Shibam Mix Grill (Mediterranean & Turkish) — Restaurant in Poquoson

I would love to give them a better review, but they have some things to work on. I’ve dined here three times now. The first time was probably the best, where I ordered the chicken shawarma, seen in pics here. It was great, but I wanted more rice, and more pita - they served a lot of chicken! Those aren’t very big problems though. We also ordered the zucchini pancake, which was AWESOME! And I wish I knew what was in there. But that may be where the good news ends. The second time, my family ordered takeout and got two orders of their mixed grill for two. There was plenty of food, but much of the meat was dry, and a little bland, and they didn’t give any hot sauce like I got at my first visit. We also ordered the zucchini pancakes then too, but this time it was very different in size and texture, and it was nowhere near as good as the first time. My third time I visited for lunch and got a lamb gyro, which is where I noticed that they don’t have any descriptions for the items on their menu, and what they come with. It just states the dish and the price, not what it comes with, or what it actually is. Which at first, didn’t seem like a big deal to me, because I’m very curious and eager to try anything. But I wanted a lamb gyro lunch, and I didn’t see that it came with anything, so I ordered a shepherd salad, which I didn’t know what it was. Added a drink, and my lunch came to $25. My salad was a dressed tomato, onion, and cucumber mix, which was okay, but not what I expected. The gyro did end up coming with fries (a very small handful however), which if I knew, I wouldn’t have ordered the salad, and the gyro was lacking sauce and vegetables, wasn’t piping hot, and just fell a bit flat. Their appetizers and desserts are unreasonably expensive, and they don’t give you very much at all for them. The $7 zucchini pancakes is only two very small pancakes, and their $8 fig dessert is four small figs, with walnuts and honey. The only other thing I’ll mention is the service, which I’ve felt sympathetic towards, and it hurts to be honest about. It is just one young afghan lady, and truly no fault to her, she is polite, but hardly says anything, never smiles, and isn’t welcoming, or helpful to the customers. But then again, she does have to deal with us ignorant, grumpy, and demanding Americans, so I can understand. I’m sorry Shibam, I can be forgiving to this service, but I figured I should be honest. I wish...

I was eager to try this restaurant. At the last moment, my wife and I decided to visit, noting that it closes at 9 PM. We arrived at 8:20 and placed our order by 8:30. After waiting approximately 20 minutes for our food, we assumed it was being prepared fresh. We ordered the mixed grill for two, but when it arrived, the presentation was lacking; it appeared as though a variety of meats had been hastily piled onto the platter with minimal rice. Unfortunately, most of the meat was quite dry, and the small portion of rice served was extremely cold.

I informed the staff about the cold rice, and the gentleman inquired if I wanted more. I simply requested that the rice be warmed. The waitress then took the entire platter to the back, which suggested they might have reheated it in the microwave. When it returned, the meat was even drier, although the rice was now warm. I also had to ask the waitress for the sauce that originally accompanied the platter.

I believe the staff could have been more apologetic and accommodating. The experience of receiving a dry platter without sauce and cold rice was quite disappointing. When I raised these issues, I felt that a more sincere apology would have been appropriate. Unfortunately, I do not see myself returning, despite the possibility that other menu items might be enjoyable. Improved communication would have greatly enhanced...

I was pleasantly surprised by the incredible quality and taste of the dishes at Shibam Mix Grill. From start to finish, every bite was a delight.

I began with the cheese rolls—perfectly fried to a golden crisp, with a delicious blend of cheeses inside. Next, we indulged in the Mixed Grill, featuring three varieties of expertly seasoned meats served atop fragrant, flavorful rice. The highlight of the meal, however, was the baklava—easily one of the best I’ve had in years, striking the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

If you’ve ever traveled overseas and enjoyed authentic Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, or Turkish-inspired cuisine, Shibam Mix Grill will instantly transport you back to those cherished memories. Having visited three times now, I can confidently say I’ve never walked away disappointed. Highly...