Ghassan's Fresh Mediterranean Eats

Located at 6027 West Gate City Boulevard in Greensboro, Ghassan’s offers Mediterranean cuisine from 11-9 Monday-Saturday (closed Sundays). Online ordering and catering are available.

 

The newest location of this Greensboro institution opened recently in the Grandover Village shopping center near Publix. Those who have been to the Battleground or Cornwallis locations (or the old Coliseum-area spot) will find few surprises here. For the uninitiated, Ghassan’s serves up thoroughly average food quickly and affordably.

 

Though it doesn’t boast a huge menu, Ghassan’s offers a fair amount of flexibility. You can go light with a salad, hummus, or falafel bites, dig into a sandwich or pita, or load up on a bowl or platter. Meats include spiced chicken, kofte, and gyro (as well as a steak sub), but there are plenty of vegetarian options as well.

 

Seeking a lighter meal that would still leave me a little left over, I opted for a gyro pita with zaatar fries and added a side of tabouleh. Online ordering was easy, and Ghassan’s prices are wallet friendly ($9 for the gyro and a side, $1 more for the tabouleh). Everything was ready and waiting on a pick-up shelf when I got there.

 

For as efficient and convenient as Ghassan’s is, the food is, on average, merely OK. The zaatar fries (crispy and nicely seasoned) are quite good, but the tabouleh didn’t distinguish itself, and the gyro was bland. Unless you are brand-new to the Greensboro/Jamestown/High Point area and made Ghassan’s your first stop, you’ve likely had better Mediterranean food elsewhere.

 

All told, Ghassan’s is a great place to grab a quick and healthy lunch, but if you have the time to sit down and enjoy your meal, there are stronger contenders.

 

Kapadokia Grill

 

Located at 5814 West Gate City Boulevard in Greensboro, Kapadokia Grill offers Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine for lunch and dinner every day except Tuesday. Online ordering is available.

 

This building beside the ABC Store in the Sedgefield area has been home to several eateries over the years, and given the prior tenants, a Turkish restaurant is definitely something different. Staying power and consistency are long-term question marks, but Kapadokia Grill has made a very favorable first impression.

 

For those well-versed in Mediterranean fare, you’ll find familiar favorites such as kebabs, falafel, and hummus. However, Kapadokia Grill also offers a few dishes not as readily available elsewhere. These include gozleme (cheesy flatbread) and tarator (a beet/yogurt/herb dip). There are plenty of vegetarian options, and for those with a sweet tooth, baklava and Hershey’s ice cream (a holdover from the previous tenant).

 

Hoping to try a little bit of everything and make our order last for a few meals, we went with a Kapadokia Sampler (kibbeh, cheese rolls, falafel, tahini), a Mezze Sampler (any four mezze selections – ours were baba ganoush, spicy red feta, tabuleh, and dolmas), and a small Doner Kebab (with rice, a tomato/onion/cabbage salad, pita, and Turkish salsa). I ordered online and everything was ready by the estimated pickup time. The owners seemed friendly, and a display case of sides near the register was a reassuring sight.

 

The food, overall, was good with the potential to become great. All of the apps in the sampler were tasty and offered a welcome crunch. While the baba ganoush may not top Odeh’s, it was quite good in its own right: creamy with a hint of smokiness. The tabuleh had an herb/vegetable-to-wheat ratio that heavily favored the former, which made for a light yet savory bite. Speaking of savory, the thin slices of kebab meat were very nicely seasoned. On the other hand, while the “spicy” red feta did have a slightly sweet red pepper flavor, it wasn’t the least bit spicy. The pita here is much thicker than what you’ll find elsewhere, closer to a pide bread. One of our rounds was a bit overdone, but it was still well-suited for dipping.

 

Kapadokia Grill is a welcome addition to the Adams Farm/Sedgefield area and well worth a visit for anyone who enjoys Mediterranean cuisine or simply wants to try something new.

Rockin' Moroccan

The Triad's first Moroccan food truck is a marvel to behold for reasons that go well beyond the novelty of the cuisine. Food trucks typically run with a limited menu offering a few easy-to-prep items. Not this one. Rockin' Moroccan rolls with a full menu that would put some restaurants to shame. Salads, sandwiches (including a decked-out burger), platters, sides, and desserts are for the taking, and there are options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Ordering is a breeze thanks to friendly owners and an efficient system. Mike is usually set up outside the truck with menus, buzzers (for when your order is up), and sauces at the ready. He seems genuinely glad to see all of his customers. Amina, his wife, turns around tickets with speed verging on culinary wizardry.

Of course, this would be for naught if the food wasn't up to par, but it is. We've tried the truck twice, and, unable to decide from among the assorted offerings, opted for combo platters both times. The Everything Platter (Saffron Chicken, Gyro, Kefta, Falafel, Rice, Pita Bread, Pico, and Slaw) is a generous amount of food, and while you can get better gyro meat elsewhere, everything here is fairly flavorful. The Saffron Chicken especially is a standout. The Veggie Platter swaps the meats for Moroccan spring rolls and grape leaves for a fresher, but no less filling take. At $13 and $11 respectively, both platters are good values for the portions.

With so many good Mediterranean and food truck options in the area, it would be easy for Rockin' Morrocan to be swallowed up by the competition. However, the combination of customer service, variety, value, and taste make Rockin' Morrocan a must. Consider this truck a must-try if you catch it out and about.

Sumela Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant

Located at 805 North Main Street in High Point, Sumela offers Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine for lunch and dinner. The establishment is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Catering is available.

There’s more than meets the eye at this long-running Mediterranean restaurant. Housed in a nondescript strip mall across from the library, it is easy to overlook and not particularly inviting from the outside. The inside, on the other hand, is clean and cozy if a bit small.

So too goes the menu. At first glance, there appears to be little that separates Sumela from a half dozen other Mediterranean eateries. You can find the expected kebabs, gyros, salads, and apps (hummus, falafel, etc.), but you won’t find manti (mini-dumplings) or mucver (zucchini fritters). Look past that disappointment, however, and there is a fair bit of flex. You can go heavy or light, meat or vegetarian, and several sampler options exist for those who want a little bit of everything.

My wife and I fall into that last category, so we opted to split a mixed appetizer (hummus, baba ghanoush, piyaz, and stuffed grape leaves), an order of spanakopita, and a sultan platter (lamb kebab, Adana kebab, gyro meat, piyaz, rice, vegetables, and pita). The food arrived quickly, and though the dishes were familiar, the preparations were unique. The spanakopita came in one large square covered with sesame (?) seeds and served with a yogurt sauce. It wasn’t Greek, but it was great. Kudos also go to the kebabs and especially the gyro meat, which was among the more flavorful and tender that I’ve ever had. The baba ghanoush had a welcome smokiness to it and was the highlight of the app sampler though there were no weak links in the bunch.

Service proved attentive, and pricing was moderate (kebab samplers in the mid-teens). Living right near Nazareth Bread for several years threw our perceptions of value (very affordable) and portion sizing (plentiful) out of whack, and Sumela represents a return to earth in comparison. Nothing here is unreasonably expensive though.

All told, Sumela may lack the menu appeal of an Odeh’s or the refinement of a Chef Samir, but it offers a very solid representation of Mediterranean food, and it should not be overlooked.

Odeh's Mediterranean Kitchen

Located at 3805 Tinsley Drive in High Point, Odeh’s Mediterranean Kitchen serves Mediterranean/Middle Eastern fare for lunch and dinner every day except Sunday. Food specials change regularly, and vegan, gluten-free, and halal options are available.

Moving from Greensboro to High Point in May put several Mediterranean favorites out of easy reach. Nazareth and Sarah’s Kabob Shop went from being a short hop down West Market to good twenty-plus minutes away. Fortunately, Odeh’s (a mere nine minutes) opened over the summer to fill the void. But there is far more to this place than mere convenience. Odeh’s food is some of the best Mediterranean in the Triad.

Tucked into the tangle of shops between Tinsley and Eastchester, Odeh’s is easy to overlook despite clear signage. About the worst that can be said for it, aside from its nondescript location, is that it is small and sparsely adorned. However, this is a nonfactor for takeout orders, and everything else about the place merits praise.

The menu here has everything you would expect and a few things that you would not. Tabouleh, hummus, stuffed grape leaves (homemade), shwarma, kababs, and gyros are all accounted for as are plenty of options (mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, a fish platter) for when a fried craving hits. Specials have included everything from baked chicken to spanakopita to a prime rib sandwich. No matter what you opt for, be sure to save room for dessert: knafeh and baklava cheesecake are among the offerings.

With this many options, decisions can be difficult. Thankfully, counter staff are patient and kind, even as you gawk at the menu indecisively. Odeh’s kitchen is speedy and efficient, too: from placing a takeout order to out the door didn’t take nearly as long as I thought it might.

I opted for a mixed shwarma platter, a fried fish platter, and an order of stuffed grape leaves, and there wasn’t a dud among them. The shwarma portion wasn’t as plentiful as I’ve seen elsewhere, but the tender, tasty meats more than made up for it. The fish was flaky and well-seasoned, and the grape leaves are among the best I’ve had outside of Chapel Hill. While there is plenty of the menu left to explore, it is also comforting to know that I could repeat this order with zero regrets.

Though hardly the only eatery of its type in the area, Odeh’s ability to put out delicious food quickly at reasonable prices makes it a must-try.

Yamas Mediterranean Street Food

Located at 624 West 4^th Street in downtown Winston-Salem, Yamas offers Mediterranean fare for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Outdoor seating, catering, and online ordering are available.

Courtesy of the Michael family (Mama Zoe Michael’s, Waldo’s Wings, CinCin Buger Bar), the Chipotlefication of Mediterranean has arrived in Winston-Salem. It is, thankfully, far more than just a gimmick, offering quality ingredients and bold flavors to complement the expected versatility.

Yamas’ approach is simple: start with a prefab favorite (such as a gyro or a falafel salad) or build a pita wrap, salad, grain bowl, or half salad/half grain bowl to your liking. Should you go the latter route, plenty of possibilities await. You can add up to three spreads (including a white chocolate babaganoush), a protein (there are both meat and vegetarian options), toppings (everything from feta to fries to marinated vegetables), and a sauce. Mild or spicy, vegan or meaty, it’s all fair game, and it’s all (unless you upgrade your protein to lamb for $3 more) only $8.99.

For my first time out, I went the half salad/half grain bowl route, starting with arugula and freekeh wheat and topped with hummus, babaganoush, tzaiki, gyro meat, tomato cucumber salad, feta, and toum garlic cream (!). The garlic cream was rather strong and something I might think twice about repeating, but everything else was delicious. The white chocolate babaganoush added a touch of sweetness while the fresh vegetables balanced the saltier spreads and protein. The portion was plentiful as well, and it was prepared promptly by patient counter staff who made ordering easy.

Though Yamas can get a bit loud when busy, it is absolutely worth braving a line (it will move quickly) and hunting for a table (or a spot at a long communal table). Tasty and flexible, the restaurant presents a winning concept that will hopefully endure

Mediterranean Deli

Located at 410 West Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, Mediterranean Deli serves Mediterranean/Middle Eastern cuisine and baked goods from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. There is a market on-site as well as limited outdoor seating. Catering and delivery are available.

Mediterranean Deli is exactly what it says it is, but it is so much more than that. Glass cases house an impressive selection of salads, sides, and apps (including five different kinds of hummus), yet that is barely scratching the surface. Other glass cases store bars, baklava, and cakes, including several gluten free options. There are also paninis, platters (shawerma, souvlaki, gyro, etc.), and fatayers (boat shaped Middle-Eastern pizzas), as well as rotating specials. The sheer abundance of options can be intimidating and make decisions difficult, but that is about the worst that can be said for this place.

Once we got past the “everything looks good” phase, my wife and I decided on a lamb and beef gyro and a four-side sampler. Portions were rather generous: the gyro came wrapped in a large, thin pita, and the sampler definitely could work as a meal unto itself. Add to that the complimentary condiment bar (olives, tahini, tabouli, tzatziki, and more), and you will not be left hungry here. Of course, it also helps that everything was delicious. The gyro meat was seasoned well, the harissa hummus add a nice bit of spice without overpowering the palate, the curry apple orzo did the same for sweetness, the sautéed cauliflower would make a convert of even the most stridently anti-vegetable child, and the Israeli couscous simply defies description. Admittedly, the desserts here aren’t quite on the same level, but pistachio nammora and cheesecake bars were still plenty tasty.

Given the quality, quantity, and location, one would expect Mediterranean Deli’s prices to run high, but this was not the case. The gyro was $7 and the four-side sampler was $9.75. Depending on your selections, you can walk away here full and happy for under $10 per person. Counter staff were adept at keeping lines moving, wait times for food left no complaints, and there was plenty of seating.

It would be somewhat maniacal to try to sample everything Mediterranean Deli has to offer, yet chances are you’ll at least feel that temptation. With an enormous selection of tasty food at its disposal, this is a place that will keep you coming back.

8.75/10

Sarah's Kabob Shop

Located at 5553 West Market Street in Greensboro, Sarah’s Kabob Shop offers Mediterranean fare for lunch and dinner. Online ordering, delivery, and catering are available.

Sarah’s Kabob Shop is unassuming inside and out. It shares a shopping plaza with a DMV office, and its interior is decidedly more function than flash. As is often the case, however, appearances can be deceiving. This is some of the best Mediterranean takeout in the area.

The menu here is about what you’d expect: gyros, kabobs, shawarma, falafel, burgers, and wings. It is the execution that sets Sarah’s apart. Whereas gyro meat can sometimes be overly dry, here it is tender and well-seasoned. Though the classic gyro was plenty flavorful, a spicy variant is also available. An order of fried fish was crispy and held its breading, and the accompanying parmesan fries were addictive.

Sarah’s is also a good value. A generously sized well-stuffed gyro and chips came to $6.19 while a fried fish and shrimp platter with salad and fries was only $8. Come in for pickup, and you’ll get your food quickly, too: the kitchen is efficient, and the counter staff can definitely keep pace (though they are not the least bit rude).

While Sarah’s won’t outpace Chef Samir or Koshary as a dine-in option, for takeout, it is tough to beat. Tasty food for reasonable prices and very brief wait times makes for a winning combination.

8.5/10

Taste of Troy

Located at 1236 Guilford College Road in the Guilford Crossing Shopping Center at the edge of Jamestown, Taste of Troy offers Greek and Mediterranean fare for lunch and dinner. Specials change weekly and takeout is available.

I am spoiled by having decent Greek and Mediterranean options within walking distance of home, but the recommendation of a (Turkish) former student led me to give Taste of Troy a shot. While it isn’t a place I would hurry back to, it made for a satisfying lunch.

Taste of Troy can be found on the side of the shopping plaza facing Piedmont Parkway. It’s a small space though there is enough signage to avoid passing it by. There are a few tables and some counter seating inside. It’s a cozy joint, but compared to blue-and-white appointments of Mythos and Mad Greek, it comes off looking a bit Spartan (pun intended).

The menu offers little in the way of novelty, but if you’re craving a gyro, kebab, or mezes (spanakopita, baba ganoush, etc.), you’ll find it here. I went with a gyro and a side of fries and did not regret it. The gyro was well-seasoned, the meat was flavorful, and the accompanying veggies (lettuce, tomato, and cucumber) were fresh. The thick-cut fries could have done with more seasoning, but at least they were crisp. The staff here are friendly, and the food arrived quickly.

If there is one area where Taste of Troy lags behind, it is pricing. The gyro runs $7.25 if you are willing to settle for chips as a side; fries are $1.75 more, and a small Greek salad is $3.95 more. By way of comparison, Mythos offers a $7.45 lunch combo that includes a gyro, fries, and a drink. The entrees are even worse offenders. Kebab platters start at $12.95 and top out at $16.95 for a mixed combo. Nazareth Bread’s mixed grill is listed at $11.99. Tasty as it may be, Taste of Troy’s food is not far enough ahead of the competition to justify what they charge.

Food quality and service make Taste of Troy an appealing option for those traveling along Guilford College Road, but the pricing is simply not competitive.

7.75/10

Koshary

Located at 200 South Elm Street in Downtown Greensboro, Koshary offers Egyptian and Mediterranean cuisine for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. There is no alcohol, but limited outdoor seating and catering are available.

Elm Street is practically Restaurant Row, but despite the competition, Koshary manages to  shine. A versatile menu with expertly prepared and seasoned offerings combine with a pleasant ambiance and hospitable service to make for an all-around winning experience.

Named for a somewhat eclectic Egyptian dish, Koshary appropriately incorporates some diverse influences. You’ll find the expected shawerma and kabobs here, but you can also get a gyro, burger, or rib-eye sandwich. For our initial visit, my companion and I split a mazza sampler and a full-size order of koshary with lamb. The sampler included hummus babaganoush, pickled vegetables, and eggplant ratatouille. All of the dips were tasty (though the hummus was a bit oily), and the accompanying pita was fresh and hot. The koshary (a multi-layered affair consisting of macaroni, rice, and lentils with tomato sauce and fried onions) had great tomato flavor, and the onions provided an unexpected but welcome crunch. The heavily herbed lamb was cooked to perfection: a still-juicy medium. Even a complimentary sample of hibiscus tea was cool and refreshing.

Koshary isn’t large, but it feels more spacious than the number of tables indicates. Like many Egyptian restaurants, it is adorned with colorful tapestries and decorative plates. Cliché or not, it makes for classy and comfortable surroundings.

Also like many Egyptian restaurants, Koshary can be pricy. Our appetizer sampler clocked in at $10, and the koshary was $14 ($9 without meat, $6 for a half-size portion). Come for dinner (ours was a lunch visit) and many dishes are a dollar more. This is hardly a shocker given the downtown location and the quality of the food, but some of the simpler fare (like a gyro or kebab) can be found for less elsewhere.

There are only a few minor annoyances that separate Koshary from excellence. For starters, the restrooms are not conveniently accessible: you have to venture into a building and down a hall to find them. Also, should you check in on Yelp during your visit, the Yelp app will provide a coupon that the restaurant itself will not recognize. Lastly, our server, though quite genial, was on his first day on the job and had to defer our questions to a colleague. Thankfully, responses still came quickly.

All told, Koshary offers great food made by people who seem to know – and care about – what they are doing, and that’s more that can be said for many businesses these days.

8.25/10