place I have been that has destroyed the dish with these horrid peppers. The heat for this dish should be from the GARLIC, and nothing else. All I can say is AWFUL. The Lamb Shwarma had good flavor, but I had to keep spitting out large rubbery globs of fat. I understand some fat (within reason) but when half of your meal is spit into the napkin, it is a problem. I would have given a higher rating if they could have bothered to spend a few minutes trimming the meat. The Chicken Shwarma is good. The employees are very friendly and helpful. The bathroom is always clean. If they would go back to a traditional Baba Ghannouj dish and be less stingy with the lamb (read more meat less fat) I would probably eat here all the time, as they are the closest place around me for Mediterranean food.
(2)Nessie V.
Ok, I have high standards for felafel. This place meets them. This is the best I've had in the Bayrea. When I worked out here the people knew me and knew what I wanted when I walked in. I dislike tomatoes, so I usually order my felafel without. I know I'm picky, but if i have the option, why not. So when I first started going here, they had the tomatoes, cucumber, and tahini mixed up in a bowl to add to the felafel. I think because of me they started separating it. That's pretty nice of them, I think. So, good, friendly, fast service and good healthy food at a decent price. I think my only criticism is that they always seemed to be playing the same cd over and over every time I went. It wasn't bad, but after a while...
(5)Raina S.
Delicious and cheap, this place is right up my alley. A giant chicken or lamb shawerma (did I spell that right?) easily feeds two people, so be sure to bring a friend. The lamb here is very good -- not at all gamey like it can be at times. The hummus is nice and lemony. My pitas were pretty dry, but that was the only downside of my visit. I love the murals at this place. Whoever painted them has a good eye and a great sense of humor.
(4)Constance C.
Lamb Shawarma. I honestly don't understand why this place gets such great reviews on Yelp, enough to warrant 5 stars. This place just isn't that good, any way you look at it, up to the meat, this is a big fat burrito, nothing close to Mediterranean food in the least, and it's a pretty disgusting burrito at that. Even Chipotle kicks it's ass. The meat was not taken off the vertical grill like legit shawarmas are made. I also didn't like the lavash wrap, not a fan of that at all. Gross, is the only word I could use to describe it and I will never try this again. EVER.
(1)Catherine E.
When I need a falafel fix, this is usually my place to get it. I always get the falafel wrap and so far I've always been satisfied with it.
(4)Marlon O.
What to say, what to say, what to say!!! Came in yesterday 11/02/09 on the way home from The City and was craving some Mediterranean food. Couldnt wait to get to Benicia and I remember a few folks tellin me about this spot. I had the Chicken Schwerma and Greek Salad w/ Fetta Cheese. Im no expert w/ Mediterranean food (yet) but I have been to a few places! This place is well worth it! Now I know when im at Fry's I can come here for some good GRUB!!!
(4)Tia U.
My top spot for my Veg fix. The Hummus, Bakdonesieh, and Greek Salad are my favorite's. I just wish they gave a bit more Feta in that Greek Salad!! I tried the Chicken Shawerma last week and it was quite good but I'm not sure I'll order it again. Like I said, I come for the vegetarian options. The Tabouleh is good, but can be on the dry side sometimes. I always end up spending $30+ when I visit so I find the prices to be a bit high. But I've elected to just deal. The guys behind the counter are always nice and are generous with the servings [except for that damn Feta!] The Mediterranean is one of my favorite spots. I'm a usual customer, and I'll continue to be one for a long time to come.
(4)Kate C.
For almost a decade, The Mediterranean has been a culinary staple for me when I'm looking for a quick, cheap, and incredibly delicious meal. I've worked my way through the majority of the menu, but the vegan platter will always remain my standby. Their falafel is phenomenal, their hummus is heavenly, and I've always adored their baba ganoush. The staff at The Mediterranean is also another reason that I would give this establishment five stars. They have never been anything but incredibly friendly, fast, and down to earth. They are an integral part to what makes The Mediterranean such an enjoyable experience for me. I also love the atmosphere of the restaurant. The dining area is very laid-back and casual, always impeccably clean, and the mural spanning the walls and ceiling are absolutely fantastic! It has been fun to watch it slowly evolve over the years. Also, if you haven't seen their bathroom, you simply MUST check it out - it's a true piece of art.
(5)Jacquelyn H.
The food here is good. I have had falafel and babaganush and both have been great. They come in a burrito which is a little different but still good.
(4)Judy N.
I'm not a Mediterranean food expert but I've had my fair share. We ordered the lamb shawarma (ie. wrap), chicken shawarma, falafels, and baklava. The shawarmas weren't bad but they weren't that great either. Uninspired is the word that comes to mind. Just not much flavor. The lamb (though it tasted more like beef) was a bit better than the chicken, which not only lacked flavor but was a little on the dry side. Portions were good. For $8, it's a wrap big enough for 2 sensible meals. Had it been as good as we were hoping, I would have finished it in 1 meal and been sick to my stomach. But since it was just ok, it wasn't hard to stop halfway. The falafels were average taste-wise, a little on the bland side, but the outside was way too hard and overcooked, plus it was oilier than I'm used to. They sort of felt like they had been deep fried twice. The dipping sauce it came with tasted like nothing. If you want good falafels, check out Babalous in Walnut Creek. Even Jerry's Hot Dogs in Antioch makes better falafels. Good deal at 50 cents each though. The bahklava was the highlight of our meal. It was delicious and at $2 for a small serving, it was priced just right. Pretty disappointed in our meal overall since I usually enjoy Mediterranean. Looking at the other positive reviews, maybe we just went on an off day. The 3 guys working there were efficient and helpful when questions were asked but not really that friendly. The murals on the wall were amusing. I like how their restroom door was painted as a restroom door with Marilyn Monroe and JFK stepping out of it.
(3)Matt J.
I used to regularly go in for lunch at this place since its so close to work. Recently though had an experience, let's just say that. I went in and ordered the falafel deluxe, something that I normally get. I told them it was for here. So I sit down and wait. When my food was ready he told me your food is ready as if he wanted me to get up and get it. Normally they bring it to your table if you dine in. But I could tell by how he said it he didn't want to. I told him it was for here and he unhappily made his way over to me. I figured he may forgot I was dining in and let it go to enjoy my meal. From the onset of looking at the wrapped deluxe I was suspicious to begin with. The wrap didn't look as cooked as it normally is. It did not taste all that great . Not like I have come to expect this place to have its food. Anyway mid way thru I found some frozen fries in my deluxe. I was disgusted and asked one of the cooks about it. He blew me off and was laughing as I told him. I didn't think it was funny. He didn't help at all but told me to talk to the other guy. I asked the other guy why is there frozen fries in my meal. I was polite about it. But he told me OK and acted like it was no big deal. He then gave me an attitude about eating about half. Incredibly bad service. He never apologized. Never going back wouldn't go if you want good food check out gotta eat a pitta.
(1)Tamara M.
Great hole in the wall lunch place. Falafel was moist but crunchy on the outside, and staff was friendly and quick.
(4)Maria V.
Went to lunch here today with two coworkers. Ordered the vegetarian combo, which included two dolmas, tabbouleh, babaganosh(sp), hummus, pita bread, two falafel and salad. I gave it 2 stars because I felt like the hummus was too bland, the salad was o.k. but not much tahini sauce, the tabbouleh was too lemony and there was more cucumber than cous cous, and the pita bread and dolmas didn't taste fresh, like store bought. The falafel was good, but kind of dry. Overall, I'm glad I checked it out, as I have been looking forward to trying the restaurant, but I don't think I'll come back.
(2)Angela A.
Great place for vegetarians. They have many salads and sides to choose from. The falafel wrap is delicious and the tabbouleh is so zesty/refreshing.
(4)Jason G.
Lamb shawerma, hummus and pita, and chicken shawerma were all very good.
(4)Antonio S.
Food good dining room can use a deeeeeeep cleaning. And the bathroom needs scrubbing and a coat of white paint
(2)David K.
Been going here for 20+ years through 3 different owners since it was called Truly Mediterranean but the food has always been excellent. Got that Lebanese flair. Lamb Shawerma, veggie combo plate. Everything here is really good.
(5)Javi M.
Hands down, my favorite Mediterranean restaurant in the entire Bay Area. Believe me, I've tried at least 25 other Greek/Turkish/Afghan/Mediterranean restaurants, but this place is easily the best. Lamb shwarma is so good, and it's 100% lamb too....not that lamb/beef gyro mix. Chicken kabobs are delicious as well, great seasoning. The bakdonesieh, tabbouleh, tahini, felafels, and hummus are sooooooo good too. It's hard to miss with this place. Highly recommended, must try! I wish I lived closer to this place.....but the lamb shwarma is worth the drive from Oakland.
(5)Adrianne B.
Three stars because: 1- Great restaurant setting/environment. The paintings, even in the bathroom, are amazing! 2- The service and setup is well done. Good people, good process. 3- The meat is quality! Cooked well and it just melts in your mouth. The only con I could note (that took away from the 5 stars) is the meat/dish flavor. Maybe it's just my pallet but living in the Bay Area, you have so much choices and good flavor is key. Overall, good stuff and will come back again.
(3)Eleanor D.
My fiance and I were super hungry one afternoon. We saw two possible food choices.. Korean BBQ or this place. So I ordered a Lamb kabob combo plate. It came with basmati rice, lamb kabob , and your choice of two sides. I chose the greek salad and macaroni. & the worker was nice enough to give a dolma. Food was ok. Nothing too spectacular. Portions were really small for the price we paid. 2 combo plates for $27 So will i be back? Maybe. But maybe after we try the korean bbq next door.
(3)Cece E.
This is a fun, funky hole-in-the-wall located in the Park N' Shop strip mall. It is tiny. Half the space is taken up by the open kitchen. The other half has about 10 tables. A large open window lets in lots of light. The place must have been decorated by an artist gone wild. There are murals everywhere! What is it about Mediterranean fast food joints? This is the 3rd one I've been to with wild paintings literally, on the walls. Not enough space? Not a problem. The artist continued the murals onto the ceiling and into the restroom. Whatever the reason, I am completely entertained looking for Waldo, Marilyn, Mother Theresa and other painted personalities while I eat. I was a regular here for years while I lived in town. Now, this is my 1st choice for a pit stop when I am in the area. And while staff tend to be gruff, they make yummy food. That's OK. As long as they feed me "yums for my tums," I can deal. Beware of dry meat. Always try to ask for meat freshly sliced from the vertical roaster. I think they pre-slice the meat for the lunch rush. That's not too much of an issue if turnaround is high and there is no time for the slices to dry out. However, I have sometimes come in for a late lunch when the place is empty and they already have slices waiting in a pan in the bottom of the spit. That is my only complaint about this place. I usually get the wrap which is the equivalent to a super burrito. You can customize your wrap with different fillings or heat level. I go vegetarian and stuff my wrap with falafel, if I want to preserve the pretense of being healthy. However, more often than not I get the lamb or chicken. Either way, the fact that they grill the wrap after assembly takes it to the next level. I mean heaven! It is like a Taco Bell grilled stuffed burrito, only much better. Cheap but tasty eats. Huge portions. My kind of food.
(4)Gal L.
The lamb and chicken shawerma is mouth watering. It will definitely fill you up.....but not like burrito full. It's high in protein and fiber that looks like a burrito without the rice and beans. They have great selections of salad....I loved all the ones I tried so far. I can't wait to try their dessert menu.
(3)Vero V.
Bad customer service or just lack there of. Cost me almost 30 to feed myself and my 11 year old. $2 for a can of soda. $2 baklava. $4 for a small container or salad. You have to be kidding me. Food was not that good. My kid would barely eat it and I was certainly not wowed by the veggie plate.
(2)Vanessa K.
It was good. I ordered the lamb schwarma and it was good. But it just isn't east coast lamb schwarma. Why isn't there a decent mediterranean place in the west coast? Whether it be in Concord, San Francisco or Los Angeles. Regardless it was good and affordable. It was more that enough food for me. Definitely needed more tahini as I bit into it. The lamb was a little chewy at times. I also think I prefer pita over lavash bread.
(3)Kris T.
Amazing food at an amazing price! After being throughly disappointed by Daphne's the other day, I yelped good, hardcore greek food. No, not "California greek" made by Mexicans in back, I mean real Greek food made by real Greek people! Anyway, I think I spoke to the owner, I told her it was my first time there, and she let me sample all the sides! The Baba whatever it was... amazing. The babouska (I think that is how its spelled) was delicious as well. I got those with chicken shawrma as my main dish. The chicken was well seasoned, juicy, and the best part, it was a very generous portion. Next time im getting the couscous and the greek pasta... also very dope. I also sampled the falafel and it was so, so, so..... good. I could snack on that all day. I feel so stupid that I haven't tried this place until now, as its so awesome! I have found my go to grub joint.
(5)Dave H.
**Falafel review only*** Ever since moving to Concord, I thought the only Mediteranean spot was the weird place in the theatre. Not sure how I missed this spot, but glad to finally try them out. I ordered the regular falafel, not the deluxe. The falafel patties themselves were fresh-made, full of flavor, and had perfect texture (crisp on the outside, moist on the inside). The wrap was grilled perfectly to provide a little crunch, without making the whole think fall-apart flaky. Stuffed with tomato, cucumber, and onion - all sliced thick enough to taste; thin enough as to not be a difficult bite. If you get it "spicy" they put the perfect amount of chili sauce on it to compliment the contents, not dominate over. Looking forward to trying their shwarmas...
(5)Laila C.
I come here for business often and this is the one place I crave. I can't comment on anything else because I always get the chicken shwarma. They are huge and saucy...which also means messy, but no real complaints there! Definitely worth the $7 something dollars. 3 stars for the delciousness, one star for the funky interior decor and I would give one more if they had refills on drinks.
(4)Rinky N.
Five stars for the friendly and welcoming staff! Five stars for the fun murals that are on the walls, floors and ceiling! (See my pix) They have a nice selection of food and indicate vegan choices! 3.5 stars for the food. Very decent but not the best I've had. The falafels were fresh and flavorful--they cook them right near the front window. The hummus and baba ganoush were tasty. I guess I'm spoiled by my fav place in Albany, Cafe Sophia. But that said, we have been here several times and would definitely go back here when we are in that neck of the woods. And hey maybe I'll run into into Linda M, one of my favorite Yelpers!
(4)Nora S.
Second visit and again it did not disappoint! This may be the best of the Middle Eastern/Mediterranean/Greek places in the area. I like it better than Yanni's, Babalou's and Mazza Grill. The chicken shawarma is killer. Very flavorful. I tried the Vegan baba ghanoush wrap. This was delicious, but I don't think really worked as a wrap as it was far too messy. I'll stick to eating baba ghanoush as a dip. Turkish coffee was yummy! My son went crazy over the map of the Mediteranean painted on the floor (Musn't fall into the water, Mom!). I STILL have yet to try the lamb shawarma. Trying to be healthy here!
(4)Mary S.
I've been here a few times for lunch, its an order at the counter kind of place. The first time I got chicken schwarma, it was good. Second time, Lamb, it was ok but not the best. Then, the last time I went for chicken again for a quick bite for dinner on the go and was the ONLY one in there. My wrap was the smallest one I'd received from there with barely any chicken!!!! Why would you do that to the only person in the place? It was a young guy who acted like he just didn't care. The flavors were very bland also. Overall, I think this place lost my trust and I won't be back.
(2)Brian H.
They have a nice selection of salads/sides. I didn't get a sandwich (wish I had) but they looked excellent as they were made with lavash bread that was grilled and looked huge! I really enjoyed the food here, as well as the ambiance. The mural that covers the walls and ceiling (as well as the bathroom) is amazing.
(4)Anastacia S.
I used to frequent this place when I worked in Concord. The lamb shawerma (hope I spelled it right) is awesome. I used to get cravings for it! The falafel is also pretty good here. This time...I decided to try something different and got the combo plate (lamb, hummus, and greek salad). The greek salad is simple, but so yummy! The hummus has a great texture and has the perfect amount of lemon. I am not a fan of their pita bread...so that is the only improvement I would recommend. The lamb is super moist and perfectly flavored. They also sell great 100% pomegranate juice! I highly recommend this place for a lunch spot! (And...yes...the bathroom is a pretty AWESOME place to check out!)
(4)Jen S.
Sketchy looking? ABSOLUTELY! But totally delicious! The hummus was yummmmmm! Very happy my love found this place. I will definitely be back!
(4)Grace Anne D.
I went to this place a lot when I was younger, my mom loves Mediterranean food but I don't remember how it taste, haven't been here since I was probably 8 haha. Anyways, my bestfriend came here for falafel balls. Their 50 cents each which isn't bad. I think they were already made before we even got there cause it takes awhile to make them, of course and when we came up to the register, they were already there. So I guess they aren't made fresh. The cashier didn't seem very friendly at all, what a downer. But it's a nice place to go to, decent seating and the walls&the ceiling is painted which is nice to look at if you're waiting around for your food.
(3)Mike S.
maybe a lot of fellow yelpers will disagree with me on this review. But truly, I don't see how this place can get more than two stars. I've eaten here several times over the past few years. The Dolmas are always mushy , with uncooked rice inside. the shawarma's is REALLY dry, hence their excessive use of sauces, and finally their falafel is very oily. sure they have what seems to be good prices, but for the kind of food they're serving, it's just ok. The place on the other hand is well put together, and the bathroom is clean. other than that, they're several mediterranean food joints in the concord/Walnut creek area that are a lot better
(2)Kevin T.
The 99 Ranch Plaza here in Concord seems to have a variety of solid lunch time choices. Wanting to stay on the healthier side, I decided Greek food would be a safe bet so upon the suggestion of all the other Yelp reviews I decided to check this place out. Ambience-wise, this place isn't exactly the most welcoming. Everything from the decor to the service was very ho-hum which I was a bit disappointed about...until I finally got to try the food. My friends and I split the Hummus as well as a plate of Dolmas while each of us waited for our respective Shawermas. I'd definitely get the hummus again if I went back. It was savory and smooth with just a hint of acidity from the lemon juice which brought out the other flavors nicely. The lamb shawerma was good, and I would have thoroughly enjoyed it had they been a bit more liberal with the meat portions. I ended up taking one too many bites wondering too myself...WHERE'S THE MEAT!?! Overall, a solid choice (if a bit on the pricey side) for Greek food, but one I would feel comfortable frequenting again should the craving ever arise.
(3)Dez B.
Thank you my fellow Yelpers for helping me find this place!!!! i LOVE coming here for the lamb shwarma and hummus. I usually don't like lamb but theirs is really good...it's so good it takes like chicken but better than their chicken! haha. The murals are funky and cool to look at while you're waiting for your food. I've try to make it out here once a week for lunch, more so now since the Flying Falafal isn't at the Tuesday Farmer's Market anymore. i got my husband hooked on the shwarmas and now he likes the falafal now too.
(5)Becca M.
I have been here multiple times, and the food is really great! I usually order this chicken dish (I can never remember the name of it) but it comes with chopped chicken over rice with a tomato-like sauce. I also order extra dolmas because their dolmas are awesome! The Mujadarra (sp?) is also really good, and I will usually order two of those as the two sides that come with the chicken dish, I am not too fond of the other sides they offer. Though the babaganoush is really good - I still thing babaganoush from Pomegranite in W.C. is the best though.
(4)Hilda Z.
The deluxe falafel wrap is highly recommended. It was super big and crazy good. Chicken shawarma....not so much. Kinda dry. Not so tasty =( If I do return might try a combo plate, or order a stack of dolmas, since they are fool proof!
(3)David A.
This is definitely one of my favorite local places to eat. You definitely get some bang for your buck. I typically order the lamb combo plate with mujadarra and hummus. It comes on a bed of rice and typically gives me enough food for dinner and lunch the next day. You also can't go wrong with the lamb shwarma or falafel. Give it a try if you're in the neighborhood.
(5)Jennifer T.
Tried this place based on the favorable reviews on Yelp. Fail. I got the lamb shawarma wrap and my husband got the lamb combo. The meat was really dry, almost like jerky. The mint yogurt drink sounded good so I thought I'd give that a try. I felt like I was drinking straight up ranch dressing with a hint o' mint. No bueno. The only decent part of the meal was the hummus, so if you just want hummus then you'll be alright. The pita bread that came with it was a bit dry, though. The service was good - the woman who took our order was very friendly. If only the food had been better. I will likely not go back.
(1)Jonathan R.
Went to this place with a group of friends the other night and the place is amazing. To the yelper who was talking about how it's not Greek food, Who cares, it's still good food. A group of 5 of us and we all got different items, which was great, trying a bit of everything. I got the atkins special which is lamb shawarma on top of lettuce with tomatoes and cucumber on the side. Delicious. The falafel balls were amazing. The service was awesome. As soon as you walk in your helped. There very accommodating. The place is an over all great place to eat and I will definitely be going back.
(4)Kitty T.
The price is fair in this restaurant. I always order the veggie plate so I get to try the different mediterranean sides or dishes like falafel, hummus, yogurt dip, salad, grape leaves wrapped rice, dolmas, cucumber salad, etc. Service is fast and you can see how your food is prepared. Nice staff. Good parking.
(4)Svetlaners B.
Cute little pita pocket in the park n shop plaza. Yummy babaganoush (spellcheck?) The hummus and baklava is pretty good too but i've had better. The chicken shawarmas = dry. But the owners are nice and the murals on the walls are very entertaining. 2 stars because i take baklava very seriously & have a greek aunt that wouldnt eat here if she was starving. Better than daphnes but not even close to holyland standards.
(2)Rich D.
I love their food, especially combo chicken plate with foul salad on the side! The falafel sandwiches are my second choice. Their drinks are too expensive, and the sides are also a bit steep, though they are delicious.
(4)Jason C.
I have been going here for years now and every time it is awesome.
(5)Brittany E.
After finding this place on yelp i decided to give it a shot for lunch. Definitely glad I did. Although I was under the illusion that it was going to be Greek moreso than Mediterranean (my bad!) I was pleasantly surprised. I had a lamb schwarma, spicy along with a green salad and a piece of baklava. You could tell the ingredients were fresh and were rather tasty!! The staff was friendly and their baklava was YUMMY!! (Almost can't go wrong with that stuff!) When I left I was definitely full, not over stuffed and felt good about the food that I was putting into my body. Ambiance: 3/5 stars Food: 4.5/5 I will be back to this joint!! Very fresh and makes the body feel good!
(4)Jamie L.
Come Tuesday and my plans to stay with my boyfriend for the evening for our 'LOST' night, we both wanted to eat something "good". We are fast food junkies at heart, but my continuation of craving Greek food was ongoing. Plus I have been heading the gym hard for the last week, so I wanted to eat something that wouldn't make me feel guilty. My boyfriend and I shared the lamb shawarma, since it is huge wrap to share. We had a small order of hummus with pita bread. For dessert, Turkish Delight. To drink, Turkish coffee. Talk about heavenly eats. The shawarma is just a collection of flavor and the lamb is definitely delicious. Their hummus is always light and with a hint of lemon flavor. Their Turkish Delight is delectable. Their Turkish coffee is by far my favorite drink with herbal flavors and very, very bold. The restaurant is small, but always clean and lively with the murals painted on the walls and floor. Definitely love this place and can't wait for that the craving to come take me away.
(5)Bernadette T.
The staff is very friendly and service was very quick, which was good. I got the lamb burrito and wasn't very satisfied with it; not very flavorful. I tried the doma and it was really good though. Also, all the dishes looked very fresh and I would definitely give it another try because I think I would enjoy the vegetarian plates more so. Very clean and fresh. Would try again but not get the burrito type food again.
(3)William M.
I really wish I lived closer so I could come to this place more often. This place has some of the best shawarmas I've ever had. I had the chicken shawarma and look forward to sampling the rest of the varied menu items each time I travel over to Concord. The staff was very friendly and greeted us as we came in the door and quickly took our orders. Despite a little bit of a lunch rush, the food was prepared very quickly, fresh, and piping hot. The decor was definitely interesting and gave the patrons a bit of a conversation piece and scenery to look at. Not only was the food oustanding (by both of our opinions), but the prices were great too. Both of us left feeling full and satisfied for under $20. Like I said, if I lived closer I'd be here for lunch all the time.
(4)Gabriela P.
Call it greek, middle-Eastern, Persian or mediterranean. This is fresh food, amazing seasoning and great service. This place has it all! Their lamb shawarma is juicy and tasty. It feels tastier if you eat it surrounded by the mediterranean scenes painted on the wall, while Marilyn and JFK come out from the bathroom door with a smirk. Even if like me, you can't eat it all and take the other half for dinner. Yes, it's that big. I've ordered great babaganouch and hummus to go and you can wash all down with authentic pomagranate juice and top it off with a sweet baklava. And it feels family owned, or at least the same people have been working there for years. A great option for lunch or dinner!
(4)David K.
I frequently stop by when I am in Concord. Usually I get the same item: Lamb Shawerma. Thin marinated slices of lamb, tomatoes, parsley, seasoned onions and tahini sauce- on lavash. Sort of like a Mediterranean burrito. They also offer kabobs, Greek salads, hummus, and falafels (among many other items). I've had the falafels many times and it is great. Extremely casual. It's like a Greek Deli. Located in an aging strip mall next to a McDonald's. However, the strip mall has a wide variety of tasty ethnic restaurants. The Lamb Shawerma is big. But if I'm still hungry after lunch. I get a Baklava for dessert.
(4)Rachel R.
Amazing! I work nearby and this is the only place I go to eat on my lunch. It's so fresh and delicious. The staff are so nice! I order the chicken plate over lettuce. This is great for lunch because it's not heavy or greasy. A little pricey, but worth it
(5)Andrew A.
Overall (4/10) Food (4/10) - not a fan Price (7/10) - pretty cheap Reviews were great, but I tried the falafel sandwich and lamb shawarma. Both were not good. One bite into the shawarma, and all this sauce spilled out, THEN the lamb... which I must add was not very impressive. If you want my opinion, go ahead and go to korea house a couple doors down for some cheap lunch. I tried this place once... meh okay, tried it twice... ugh was horrible... try it a third time? I THINK NOT Will I be back? negatory.
(2)Adrian R.
lamb shawerma...... only place that you can get this around here. I have tired a few others out of the area. None compare. I go back a few times a year just to get my fix. I have seen things cooked that are not on the menu. If you love lamb....go get one already.
(4)Marie S.
I really like this place. I usually get the chicken combo plate with no rice and substitute it out for salad. The portions are quite large so if you're not in the mood to get stuffed you can just share a gyro or a combo plate. I'll usually save the other half of the gyro for later or sometimes I'll just be a fatty and kill it all in one sitting. haha The food is truly not "amazing" by any means... the meat was a bit dry today, but everything was fresh and you can definitely taste it and I'd take a little over grilled meat over precooked meat any day. Some people have described the food as bland, but I think You'll really appreciate that it's not drenched in salt, butter, spice, etc. It's nice to go out and eat and not be overly thirsty after wards. Bon apetite.
(4)Paula S.
I love their falafel and I've never ordered anything other than their falafel sandwich.. Why chance missing out on their delicious perfection!? They're really nice, insanely cheap, in a comfy setting, have tasty baklava, and are next to Fry's. There are no losers here! I've had bites of the shawerma's before and they're also tasty. You can easily make two meals out of any of their sandwiches which are between $5-7 each... Yummo!
(5)Kristine M.
I decided to try this place because of other Yelpers. I was hoping that the "kind lady" some people have referred to would be there to help me with my decision of Friday night's dinner. Instead I was greeted by two Spanish-speaking men. I made it known that it was my first time at this establishment and was wondering if there was something they would recommend for dinner for 2 people. The reply I got was a menu thrusted towards me. I will tell you that it was not necessary to give me the menu because there was a HUGE menu on the wall in front of me. When I asked what a Shawarma was, one of the men pointed to a HUGE piece of meat on a GIANT metal skewer. (Thanks, but that didn't help much!) I ended up ordering a Lamb Kabab combination plate and a falafel sandwich ($5.95) for take out. The combo came with lamb over basmati rice, 2 salads (I chose pasta salad and tabbouleh), 1 dolma and pita for $10.95. I wasn't impressed with the falafel; I've had better. It could have used more tahini sauce and put in a pita instead of rolled in a lavash. I did like the lamb, pasta salad and dolma from the combo plate. I must add that the "kind lady" appeared from the back after I was handed my order and I thought, "Great, where were you when I needed your expertise?" To sum it up: It was ok. I will continue on my quest of finding an awesome place for falafel sandwiches and Mediterranean food. I would go back to get the dolmas and try the baklava.
(3)Robert B.
Been here 20 times. Place is the bomb. I get the lamb shawerma
(5)Marie T.
This hole in the wall is a gem in the Concord area. Their lamb shawermas are good. I always get the falafel deluxe (w/ eggplants and potatoes!) Nom nom. Pretty cheap, service is always good, and they're quick.
(4)Tiffany D.
A little pricey at just over $20 for two chicken schwarmas and two bottled root beers, but it's worth it. These are THE best chicken schwarmas!
(4)Y A.
I am from the middle east and I can tell if this mediterranean food is good or not. Unfortunately the taste is terrible. The shoarma looks old. I won't go there anymore. Price and quantity is ok but the food quality is not what I was expected.
(2)sara m.
Its ok. The food is overpriced for what you get. The sandwiches come wrapped in a thin lavash bread, not pita, so that kind of bums me out. The veggie platter was ok but they charge over $1.50 if you want feta with it- how silly is that?! What kind of mediterreanean place charges EXTRA for feta on a sampler plate. I got a kabob to go for the husband and the amount of food was so small for the money I paid. I was not that pleased. Go to Yanni's in Pleasant Hill- way cheaper and more bang for your buck (plus way delicious)
(2)Amy W.
Love the hummus wrap
(5)Bee D.
OK, where was everyone? This delish lil restaurant was completely empty on our Tuesday Night visit (around 8pm). I enjoyed the lamb combo with the greek salad and 4 dolmas (Stuffed Grape Leaves) and hunie oh mine had the chicken shawerma. I was afraid he'd balk at it, but he ate it all up! No leftovers baby, nothing for the puppies! Oh you've done a great job when you can sneak veggies and Tahini into my hunie bunie. SO for $21 (including a small tip), we totally pigged out on some great food. Made me miss my friend Rima and the dinners at her mom's house...... yeah!
(5)Nathan W.
Two things leave an immediate impression upon you when entering this place: the whimsical murals everywhere (bathroom, too) and the kind lady who runs the place... I recently ordered the lamb shawarma (wrap) along with some falafel. These wraps are akin to Middle Eastern burritos, although healthier as they aren't so carb-laden. The problem with these, though, is that lavash bread isn't as absorbant as a flour tortilla, or as durable. You end up with a runny mess before too long. The falafel were tasty, but overpriced at 50 cents each. They should be larger at that price... I guess that my thing about this place is that the food isn't too memorable. Thank God that the shawarma (chicken, too) is legit, and not some Kronos crap on a spit. I guess the prices just aren't justified here...
(3)W. L.
What a happy serendipitous accident stumbling into this place was! My family and I made a pit stop while on the road to the coast and ended up eating here on a whim and I was SO GLAD WE DID! It was delicious! I can only speak to the vegetarian items I ate, but they were quite tasty! The Tabouleh was fresh and refreshing, the babaganoush was just slightly spicy, which is just how I prefer it, and my very favorite fish, the foul madamas was so good I could shove my face in it! Why is this dish to hard to find? I'll never understand.... You can rest assured this will be somewhere I stop on my trips to the coast in the future. Thanks for making delicious, healthy food so easy to come by!
(4)Shar M.
I'll admit, the first time I came here, I wasn't too impressed. Partially because I was craving gyros when I came here (which they do not serve), and partially because I stupidly ordered chicken shawarma. I knew I should've ordered lamb! (I've heard the lamb is much better.) And so, after a disappointing meal, I never ate here again -- despite my boyfriend telling me just how grubbin' this place was. Which was all the time. And his brother too. So finally, they -- and Yelp's 4.5 average rating -- convinced me to try it again. And I'm glad I did. I had a deliciously wonderful experience. And so did two first-timers I brought with me. I ordered the falafel sandwich; my sister had the lamb kabob, and my cousin the lamb shwarma. Everyone was satisfied with their dishes. All of us want to come back again. The falafel sandwich is surprisingly filling - because I can usually finish a wrap of that size, but I was only able to eat half! Prices are reasonable considering the portion sizes. Approximately $8/person including tax, no drink.
(4)Emily J.
This place is tucked away in a strip mall and totally unassuming. I'm so glad that I found it because it is great. I usually go with the the veggie combination plate because I love getting a little bit of everything. Their prices are very reasonable and makes it a great place for a quick, delicious, and inexpensive lunch. I eat meat but I think it's great that there are so many vegan items on the menu (at least half). My honey has had their lamb combo and thought it was also delicious. I leave full but not stuffed. Perfect. The murals are out of control and provide something to stare at while waiting for your food.
(4)Phill Y.
Atmosphere 2 Service 4 Food 3 While the overall rating stayed at three Yelp stars, my Atmosphere rating has dropped to two stars. On this visit, the tabletops were sticky. At this point, they need a really good scrubbing or even a steam cleaning. From the looks of my last review, we hadn't been back in eight months. Our orders didn't change much either. We swapped out a lamb shwarma for a lamb combo, and extra pita for extra falafel, Not much had changed. Neither had the consistency of the food. It's still hit or miss. We had a Saturday night dinner and arrived at 7:30 pm. The falafel fryer was off and there were NO meats rotating on the spits. I asked if they were out of lamb and was told, no, they has plenty, but they were preparing to close down and had just turned things off. Yet they're open until 9 PM! Hmmm... HITS The lamb, despite having been removed from the spit, was good last night. Juicy and served over fluffy rice, this is what always hope we get whenever we come here. Consistently good hummus and baba ghanousch. MISSES Seeing that the fryer was off, I hesitated before ordering the extra falafel but went for it anyway. I should have gone with my instincts. We got overcooked, room temp falafels. Couscous was drier than we've had here before. At 90 minutes from closing time, they're out of tabbouleh. The case looked a bit sparse and I think they may have been out of a couple of other salads as well. Riddle me this Bat-Yelpers... Why is the Walnut Creek sister restaurant, Babalou's, (run by the son) so much more consistent and cleaner than the more experienced (more convenient for us) Mediterranean (run by the mother)? Dinner for four, with tax and tip, out the door for $60. Another experience like this and you'll lose more stars. Maybe it's time to drive the extra 10 minutes to get the food the Mediterranean used to serve.
(3)Jenn S.
I love this place, always enjoy the food here. Amazing shawarma (sp?) and super fast service. We are doing a low carb diet and they always cater to our request giving lettuce instead of rice. Reasonable prices and nice people!
(5)Rain J.
Love this place. The veggie combo plate is my favorite. All of their salads are incredible (and most are vegan) and their hummus is the best around. Their Pita bread is pretty darn good too. Almost forgot, their falafel is great too..I just don't indulge as often in fried foods. I wish they offered a baked option...yum. I would drive to Concord from Oakland a lot more.
(5)M C.
Food here is great, staff is super-friendly and prices are good. It's set up more as a place for a quick lunch than a "sit down for an extended meal" place. I've probably been here a dozen times. Never had an issue with the food or service.
(4)Paul C.
Gigantic shwarma rolls - about the size of a rolled up newspaper - maybe a pound of stuff. Big chunks of lamb. Great Greek salad. Big deli case full of salads and fixins rolled in leaves. Soda machine and the standard mini-mart drinks. Cute inside. A little run down - but all in all a great place for a $10 lunch. When they say "spicy" they mean it. Might ask for light onions - they put a ton of sliced white ones on the rolls. Check out the bathroom - looks like undersea garden - floor, walls and ceiling. Cute life-size painting of the divine Marilyn Monroe on the kitchen door - kept making me think there was someone behind me.
(4)Michael S.
The shawarma are decent. The customer service leaves much to be desired. The guy that takes your order doesn't have a personality and makes it seem like you're bothering him by being there. The lady is very nice and cheerful, though.
(3)Hannah R.
The falafel is amazing. Rightfully hailed by the SF Chronicle as the best in the bay. I've converted multiple Nothing-Spicier-Than-Black-Pepper-May-Touch-My-ÂPallet beef-eaters by taking them here. Fast friendly service. Pleasant environment with pretty murals. The rest of the menu is alright, but seriously, get the falafel. Spicy deluxe style is my favorite.
(5)jessica d.
I really didn't like this place. I'm not sure why considering I usually love Greek/Mediterranean food. I got the Chicken Shawarma. At certain points, the taste in my mouth resembled barf due the the strange mix of the white sauce with the strange tomatoey taste. The hummus/yogurt sauce thing was chunky and left a gritty feeling in my mouth. Maybe I ordered the wrong thing but the chicken was dry and the thing just tasted funky.
(1)Intron D.
Located in a strip mall, but it still had a wonderful ambience. I had the lamb combo plate and my wife ordered the chicken kabab. It was my wife's first time experiencing mediterranean cuisine and she loved it. I would recommend this place to anyone. Also the people working here met you with a smile and were easy to talk to. Great service and great food, bottom line. btw the photos really don't do it justice.
(4)Jennifer A.
While I enjoyed my experience at The Mediterranean, I still couldn't help but be somewhat disappointed because I just didn't have the 5 star experience that everyone else did. The lamb shawerma was a little bland and I wish there was a greater filling to lavash ratio. It seemed a little bready to me . The falafels were nice and crisp and I really liked their baba ghanouj, but I just wish the pitas that came with it were at least warmed to make them more pliable. Oh well, at least I discovered this Park & Shop mall thingy where there are a lot of other ethnic restaurants to be checked out!
(3)