4.5 stars here. a delicious find in an area we’ve never visited and look forward to visiting again. If you have been to Manhattan or Queens, but never made the time to visit serene Roosevelt Island between the two, I’d say you are missing out. Small island that will take you away from the noise and bustle of Manhattan and the gritty East River area of Queens. Many green spaces and large parks at each end including the Roosevelt Island Lighthouse at the north end. We chose to ride the Roosevelt Island Tramway over the river from Manhattan onto the island. You can take the F Train onto the island or drive from the Queens side on the Roosevelt Island Bridge but the Ed Koch Bridge does not have an exit to visit there.
Located in a small business district at about the center of the island, we chose this for our lunch thinking it might provide easily transported food to a nice outdoor spot. It did but between the brisk wind and the incredible smell of fresh baking bread, we chose to stay. Yes, in addition to the Middle Eastern cuisine on the menu, they bake some fantastic looking bread here. I really wish I had taken more time to note the styles/types of loaves on offer but it was clearly popular as they were heading out the door with regularity during our visit. While we perused the menu, we watched other orders being prepared and realized that the pita bread for the various wraps and alongside soup were being cooked TO ORDER! Dough thrown onto the flat top and freshly “baked” then served warm. Never actually been served pita this way so it was exciting.
After this delicious discovery, we chose wraps for our meal. One crispy chicken wrap and one grilled chicken kabob wrap. Chose to skip any additional sides today. Added a freshly squeezed mint lemonade that was very refreshing. The crispy chicken wrap-panko breaded chicken tenders-came with Hummus, pickled veggies, and tahini sauce and was fantastic. Warm, cool, crisp, slightly salty, it was so good. The grilled chicken kabob wrap was similar but the protein was grilled rather than fried and the wrap included fries inside, adding additional texture. The warm pita was just the icing on the cake for these beauties. While we were here, we noticed a tray of something warm from the oven make its way up front. Turned out to be fresh baked Jerusalem Pretzels. A Middle Eastern version of a “bagel”, baked not boiled, and much larger than a traditional bagel. Think giant pretzel with out the twist. Covered with seeds, they smelled delicious. So I grabbed one, thinking “maybe for tomorrow morning”. We ate half on site and the rest was still delicious next day. Cannot say enough about our experience here. Please check them out so they will still be creating magic on our next visit to NYC. Highly...
Read moreA Hidden Gem on Roosevelt Island!
If you're on the lookout for an exceptional Shawarma experience in New York, let me guide you to a little treasure on Roosevelt Island - Mediterranean Eatery. This place isn't just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey, guided by a super involved owner whose passion and warmth elevate the dining experience to new heights.
Having sampled Mediterranean food globally, I can assert that this place stands out as my absolute favorite. It's not just the delicious food that wins you over but the combination of speedy service, a healthy menu, and the affordability that truly sets this place apart.
The staff here are incredibly hospitable, making every visit memorable. It's rare to find such genuine, friendly service, where the owner themselves play a key role in ensuring customer satisfaction. This personal touch adds a unique flavor to the entire dining experience, making you feel more like a guest at a friend's home rather than just another customer at a restaurant.
The cherry on top is the affordability. Enjoying such quality food without burning a hole in your pocket is indeed rare in New York. Mediterranean Eatery achieves this balance gracefully, making it a go-to place for many.
I’m not one to normally leave reviews, but this place left such a positive impression on me during my recent visit to the island that I felt compelled to share my experience. It’s definitely a highly recommended spot for both mediterranean aficionados and newcomers alike. I'm eagerly looking forward to my next visit and I'm sure once you try it, you...
Read moreI had an amazing experience at this Mediterranean restaurant! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a cozy atmosphere. The owners were incredibly accommodating and made sure that my dining experience was nothing short of perfect.
The menu was extensive and offered a wide variety of dishes, from the farfel's to the salad bar, everything was delicious and full of flavor. The portion sizes were generous, and I left feeling satisfied and content.
I have traveled extensively and eaten at many restaurants, but I must say that this restaurant is one of the best I have ever visited. The quality of the food was outstanding, and the attention to detail in every dish was remarkable.
Whether you live in the area or are just passing through, I highly recommend checking out this gem of a restaurant. The combination of excellent food, friendly service, and cozy ambiance makes it the perfect spot for a date night, family gathering, or catch up with friends.
Overall, this place is a must-visit, and I cannot wait to go back and try more of their...
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