NUPA - Mediterranean Grill — Restaurant in Maple Grove

What a little gem! As we drove up, we saw a line of about 10 cars outside the pickup window - a good sign. This was lunchtime on a Friday. My friend and I were greeted warmly and immediately given menus and invited to sit (I'm sure we looked like deer in the headlights as we peered at the menu posted on the wall). The host encouraged us to ask questions. I am vegetarian and was pleased to find so many choices. After deciding, we walked to the register and told the young lady what we wanted. She was clearly new and the host helped her find the correct keys. I ordered the falafel plate, including two sides - tabbouleh and horitatiki salad. My friend ordered the Greek salad and the combo appetizer. The food came very quickly, one plate at a time. The plating was very nice - clean, orderly, and made the food look appetizing. The appetizer plate brimmed with many pita, hummus with spicy feta, an eggplant dip, felafel, dolmades and a side of tzatziki. My first mouthful was amazing. Felafel not too spicy, salad was super fresh. Some restaurants, even at the peak of tomato season, try to get by with second rate ones. Those on my salad were perfectly ripe. Tabbouleh was packed with herby goodness and very clean tasting. I tried the hummus and eggplant dip, both of which were great. All fresh, vibrant, delicious. Both the host and the waitperson returned to our table frequently to check on us, but it didn't feel intrusive. I ate 'til I was stuffed. Lots of food for very reasonable prices. As we left, we stopped to admire the dessert case. On top of the case were unmarked jars of what looked like an herb blend (there was one at our table, too, which I smelled but didn't taste). The chef happened to be there and I asked what was in it. He grinned a little and told us a few of them, which included cinnamon. Of course! I can't wait to go back and try some of the other offerings. Given the great food, excellent service and low prices, I'd give more...

I stopped into Nupa for the first time tonight. I was hankering for some Mediterranean food. I lived in Europe and often spent time in Greece and Turkey and have been looking for good gyro ever since returning to the states. Nupa has an excellent gyro pita and the side Horiatiki salad was fresh, tasty, and authentic. The feta cheese was beautiful. The black olives were outstanding (but too few!). I know where I’ll go next time I am yearning for a gyro.

The pricing is affordable - you definitely get your money’s worth. The portions are good - not overly generous (but that’s ok because so many places over do it). I left satisfied and not bloated.

The venue is clean as a whistle. It is spacious and open with big windows letting in plenty of natural light. The staff is kind, welcoming, and helpful. They’re clearly proud of their food (as they should be). The first thing you see when entering is a big backlit menu on the wall. Unlike so many, this one is actually readable. They also have printed menus at the cashier.

Order at the cashier, take a number, and find a table. They’ll bring the food out when ready. My order took about 5-7 minutes to hit the table.

The venue is family friendly, but also nicely set up as a place to meet up with...

A Must-Try for Greek Food Lovers in Maple Grove!

As someone who absolutely loves Greek food—and who’s even worked at one of the top Greek restaurants in the Twin Cities—I was so excited to hear a new Mediterranean spot opened in Maple Grove. I had high hopes, and this place exceeded them.

I ordered the Avgolemono soup and chicken pita, and wow—both were phenomenal. The chicken was perfectly cooked, and the tzatziki? Easily some of the best I’ve ever had. My husband got the gyro and Greek salad, and everything was incredibly fresh and full of flavor.

The service was so friendly and welcoming, and even though our food came out quickly, it was clear nothing was rushed—everything tasted freshly made and thoughtfully prepared.

This place is a total gem. We’re already planning our next visit to try more from the menu. Highly recommend if you’re a fan of authentic,...