I ate in today, and had good service. My food was better than I remember in the past. I started working across the street third quarter for 2010. I ate here a TON for a year, until A. the service got so bad I couldn't get a sandwich in a one hour period, and B. better lebanese is out there. It seems that's all been ironed out, and I'll be trying this a few more times. There's not as close in the Crooks/Long Lake corridor. Falafel: Crispy outside, hot tender inside. Very good. Only gripe is vlasic style pickle chips, not the usual mediterranean pickles you think of. Small Greek Salad: Good size for the price, fresh toppings and plenty of dressing. Very much a win on this. Chicken Kafta Sandwich: Crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and garlic inside this flavor sandwich. All rolled up in a crispy pita bread. Garlic Paste: On the hot side, really lingers and can overpower in the sandwich at times. You will taste and smell like garlic for a while after, gets into the oil of your skin! House bread: Done in the little brick oven, I call the pillow tops. Comes with the house salsa which is a zesty tomato blend with spices and capers. Food quality wise it's good. $4 a sandwich can't be beat when it's hot and fresh. I do wish they had two versions of their garlic paste, I like mine far less 'hot' than they serve here. It really over powers the bread, and the sandwich. I taste and smell garlic all day.
(4)
Alan W.
4.5 Stars for the awesome meal. Really good sandwiches! That pretty much covered my experience.
(4)
Caroline K.
Good service and delicious meals! I love their hummus. Everything tastes fresh. I would recommend this to all my friends.
(5)
Mrs. And Mr. G.
Very friendly service, tasty food,you get what you paid for, try Sojouk, tabole,mtabal..however, it's pricy and on rush hours they let you wait and give their usual costumers tables instead of you!
(4)
Emily S.
We went here last night for dinner. Mediterranean food is my absolute favorite and something I can't really get on my side of the state, so I always try to go and grab some when we are over here. I really enjoyed the small, cozy atmosphere of the Cedar Grill. My husband and I both admired the big mirrors on the wall. The staff was VERY friendly, kind, and enjoyed interacting with our 11 month old son. The service was quick and efficient. We did have a brief moment where we were worried they forgot the hot tea we ordered, but it came out moments after that, between the appetizer and main dish. They have green tea and Lebanese tea you can order, I'd go for the Lebanese tea; it is a delicious ceylon tea. We ordered the Mezza plate and had plenty of delicious, warm bread to accompany it. You could see the bread baking in the oven behind the counter. All the dishes were solid. Nothing blew me away, but we finished everything. A blessing to it not being over-seasoned was that our son enjoyed the dips as well. For a main dish we shared the Cedar mixed grille. The chicken was well seasoned, but over cooked. The ground meat kabob was good, not my husband's favorite, but we knew that before we ordered. The kiddo and I enjoyed it. The steal kabob was great! Cooked perfectly, about medium rare. I loved that they did not leave the kabob sticks in the meat. It made dividing everything so much easier. The rice was average and the garlic sauce was milder that I had hoped and a small portion too.It was the only part of the meal I was truly disappointed with, but I am a garlic fanatic. Baklava was sweet and not enough pistachios for my husband. I enjoyed it, especially with my tea. There are three small pieces in each order. All in all. the Cedar Grille was a nice plate to eat. It was close to our hotel, was very child friendly (the waitress waved us out the door when we paused to wipe the high chair clean!), and the meal left me feeling healthy and happy. I might not seek it out unless I was staying nearby, but this is a nice place and I'd be interested in trying more from them some day.
(3)
Kelly I.
I was in the mood for a Greek salad while staying at a nearby hotel for work but didn't want to get my hopes up too high as I lived in a Greek neighborhood in NYC for 11 years and nothing can top the Greek salads in my old hood. I called in my order for pick-up, asking for grilled chicken included with my salad (packaged separately). I got way more food than I was expecting (including a bag of little baked puffed up pita bread things and a separately rolled up plain flat bread and their yummy garlic sauce for dipping). The salad was awesome, the very generous portion of chicken was tasty and both exceeded my expectations for a very reasonable price. I will definitely add this place to my list of spots to return to when I am in town again.
(4)
Thula K.
This restaurant looks unassuming from the outside, but the food is worth going in for a look. The decor consists of clean furniture and cloth napkins. Our waitress was very attentive and brought fresh pita bread and dip right away, even refilling it while we waited for our entree. Entrees came with house salad or soup. My lentil soup was delicious. The entrees were also excellent. The chicken kabob was cooked to perfection. Will be coming back!
(5)
Danielle P.
I highly recommend this place. Great Mediterranean cuisine! I prefer to eat vegetarian and there are many options on the menu. On Friday nights they have Lamb Shank which my husband loves. The garlic and hummus is delicious and I love their house salad. We always share it. If your in the mood for good mediterranean food, this is your place. Enjoy
(5)
Jenn A.
This place is great. I had only been there for lunch until recently so I was wondering how the dinner experience would be, and I was very pleased (yet not surprised). The menu selection is good and very reasonable. The staff is friendly. We sat at the back bar area that overlooked the brick oven where they make their own fresh pita all day. Highly recommended, and we will definitely keep going back.
(5)
Bones W.
I have to hit Cedar Grill once a week. They have excellent food and services. I've never had a bad dish lamb dish or a squash dish. I had one of the specials yesterday and it was phenomenal. Salads are also excellent. Service is very friendly. I've spoken to the waitress a couple of times and the chef takes great pride in the food and makes many meals special to order. I think this is one of the healthier places to eat. Nothing beats the salad or soup coupled with a nice entree and side. Mediterranean sandwiches are also available. The dining area is comfortable, but small. It can often get crowded at Noon. If they ever expand in the future, I think they would still pack a full size restaurant. Highly recommended.
(5)
Leghorn M.
I just had one of the most amazing meals for $17 ever. Fresh, delicious, clean chicken with huge portions. I have never had such great service in my life. The manager came by each table and thanked everyone personally and earnestly for their business. I am very happy I came here on a whim.
(5)
Kay S.
Eh, this place has a TON of competition in and around Troy, and I feel like it's just not up to snuff. I prefer Lebanese Grill or La Marsa. Was here the other day - got the baba ganouj, which was lacking in that really nice grilled flavor, and a fattoush salad with chicken shawarma. Salad was so-so, pita chips weren't the crispest, and chicken shawarma was strangely bland, which is a first. It's weird because I had some catering from this place and that was really good... I'm not sure what the disconnect is.
(2)
Doug C.
Worth a repeat visit, twice in two weeks for me. Plenty of food, prompt and friendly service. Variety of menu items. Short walk from nearby Embassy Suites hotel nearby. Also provide take-out service.
(4)
Archie R.
Where's the best Mexican food? San Diego. Why? Because of it's proximity to Mexico. Where's the best Middle Eastern food? Michigan. Why? Because of it's proximity to.....wait...what? Regardless of the why or how, Cedar Grille is pretty damned good. They have all the legit items like raw kibbe with grilled lamb on top. Holy bejesus that is delicious. Was in town for 3 days. Ate lunch here twice. Yalla.
(5)
Brion R.
"Mr. Rude and his mediocre food" As I entered this establishment, a rude, bald headed man from way in the back of a long dining room barked at me, "are you here for takeout". To which I replied "no, I'd like to eat here." Kafta nazi replied "ok, but the kitchen closes soon and we are finished 10". It was 9.15 p.m. And there was literally NO ONE in the entire restaurant. This was of course, just a wonderful initiation to the rudeness I would receive during my meal, that was memorial for the most surly service I have had in any memory. After we sat down, this still didn't not jolt my grumpy weight challenged friend into action and we were without menus --- even though we were on a deadline. Finally as I was going to get up and get a menu, he said "no, I'll get it:. Oh, how nice of you, Mr. restaurateur! The delights continued... * Inexplicably, the salad was delivered with virtually no dressing on top, yet sitting in a small pond of it at the bottom of the plate * Predictably dry chicken kebabs. Beef ones were better as was the Kofta. * While the card at the table said he took recipes from his Mom in Lebanon, I think she must have a been a bland WASP, as this was the least flavorful Middle Eastern food I've ever had. Garlic sauce needed....umm.... garlic. Service # No one asked if the food was ok # My water was never refilled # I was never asked if I wanted something to drink # They literally cleaned up and put away every chair in the restaurant while we were eating. If dealing with people who have mastered incredibly insulting service along with churning out lots of tasteless food suits you, by all means please go here.
(1)
Kurt H.
Great portion sizes, we get the whole deboned chicken with rice and a fetush salad and it feeds our family of 4 easily. Will drive out of the way to come here, some of the best Mediterranean food around. Place is a little small, but quick and friendly servers.
I admit: I'm a tough grader. The ingredients used at Cedar Grille seem right. My Lamb Shwarma looked right. The lamb, however, was pretty dry. The tahini was very good, though. The hummus: strange. It was very, very smooth and like the texture of slightly runny milkshake. I'd never experienced anything like it and it seemed, in general, light on all the things I expect from hummus: hearty flavor, hefty mouth feel. Very strange.
(2)
Esther W.
Wonderful family owned restaurant offering authentic made from scratch Mediterranean food. Very reasonable prices and excellent service on a busy night. I'll return next time in town!!
(4)
Karina K.
Soujuk is awesome and homemade, a bit spicy, and the tomatoes are a great touch. Love the potatoes harra (spicy) and shrimp liban with cilantro... Fantastic. Also the whitefish harra is great, but can get a bit spicy. Their rice pudding is also good. Love them for carry out. The restaurant itself is nothing to write home about. Good consistent food though.
(4)
Cathy I.
I ordered the Fatoush salad with grilled chicken, and I am so dissappointed. The chicken has a chili powder seasoning that is too heavy, and when did chili powder come on middle eastern chicken? The salad was lettuce, cabbage and tomatoes...where is the parsley? I won't be going back.
(1)
Tina T.
The food was delicious. Unfortunately, it is a little higher priced and the service was terrible. I don't understand why restaurants don't understand that small children need dishes and silverware. We asked several times for many things... dishes, silverware, water, bread, and the list continues. Prior to leaving, I spoke with the owner and told her that it's unfortunate we had such poor service because the food was fantastic. She pretended to be concerned at least that's how I felt. She sent the waitress over with a free piece of baklava - and waved goodbye as we left.
(3)
Theresa D.
Service was very poor. Food was good as always but may need to make this a take out place and not dine in.
(3)
Srinivasan V.
This place as good lunch menu. I go there regularly before noon for Lunch. But today I was there little after noon and its very crowded. Staff is general good, but today they had no idea wats going on. It took more than hour for lunch... Place as good food but either go before noon for lunch or after 1pm or take out...
(4)
Kevin S.
Best chicken Schawarma ever. I grew up in Dearborn so that says a lot. Try it with extra tomatoes. Bath in the sauce after
(5)
Mirna H.
A very classical cause place with a warm environment and ambient furniture i felt at home . the music dances to my ears of arabic traditional music . The place is very clean , food is supper yummy ! yummy is the perfect word . They make their own house salad dressing . A student who is studying here in the USA I didn't feel away from home as i ate it . As if it came right from my mothers kitchen . I tried the Lemon chicken and guess what ? It was AWSOME and the person who served said this is the most famous dish here ! Then a very nice ending with rice pudding well designed !
(5)
Kaye P.
Their food was pretty good as was their service. I don't miss La Shish at all anymore thanks to them.
(4)
heidi s.
Just got back from dinner here and LOVED it! At first I was a bit surprised when I was seated at the bar as I felt I was on top of the staff, however the female waitress started talking to me and made my night that much more enjoyable! It is hard sometimes dining alone yet she and the man I assume was the manager/owner was also very friendly. The food was AMAZING! I had the shrimp Liban and it was seasoned fabulously and was extremely delish! I wished I had more room for dessert, but I was stuffed! I was offered a to go menu as they deliver and have carry out. I was also told to come back at lunch as the prices are cheaper and you can try more food. Everyone in the restaurant seemed to know each other and I was made to feel right at home! It was truly a pleasant experience and I will go back :)
(5)
Tyler D.
Stopped in for a quick take-out of a chicken shwarma sandwich. Cooked fresh in less than five minutes and only cost $4. Incredibly delicious -- the best I've had in ages. This was my first time here, but I'll definitely be back to investigate this menu further and perhaps update my review.
(5)
Kim T.
Have gotten carry out twice from them. Beautiful decor in the restaurant. Claudia and her staff are very attentive and helpful in deciphering what I want but cannot remember the name of. LOL Food is excellent. Will continue to eat there and am telling everyone I know.
(4)
Fred E.
This was my second trip and it was better than the first. I would describe the lentil soup as true comfort food. I love hummus and always debate about getting a hummus appetizer as it's usually too much to eat with an entree. So I selected the Hummus Shawarma which was a perfect compromise. Kind of like a shepard's pie but having hummus instead of mashed potatoes. The taste of the chicken was a perfect complement to the hummus. And the little breads are great. The service was spot on - friendly, courteous and prompt.
Always happy & satisfied when I visit cedar grille. My all time favorite is the fattoush with chicken breast. The hot bread is delicious. The place is always clean. Service is polite and fast. Manager is a nice guy. Must be family because they do such a great job.
(5)
Phillip B.
This place was a great surprise. Its a small location but they're doing it right. Food was great, Service was great. Garlic sauce was amazing.
(4)
Vikram V.
I came here with a friend who comes here regularly. It's a typical mediterranean restaurant. Kabobs, hummus, falafel, etc. I ordered the chicken shawarma plate (13.99). Definitely a little on the higher end though the quantity was fair. The shawarma was a little drier than I had hoped so it would have been nice to get more rice with the plate. Service was prompt and great. All the entrees come with either a soup or salad so I got the opportunity to try the lentil soup. That was delicious as well. For those coming here for lunch, it may be more advantageous to get a sandwich and soup as you'd probably spend half the price I did and still get a decent quantity. Overall, a decent place that will have its share of visits whenever possible.
(4)
g w.
Fantastic food. Attentive service. Nice they are open late for travelers.labneh ,hummus and veggies plus the lamb kebabs recommended.
(5)
Priscy W.
I really admire the spotless presentation this restaurant has. As a vegetarian, I love the healthy food they have. My husband loves the fresh baked bread and flat bread along with the garlic sauce, yes, it is very strong, but I would say no garlic sauce is really good if it lacks that strong flavor. What about the hummus? Delicious! You should not miss the Orange Power smoothie. That is a must! The last time I tried Falafel Sandweechet and the crushed lentil soup. Amazing!!! I don't need to say that Cedar Grille is in new addition on my favorite places...
(5)
Colleen L.
This place is delicious. Fresh, fast and clean. Everything is well maintained and bright. Friendly service. The babaganoush is smoky and zesty. They serve hot wood fired pitas.
(4)
Kristin Z.
I'm a Mediterranean Food enthusiast (whatever that is) and the food just wasn't comparable to other Mediterranean Restaurants I have frequented. Positives: nice, attentive servers Tender meat Hot soft bread Very clean The Lamb Kafta was very tender but overly seasoned for my taste buds. The Chicken Tawook was tender but lacking a significant grill flavor. I did not care for the Meat Pies but I think this was just a personal taste preference. This was my first and last time ever ordering one lol. The competition is tough!
(3)
Maria D.
The chicken Shawarma here is delicious. The chicken is moist and the garlic sauce is the best I've ever had! The owners and staff are friendly and the restaurant is clean. I will definitely be returning.
(5)
Bri D.
Thanks to yelp I drove out of my way to try this place. You know your food is good when you are still talkimg about it 2 hours later. I only can speak for the Tawook but I can't stop thinking about it! It was so juicy and flavorful. Small portion size for the price (I'm used to getting more) but the quality was everything! Stop in for lunch and have a Tawook sandwich. So worth it and delicious. Best I've ever had. I don't need to try anything else. I've found my staple here.
(5)
Heather S.
The food is decent but the wait staff are rude. I believe it's a family owned business so it's really impossible to make a complaint because the manager backs the crappy services of the waitresses. Ordering inline is pointless because they never have your order ready when you schedule it ahead of time and generally my order has been incorrect. I've tried giving this restaurant the benefit of the doubt knowing one bad experience could be a fluke, but it is consistently subpar.
(1)
Wendy B.
My friend was visiting from Wisconsin and loves Mediterranean food, my coworkers rave about this place, and as I'd never tried it, we decided to, even though it was a further drive. Unfortunately, the visit started off bad as the waitress spilled a full soda all over my friend (and her white pants); they asked if we'd like to switch tables (um, yes?) We ordered hummus and tabouli; and we split Chicken Shawarma and the Cedar Mixed Grille. The hummus was very good, the Shawarma needed something more just seemed rather dry, I opted for more hummus to combat the dryness. My friend said the tabouli was good; as was the garlic sauce. The mixed grill was ok as well, a bit too spicy on the kafta; the chicken tawook was good; but the beef kabob was also a bit bland and very chewy. I'm guessing as an apology for spilling of the soda they offered complimentary baklava, which I personally do not care for, but my friend who was the one that got drenched agreed to have some; but she said it did not taste very good to her at all. She said she would have rather had money taken off the bill, which given the prices, would have been nice. I felt very bad for even suggesting this place; and will not be back in the foreseeable future; we were asked so many times after we got our food if we wanted anything else that we felt rushed (even though there were plenty of tables open). So all in all, a so-so lunch, a ruined pair of pants, and wishing we'd tried a different place.
(2)
Kathleen G.
The food is quite good, but room is crowded and service is typically slow and uninspired. It's worth going for the food but don't expect wowed by much else. (Oh, and I think their Groupon is quite stingy being only $20 for dinner... no way two can eat their for $20. Would be perfect for a nice lunch, but they disallow!).
(3)
Jennifer W.
This is the best I have found for Mediterranean food in the area! The staff is awesome and their prices are really good!
(4)
Mike L.
This place is awesome. Our favorite place for lebanese food in the area - by far. Everything we've ordered has been delicious. Particularly recommend the deboned chicken, the chicken ghallaba. Fresh baked bread. Great smoothies and desserts. Love it.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Matthew P.
I ate in today, and had good service. My food was better than I remember in the past. I started working across the street third quarter for 2010. I ate here a TON for a year, until A. the service got so bad I couldn't get a sandwich in a one hour period, and B. better lebanese is out there. It seems that's all been ironed out, and I'll be trying this a few more times. There's not as close in the Crooks/Long Lake corridor. Falafel: Crispy outside, hot tender inside. Very good. Only gripe is vlasic style pickle chips, not the usual mediterranean pickles you think of. Small Greek Salad: Good size for the price, fresh toppings and plenty of dressing. Very much a win on this. Chicken Kafta Sandwich: Crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and garlic inside this flavor sandwich. All rolled up in a crispy pita bread. Garlic Paste: On the hot side, really lingers and can overpower in the sandwich at times. You will taste and smell like garlic for a while after, gets into the oil of your skin! House bread: Done in the little brick oven, I call the pillow tops. Comes with the house salsa which is a zesty tomato blend with spices and capers. Food quality wise it's good. $4 a sandwich can't be beat when it's hot and fresh. I do wish they had two versions of their garlic paste, I like mine far less 'hot' than they serve here. It really over powers the bread, and the sandwich. I taste and smell garlic all day.
(4)Alan W.
4.5 Stars for the awesome meal. Really good sandwiches! That pretty much covered my experience.
(4)Caroline K.
Good service and delicious meals! I love their hummus. Everything tastes fresh. I would recommend this to all my friends.
(5)Mrs. And Mr. G.
Very friendly service, tasty food,you get what you paid for, try Sojouk, tabole,mtabal..however, it's pricy and on rush hours they let you wait and give their usual costumers tables instead of you!
(4)Emily S.
We went here last night for dinner. Mediterranean food is my absolute favorite and something I can't really get on my side of the state, so I always try to go and grab some when we are over here. I really enjoyed the small, cozy atmosphere of the Cedar Grill. My husband and I both admired the big mirrors on the wall. The staff was VERY friendly, kind, and enjoyed interacting with our 11 month old son. The service was quick and efficient. We did have a brief moment where we were worried they forgot the hot tea we ordered, but it came out moments after that, between the appetizer and main dish. They have green tea and Lebanese tea you can order, I'd go for the Lebanese tea; it is a delicious ceylon tea. We ordered the Mezza plate and had plenty of delicious, warm bread to accompany it. You could see the bread baking in the oven behind the counter. All the dishes were solid. Nothing blew me away, but we finished everything. A blessing to it not being over-seasoned was that our son enjoyed the dips as well. For a main dish we shared the Cedar mixed grille. The chicken was well seasoned, but over cooked. The ground meat kabob was good, not my husband's favorite, but we knew that before we ordered. The kiddo and I enjoyed it. The steal kabob was great! Cooked perfectly, about medium rare. I loved that they did not leave the kabob sticks in the meat. It made dividing everything so much easier. The rice was average and the garlic sauce was milder that I had hoped and a small portion too.It was the only part of the meal I was truly disappointed with, but I am a garlic fanatic. Baklava was sweet and not enough pistachios for my husband. I enjoyed it, especially with my tea. There are three small pieces in each order. All in all. the Cedar Grille was a nice plate to eat. It was close to our hotel, was very child friendly (the waitress waved us out the door when we paused to wipe the high chair clean!), and the meal left me feeling healthy and happy. I might not seek it out unless I was staying nearby, but this is a nice place and I'd be interested in trying more from them some day.
(3)Kelly I.
I was in the mood for a Greek salad while staying at a nearby hotel for work but didn't want to get my hopes up too high as I lived in a Greek neighborhood in NYC for 11 years and nothing can top the Greek salads in my old hood. I called in my order for pick-up, asking for grilled chicken included with my salad (packaged separately). I got way more food than I was expecting (including a bag of little baked puffed up pita bread things and a separately rolled up plain flat bread and their yummy garlic sauce for dipping). The salad was awesome, the very generous portion of chicken was tasty and both exceeded my expectations for a very reasonable price. I will definitely add this place to my list of spots to return to when I am in town again.
(4)Thula K.
This restaurant looks unassuming from the outside, but the food is worth going in for a look. The decor consists of clean furniture and cloth napkins. Our waitress was very attentive and brought fresh pita bread and dip right away, even refilling it while we waited for our entree. Entrees came with house salad or soup. My lentil soup was delicious. The entrees were also excellent. The chicken kabob was cooked to perfection. Will be coming back!
(5)Danielle P.
I highly recommend this place. Great Mediterranean cuisine! I prefer to eat vegetarian and there are many options on the menu. On Friday nights they have Lamb Shank which my husband loves. The garlic and hummus is delicious and I love their house salad. We always share it. If your in the mood for good mediterranean food, this is your place. Enjoy
(5)Jenn A.
This place is great. I had only been there for lunch until recently so I was wondering how the dinner experience would be, and I was very pleased (yet not surprised). The menu selection is good and very reasonable. The staff is friendly. We sat at the back bar area that overlooked the brick oven where they make their own fresh pita all day. Highly recommended, and we will definitely keep going back.
(5)Bones W.
I have to hit Cedar Grill once a week. They have excellent food and services. I've never had a bad dish lamb dish or a squash dish. I had one of the specials yesterday and it was phenomenal. Salads are also excellent. Service is very friendly. I've spoken to the waitress a couple of times and the chef takes great pride in the food and makes many meals special to order. I think this is one of the healthier places to eat. Nothing beats the salad or soup coupled with a nice entree and side. Mediterranean sandwiches are also available. The dining area is comfortable, but small. It can often get crowded at Noon. If they ever expand in the future, I think they would still pack a full size restaurant. Highly recommended.
(5)Leghorn M.
I just had one of the most amazing meals for $17 ever. Fresh, delicious, clean chicken with huge portions. I have never had such great service in my life. The manager came by each table and thanked everyone personally and earnestly for their business. I am very happy I came here on a whim.
(5)Kay S.
Eh, this place has a TON of competition in and around Troy, and I feel like it's just not up to snuff. I prefer Lebanese Grill or La Marsa. Was here the other day - got the baba ganouj, which was lacking in that really nice grilled flavor, and a fattoush salad with chicken shawarma. Salad was so-so, pita chips weren't the crispest, and chicken shawarma was strangely bland, which is a first. It's weird because I had some catering from this place and that was really good... I'm not sure what the disconnect is.
(2)Doug C.
Worth a repeat visit, twice in two weeks for me. Plenty of food, prompt and friendly service. Variety of menu items. Short walk from nearby Embassy Suites hotel nearby. Also provide take-out service.
(4)Archie R.
Where's the best Mexican food? San Diego. Why? Because of it's proximity to Mexico. Where's the best Middle Eastern food? Michigan. Why? Because of it's proximity to.....wait...what? Regardless of the why or how, Cedar Grille is pretty damned good. They have all the legit items like raw kibbe with grilled lamb on top. Holy bejesus that is delicious. Was in town for 3 days. Ate lunch here twice. Yalla.
(5)Brion R.
"Mr. Rude and his mediocre food" As I entered this establishment, a rude, bald headed man from way in the back of a long dining room barked at me, "are you here for takeout". To which I replied "no, I'd like to eat here." Kafta nazi replied "ok, but the kitchen closes soon and we are finished 10". It was 9.15 p.m. And there was literally NO ONE in the entire restaurant. This was of course, just a wonderful initiation to the rudeness I would receive during my meal, that was memorial for the most surly service I have had in any memory. After we sat down, this still didn't not jolt my grumpy weight challenged friend into action and we were without menus --- even though we were on a deadline. Finally as I was going to get up and get a menu, he said "no, I'll get it:. Oh, how nice of you, Mr. restaurateur! The delights continued... * Inexplicably, the salad was delivered with virtually no dressing on top, yet sitting in a small pond of it at the bottom of the plate * Predictably dry chicken kebabs. Beef ones were better as was the Kofta. * While the card at the table said he took recipes from his Mom in Lebanon, I think she must have a been a bland WASP, as this was the least flavorful Middle Eastern food I've ever had. Garlic sauce needed....umm.... garlic. Service # No one asked if the food was ok # My water was never refilled # I was never asked if I wanted something to drink # They literally cleaned up and put away every chair in the restaurant while we were eating. If dealing with people who have mastered incredibly insulting service along with churning out lots of tasteless food suits you, by all means please go here.
(1)Kurt H.
Great portion sizes, we get the whole deboned chicken with rice and a fetush salad and it feeds our family of 4 easily. Will drive out of the way to come here, some of the best Mediterranean food around. Place is a little small, but quick and friendly servers.
(5)Sam A.
Great food, good prices, and nice service. This is my go to place when I'm in the mood for Middle Eastern food. The food is consistently good every time, no surprises. I recommend the hummus sauté with lamb, my favorite dish when I come here. They also have fresh complimentary bread that is delicious!
(5)R. F.
I admit: I'm a tough grader. The ingredients used at Cedar Grille seem right. My Lamb Shwarma looked right. The lamb, however, was pretty dry. The tahini was very good, though. The hummus: strange. It was very, very smooth and like the texture of slightly runny milkshake. I'd never experienced anything like it and it seemed, in general, light on all the things I expect from hummus: hearty flavor, hefty mouth feel. Very strange.
(2)Esther W.
Wonderful family owned restaurant offering authentic made from scratch Mediterranean food. Very reasonable prices and excellent service on a busy night. I'll return next time in town!!
(4)Karina K.
Soujuk is awesome and homemade, a bit spicy, and the tomatoes are a great touch. Love the potatoes harra (spicy) and shrimp liban with cilantro... Fantastic. Also the whitefish harra is great, but can get a bit spicy. Their rice pudding is also good. Love them for carry out. The restaurant itself is nothing to write home about. Good consistent food though.
(4)Cathy I.
I ordered the Fatoush salad with grilled chicken, and I am so dissappointed. The chicken has a chili powder seasoning that is too heavy, and when did chili powder come on middle eastern chicken? The salad was lettuce, cabbage and tomatoes...where is the parsley? I won't be going back.
(1)Tina T.
The food was delicious. Unfortunately, it is a little higher priced and the service was terrible. I don't understand why restaurants don't understand that small children need dishes and silverware. We asked several times for many things... dishes, silverware, water, bread, and the list continues. Prior to leaving, I spoke with the owner and told her that it's unfortunate we had such poor service because the food was fantastic. She pretended to be concerned at least that's how I felt. She sent the waitress over with a free piece of baklava - and waved goodbye as we left.
(3)Theresa D.
Service was very poor. Food was good as always but may need to make this a take out place and not dine in.
(3)Srinivasan V.
This place as good lunch menu. I go there regularly before noon for Lunch. But today I was there little after noon and its very crowded. Staff is general good, but today they had no idea wats going on. It took more than hour for lunch... Place as good food but either go before noon for lunch or after 1pm or take out...
(4)Kevin S.
Best chicken Schawarma ever. I grew up in Dearborn so that says a lot. Try it with extra tomatoes. Bath in the sauce after
(5)Mirna H.
A very classical cause place with a warm environment and ambient furniture i felt at home . the music dances to my ears of arabic traditional music . The place is very clean , food is supper yummy ! yummy is the perfect word . They make their own house salad dressing . A student who is studying here in the USA I didn't feel away from home as i ate it . As if it came right from my mothers kitchen . I tried the Lemon chicken and guess what ? It was AWSOME and the person who served said this is the most famous dish here ! Then a very nice ending with rice pudding well designed !
(5)Kaye P.
Their food was pretty good as was their service. I don't miss La Shish at all anymore thanks to them.
(4)heidi s.
Just got back from dinner here and LOVED it! At first I was a bit surprised when I was seated at the bar as I felt I was on top of the staff, however the female waitress started talking to me and made my night that much more enjoyable! It is hard sometimes dining alone yet she and the man I assume was the manager/owner was also very friendly. The food was AMAZING! I had the shrimp Liban and it was seasoned fabulously and was extremely delish! I wished I had more room for dessert, but I was stuffed! I was offered a to go menu as they deliver and have carry out. I was also told to come back at lunch as the prices are cheaper and you can try more food. Everyone in the restaurant seemed to know each other and I was made to feel right at home! It was truly a pleasant experience and I will go back :)
(5)Tyler D.
Stopped in for a quick take-out of a chicken shwarma sandwich. Cooked fresh in less than five minutes and only cost $4. Incredibly delicious -- the best I've had in ages. This was my first time here, but I'll definitely be back to investigate this menu further and perhaps update my review.
(5)Kim T.
Have gotten carry out twice from them. Beautiful decor in the restaurant. Claudia and her staff are very attentive and helpful in deciphering what I want but cannot remember the name of. LOL Food is excellent. Will continue to eat there and am telling everyone I know.
(4)Fred E.
This was my second trip and it was better than the first. I would describe the lentil soup as true comfort food. I love hummus and always debate about getting a hummus appetizer as it's usually too much to eat with an entree. So I selected the Hummus Shawarma which was a perfect compromise. Kind of like a shepard's pie but having hummus instead of mashed potatoes. The taste of the chicken was a perfect complement to the hummus. And the little breads are great. The service was spot on - friendly, courteous and prompt.
(4)Terry K.
I have a message for all of the meddling middle eastern restaurants lingering around town with mediocre food, unsanitary utensils, dirty décor and subpar service. Shut your doors, sit the F down and analyze every microscopic detail of the Cedar Grille before disgracefully shaking your head at how you comprehensively failed to compete with this restaurant. My double x chromosomed cutie pie and I sashayed in here last Friday for dinner and rapidly went again for carryout this past Monday. With no reservations, this caucasion sensation says they have some of the best middle eastern food in the tri-county area. Cedar Grille donkey kicks every LaShish plagiarizer in the breasticles with outlandishly good flavor, omnipotent ingredients and a translucent level of cleanliness. I'll start with the bread and garlic. Stupendous. They have a wood fired oven openly exposed behind the counter so that you could never doubt the authenticity. Baked to a light brown texture and a Scott Scorching temperature that was burning hot for 5 minutes after it was served. The garlic paste was viciously spicy and freshly made. I rocked with the cream chop chicken and rice. More expensive than other places at $13.99 but it comes with an exquisitely stewed cup of crushed lentil. The meat was whiter than my skin in January and the outside was flakier than me cancelling a dentist appointment at the last minute. Perfection. She had the red snapper for a carryout and it was surprisingly tender with no fish aromatherapy or aftertaste. I tried some and could see myself ordering it if I could only manage to pry my fingers away from the fork repeatedly shoveling their delicious chicken in my mouth. Go here and treat yourself. It's in a newer strip mall with lesser restaurants. Thank you Yelpers for pointing out this gem as I've driven by a million times and never once considered stopping in. So very glad I did. I tried talking to the manager on my last visit and he wasn't talkative but I'm assuming that it was because he was too busy delivering the goods and for that, I can't fault him. Service wise, they're efficient and friendly. I tried to compliment them but they didn't care. I guess when you've been doing so well for over two years, you know how good you are.
(4)Ray Ray A.
Always happy & satisfied when I visit cedar grille. My all time favorite is the fattoush with chicken breast. The hot bread is delicious. The place is always clean. Service is polite and fast. Manager is a nice guy. Must be family because they do such a great job.
(5)Phillip B.
This place was a great surprise. Its a small location but they're doing it right. Food was great, Service was great. Garlic sauce was amazing.
(4)Vikram V.
I came here with a friend who comes here regularly. It's a typical mediterranean restaurant. Kabobs, hummus, falafel, etc. I ordered the chicken shawarma plate (13.99). Definitely a little on the higher end though the quantity was fair. The shawarma was a little drier than I had hoped so it would have been nice to get more rice with the plate. Service was prompt and great. All the entrees come with either a soup or salad so I got the opportunity to try the lentil soup. That was delicious as well. For those coming here for lunch, it may be more advantageous to get a sandwich and soup as you'd probably spend half the price I did and still get a decent quantity. Overall, a decent place that will have its share of visits whenever possible.
(4)g w.
Fantastic food. Attentive service. Nice they are open late for travelers.labneh ,hummus and veggies plus the lamb kebabs recommended.
(5)Priscy W.
I really admire the spotless presentation this restaurant has. As a vegetarian, I love the healthy food they have. My husband loves the fresh baked bread and flat bread along with the garlic sauce, yes, it is very strong, but I would say no garlic sauce is really good if it lacks that strong flavor. What about the hummus? Delicious! You should not miss the Orange Power smoothie. That is a must! The last time I tried Falafel Sandweechet and the crushed lentil soup. Amazing!!! I don't need to say that Cedar Grille is in new addition on my favorite places...
(5)Colleen L.
This place is delicious. Fresh, fast and clean. Everything is well maintained and bright. Friendly service. The babaganoush is smoky and zesty. They serve hot wood fired pitas.
(4)Kristin Z.
I'm a Mediterranean Food enthusiast (whatever that is) and the food just wasn't comparable to other Mediterranean Restaurants I have frequented. Positives: nice, attentive servers Tender meat Hot soft bread Very clean The Lamb Kafta was very tender but overly seasoned for my taste buds. The Chicken Tawook was tender but lacking a significant grill flavor. I did not care for the Meat Pies but I think this was just a personal taste preference. This was my first and last time ever ordering one lol. The competition is tough!
(3)Maria D.
The chicken Shawarma here is delicious. The chicken is moist and the garlic sauce is the best I've ever had! The owners and staff are friendly and the restaurant is clean. I will definitely be returning.
(5)Bri D.
Thanks to yelp I drove out of my way to try this place. You know your food is good when you are still talkimg about it 2 hours later. I only can speak for the Tawook but I can't stop thinking about it! It was so juicy and flavorful. Small portion size for the price (I'm used to getting more) but the quality was everything! Stop in for lunch and have a Tawook sandwich. So worth it and delicious. Best I've ever had. I don't need to try anything else. I've found my staple here.
(5)Heather S.
The food is decent but the wait staff are rude. I believe it's a family owned business so it's really impossible to make a complaint because the manager backs the crappy services of the waitresses. Ordering inline is pointless because they never have your order ready when you schedule it ahead of time and generally my order has been incorrect. I've tried giving this restaurant the benefit of the doubt knowing one bad experience could be a fluke, but it is consistently subpar.
(1)Wendy B.
My friend was visiting from Wisconsin and loves Mediterranean food, my coworkers rave about this place, and as I'd never tried it, we decided to, even though it was a further drive. Unfortunately, the visit started off bad as the waitress spilled a full soda all over my friend (and her white pants); they asked if we'd like to switch tables (um, yes?) We ordered hummus and tabouli; and we split Chicken Shawarma and the Cedar Mixed Grille. The hummus was very good, the Shawarma needed something more just seemed rather dry, I opted for more hummus to combat the dryness. My friend said the tabouli was good; as was the garlic sauce. The mixed grill was ok as well, a bit too spicy on the kafta; the chicken tawook was good; but the beef kabob was also a bit bland and very chewy. I'm guessing as an apology for spilling of the soda they offered complimentary baklava, which I personally do not care for, but my friend who was the one that got drenched agreed to have some; but she said it did not taste very good to her at all. She said she would have rather had money taken off the bill, which given the prices, would have been nice. I felt very bad for even suggesting this place; and will not be back in the foreseeable future; we were asked so many times after we got our food if we wanted anything else that we felt rushed (even though there were plenty of tables open). So all in all, a so-so lunch, a ruined pair of pants, and wishing we'd tried a different place.
(2)Kathleen G.
The food is quite good, but room is crowded and service is typically slow and uninspired. It's worth going for the food but don't expect wowed by much else. (Oh, and I think their Groupon is quite stingy being only $20 for dinner... no way two can eat their for $20. Would be perfect for a nice lunch, but they disallow!).
(3)Jennifer W.
This is the best I have found for Mediterranean food in the area! The staff is awesome and their prices are really good!
(4)Mike L.
This place is awesome. Our favorite place for lebanese food in the area - by far. Everything we've ordered has been delicious. Particularly recommend the deboned chicken, the chicken ghallaba. Fresh baked bread. Great smoothies and desserts. Love it.
(5)