Petra Cafe Greek & Mediterranean — Restaurant in Hattiesburg

Petra was always one of my favorite spots in Hattiesburg when I was in college. I have moved out of state since then. I would say 2012 or 2013 may be the last time I was there. It was relaxing and the service and food was always fantastic. I recently came back in to town for a business trip and wanted to have that experience again and introduce some of my coworkers to a food experience that they have never had. Upon our arrival there have been quite a few changes since I last visited. However, after ten years I understand that is to be expected. First, no hookahs on the menu anymore. Disappointed- yes, but not a problem. I understand there are smoking regulations within the city that may have made this an issue, along with COVID as well. Once seated, I asked the hostess/ waitress about the rose water and pine nut tea because it was always one of my favorite drinks to have. So refreshing and it tasted like I was drinking a rose! I tried to explain that I had before, but that it did not include lemonade in it when it was served to me.I know because I absolutely hate lemon flavor. (The gentleman that gave it to me many years ago (I assumed was the owner) was an older, middle eastern gentleman with a very strong accent.) Boy, was that a mistake to ask! She did just about anything to try and prove me wrong and borderline argue about it. I told her that it was okay and not a big deal and I understand that things change, but she came to the table 3 times during the meal to talk to me about it, including but not limited to telling me that she had called the owner and that they have no idea what I was talking about. Seriously, I told you it wasn’t a big deal and it was okay. There was no need to continue bringing it back up. I was there with coworkers trying to show them around the city where I grew up and let them experience Petra for their first time. Not only did you embarrass me, but you embarrassed yourself and the establishment. The food was just as good as it was in the past, but due to the exchange that took place and how I was treated I will not...

It used to be we would go out of our way to eat at this restaurant. The food was fresh and seasoned perfectly and there was great attention payed to the atmosphere. Something has changed.

We do not live in Hattiesburg and only visit when we travel, but this was our spot for a great taste of Mediterranean food we would make a part of our trip and travel at times we could enjoy what they offer. We did that yesterday and did not have a good experience.

We arrived early afternoon, 1:30ish and there was one other table which was served. The music was so loud that we asked to be seated outside. This was the first annoyance. Next, some of the food items were seasoned okay, but the seasoning seemed disjointed, with some bites good and then some overtly bitter and offensive.

I will plug that the waiter was really good and gave a solid A performance. But we had another employee come outside and she lit a cigarette near us and started smoking. Rightfully so, the smell was offensive and my wife asked her to leave while we ate. No one wants to have conflict and that sort of thing is unacceptable and easily avoidable.

We had ordered a complete meal for two, to go, at the beginning of the meal, but I don't think we would have if we waited later. One of the items we ordered is Lebna, which is supposed to be yogurt with garlic and mint and is arguably one of our favorite bites. What we got was some yogurt smeared in the bottom of a bowl with olive oil on top and an olive. This is not the flavor we wanted and not what is shown on the menu. For this we paid $7.

We are resolved to find another favorite restaurant. One of the things we experienced could be excusable, but something drastic has happened which can only be described as out of control. They really...

Wonderful place! We stopped twice on the way out and back for a short vacation trip to FL. What got us there, was the fact that it was Mediterranean. What got us back, well was the whole package! Great, truly great food. Wonderful service with an amazing recommendation I will speak of shortly. It was lunch, so we ordered off the smaller menu and they had no issue whatsoever with some small substitutions. Gyro and Chicken Plate with the hummus and pita. We left off the rice as a personal choice, but I'd assume it would be fantastic as well. Our server - might have been one of the owners? - was very friendly and recalled us from our first stop. Nice building in a nice area and interesting art of Petra. Some of the art appeared to be oil paintings by a specific artist. Now to the recommendation - not one to typically choose a desert, and especially not for lunch, I couldn't resist the urge to try out one of the Mamoul choices. Couldn't decide initially so asked and received a very confident and quick response, "Date!" with a winning smile. Wow! Date mamoul - what an amazing treat!. Left very satisfied with that choice on the first stop. Once we'd decided to return, I knew I'd have another, but just had to try the pistachio mamuol as well. Wow again! Highly recommend this wonderful cafe and wish the best of success to the owners. Will absolutely return each time we are in the...