Marhaba Mediterranean Grill
2801 Nicollet Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55408
Marhaba Mediterranean Grill Menu
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Address :
2801 Nicollet Ave S
Minneapolis, MN, 55408 - Phone (612) 870-7871
- Website https://marhabamediterraneangrill.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 10
- Mon : 11:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Luca R.
I don't live mere blocks away anymore, so I can't go here whenever I want. Still, the Java is perfect take-out food. I've been eating here since I was a child and I'm pretty sure their falafel and shawirma is what made me fall in love with middle eastern food. Just about every dish comes with an amount of food that is bigger than your head. Last time I got one shawirma plate and one shish kebab plate, and my wife and I shared it for lunch and still had enough left over for dinner that night. Hard to beat two meals for two people for $20, especially when the food tastes this good. You'll get a pretty good variety as well when you order. You can order the same basic ingredients (shawirma, kofta, kibbi, shish kebab, or falafel) in sandwich, plate, or dinner form, each of which comes with different side dishes. The only thing I don't love is the garlic breath that follows me around for the rest of the day, but it's worth it!
(5)Kedar D.
This is a strange place on Eat Street and probably the only Middle Eastern restaurant on the street. It's been open since 1974, apparently, and once you walk inside, you'll definitely think it's 1974: the place is completely faux-wood paneled; the carpet is worn; and even the cash register is pea green and old school. This restaurant feels like someone's 1970s rec room. That said, it's pretty clean and the service is fast, not in least part because it was empty (they do seem to get many phone orders, though). I had a baba gannuj appetizer ($5.00) which was nicely presented, but didn't have much taste---the eggplant could have been smoked more and maybe could have used some kind of spice. My falafel and vegetable "sandwich" (served in a piece of pita) was huge and cost only $4.75, but it too fell flat in terms of taste. I'm not sure what this place is doing wrong, but everything tasted bland; the vegetables, which included cauliflower, potato and eggplant, were burnt, which negatively affected the flavor as well. This place has eight vegetarian dishes and a couple of veg. appetizers, all of which seem to be vegan, but I was not impressed with the food. The prices are really cheap and the portion sizes are large. Java's been open for 35 years now, so it must doing something right, though I'm not sure what that is.
(2)John C.
They've finally remodeled the place so it doesn't look as odd anymore. I've eaten there a dozen times and liked everything I've gotten, the orange roughy is my favorite. Portions are large, people friendly. But if you do take out like me, order 30 minutes ahead of time.
(4)Raj B.
Since the change in ownership (and chef?) last year, the food has become much better. The buffet is very convenient (and, if you don't eat much, getting it to-go and being charged by weight is a good option). If you're looking for a large variety and quantity of good food, order off the menu. They have combos and platters that seem expensive, but that are very reasonable given the amount of food you get. Did I mention that the food is really good? As another reviewer mentioned, the desserts are delicious and addictive. Random: the owner and staff are all very pleasant.
(4)Jessica S.
Warning: The focus here is on the buffet. Buffets are self-service. Logically following, the focus is on self-service. Therefore, if you order of the menu, do not expect superb or attentive or really any table service. The 1 wait staff covered the entire restaurant on a busy night-- cleaning the buffet, replenishing the buffet, clearing tables, cashing diners out, greeting people, and waiting on tables (the last 2 not very successfully, though understandable). This poor humble man was racing around the restaurant trying to fill many roles, ultimately at the sacrifice of service. We sat our selves, which if fine if that is the protocal, after an awkward wait up front and being barked to do so by the owner. When our food was delivered after ordered off the menu, we had to retrieve our own silverware and napkins from the buffet area and eventually a to-go container as well for my leftovers. Don't wait for a check to be brought to your table. Pay upfront, also acceptable. Moving on, this was pretty much a "cheap eats"-type place, both in terms of price and quality. My bf ordered a chicken gyro sandwich (actually he ordered lamb but later learned they ran out of lamb), which was pure fatty dark meat. Of course, it still tasted pretty good with a spicy kick. I ordered the veggie combo pita, stuffed with falafel, fried cauliflower, and hummus. Also pretty good. After reading a fellow Yelpers rave reviews on a dessert, I flagged down the server to ogle the dessert menu. Instead, he beelined straight for the buffet, grabbed a container, and filled it with various sweets (all of which met the "meh" threshold at best). At checkout, we learned these goodies were on the house. Certainly a nice gesture. I was planning on giving Marhaba 3 stars (I wanted to give 2.5) but this was downgraded after I became sick just a few short hours after chowing down. Why? Perhaps, coincidence. But, I attribute it to the food quality and possibly my stomach's aversion to fried foods that stuffed my pita sandwich. Nonetheless, this experience further tainted my perception of Marhaba. All in all, good for a quick guilty Middle Eastern indulgence at the buffet (or from the menu, but heed my warning above). You'll be fine with a stomach of steel, and likely without one, but proceed with caution if your stomach is not accustomed to this quality of food.
(2)Jordan M.
I've been going here since it was Java and it used to be great! The food is good but if you are not Muslim they will charge you and extra 2-4$ fee for the buffet it's a sad discrimination..
(1)Vivek C.
The buffet is fantastic with a nice variety and flavour between veg and non veg options. Great family atmosphere, very nice staff, superb value!
(5)Jeffrey P.
The food here is IMHO delicious. Huge variety to choose from. The only reason I give it four instead of five stars is the atmosphere. Very noisy. And a little worn down. But don't hesitate. Dive in and enjoy.
(4)Moe S.
The food here is AMAZING! Authentic Mediterranean foods and the atmosphere here is nice. I've been eating here since it was called Java and they've kept almost all of the same foods. Their main business is buffet but they do have a menu as well you can order with. Portions are huge when you order off the menu. Overall really happy with my experiences here and am sure to be a constant customer!
(5)Dan P.
Checklist for Marhaba: Exterior- a bit rundown. Interior décor-minimal. Service- cordial, in a non-verbal manner as the staff does not appear to speak English. Clientele-diverse. We were the only two 'natives' during a very busy lunch hour. Food- I want to say the buffet is an excellent example of it's type in the Twin Cities. Separate islands for colds, hots and desserts, etc. I sampled about 20 items. Many (shrimp, chicken, fish, hummus, falafel) were excellent. Only 1-2 (ribs?) we're below par. Didn't see buffet price printed anywhere- we paid 12.99 plus tax but Ive seen different prices in other reviews which is a bit unusual. Whatever we paid it was worth it to experience all the different flavors and languages we heard around us. The kind of buffett which makes you just want to keep on eating.
(4)Jenni B.
I won't make any silly assertions about buffets having particularly high quality food, but this buffet was hands down the worst one I have ever been to. The food was cold, even after sitting under heat lamps. The cuts of meat were fatty and the veggies were soggy from sitting in broth too long. I wouldn't come back here if it was free.
(1)Gael R.
Any place that has all you can eat Hummus is already halfway there for me. I find it funny that all the bad reviews for this place are by white people. Coincidence much? I lived in the middle east for a year and can honestly say a lot of the food is similiar to homecooked meals that I ate over there. The service is kind of abrupt and not super cheery, but that doesn't bother me. It's not like they're too cool for hipsters - it's a cultural thing. If you eat too much hummus, you WILL have a hot date with the toilet - consider yourself warned!
(4)John C.
They've finally remodeled the place so it doesn't look as odd anymore. I've eaten there a dozen times and liked everything I've gotten, the orange roughy is my favorite. Portions are large, people friendly. But if you do take out like me, order 30 minutes ahead of time.
(4)Barbara M.
I enjoyed eating at Marhaba the two times I ate there. My grandchildren had the burgers and we could have actually have them to share them they were so big, juicy and good as well as affordable. The buffet is good. I love the goat, the lamb (gyros) and some of the desserts which I had never tasted before. I haven't been in awhile but I do plan on going again this year for sure. If one likes Mediterranean food this is the place to go.
(4)Michelle M.
Every now and then my husband and I get a hunkering for some good Middle Eastern food (which seems to be impossible to find in the Twin Cities, by the way). Typically, when the craving hits, we cook our own, but every now and then we just wanna have someone else take care of dishes. So, last Saturday we decided to head over to Java, which is now called Marhaba (meaning "welcome" in Arabic). The place was clean, and we were excited about the physical changes to the restaurant--I mean it was actually CLEAN!! OK. So far so good, right? WRONG! (1.) The buffet food was cold, tasteless, and watery. (P.S. I understand having to dumb food down for white folks' taste buds, but COME ON!) (2.) The waitress (an older woman of European descent) had a nasty, mean attitude, and should have had her hair tied in a bun, not a long ponytail. What is it with folks with long hair in restaurants? Why do they insist on running their fingers through it and shaking it around like Farah Faucett? Eeks! That's just nasty. (3.) The people eating there appeared as if they hadn't bothered to brush, shower, or do anything to themselves that required hygiene. The best part was the very nice hostess. She was gracious and kind, even when a gross pig flirted with her--mind you, she was wearing hijab. Who does that??? Marhaba: Please don't be afraid to actually turn the heat on in your buffet tables, OK? Also, please have some cultural and culinary authenticity. It's much needed in the Twin Cities. Thanks!
(1)Ellen C.
I'm a sucker for a value, especially if the quality of the food is pretty good. Hence the 4 star rating. This place always seems packed - I've been a couple times where I just came and went because their parking lot was over full. Today, it was late enough that I parked in the Asian supermarket's lot right behind Marhaba to run in to get a take out order. They have buffet during lunch ($11 from 11-2pm) and dinner ($14) eveyday that actually looks pretty good with different varieties you usually don't see at typical buffets. I'd definitely come back to try it. The place was packed on a Thursday night around 7:30pm and everyone looked happy. I ordered the kabob combination for $12.99 which turned out to be HUGE and could definitely feed at least two or three people. As in those 2-3 people leave full. There was a little salad with lettuce, cucumbers, vinaigrette, olives, and two grape leaves. There is another little styrofoam box of a thin layer of hummus, enough to use the 2 warm pita breads up as an appetizer/snack. Then you open your main entree - there is a thick layer of well-seasoned and a little over-cooked Mediterranean rice. And over it was amazing slices of chicken breast, lamb sausage kabobs, and lamb gyro meat. SO MUCH FOOD. The flavors were all there and haven't just eaten at another Mediterranean place the night before where the plates were left greasy, this tasted a lot healthier. Of course I laughed in the face of health by just eating double the portions. All in all, the staff is friendly. The prices are a fantastic value. The quality is good. The flavor is good. The location is central and convenient with its own parking lot (although it's almost always full). I'd definitely come back.
(4)Jack H.
The best. Love the buffet, hate the take out. Take out very pricy. However, food is truly tasty. Would come back whenever.
(5)Raighne T.
I have been driving past the Java Restaurant since I moved here in 2001. I finally went in yesterday and I can't imagine why I didn't do it sooner! They have just finished remodeling and the place looks great with brightly colored walls and huge hookah pipe against the back wall. They have added a buffet and it was fantastic! The falafel was so fresh, so good and the tahini and tabouli were the best I have ever had. They have 2 -3 soups, fresh pita bread, several meats, lamb, chicken, kufta, beef, sauces, saffron rice and a salad bar with olives and this WONDERFUL eggplant appetizer. The spices they use are phenomenal over powering but pleasantly present. Oh and the iced rania drink is amazing. And don't forget to top off with the baklava from buffet also! I will go back and back and back.
(5)Marsha L.
Great food. Fantastic lunch buffet deal. Just $2 more than the really bad Chinese lunch buffets on and around Lake St, and so worth the little extra expense. The food is fresh and very tasty. The mint tea is included with the meal and is so good. Entree bar with Somali rice, yellow rice, falafels and always at least half a dozen different kinds of stews, always several different kinds of meat, including goat, chicken, beef, fish, shwarma, kebabs. Salad bar with Greek salad, tabbouleh, hummus, baba ghannouj, olives, feta cheese, and lots more. Several different kinds of breads. Dessert bar with baklava, and lots of other delicious exotic desserts that I don't know the names of. The hostess is very friendly and charming. Go, eat, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Ameer H.
Wow! The best middle eastern food in Minneapolis. I had the kufta kabab dinner and it was so delicious and HUGE. It also came with a vegetable side that was nicely spiced and fresh pita bread. Honestly for the money this has to be the best thing on eat street. I'm definetely going back and planning on take out anytime the wife is tired.
(5)Andy B.
Not going to lie, this place is a little odd, but the food is really tasty, and I definitely frequent this place. They have a variety of middle eastern dishes, lamb kebabs, kefta kebabs. They have heaping portions, and it's very fresh and hot. There is never that many people in there, but it's definitely worth checking out.
(4)Patti I.
I've been eating here since they were called the Java and occupied a storefront on Hennepin Ave. in downtown in the mid 70s. They sold shawirma sandwiches for a dollar. I followed them to the Eat Street location--a much larger space, but with decor that was still stuck in 1978. The place often seems deserted, but it's stayed in business for 30 years, so they must be doing something right. And they are: decor be damned, the food brings me back year after year. I come here when I'm craving their crispy, richly seasoned falafel or their irresistible Jerusalem fried vegetables. Order the vegetarian plate and get both--you'll never miss the meat! Or do what I do when dining with a companion: Order another sampler with meat and you will both be snarfing off each other's plates. I am drooling just writing this!
(4)Dave R.
The Marhaba is under new management as of 7/1/12. Cousins of the sisters who remodeled the Java to the new name, the Egyptian/Mediterranean food is as good, if not better. Mostly you'd go for buffet, though they have a menu, with Ramadan specials. I've been going to the Java/Marhaba for a long time, and it's always one of the best deals in town. I've only checked out the new owner's lunch buffet, but will be back for dinner some time.
(5)Raj B.
Since the change in ownership (and chef?) last year, the food has become much better. The buffet is very convenient (and, if you don't eat much, getting it to-go and being charged by weight is a good option). If you're looking for a large variety and quantity of good food, order off the menu. They have combos and platters that seem expensive, but that are very reasonable given the amount of food you get. Did I mention that the food is really good? As another reviewer mentioned, the desserts are delicious and addictive. Random: the owner and staff are all very pleasant.
(4)JC C.
Had dinner there recently with a companion. We opted for the buffet, a little disappointing to be honest. The sharwima was commercial frozen meat. Not the truly delicious stuff that Java used to make. Most items were cool/cold. The restaurant was rather busy as it was a weekend nite, yet many entrees were not properly being kept warm. The grilled chicken was tasteless, the falafel on the buffet were cold. The curried goat was good. The desserts were of commercial bakery type. The next time we go, I think we'll order from the menu rather than the buffet. The buffet prices out at $13 per diner. The wait staff was a little overwhelmed by about 25 diners in the restaurant.
(2)Jesse J.
good food it was super fresh and of better quality than i think ive seen in most places. This place with be my first choice going forward.
(5)Anders C.
It's hard for me to write a negative review. I want good people to stay in business and make some money. I also want to save people from wasting their money on terrible food. So maybe this will inspire Java to clean up their act. I went there for lunch buffet one afternoon and the food was just gross. A lot of "off" and bitter flavors. The food was just greasy and bad. I gave it a second chance and ordered a falafel sandwich and fries. This thing was a monster. It was the size of a chipotle burrito and completely drenched in a hummus like sauce. Drenched. My first five bites were pure sauce. It was falling apart all over the place. The lettuce was bitter and the falafel was soggy and tasted old. I had to throw most of it away. Seriously, I bet if I showed this to someone they wouldn't be able to tell me what it was. Very bad. The fries were really undercooked and greasy and bad too. I wasted my 8 bucks on a crappy meal. It shouldn't be too hard to do this kind of food right. I'd love to support you Java, but your food is really bad.
(1)Deb A.
Took off the day and so found this buffet to experience. Was an adventure in that there were a lot of foods new to me. I flagged down one of the staff to tell me what they were so, ha, I would know what I was eating. Food was great because of the newness of it to me. . I believe I was the only English speaking person there - majority were Somolian. They had a way cool tv going on with another language being spoken, probably catering to those who mostly spoke it. Ambiance was clean but nothing fancy which was fine. Only $10 for all you could eat total! Really a good deal. If I could mention one thing, it would be to please label what the foods were ( in English). I'm assuming all others knew what it was. I would probably go back a second time. Fun experience-thanks! :)
(3)Dana J.
2nd time my dad and went there. I would go there again. The chicken, potatoes, spinach rolls, rice and dessert was not bad.
(3)Barbara M.
I enjoyed eating at Marhaba the two times I ate there. My grandchildren had the burgers and we could have actually have them to share them they were so big, juicy and good as well as affordable. The buffet is good. I love the goat, the lamb (gyros) and some of the desserts which I had never tasted before. I haven't been in awhile but I do plan on going again this year for sure. If one likes Mediterranean food this is the place to go.
(4)Paul J.
I've been going to Java for a few years now while on vacation from Az. This is the most delicious Middle Eastern food I have tasted. Ever. Their Rania drink is a must have with every meal. It is available to purchase in gallons if you wish. Authentic food with complete with middle eastern music. Great atmosphere. This family owned and operated restaurant really takes their cooking to heart and are very skilled at it. Everything is great. I can't narrow it down because of this. They have a new buffet that takes all the best of their menu items plus new ones and makes it all available in one meal. Food is under-priced for the quality and quantity.
(5)Michelle M.
Every now and then my husband and I get a hunkering for some good Middle Eastern food (which seems to be impossible to find in the Twin Cities, by the way). Typically, when the craving hits, we cook our own, but every now and then we just wanna have someone else take care of dishes. So, last Saturday we decided to head over to Java, which is now called Marhaba (meaning "welcome" in Arabic). The place was clean, and we were excited about the physical changes to the restaurant--I mean it was actually CLEAN!! OK. So far so good, right? WRONG! (1.) The buffet food was cold, tasteless, and watery. (P.S. I understand having to dumb food down for white folks' taste buds, but COME ON!) (2.) The waitress (an older woman of European descent) had a nasty, mean attitude, and should have had her hair tied in a bun, not a long ponytail. What is it with folks with long hair in restaurants? Why do they insist on running their fingers through it and shaking it around like Farah Faucett? Eeks! That's just nasty. (3.) The people eating there appeared as if they hadn't bothered to brush, shower, or do anything to themselves that required hygiene. The best part was the very nice hostess. She was gracious and kind, even when a gross pig flirted with her--mind you, she was wearing hijab. Who does that??? Marhaba: Please don't be afraid to actually turn the heat on in your buffet tables, OK? Also, please have some cultural and culinary authenticity. It's much needed in the Twin Cities. Thanks!
(1)Thomas K.
This place is now under new ownership and the changes are not for the better. I've enjoyed the place with my family for years now and we just probably all had lunch there for the last time. Its sad to see a place that has been around and liked for so long die.
(2)Bruce W.
We wound up here when the restaurant we intended to go to was closed. They were just getting ready to set up for Iftar, so things were a bit strange while they pulled what looked like perfectly good food off to reset the buffet (we are not Muslim). In the end, there was lots of very good food, inexpensive, with decent service. I liked several different types of fish and there was a good selection of vegetables.
(4)Raighne T.
I have been driving past the Java Restaurant since I moved here in 2001. I finally went in yesterday and I can't imagine why I didn't do it sooner! They have just finished remodeling and the place looks great with brightly colored walls and huge hookah pipe against the back wall. They have added a buffet and it was fantastic! The falafel was so fresh, so good and the tahini and tabouli were the best I have ever had. They have 2 -3 soups, fresh pita bread, several meats, lamb, chicken, kufta, beef, sauces, saffron rice and a salad bar with olives and this WONDERFUL eggplant appetizer. The spices they use are phenomenal over powering but pleasantly present. Oh and the iced rania drink is amazing. And don't forget to top off with the baklava from buffet also! I will go back and back and back.
(5)Marsha L.
Great food. Fantastic lunch buffet deal. Just $2 more than the really bad Chinese lunch buffets on and around Lake St, and so worth the little extra expense. The food is fresh and very tasty. The mint tea is included with the meal and is so good. Entree bar with Somali rice, yellow rice, falafels and always at least half a dozen different kinds of stews, always several different kinds of meat, including goat, chicken, beef, fish, shwarma, kebabs. Salad bar with Greek salad, tabbouleh, hummus, baba ghannouj, olives, feta cheese, and lots more. Several different kinds of breads. Dessert bar with baklava, and lots of other delicious exotic desserts that I don't know the names of. The hostess is very friendly and charming. Go, eat, you won't be disappointed.
(5)Ameer H.
Wow! The best middle eastern food in Minneapolis. I had the kufta kabab dinner and it was so delicious and HUGE. It also came with a vegetable side that was nicely spiced and fresh pita bread. Honestly for the money this has to be the best thing on eat street. I'm definetely going back and planning on take out anytime the wife is tired.
(5)Andy B.
Not going to lie, this place is a little odd, but the food is really tasty, and I definitely frequent this place. They have a variety of middle eastern dishes, lamb kebabs, kefta kebabs. They have heaping portions, and it's very fresh and hot. There is never that many people in there, but it's definitely worth checking out.
(4)Bill R.
Omar, a taxi driver, recommended MARHABA to my friend, and my friend convinced me to go with him for lunch at this modest restaurant. We wanted Middle Eastern food, and we got plenty of it, most of it good. Expecting to order off menu, we discovered the buffet when we arrived. We surveyed the offerings, many more than one might otherwise anticipate in such a small place, and decided to go with the buffet. For lamb lovers, there are a number of choices including succulent shanks, sliced leg of lamb in gravy, shawarma (gyros), and grilled kofta. I'd say the lamb shanks and kofta were first rate. There were also a number of chicken entrees, none of which I sampled. Just not in the moode. Also on hand were the usual "snack" items: spinach pies (phyllo dough), beef pies (deep fried), stuffed cabbage and stuffed grape leaves. Only the last of that quartet disappointed me. The hummus and baba ganoush were satisfying, the tabouli (parsley) salad a bit stemy but still delicious, and the grilled eggplant was remarkably outstanding with a wonderful spicy kick. The cookie desserts were a bit dry, but the phyllo dough sweets were wonderful, especially the triangles filled with some kind of pudding. What got me the most is that none of the dishes tasted the same. Each was herbed and spiced is a fashion that seemed to suit. There was no boiler-plate flavor to anything being served. I drank hot tea with my meal. The service is adequate. The price is a bargain. $8.95 for the midday buffet, a dollar more in the evening with endless grilled lamb chops. I'll be back.
(4)Ayumi R.
Some dishes are very simple and some more layered but all are very flavorful. They will tailor the hotness of the dish to your taste. The waitress is also very helpful, she will describe the dishes for you very well (if you are a novice to eating middle eastern food). The best part is you get a very large amount of food for a very good price. There is also a stage on which some nights they perform belly dancing. This is a great place to eat at.
(4)Thomas K.
This place is now under new ownership and the changes are not for the better. I've enjoyed the place with my family for years now and we just probably all had lunch there for the last time. Its sad to see a place that has been around and liked for so long die.
(2)Bruce W.
We wound up here when the restaurant we intended to go to was closed. They were just getting ready to set up for Iftar, so things were a bit strange while they pulled what looked like perfectly good food off to reset the buffet (we are not Muslim). In the end, there was lots of very good food, inexpensive, with decent service. I liked several different types of fish and there was a good selection of vegetables.
(4)Bill R.
Omar, a taxi driver, recommended MARHABA to my friend, and my friend convinced me to go with him for lunch at this modest restaurant. We wanted Middle Eastern food, and we got plenty of it, most of it good. Expecting to order off menu, we discovered the buffet when we arrived. We surveyed the offerings, many more than one might otherwise anticipate in such a small place, and decided to go with the buffet. For lamb lovers, there are a number of choices including succulent shanks, sliced leg of lamb in gravy, shawarma (gyros), and grilled kofta. I'd say the lamb shanks and kofta were first rate. There were also a number of chicken entrees, none of which I sampled. Just not in the moode. Also on hand were the usual "snack" items: spinach pies (phyllo dough), beef pies (deep fried), stuffed cabbage and stuffed grape leaves. Only the last of that quartet disappointed me. The hummus and baba ganoush were satisfying, the tabouli (parsley) salad a bit stemy but still delicious, and the grilled eggplant was remarkably outstanding with a wonderful spicy kick. The cookie desserts were a bit dry, but the phyllo dough sweets were wonderful, especially the triangles filled with some kind of pudding. What got me the most is that none of the dishes tasted the same. Each was herbed and spiced is a fashion that seemed to suit. There was no boiler-plate flavor to anything being served. I drank hot tea with my meal. The service is adequate. The price is a bargain. $8.95 for the midday buffet, a dollar more in the evening with endless grilled lamb chops. I'll be back.
(4)Eva D.
Food is amazing - flavorful, fresh and delicious! We opted for the combo plate for 2 (really serves 6) that came with delicious samosas, hummus and babaganoush, a tasty salad, and an incredible barbecue spread with gyro meat, lamb, chicken, kofta kabob and falafel. Everything is delicious! As other reviewers have shared, the restaurant is geared towards the buffet (which we have not tried) so they do not know how to provide service to those who choose to order from the menu. Restaurant itself is quite a dive, and strangely enough, has Egyptian decor throughout. If your primary focus is food and taste and you can overcome the awkward service and ambience, I would recommend giving this a try!
(5)Khidar M.
I live a few blocks away from Marhaba and go there at least once a week. THE BEST restaurant I have ever been to in MN. I love ordering their family platter for 4. They have a good variety of things. Cheap buffet as well! I suggest everyone to go to Marhaba. You won't be disappointed. The staff is SUPER friendly. I was waiting for my order once and one of the staff members brought me a plate of baklava-- FOR FREE! :D
(5)Coco R.
Do yourself a favor and get the Marhaba Family Platter. A giant platter of gyro, lamb, chicken and sausage on top of beautiful middle eastern rice with dates and sautéed veg. Also side platters of hummus, baba ganush, salad and baklava. Feeds an army. Delish! Best takeout ever!
(5)Michelle F.
I'm still a huge fan of Marhaba food (ordered off the menu) but I wanted to add a word of advice: Just Order Take-Out. The servers really aren't used to people not doing the buffet, and every time I've gone there to dine in I've had to actively get up and wander around when I was ready to pay for my meal (usually the servers are in the kitchen). Still very highly recommend the food, and the staff are lovely and generous -- but if you can, just get it take-out and avoid the confusion.
(4)Ali M.
This is definitely one of the best restaurants I've been to! The service is great, the people there are hard working and extremely nice, but above all else is the food! I love it! There's a huge variety of food at the gourmet, and if you don't want that, they've also got amazing platters (philly cheesesteak, gyro, mushroom and chicken, etc.). I highly recommend anyone to try the food! P.S. You're Welcome
(5)Barry L.
I ordered the Kofta Kebab dinner, and it was the best tasting kebab I've had since I lived in California. Especially good, by Twin Cities standards. The only issue is that the portion was enormous. Honestly, it was twice what I could eat at my hungriest, probably 6 or 8 big, long pieces of kebab and some gyro meat to boot. There was pita bread and salad on top of that. I practically left the place with a bag over my head because I wasn't going directly home and couldn't accept a to-go box. I probably will not be going back without a friend with whom to split an entree. Or, I will do the buffet.
(4)Harper N.
My first experience with the African dishes but having lived in the Detroit area I am vastly familiar with the Arabic / Middle Eastern ones. Having said that, some things here were wonderful and some were meh. We ate off the buffet. In terms of the Middle Eastern dishes, here's my opinion - Hummus: wonderful. Tabouleh: beyond amazing. My standards are high and I went back for thirds. Baba: big chunks of garlic, smoky eggplant, wow. Olives were very good also. The grape leaves, not so much. Tasted like they were from a can. The falafel was cold and not that flavorful. Also the pita was served cold and not homemade. The African breads were the same. The spices in the African dishes were not as complex as they seemed like they could have been. Everything was a little oily. The meats were okay but not awesome. I had a piece of fish from a whole fish that looked beautiful, some shrimp, and a goat dish in a tomato sauce. My partner had a dish with lentils and spinach that was pretty amazing, it tasted like it had sumac in it. The rices were all really good. Desserts were, as well, more oily than sweet. I'm used to baklava that is heavy on the honey, these were not very sweet at all. There was a bird's nest looking thing and some deep fried balls coated in honey or syrup that were both really good. I liked that I could sit and drink tea after my meal and digest a bit. It wasn't crowded when we went but it wasn't empty either. The atmosphere was really pleasant. The staff was friendly and when we checked out the guy behind the counter joked around with us. The take home: this tastes like food your grandma would cook you, if your grandma doesn't have the best spice selection around, her ingredients aren't the highest quality, and she isn't afraid of oil. Filling, basic, all around pretty solid. Not perfect, and I wouldn't go back and pay $12 for a buffet again, but there is an appeal. I'll be trying other restaurants for a comparison.
(3)JC C.
Had dinner there recently with a companion. We opted for the buffet, a little disappointing to be honest. The sharwima was commercial frozen meat. Not the truly delicious stuff that Java used to make. Most items were cool/cold. The restaurant was rather busy as it was a weekend nite, yet many entrees were not properly being kept warm. The grilled chicken was tasteless, the falafel on the buffet were cold. The curried goat was good. The desserts were of commercial bakery type. The next time we go, I think we'll order from the menu rather than the buffet. The buffet prices out at $13 per diner. The wait staff was a little overwhelmed by about 25 diners in the restaurant.
(2)Jesse J.
good food it was super fresh and of better quality than i think ive seen in most places. This place with be my first choice going forward.
(5)Anders C.
It's hard for me to write a negative review. I want good people to stay in business and make some money. I also want to save people from wasting their money on terrible food. So maybe this will inspire Java to clean up their act. I went there for lunch buffet one afternoon and the food was just gross. A lot of "off" and bitter flavors. The food was just greasy and bad. I gave it a second chance and ordered a falafel sandwich and fries. This thing was a monster. It was the size of a chipotle burrito and completely drenched in a hummus like sauce. Drenched. My first five bites were pure sauce. It was falling apart all over the place. The lettuce was bitter and the falafel was soggy and tasted old. I had to throw most of it away. Seriously, I bet if I showed this to someone they wouldn't be able to tell me what it was. Very bad. The fries were really undercooked and greasy and bad too. I wasted my 8 bucks on a crappy meal. It shouldn't be too hard to do this kind of food right. I'd love to support you Java, but your food is really bad.
(1)Deb A.
Took off the day and so found this buffet to experience. Was an adventure in that there were a lot of foods new to me. I flagged down one of the staff to tell me what they were so, ha, I would know what I was eating. Food was great because of the newness of it to me. . I believe I was the only English speaking person there - majority were Somolian. They had a way cool tv going on with another language being spoken, probably catering to those who mostly spoke it. Ambiance was clean but nothing fancy which was fine. Only $10 for all you could eat total! Really a good deal. If I could mention one thing, it would be to please label what the foods were ( in English). I'm assuming all others knew what it was. I would probably go back a second time. Fun experience-thanks! :)
(3)Dana J.
2nd time my dad and went there. I would go there again. The chicken, potatoes, spinach rolls, rice and dessert was not bad.
(3)Luca R.
I don't live mere blocks away anymore, so I can't go here whenever I want. Still, the Java is perfect take-out food. I've been eating here since I was a child and I'm pretty sure their falafel and shawirma is what made me fall in love with middle eastern food. Just about every dish comes with an amount of food that is bigger than your head. Last time I got one shawirma plate and one shish kebab plate, and my wife and I shared it for lunch and still had enough left over for dinner that night. Hard to beat two meals for two people for $20, especially when the food tastes this good. You'll get a pretty good variety as well when you order. You can order the same basic ingredients (shawirma, kofta, kibbi, shish kebab, or falafel) in sandwich, plate, or dinner form, each of which comes with different side dishes. The only thing I don't love is the garlic breath that follows me around for the rest of the day, but it's worth it!
(5)Kedar D.
This is a strange place on Eat Street and probably the only Middle Eastern restaurant on the street. It's been open since 1974, apparently, and once you walk inside, you'll definitely think it's 1974: the place is completely faux-wood paneled; the carpet is worn; and even the cash register is pea green and old school. This restaurant feels like someone's 1970s rec room. That said, it's pretty clean and the service is fast, not in least part because it was empty (they do seem to get many phone orders, though). I had a baba gannuj appetizer ($5.00) which was nicely presented, but didn't have much taste---the eggplant could have been smoked more and maybe could have used some kind of spice. My falafel and vegetable "sandwich" (served in a piece of pita) was huge and cost only $4.75, but it too fell flat in terms of taste. I'm not sure what this place is doing wrong, but everything tasted bland; the vegetables, which included cauliflower, potato and eggplant, were burnt, which negatively affected the flavor as well. This place has eight vegetarian dishes and a couple of veg. appetizers, all of which seem to be vegan, but I was not impressed with the food. The prices are really cheap and the portion sizes are large. Java's been open for 35 years now, so it must doing something right, though I'm not sure what that is.
(2)Ellen B.
I ordered take out for lunch and thoroughly enjoyed it! Portions are huge and delicious! I ordered the chicken combo plate and a side of falafel. I was expecting to get two take out boxes, and ended up with seven! A whole takeout box dedicated to hummus (yum!), falafel was good, chicken was well seasoned and perfectly cooked (I hate it when it's dry). I also got free dessert, which was delicious! The ambiance inside isn't the greatest, and I would've loved to have some homemade pita (the pita I got was grocery store style), but I would recommend this as the best Mediterranean in uptown.
(4)Jael L.
I miss the Java. I probably wouldn't have thought the food was that bad if I hadn't been used to the amazing food that had been served at this restaurant before the name/owner change in 2012. The food at Marhaba was sub par. When we visited last night, the floor was greesy and a few in my party kept slipping, almost falling down. The waiter didn't speak enough english to take orders. In Mpls it's common for wait staff to not speak much english at all, but they should be able to take simple orders like, "Can I have some tea?". If you are looking for good mediterranean food in the area, drive the extra mile north on Nicollet and go to Jerusalem's.
(2)Cindy T.
The shawirma sandwich and spanikopita were just okay, but the hummus was AWESOME. The hummus doesn't have too much citric acid or lime like store-bought varieties. However, I wouldn't come back just for hummus. The meat in the shawirma sandwich was bland and chewy like rubber, and the spinach in the spanikopita tasted like it was poured out of a can.
(3)Patti I.
I've been eating here since they were called the Java and occupied a storefront on Hennepin Ave. in downtown in the mid 70s. They sold shawirma sandwiches for a dollar. I followed them to the Eat Street location--a much larger space, but with decor that was still stuck in 1978. The place often seems deserted, but it's stayed in business for 30 years, so they must be doing something right. And they are: decor be damned, the food brings me back year after year. I come here when I'm craving their crispy, richly seasoned falafel or their irresistible Jerusalem fried vegetables. Order the vegetarian plate and get both--you'll never miss the meat! Or do what I do when dining with a companion: Order another sampler with meat and you will both be snarfing off each other's plates. I am drooling just writing this!
(4)Dave R.
The Marhaba is under new management as of 7/1/12. Cousins of the sisters who remodeled the Java to the new name, the Egyptian/Mediterranean food is as good, if not better. Mostly you'd go for buffet, though they have a menu, with Ramadan specials. I've been going to the Java/Marhaba for a long time, and it's always one of the best deals in town. I've only checked out the new owner's lunch buffet, but will be back for dinner some time.
(5)Ayumi R.
Some dishes are very simple and some more layered but all are very flavorful. They will tailor the hotness of the dish to your taste. The waitress is also very helpful, she will describe the dishes for you very well (if you are a novice to eating middle eastern food). The best part is you get a very large amount of food for a very good price. There is also a stage on which some nights they perform belly dancing. This is a great place to eat at.
(4)Paul J.
I've been going to Java for a few years now while on vacation from Az. This is the most delicious Middle Eastern food I have tasted. Ever. Their Rania drink is a must have with every meal. It is available to purchase in gallons if you wish. Authentic food with complete with middle eastern music. Great atmosphere. This family owned and operated restaurant really takes their cooking to heart and are very skilled at it. Everything is great. I can't narrow it down because of this. They have a new buffet that takes all the best of their menu items plus new ones and makes it all available in one meal. Food is under-priced for the quality and quantity.
(5)Gael R.
Any place that has all you can eat Hummus is already halfway there for me. I find it funny that all the bad reviews for this place are by white people. Coincidence much? I lived in the middle east for a year and can honestly say a lot of the food is similiar to homecooked meals that I ate over there. The service is kind of abrupt and not super cheery, but that doesn't bother me. It's not like they're too cool for hipsters - it's a cultural thing. If you eat too much hummus, you WILL have a hot date with the toilet - consider yourself warned!
(4)Jael L.
I miss the Java. I probably wouldn't have thought the food was that bad if I hadn't been used to the amazing food that had been served at this restaurant before the name/owner change in 2012. The food at Marhaba was sub par. When we visited last night, the floor was greesy and a few in my party kept slipping, almost falling down. The waiter didn't speak enough english to take orders. In Mpls it's common for wait staff to not speak much english at all, but they should be able to take simple orders like, "Can I have some tea?". If you are looking for good mediterranean food in the area, drive the extra mile north on Nicollet and go to Jerusalem's.
(2)Coco R.
Do yourself a favor and get the Marhaba Family Platter. A giant platter of gyro, lamb, chicken and sausage on top of beautiful middle eastern rice with dates and sautéed veg. Also side platters of hummus, baba ganush, salad and baklava. Feeds an army. Delish! Best takeout ever!
(5)Ellen B.
I ordered take out for lunch and thoroughly enjoyed it! Portions are huge and delicious! I ordered the chicken combo plate and a side of falafel. I was expecting to get two take out boxes, and ended up with seven! A whole takeout box dedicated to hummus (yum!), falafel was good, chicken was well seasoned and perfectly cooked (I hate it when it's dry). I also got free dessert, which was delicious! The ambiance inside isn't the greatest, and I would've loved to have some homemade pita (the pita I got was grocery store style), but I would recommend this as the best Mediterranean in uptown.
(4)Cindy T.
The shawirma sandwich and spanikopita were just okay, but the hummus was AWESOME. The hummus doesn't have too much citric acid or lime like store-bought varieties. However, I wouldn't come back just for hummus. The meat in the shawirma sandwich was bland and chewy like rubber, and the spinach in the spanikopita tasted like it was poured out of a can.
(3)Eva D.
Food is amazing - flavorful, fresh and delicious! We opted for the combo plate for 2 (really serves 6) that came with delicious samosas, hummus and babaganoush, a tasty salad, and an incredible barbecue spread with gyro meat, lamb, chicken, kofta kabob and falafel. Everything is delicious! As other reviewers have shared, the restaurant is geared towards the buffet (which we have not tried) so they do not know how to provide service to those who choose to order from the menu. Restaurant itself is quite a dive, and strangely enough, has Egyptian decor throughout. If your primary focus is food and taste and you can overcome the awkward service and ambience, I would recommend giving this a try!
(5)Khidar M.
I live a few blocks away from Marhaba and go there at least once a week. THE BEST restaurant I have ever been to in MN. I love ordering their family platter for 4. They have a good variety of things. Cheap buffet as well! I suggest everyone to go to Marhaba. You won't be disappointed. The staff is SUPER friendly. I was waiting for my order once and one of the staff members brought me a plate of baklava-- FOR FREE! :D
(5)Barry L.
I ordered the Kofta Kebab dinner, and it was the best tasting kebab I've had since I lived in California. Especially good, by Twin Cities standards. The only issue is that the portion was enormous. Honestly, it was twice what I could eat at my hungriest, probably 6 or 8 big, long pieces of kebab and some gyro meat to boot. There was pita bread and salad on top of that. I practically left the place with a bag over my head because I wasn't going directly home and couldn't accept a to-go box. I probably will not be going back without a friend with whom to split an entree. Or, I will do the buffet.
(4)Ellen C.
I'm a sucker for a value, especially if the quality of the food is pretty good. Hence the 4 star rating. This place always seems packed - I've been a couple times where I just came and went because their parking lot was over full. Today, it was late enough that I parked in the Asian supermarket's lot right behind Marhaba to run in to get a take out order. They have buffet during lunch ($11 from 11-2pm) and dinner ($14) eveyday that actually looks pretty good with different varieties you usually don't see at typical buffets. I'd definitely come back to try it. The place was packed on a Thursday night around 7:30pm and everyone looked happy. I ordered the kabob combination for $12.99 which turned out to be HUGE and could definitely feed at least two or three people. As in those 2-3 people leave full. There was a little salad with lettuce, cucumbers, vinaigrette, olives, and two grape leaves. There is another little styrofoam box of a thin layer of hummus, enough to use the 2 warm pita breads up as an appetizer/snack. Then you open your main entree - there is a thick layer of well-seasoned and a little over-cooked Mediterranean rice. And over it was amazing slices of chicken breast, lamb sausage kabobs, and lamb gyro meat. SO MUCH FOOD. The flavors were all there and haven't just eaten at another Mediterranean place the night before where the plates were left greasy, this tasted a lot healthier. Of course I laughed in the face of health by just eating double the portions. All in all, the staff is friendly. The prices are a fantastic value. The quality is good. The flavor is good. The location is central and convenient with its own parking lot (although it's almost always full). I'd definitely come back.
(4)Jack H.
The best. Love the buffet, hate the take out. Take out very pricy. However, food is truly tasty. Would come back whenever.
(5)Michelle F.
I'm still a huge fan of Marhaba food (ordered off the menu) but I wanted to add a word of advice: Just Order Take-Out. The servers really aren't used to people not doing the buffet, and every time I've gone there to dine in I've had to actively get up and wander around when I was ready to pay for my meal (usually the servers are in the kitchen). Still very highly recommend the food, and the staff are lovely and generous -- but if you can, just get it take-out and avoid the confusion.
(4)Ali M.
This is definitely one of the best restaurants I've been to! The service is great, the people there are hard working and extremely nice, but above all else is the food! I love it! There's a huge variety of food at the gourmet, and if you don't want that, they've also got amazing platters (philly cheesesteak, gyro, mushroom and chicken, etc.). I highly recommend anyone to try the food! P.S. You're Welcome
(5)Dan P.
Checklist for Marhaba: Exterior- a bit rundown. Interior décor-minimal. Service- cordial, in a non-verbal manner as the staff does not appear to speak English. Clientele-diverse. We were the only two 'natives' during a very busy lunch hour. Food- I want to say the buffet is an excellent example of it's type in the Twin Cities. Separate islands for colds, hots and desserts, etc. I sampled about 20 items. Many (shrimp, chicken, fish, hummus, falafel) were excellent. Only 1-2 (ribs?) we're below par. Didn't see buffet price printed anywhere- we paid 12.99 plus tax but Ive seen different prices in other reviews which is a bit unusual. Whatever we paid it was worth it to experience all the different flavors and languages we heard around us. The kind of buffett which makes you just want to keep on eating.
(4)Harper N.
My first experience with the African dishes but having lived in the Detroit area I am vastly familiar with the Arabic / Middle Eastern ones. Having said that, some things here were wonderful and some were meh. We ate off the buffet. In terms of the Middle Eastern dishes, here's my opinion - Hummus: wonderful. Tabouleh: beyond amazing. My standards are high and I went back for thirds. Baba: big chunks of garlic, smoky eggplant, wow. Olives were very good also. The grape leaves, not so much. Tasted like they were from a can. The falafel was cold and not that flavorful. Also the pita was served cold and not homemade. The African breads were the same. The spices in the African dishes were not as complex as they seemed like they could have been. Everything was a little oily. The meats were okay but not awesome. I had a piece of fish from a whole fish that looked beautiful, some shrimp, and a goat dish in a tomato sauce. My partner had a dish with lentils and spinach that was pretty amazing, it tasted like it had sumac in it. The rices were all really good. Desserts were, as well, more oily than sweet. I'm used to baklava that is heavy on the honey, these were not very sweet at all. There was a bird's nest looking thing and some deep fried balls coated in honey or syrup that were both really good. I liked that I could sit and drink tea after my meal and digest a bit. It wasn't crowded when we went but it wasn't empty either. The atmosphere was really pleasant. The staff was friendly and when we checked out the guy behind the counter joked around with us. The take home: this tastes like food your grandma would cook you, if your grandma doesn't have the best spice selection around, her ingredients aren't the highest quality, and she isn't afraid of oil. Filling, basic, all around pretty solid. Not perfect, and I wouldn't go back and pay $12 for a buffet again, but there is an appeal. I'll be trying other restaurants for a comparison.
(3)Jenni B.
I won't make any silly assertions about buffets having particularly high quality food, but this buffet was hands down the worst one I have ever been to. The food was cold, even after sitting under heat lamps. The cuts of meat were fatty and the veggies were soggy from sitting in broth too long. I wouldn't come back here if it was free.
(1)Jessica S.
Warning: The focus here is on the buffet. Buffets are self-service. Logically following, the focus is on self-service. Therefore, if you order of the menu, do not expect superb or attentive or really any table service. The 1 wait staff covered the entire restaurant on a busy night-- cleaning the buffet, replenishing the buffet, clearing tables, cashing diners out, greeting people, and waiting on tables (the last 2 not very successfully, though understandable). This poor humble man was racing around the restaurant trying to fill many roles, ultimately at the sacrifice of service. We sat our selves, which if fine if that is the protocal, after an awkward wait up front and being barked to do so by the owner. When our food was delivered after ordered off the menu, we had to retrieve our own silverware and napkins from the buffet area and eventually a to-go container as well for my leftovers. Don't wait for a check to be brought to your table. Pay upfront, also acceptable. Moving on, this was pretty much a "cheap eats"-type place, both in terms of price and quality. My bf ordered a chicken gyro sandwich (actually he ordered lamb but later learned they ran out of lamb), which was pure fatty dark meat. Of course, it still tasted pretty good with a spicy kick. I ordered the veggie combo pita, stuffed with falafel, fried cauliflower, and hummus. Also pretty good. After reading a fellow Yelpers rave reviews on a dessert, I flagged down the server to ogle the dessert menu. Instead, he beelined straight for the buffet, grabbed a container, and filled it with various sweets (all of which met the "meh" threshold at best). At checkout, we learned these goodies were on the house. Certainly a nice gesture. I was planning on giving Marhaba 3 stars (I wanted to give 2.5) but this was downgraded after I became sick just a few short hours after chowing down. Why? Perhaps, coincidence. But, I attribute it to the food quality and possibly my stomach's aversion to fried foods that stuffed my pita sandwich. Nonetheless, this experience further tainted my perception of Marhaba. All in all, good for a quick guilty Middle Eastern indulgence at the buffet (or from the menu, but heed my warning above). You'll be fine with a stomach of steel, and likely without one, but proceed with caution if your stomach is not accustomed to this quality of food.
(2)Jordan M.
I've been going here since it was Java and it used to be great! The food is good but if you are not Muslim they will charge you and extra 2-4$ fee for the buffet it's a sad discrimination..
(1)Vivek C.
The buffet is fantastic with a nice variety and flavour between veg and non veg options. Great family atmosphere, very nice staff, superb value!
(5)Jeffrey P.
The food here is IMHO delicious. Huge variety to choose from. The only reason I give it four instead of five stars is the atmosphere. Very noisy. And a little worn down. But don't hesitate. Dive in and enjoy.
(4)Moe S.
The food here is AMAZING! Authentic Mediterranean foods and the atmosphere here is nice. I've been eating here since it was called Java and they've kept almost all of the same foods. Their main business is buffet but they do have a menu as well you can order with. Portions are huge when you order off the menu. Overall really happy with my experiences here and am sure to be a constant customer!
(5)