Ferah Tex-Med Kitchen — Restaurant in Garland

As a chef, I can tell when food is made with care, attention to detail, and a focus on the experience of the end user: me in this case. Chef Özcan has designed a menu and has obviously set standards that provide an experience that tastes and feels like home.

I asked our amazing server Charlie what his favorite dish was and he offered a couple of options. I went with the first which I always recommend doing if you’re not sure. If you ask the server, take the advice. I’m glad I did because the grilled chicken on pita was excellent. For such a simple sounding rec, it’s a robust and intricate pita dish that balances all the essentials of taste and mouth feel. It was almost a theatrical experience whith different aspects of a bite coming to the front and performing at the perfect time.

I chose the superfood salad as a side and it could have been a meal in and of itself. A perfect note here were the beets not being too earthy and such a great balance to the rest of the sweets, salt, acids, and umami that made for a clean and crisp addition to the main.

If it’s not, I’d be surprised, but the tatziki tasted very fresh and made in house.

I have to also point out that I am very particular about babaganoush and theirs tastes like I made it myself which felt like a comfort when I often expect disappointment with that particular dish. The balance of lemon, tahini, and eggplant without being overwhelmingly garlicky was such a pleasant surprise.

Furthermore, the baklava was exceptional. The pastry itself was exceptional and flaky in all the right ways, but the filling with the addition of what tasted like a pomegranate molasses or reduction with an acidic finish (possibly raspberry if I’m being honest) was epic.

Charlie, our server, was attentive, made excellent recommendations, and was a pleasure to talk to. He made sure I got Chef Burak Özcan’s card because I will absolutely be reaching out for catering services.

So often I find Mediterranean concepts to be more of the same, but in this case there is an elevation and care that I want to experience regularly. Definitely give it...

Fresh Restaurant offers a delightful fusion of American and Mediterranean cuisine with a creative Tex-Med twist. Every dish was not only a feast for the eyes but also an exquisite culinary experience.

The Strawberry Field Salad with white balsamic sauce was exceptional, offering a refreshing blend of flavors that impressed everyone. The Fried Goat Cheese Balls—a pistachio-crusted creation served with a pomegranate green olive salad and tahini sauce—received unanimous praise for its perfect balance of texture and taste.

The Cheesy Southern Arancini, made with corn, black beans, green peas, arborio risotto, and topped with a poblano aioli, was another highlight. While it was delicious, we all favored the goat cheese balls even more.

Moving on to the entrées, the Farm Braised Short Ribs served on a carrot purée bed with roasted potatoes was nothing short of divine. This dish took the top spot in our hearts. The Secret Mom Recipe Chicken and the Lemon Caper Salmon were both standout items, though the chicken—accompanied by a tri-color couscous—was the true star of the evening. I originally went in with the intention of trying the salmon, but the chicken quickly stole my attention with its exceptional flavors. While the salmon and steak were both good, the ribs undeniably outshone them all.

For dessert, we indulged in a decadent selection of Chocolate Mousse, Tartlets, and Baklava. Every plate of tartlets and mousse was wiped clean—a testament to how irresistible they were.

Fresh Restaurant provides an unforgettable dining experience, with each dish thoughtfully crafted to perfection. Highly recommended, especially if you're a fan of bold,...

Disappointed.

All the meats were OVER cooked! Filet was ruined and not flavorful, chicken was so dry had to cover in tzikiki sauce to consume. The gyro is certainly not shaved fresh from the rotating roaster, its frozen packaged. Rice with no pilaf? The sauteed vegetables had a nice flavor, but again over cooked and maybe try julienne, wedges or the full small carrots with tops if you want to be actually fancy. Presentation matters! I am not sure what was up with the salmon (deep fried?), for $5.95 maybe fill the small taco shell or give two. Boring truffle french fries, no truffle taste. The roasted root salad was fine, just expensive for greens, beets and carrots.

Pita bread was decent, though store bought and heated?

Babaganoush was good.

Atomic dip was good.

Charred salsa was...what? Suggest remove whatever sweet sugary addition, make this savory/spiced and DO serve with tortilla chips. IMHO

Baked feta appetizer tasted like spaghetti sauce with feta cheese sprinkled on top. Not good.

We would not pay so much for a medicore meal, that just makes it painful. It WAS edible and somethings were better than others, yet not on the scale of cost.

Desserts not worth the price or carbs.

Plenty of seating, pleasant promising greeting and service. Perhaps it was a difficult night, it was hard to get our waiters attention though he was around some with water. Was not given nearly enough pita triangles for all the mezas and finally just ate them with the spoon.

We had high hopes of finding a closer local Mediterranean joint, this place didn't have much Tex but the longhorn decor. Lower your price or raise your quality and...