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Top Middle Eastern restaurants in Jacksonville, United States
Top Rated Middle Eastern restaurants in Jacksonville
Top Reviewed Middle Eastern restaurants in Jacksonville
Aladdin Grill
Mandaloun Mediterranean Cuisine
Layalina Restaurant and Hookah Lounge
Yafa grill
Haretna Mediterranean Cuisine
Reviews
I went there for a Friday lunch buffet once. The server was very attentive. They have many different dishes to choose from, fresh and tasty. It is not your typical all your can eat buffet quality. It is high quality. The rice pudding as a dessert is very delicious. I am glad that I tried this for at least once. It a very valued lunch buffet. I believe that they don’t have dinner buffet.
My husband and I have been customers for 10 years. We went again this past Saturday and had an absolutely delightful experience at this authentic Lebanese restaurant. The moment we stepped in, you are captivated by the charming atmosphere and beautiful decor that transported us to the heart of Lebanon. The menu offers a tantalizing array of traditional dishes that were bursting with flavors and authenticity. Every bite was a journey through Lebanese culinary traditions, leaving our taste buds dancing with joy.
What truly elevated the experience is the impeccable service. The staff is always attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about sharing the culture and flavors of Lebanon. The son and owner are great chefs and hosts. From recommendations to accommodating dietary preferences, they went above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. The combination of delectable food, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and top-notch service made this restaurant a true gem. I can't wait to return and indulge in more of their mouthwatering dishes !
What truly elevated the experience is the impeccable service. The staff is always attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about sharing the culture and flavors of Lebanon. The son and owner are great chefs and hosts. From recommendations to accommodating dietary preferences, they went above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. The combination of delectable food, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and top-notch service made this restaurant a true gem. I can't wait to return and indulge in more of their mouthwatering dishes !
Been coming here for awhile and they never disappoint. Food is so good I can’t remember what I ate but I cleaned my plate 😂 I’m so confused with the 1 ⭐️ reviews. Unless it’s a concern for health reasons, I don’t believe the 1 stars are warranted, just my opinion 🤷🏻♀️
Btw, don’t forget to grab the pistachio baklava.
Btw, don’t forget to grab the pistachio baklava.
THEE BEST Mediterranean food. HANDS DOWN. The staff is absolutely lovely, and the food is totally authentic, full of flavor, and cooked with love. Yes, you can taste the love!
We complimented the chef, who we learned was our servers mother! They even gave us a free dessert. What a wonderful experience.
I ate here over a year ago (twice in one day) on vacation and forgot to leave a review. I purposely sought out this restaurant again just to leave this review now.
I would go back to Jacksonville just to eat here.
We complimented the chef, who we learned was our servers mother! They even gave us a free dessert. What a wonderful experience.
I ate here over a year ago (twice in one day) on vacation and forgot to leave a review. I purposely sought out this restaurant again just to leave this review now.
I would go back to Jacksonville just to eat here.
The staff were super nice. The falafels were amazing! Great place to eat.
DELICIOUS! This is a real hidden gem! While in Jacksonville we were craving middle eastern food and this was the closest place to our hotel so we decided to give it a try and OMG! Im so glad we did. We almost walked away when we first walked in. The place does need a little TLC inside 🤷♀️ But we decided to order since we were already there. When we got the food, it was just like advertised on pictures! I ordered the lamb chops and my husband the Kafka 😋 and EVERYTHING was so tasty, nice portion! The meat was juicy, hummus was sooo good, yummy colorful pickles and the rice was delicious! I totally appreciate when a business fulfils my expectations and Yaffa did! That's why I'm taking the time to leave this review with a 5-start rating! Thank you for such a great meal. Definitely I will come back 💕
walked in and it seems as it’s a joint area full of smoke… a girl said they were closed. I don’t know why they have this advertisement Middle Eastern restaurant has nothing to do with.
The food is always amazing here. This is the first time we had the lunch buffet and it was nice to have the extra variety in one meal, without sacrificing any quality (food comes out in small batches so it's fresh every few minutes but there's no wait). Price is a little high compared to some other lunch alternatives, but not for the quality of the food you get here.
We wanted a spot for dinner that had veg options and meat. We found a hidden gem. We were greeted as soon as we walked in the door, super-friendly. The food.... The best. We had HUGE portions that were even bigger in flavor and quality. Everything tasted fresh and full of flavor. You need to eat her. It is a great little spot, you will not be disappointed.
The meat stinks and tastes sour. Tables were dirty and inattentive waiters. We could only take a bite before spitting it out. They didn’t even ask if there was a problem with the food when we left our plates and asked for the check. Ambiance is bad too because the design is full black and inside is too dark. This place must be avoided at all costs and must be checked by regulatory bodies to ensure food and hygiene safety.
Probably the best thing i have eaten this year! The Shawarma is suuuuuper crispy. I've never had better Shawarma in my life. Also great Vegetarian options including soup.
I went here for lunch and got their beef shawarma lunch platter. Everything on the plate was simply delicious. The plate was a bit pricey for lunch, but the meal was quite filling. The beef was deliciously flavorful, moist, and had a nice sear to it. The other side items were a nice touch and complimented the main dish well. I would like to come back and try their other menu items in the future.
20.99 is what this gets you one a couple of pieces of cooked lamb almost like two pounds of rice some pickles and some bell peppers and looks like a half a tomato definitely not worth the money I had to go next door to Winn-Dixie and had to buy a slab of ribs just to have something to eat meat ain't is like 4/10 open in the cashier was so slow counting change I had no choice but to let him keep it. Psa don't let the close-up of the picture misconstrued the size of the food very small portion but they give 2 pounds of rice thru that true don't go there if you hungry pet smart may be better
I recently visited and had a highly disappointing experience with their gyro. The gyro meat was shockingly flavorless, leaving me utterly unimpressed. It was clear to me that the meat didn't come from a spit as expected but rather seemed like pre-packaged meat, lacking the authentic taste and texture that a good gyro should have. The service was far from satisfactory. The server (Bob Ross lookalike) appeared impatient and seemed uninterested in providing a pleasant experience for a first time customer. It's disheartening when the service doesn't match the restaurant's reputation or the price you pay for the meal. Honestly, I've had a better gyro at Arby's. At least there, the meat is consistently flavorful and juicy. Mandaloun needs to seriously reconsider their gyro recipe and improve their quality control. My visit left a lot to be desired. I won't be returning. I would recommend looking elsewhere if you're craving a delicious, authentic gyro experience.
Wow! They offer a lot of food on each selection. Everything was delicious. We all got a different plate and did some taste testing. It was my first time and not sure what the name of everything was...but it tasted amazing.
I would have given 5 stars for atmosphere, except the facilities bathroom needs some help.
I would have given 5 stars for atmosphere, except the facilities bathroom needs some help.
Lovely experience all the way around.
Its been quite some time since I've received such personalized service like that of distinguished brands such as the Ritz Carlton, Hyatt, and the Four Seasons.
From the moment we walked in the door we were treated as if we were the only party in the restaurant.
The food exceeded our expectations, and it was simply fantastic!
Its been quite some time since I've received such personalized service like that of distinguished brands such as the Ritz Carlton, Hyatt, and the Four Seasons.
From the moment we walked in the door we were treated as if we were the only party in the restaurant.
The food exceeded our expectations, and it was simply fantastic!
As soon as we walked in we were greeted and sat down. We went during lunch hour so we were asked if we wanted the buffet or menus. We opted for menus and I got the lunch special with kafta, baba gannouj, tabbouleh. My husband ordered kafta with the veggies and rice. The flavors were out of this wolrd. The kaftas were so juicy and tender. The baba gannouj had a sweet, savory smokey flavor and the pomegranate seeds added a burst of fresh fruity flavor. We also got Kebbe and it came with fresh taziki sauce. They gave us a basket of soft fresh pita bread with a side of seasoned sesame oil to dip it in (I really don't know the name of it but it was so good). I was really full and couldn't finish all my food but I made sure my husband didn't finish my plate because I wanted it for later. All around great service. Delicious food. Staff was super friendly and attentive and we will definitely be coming back.
I tried Yafa grill for the first time today. I had their Chicken Shawarma platter. It was delicious. The chicken and rice were flavorful. The potatoes were perfectly cooked. The salad was fresh and the dressing delicious. And the pita was warm and soft. I ordered through drive thru. Service was very friendly and fast. The food was very fresh and hot. I will definitely be back to try some more of their food. I recommend this place if you’re craving some good Mediterranean food.
My daughter and I actually went to the Tai spot next door, but they were closing in 30 minutes. My daughter saw Haretna Mediterranean and we gave it a shot! The scenery was nice and we were greeted with a warm and welcoming greeting. Not to mention the attentive staff and the food was delicious!! We will definitely visit again!!!
Food was great, service was even better. Very friendly and welcoming people running the store. Went during lunch hours and opted for the buffett, not regretted one bit. Will definitely visit again.
Pretty good and authentic Lebanese restaurant. Food was all around tasty. They have an outdoor seating area that allows for smoking hookah and eating. Interior designs are clean and attractive. Service was attentive and friendly. Our party ordered the Moujadara, Sijouk, Kefte Mishwe platter, Moussaka and Chicken Mishwe platter. The Moussaka could've been better enjoyed with rice or some sort of starch, as the dish was minimal. The lamb kebabs were very tender and flavorful. Veggies also were perfectly cooked. The tiramisu was delicious, but was not made in house. Originally wanted the Jebnah dessert but it took too long to make. Prices are a little higher than I'd like. Glad the menu wasn’t the bare boned Mediterranean spread, it was closer to what you'd eat at a Lebanese household. We left just in time as a belly dancer presentation came up, wife was happy to get me outta there😂.
There is only one pro which is the taste of the food. Overall Quality and Quantity for the Price is terrible.
99¢ for half a thing of garlic sauce (which sadly wasn't good)
99¢ for tzatziki which was actually good besides the half filled little container
99¢ for half a thing of garlic sauce (which sadly wasn't good)
99¢ for tzatziki which was actually good besides the half filled little container
Great food! better service!
Our waiter was George, the owner's Dad. He is a great painter, you will see his paintings all over the restaurant. He was so nice with my 5 year old son, he gave him candy and a balloon. His wife was the chef and the food was amazing, we felt like we were having dinner in their home. If you like international food like us, this is the perfect place for you.
Our waiter was George, the owner's Dad. He is a great painter, you will see his paintings all over the restaurant. He was so nice with my 5 year old son, he gave him candy and a balloon. His wife was the chef and the food was amazing, we felt like we were having dinner in their home. If you like international food like us, this is the perfect place for you.
My girlfriend and I LOVE Harenta. We come here as often as we can. The food is fantastic every time even when we DoorDash it’s still so good. We forgot to take a picture of the entree because it looked so yummy!! My girlfriend is Persian and she loves this place.
My first time here and it was AMAZING! A hidden gem tucked away in a plaza off of Baymeadows. Every bite was so so good. Service was good. The owner Pierre came over to make sure we enjoyed our meal which was a nice touch. Highly recommend.
Such an amazing Middle Eastern restaurant! I can't say enough great things about this place! My mom and I eat here all the time and the food is never boring or unexciting, as well as the friendliness of the staff! Food is made fresh to order, the way it should be. You can taste the freshness as well as the many amazing flavors. I have lived in Israel and this place rivals the food (especially the hummus!)
I am such a fan of this place and it is truly a hidden gem in Jacksonville. It is worth the drive and the wait for the delicious food experience 🤤
I am such a fan of this place and it is truly a hidden gem in Jacksonville. It is worth the drive and the wait for the delicious food experience 🤤
My favorite is the Haretna Pizza, it’s a must have. Next fav is the Gyro both wrap or platter can’t go wrong. My last fav is the Baba Ghanouj so Yummy. But if you’re looking for a little bit of everything definitely go for the mixed grill. A combination of Beef Tenderloin Kabab, Kofta Kabab, Shish Taouk & Gyro Served with rice and grilled vegetables. Get the mixed grill for 2 it’s a good shareable plate.
I wanted to give 5 stars and if I wrote this in Jan’22 it would have been 5. I had to take a star off for not having pizza dough the last 3 times I tried to order.
This is a family owned restaurant and all the art was done by the grandad, he’s super sweet and friendly. I suggest this place often, it’s the first stop for 2 of my my family members when they fly in to visit.
I wanted to give 5 stars and if I wrote this in Jan’22 it would have been 5. I had to take a star off for not having pizza dough the last 3 times I tried to order.
This is a family owned restaurant and all the art was done by the grandad, he’s super sweet and friendly. I suggest this place often, it’s the first stop for 2 of my my family members when they fly in to visit.
This was our first time coming to this restaurant and everyone was so welcoming and so kind. Great spot to do hookah and drink black tea ☕️ Good music and is very relaxing. Overall, great customer service. Big shoutout to Esla, she is very kind, and very helpful with helping us decide what to choose from the menu. Hadeel is also very sweet & outgoing. If you have a sweet tooth, do try the Znoud el sit (picture down below).
Today was our first time there. Everything was so good, so fresh and the service was fantastic! We met the owner and she couldn't have been nicer!!! We've already told a friend about this place and plan to spread the word and we'll be back and bring friends whenever possible. 👍🏼👍🏼
I've been on the hunt for a Mediterranean place and this place is pretty close to where I live. Similar pricing to other Mediterranean places I've tried. The beef shawarma wrap was a great size and had a nice flavor. It came with a very small portion of fries, almost surprising. The chicken shawarma plate came with a lot of food. Tons of rice and tons of meat. Both were pretty good. I ordered delivery and it came in 30 minutes, super fast!
My wife and I are both Lebanese and we just moved into Jacksonville, FL. I initially wanted to rate this place badly mainly because of the service. The waitress is new and we felt she did not know the menu in addition to a language barrier, to the extent the manager had to come and speak with us to clarify our order. However, we decided to forget it all once we tried the food. It is authentic Lebanese/ Syrian food. The mezzeh plate was as good if not even better than my mom would make back home in Lebanon. I tried the kofta platter which I highly recommend. We even thanked the chef who is a kind hearted, polite, and courteous old man whose smile honestly made our day. We will definitely be back ! Hopefully the service will be better.
We tried several different things and found everything to be excellent! The rolled grape leaves were the best I have had in a number of years. The hummus was very smooth and creamy. Service was excellent. Will be returning there often!
The best falafel I've ever had. My husband and I enjoyed the food so much we're still talking about it. The service was amazing. The decor was pleasing. The lamb shank was fall off the bone tender. I was in heaven. Come with an empty stomach because the portions were abundant. I was so disappointed that my stomach couldn't expand more for this deliciousness. I took leftovers home and am so eager to eat the rest for dinner tonight and breakfast tomorrow. I added this place to my favorites on my Google maps because I'm definitely bringing all my friends and family to come experience this with me again.
LOVE this place! The food is fabulous, fresh and they use quality ingredients. The authenticity is without a doubt. Lots of options, even if you are a vegetarian. And the baklava is to die for! We have been several times! Don't pass it up!
Awesome halal middle eastern restaurant in Jacksonville, FL! The food here is absolutely amazing and the service is excellent. The owner who was taking our order was super helpful and friendly. She really cared that we have a good experience and try the best food that the restaurant had to offer. The wings are so so tasty!! They were done In minutes.
The kabobs were perfectly cooked and so tasty. The Meat Quzi (lamb shank) was the star dish. Everything we ordered was bursting with flavors. The portions are huge and the food arrived quickly. Do check out this place for authentic middle eastern food.
The kabobs were perfectly cooked and so tasty. The Meat Quzi (lamb shank) was the star dish. Everything we ordered was bursting with flavors. The portions are huge and the food arrived quickly. Do check out this place for authentic middle eastern food.
very good place to dine-in for families, couples, alone, and have your party over there.
friendly environment. can set inside or outside.
delicious Falafel, unique French fries, and delicious hummus. yummy bread.
some suggestions to make the place better than what is now: providing guests with plates, utensils, bread and napkins before bringing food or before they ask for it. and it is nice to provide guests with some complimentary salad or tea :-)
shawarma was a little bit dry.
and everything was good . thank you .
friendly environment. can set inside or outside.
delicious Falafel, unique French fries, and delicious hummus. yummy bread.
some suggestions to make the place better than what is now: providing guests with plates, utensils, bread and napkins before bringing food or before they ask for it. and it is nice to provide guests with some complimentary salad or tea :-)
shawarma was a little bit dry.
and everything was good . thank you .
Great service and delicious food. My favorite is the Lamb Quzi by far. Try the house tea with cardamom in it. It is quite refreshing! Tried the Alladin fries; like next level cheese fries! The Baklava with pistachio is delicious! Compliments to the chef and the service was amazing too! Everyone was so kind and friendly. There is a live DJ and belly dancing on Saturdays. A must see during this boring time of the pandemic...
Very delicious food. Fresh and flavorful. The atmosphere was relaxed and the staff were friendly. I never personally do the hookah but it looks cool and they appear to have a variety. No full bar just beer and wine. Definitely worth stopping in for Shwarma. The hummus is the best I've had in Jacksonville.
Loved the Lamb here!!! Im usually picky about the way the lamb is made and last night we stopped by before closing and had a quick bite to eat here. I enjoyed the it very much! I was not a fan of the cheese and meat pies. Seemed like they need a little more seasoning. The vegetables were done right not overly cooked. Just perfect. Thank you for a good experience and service.
Food was excellent and there was enough that we had to take some home. The hummus was exceptional. My fries were golden and seasoned correctly.