Local Guides World
Top Mediterranean restaurants in Jacksonville, United States
Top Rated Mediterranean restaurants in Jacksonville
Hovan Gourmet Mediterranean
The Olive Tree Mediterranean Grille
Gyro 365
Marrakesh Mediterranean Cuisine
Tabouleh Cafe
Marrakesh Mediterranean Cuisine
Damaskino Mediterranean Food
Aladdin Grill
Yafa grill
Mandaloun Mediterranean Cuisine
Peno Mediterranean Grill Restaurant
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
Top Reviewed Mediterranean restaurants in Jacksonville
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
Marrakesh Mediterranean Cuisine
Marrakesh Mediterranean Cuisine
Yafa grill
Hovan Gourmet Mediterranean
Tabouleh Cafe
Mandaloun Mediterranean Cuisine
The Olive Tree Mediterranean Grille
Peno Mediterranean Grill Restaurant
Aladdin Grill
Haretna Mediterranean Cuisine
Damaskino Mediterranean Food
Marrakesh Mediterranean Cuisine
Peno Mediterranean Grill Restaurant
Aladdin Grill
Mandaloun Mediterranean Cuisine
Layalina Restaurant and Hookah Lounge
Yafa grill
The Olive Tree Mediterranean Grille
Marrakesh Mediterranean Cuisine
Damaskino Mediterranean Food
Haretna Mediterranean Cuisine
Tabouleh Cafe
Hovan Gourmet Mediterranean
Reviews
Food was ok, not my "cup of tea" I guess but ok. They definitely give you a lot of food so you don't leave hungry.
The service was the best part of the experience. The waitress was very happy, friendly and efficient. We tried numerous dishes falafel, hummus, spanakopita, moussaka, chicken kabob and even baklava for dessert. Honestly it was not the best Mediterranean food I have ever had but it was good none the less. Certainly worth a visit.
Amazing food! Have been looking for a great Mediterranean restaurant for a long while I the Jax area. So happy I found this place and will be going back for more. staff was very nice and helpful, i felt welcomed as soon as we walked in the door. Thank you for a great experience.
I especially enjoy their gyros platter. Sometime in the past, I had a Philadelphia cheesesteak here and I was very pleasantly surprised at how tasty it was. I ordered a Philadelphia cheesesteak today and was very disappointed to find it inedible. The meat was overcooked, the taste was wrong, the cheese was a blob on 1/3 of the sandwich, leaving the other two-thirds completely free of cheese. On the positive side, the fries were delicious: crispy on the outside and tender on the inside and perfectly salted. This restaurant would normally rate five stars for its great service and generally excellent food quality, but I had to deduct a star for inconsistency.
This place could use an upgrade in terms of looks but don't eat that syonyou from having some delicious shawarma and some platter.
The seasoning of the food was on spot and you can ask for additional sauce that would make it a lot better.
I would suggest use of a different bread thats closer to shawarma bread which would infinitely improve the taste of food.
Apart from that. Highly recommended place for shawarma
The seasoning of the food was on spot and you can ask for additional sauce that would make it a lot better.
I would suggest use of a different bread thats closer to shawarma bread which would infinitely improve the taste of food.
Apart from that. Highly recommended place for shawarma
Beautiful atmosphere, great service, and delicious food at a reasonable price. I am happy to visit more frequently and to recommend to others!
delicious! food was super hot and fresh and the best baklava i’ve had. the owner said he makes it fresh every day. i wish i lived closer so i could get more!
These beautiful platters will run you $15, but they’ll be worth every penny. The flavorful symphony of lamb and perfectly seasoned basmati rice and homemade sauce will coat your mouth in all the right flavors, and the salad will balance it all out for a perfect meal that you’ll be sure to love.
The food was fresh. The service was friendly and quick.
I order from this place an obscene number of times a month. My usual is the original Greek gyro, Mediterranean rice, Mediterranean salad with gyro meat, and a big tzatziki dip. Latta for a few meals, but it really says something about how good it is. Trust me on the tzatziki sauce, it's amazing. Not the mayo based kind, but it is crisp, clean tasting with fresh cucumber and herbs and garlic. Gonna miss this place when I move!
Always happy and full when I eat here! Mediterranean is the tastiest cuisine and this is the best! I have food allergies and sensitivities, so I appreciate the authentic food! The variety and freshness of the menu items keep me coming back! And the value for what you receive is unmatched - I always have leftovers for the next day! Check them out for yourself!
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.
Honest review: my wife rated it as a 5 and I a 4, so it’s basically a 4.5 then.
Food was great, we got a little bit of everything and it was amazing. Price was correct so you won’t feel ripped off.
Service was good but she was on a personal call majority of the time.
All in all it’s a good experience.
So would I come back…. Yes, I’m saving this place.
If you like honest reviews hit the like and or follow button.
Have a great day!!!
Food was great, we got a little bit of everything and it was amazing. Price was correct so you won’t feel ripped off.
Service was good but she was on a personal call majority of the time.
All in all it’s a good experience.
So would I come back…. Yes, I’m saving this place.
If you like honest reviews hit the like and or follow button.
Have a great day!!!
We saw the rating for this restaurant and decided to give it a try. It was after lunch, so it was empty, but the take out was busy. I had lamb and my wife had chicken. Both were very good, and the sides were great. The service was relaxed, so this isn't fast food, but more a place to sit and enjoy an unhurried meal. The chef brought us lentil soup as we waited on our main meal. It was very good. It's not a fancy place, and the air conditioning isn't great, but the food was worth the wait. I would definitely go back, but on a cooler day.
Today, I had my worst Marrakesh experience, and I love this place. The quality in their take-out food is trash.
Portions were unbelievably small compared to dining in; of course for the same price, plus extra charges for petty things such as 1/4 to 1/2 filled tzatziki sauce cups (I did get them for free out of pity, I assume.)
The humus did not come with anything to eat it with, like bread. I assume it's a thing to just eat humus by itself, although, I do not.
The take-out counter person was not very friendly and seemed throughly annoyed to have a customer.
I do not plan to continue dining at this establishment.
Portions were unbelievably small compared to dining in; of course for the same price, plus extra charges for petty things such as 1/4 to 1/2 filled tzatziki sauce cups (I did get them for free out of pity, I assume.)
The humus did not come with anything to eat it with, like bread. I assume it's a thing to just eat humus by itself, although, I do not.
The take-out counter person was not very friendly and seemed throughly annoyed to have a customer.
I do not plan to continue dining at this establishment.
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.
I love this place
Gotta try the babba ganush
Beef shawarma is delicious
Gotta try the babba ganush
Beef shawarma is delicious
Service was great but I don’t know the meat was very chewy and over cooked, the rice was old and cold, and the “bowl” was half filled left me still hungry. The food was overpriced as it is and I was expecting a good amount but I was disappointed 🤦🏻♂️
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 💕
This place is amazing! as soon as I got in the restaurant I felt good energy right away.
I talk to the owner , he was a cool person and as I was waiting for my food he went to check up on the customer. he also clean some tables. he looks humble and the right person to have a business.
Food was amazing obviously. I can see why this place still has a good rating I'm coming back here for sure.
I talk to the owner , he was a cool person and as I was waiting for my food he went to check up on the customer. he also clean some tables. he looks humble and the right person to have a business.
Food was amazing obviously. I can see why this place still has a good rating I'm coming back here for sure.
Now, this is the Best Mediterranean food I have had in a long time. Everything we had on our table was Delicious. My grandson tried hummus for the 1st time, and he enjoyed it. He wants to go there for his 16th birthday, as we were there celebrating my son's birthday.
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.
Delicious flavors and the baba ghanouj is delish! The place could use more care and cleaning as well.
I can not get over how ALIVE the flavors are. This is everything you want out of a Greek restaurant. Large portions, the gyros are stuffed full and have so much flavor. This place is doing it right.
Gyro combination platter was very good. Sides dish: Cabbage salad in a dill/sour dressing was also very good. Nice to have an Authentic Mediterranean Restaurant that serves freshly prepared, healthy dishes. Healthy can actually taste great, as it did today. Highly recommend!
Our table ordered the $50 meat dish to try a bunch of different ones and each of them were delicious! We also ordered the grape leaves appetizer and the dip with bread and we used that to dip into everything on the table. It was all absolutely delightful, to include their two delicious fruity drinks. Our waitress was very kind and helpful and suggested a lot from the menu. They also have a lot of unique beers in the fridge for you to choose from! This is a great cultural restaurant to try and it's worth the price for something other than typical Jacksonville food. Their cucumber salad was soooo refreshing, too!
07/10/23
Ordered from this place again, and wasn’t disappointed. The food here is delicious. We ordered a bunch of appetizers again, and spanakopita, and especially fouel are to die for.
07/05/23
We just moved to the area, and will for sure order from/visit this place again. The food was so good. We ordered four appetizers and split it between two people, and it was a perfect amount of food for us. So on the photo, on the plate is just one half of four appetizers. We also each had a baklava for dessert, and it was so tasty. Definitely recommend this place to anyone. Vegetarians as well!
Ordered from this place again, and wasn’t disappointed. The food here is delicious. We ordered a bunch of appetizers again, and spanakopita, and especially fouel are to die for.
07/05/23
We just moved to the area, and will for sure order from/visit this place again. The food was so good. We ordered four appetizers and split it between two people, and it was a perfect amount of food for us. So on the photo, on the plate is just one half of four appetizers. We also each had a baklava for dessert, and it was so tasty. Definitely recommend this place to anyone. Vegetarians as well!
Let me just go ahead and tell you about this DELICIOUS, beautifully decorated and friendly restaurant. We are in Jacksonville for a family emergency and were looking for a place that offered vegan options. We found this place on Happy Cow, which is an app that shows restaurants around your location that offer vegan options. The wife and I love Mediterranean food, so we decided to give this place a try. I'll just start by saying we ate here two days in a row and that I've been day dreaming about the food ever since 😋. You know the memes where it shows a couple lying in bed and the wife is like I bet he/she is thinking about someone else and it ends up being something like food/cars/random dumb things? Well, that's me lying in bed thinking about this restaurant. It is that good! Luckily, my wife knows food is mostly what I think about besides her, lol. Let me get back on subject here. This is probably one of the best Mediterranean restaurants I have been to hands down. If you are in the area, you should give this place a try. It has a lot of amazing vegan options to choose from, and the staff seems to be well educated on the vegan and vegetarian dishes they offer. The staff is also very friendly and attentive to their customers. We will definitely be visiting this place a few more times before we leave.
I'm not all that impressed. My husband ordered a pita and there appeared to be sliced cheese that wasn't melted. He complained the meat tasted weird. He had to rip away 1/3 of the pita to get to the meat. My salad was good with fresh ingredients. I also ordered falafel. They were overcooked and rather tasteless. Food was overrated if you've had an authentic experience.
The employees couldn't crack a smile despite my smiling face. Biggest disappointment was the kibbeh! No pine nuts and they were really sweet.
The employees couldn't crack a smile despite my smiling face. Biggest disappointment was the kibbeh! No pine nuts and they were really sweet.
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 food was not too bad, the lamb and beef platter was a bit overcooked. The grape leaves were delicious (but you can never mess them up). Not the best Mediterranean food I've had, but it's descent. I think they just needed more employees.
Really delicious! Food came out quickly and service was very attentive. Definitely a must eat for Jacksonville NC
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.
THE PHOTOS I TOOK ARE IN DARK LIGHTING - LOOKS 172792927 TIMES BETTER IN PERSON!
This Place is hands down the most consistently delicious place to eat and enjoy a good refreshing meal here in Jacksonville, NC. The variety of the menu items always makes this place exciting to return to. I look forward to stopping by again!
This Place is hands down the most consistently delicious place to eat and enjoy a good refreshing meal here in Jacksonville, NC. The variety of the menu items always makes this place exciting to return to. I look forward to stopping by again!
Hand down the best lamb chops I’ve had in Jacksonville! If I really want more of a high quality meat based meal with that “home” feel then this is my go to place. Everything is always served fresh/off the grill and the service there is extremely friendly.
It was my first time coming here about three weeks ago and ever since then I’ve been getting take out. This place was delicious, will definitely come again for dine in and take out. My favorite drink is the juicy julep.
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
Gross, the rice was cold. The meat was dry in the platter, and the fries were stale. Missing items. The bag was tied up, so we didn't notice how sh*t everything was.
The gyros were super delicious. Which was shocking bc everything else was trash.
I hate that I would recommend this place, but I do. But only get the Gyros. I was told this and didn't listen.
Everyone was cool and working hard. I felt welcomed.....
Side note get all the sauces....and even more tzatziki sauce.
The gyros were super delicious. Which was shocking bc everything else was trash.
I hate that I would recommend this place, but I do. But only get the Gyros. I was told this and didn't listen.
Everyone was cool and working hard. I felt welcomed.....
Side note get all the sauces....and even more tzatziki sauce.
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.
The food was great, the menu comprehensive, the service welcoming. The best Mediterranean food I have try in the south. The price was really affordable, and the taste pretty authentic. Highly recommended.
Great place for quick Mediterranean food, everything was freshly made. I have been there a couple of times so far and everything I tried was pretty good, from the hummus and tabouli to the chicken salad and gyro. The staff were very nice and friendly and the food prices were great for the area. If you are in the San Marco 5 points area this is the place to stop by for a quick healthy snack.
Went here two times back to back. The food was sooooo flavorful and delicious. I said I was going to try something different but that gyro was PHENOMENAL. I'm posting pics from two separate trips. The Gyro hands down the best I've had in the city. The Mediterranean salad is fresh and tasty.... that pasta salad.... I could eat it every day. Workers are kind and the restaurant is very clean.
My only problem is when ordering online they will prepare your food long before your requested pick up time. Both times i ordered, i received notification my order was ready 20 mins ahead of my pickup time. So consider ordering when you're close otherwise your order will be sitting.
All in all great experience and I look forward to trying other items
My only problem is when ordering online they will prepare your food long before your requested pick up time. Both times i ordered, i received notification my order was ready 20 mins ahead of my pickup time. So consider ordering when you're close otherwise your order will be sitting.
All in all great experience and I look forward to trying other items
Had the surf and turf platter. Best I've ever had. Very friendly and helpful staff. Oh yeah, all this with drinks for 50 bucks!!! Can't beat this amazing spot!!!! Nuff said!!!!
Absolutely delicious ! Their lamb shawarma plate is to die for and I’ve ordered it 6 times since discovering this place a few months back. So flavorful, filling, and balanced. The salad dressing can be a bit acidic, but it balances well with the whole plate. 15/10 would recommend.
I recommend you order ahead as some times the walk-ins are a lot. On some occasions when I’ve called, the earliest pick up time is about an hour when normally it’s 15, so plan accordingly.
I recommend you order ahead as some times the walk-ins are a lot. On some occasions when I’ve called, the earliest pick up time is about an hour when normally it’s 15, so plan accordingly.
Hovan is a Jacksonville standard of excellence in high quality delicious and fresh Mediterranean food. I recently enjoyed a Lamb Gyro with Baba Ghanoush on the side. Simply outstanding! The restaurant and bathrooms are always impeccably clean and the owners and staff are always friendly and gracious. I also love the pastrami Hovan Roll. I’ll keep coming back!
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.
A hole in the wall, worth finding!!! The food was great and so flavorful. It's a very chill, mom and pop spot. I will definitely go back and recommend the chicken shawarma.
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.
Love love love love the food, the staff, the dining experience! I wish I could remember my waitresses name, she was so pleasant and helpful, I went in alone and asked for a table for 1, at first I thought she was going to sit me in the center of the dining area but she actually gave me a choice of 2 corner tables which is exactly what I wanted. I ordered a little bit of everything off the menu and enjoyed every bit of it! If you're looking for authentic Mediterranean food this is the place!
Tried this place on whim, DID NOT DISAPPOINT. The owner Mona is delightful, she took her time and explained some of the dishes, since this was our first time trying Mediterranean food. She was patient, and informative. The whole staff was genuinely friendly and just a breath of fresh air. Food was delicious, I’m now a fan of humus. Looking forward to Dr appointments across he the River now. Looking forward to our next trip to try some new things.
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😂.
For a fast food Mediterranean here in Jacksonville, it’s not that bad. During our first visit, we were greeted by the friendly employees and the place was very clean. The service was very quick despite being busy since it’s dinner time. I am giving 4 stars because of the food, since it could use some little improvement. I ordered the Chicken Kabob Platter and my husband ordered gyro. The platter looks small in the picture, but it was enough to fill me up for dinner. The rice could use some more water since it was a little dry and the chicken was a little dry as well, but it was still tasty though. My husband enjoyed his gyro and the meat was very tender. I personally think the price is reasonable. We’ll most likely be back to try the other items in the menu.
To tell you the truth I was expecting something different from the place itself. However, we loved it. The food is great, the gyro OMG! delicious. Great vegan options as well. We will definitely be back for more.
I loved Hovans. My party consisted of five. Three of which are sort of picky eaters with one being a vegan. Everyone loved it. We had three chicken shawarmas, one chicken kabob, and one vegan gyro. We also had multiple baklava. We loved everything. The service was great and friendly staff. My husband and I will be back again.
I visited this place when it first opened years ago. I felt it was a bit expensive for what it was. However after my recent visits to some Middle East countries I developed a new love for Shawarmas. We went yesterday and it was totally worth it. I no longer feel it’s too expensive. It’s actually very on par with the flavor and quality. I will definitely go back to this place more frequently.
Just finished lunch with my wife and kids. The service was outstanding from beginning to end. The guy at the counter was helpful with ordering. Food came out INSANELY fast. Order was perfect. Table service was better than at many fine dining restaurants. And the food was fabulous. I lived in the Middle East for 4 years. This place is simple authentic. Very homey feel. One of the best dining experiences I have had in years. Thank you!
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. 👍🏼👍🏼
Greeted quickly by friendly military looking dude, ordered and got drinks. Food came out about 7-10 minutes after we sat down. Not to bad considering it was sort of busy.
We had the gyro platter, which was fresh and hot with good amounts of Taziki sauce and hummus, salad was fresh with big chunks of feta, and the cilantro sauce from the sauce bar was good enough to drink.
The chicken pita was also flavorful with fresh onions and olives. The regular pita was also good. The dude came around several times to see how everything was, and we told him it was great. We will be back!
We had the gyro platter, which was fresh and hot with good amounts of Taziki sauce and hummus, salad was fresh with big chunks of feta, and the cilantro sauce from the sauce bar was good enough to drink.
The chicken pita was also flavorful with fresh onions and olives. The regular pita was also good. The dude came around several times to see how everything was, and we told him it was great. We will be back!
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.
The shawarma wrap was very good. We got the shawarma platter and the lamp chops platter. Both were good, though the beef was a bit dry. It said the platters came with pita but we didn't get any. A bit overpriced in my opinion.
The other day we went to Damaskino on Atlantic Blvd JAX for middle eastern food. It is a small, very plain, ordinary place. There is a small dining room that is anything but fancy. You go for the food not the atmosphere.
The food is really delicious authentic middle eastern. My wife had the Lamb Kabob platter with an additional skewer of lamb. The lamb was tender and grilled perfectly. The rice was perfectly seasoned and her two sides were Fattoosh and Baba Ghanouj. Both were great. I had the Falafel platter with a tasty pita, and tahini sauce. My two sides were Hummus and Tabouleh. Very tasty. I would of like more bulgur wheat in my Tabouleh.
We will definitely return. I am looking forward to sample the Shawarma. It is a limited menu but they get it right.
The food is really delicious authentic middle eastern. My wife had the Lamb Kabob platter with an additional skewer of lamb. The lamb was tender and grilled perfectly. The rice was perfectly seasoned and her two sides were Fattoosh and Baba Ghanouj. Both were great. I had the Falafel platter with a tasty pita, and tahini sauce. My two sides were Hummus and Tabouleh. Very tasty. I would of like more bulgur wheat in my Tabouleh.
We will definitely return. I am looking forward to sample the Shawarma. It is a limited menu but they get it right.
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.
Food is good. Mix kabab platter is really delicious. Although I think shawarma was little bit dry.
Ok, here is the thing if you planing to dine in - don’t.
Even though, lady who served us and a cook men was so welcoming and friendly the place itself needs cleaning improvement.
But it’s good place to take out.
Ok, here is the thing if you planing to dine in - don’t.
Even though, lady who served us and a cook men was so welcoming and friendly the place itself needs cleaning improvement.
But it’s good place to take out.
One of my favorite Arabic food joints in Jacksonville. It is located close to the intersection of Southside blvd and Atlantic Blvd. the place has been there for years and the food is always fresh. If you are in the lookout for authentic Arabic food this one of the few places to try. The shawarmas are made the original way and it’s amazing. Everything in this place is great. The owners are very nice, friendly and helpful.
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.