Habibi Grill & Bakery — Restaurant in Raleigh

Update at the end. First of all, if you are looking to score cool points with edgy ambiance, experimental pairings, and snooty servers, this is not your place. On the other hand, if you want solid Mediterranean, sit down and order. As is our custom, the five-year-old and myself went on one of our trademark "food adventures," and this one did not disappoint.

We shared the lentil soup, lamb and oat soup, lamb mendy, and mendy rice. The serving sizes did not disappoint, and the flavors were delightful. The kid went to town on the soup, favoring the lentil soup but adding that the lamb soup was "delicious too." Keep in mind this is a kid who is "not a fan" of one of the established high-end restaurants in town. I find myself impressed by his palate (and never-ending interest in fart jokes, but he is five, after all). I found myself wishing for more substance from the lentil soup, but I understand the cultural significance of the soup is more of an introduction to your evening than a coup de grace.

The main course held nothing back. The lamb, which arrived atop a bed of rice, was tender and flavorful. I was informed by my server that the key is that it is grilled to order, unlike other places that may merely finish your meat with a sear after cooking it earlier. It had a smokiness that was subtle, not at all overpowering, nor was it absent. Just a hint. The mendy sauce had a subtle kick that made you sit up and take notice, but it was not too spicy that the kid couldn't tolerate it (with a sip of water after each bite when his fork ventured too far to my side of the plate, which was awash with the sauce).

The rice was a melange with raisins, onions, a few vegetable bits, and spices, including what I guess is a liberal dusting of turmeric, cinnamon, and other aromatics. It was delightful.

We also got the hummus. While the pita was ... well ... pita, the hummus was pretty darn good. It had a nice tang and was finished with paprika and a bit of olive oil. We both enjoyed it throughly.

I ate, the kid ate, and angels sang from the heavens. This is now one of my hidden gems. I can't wait to try their other offerings.

Update: We went back. The food is consistently wonderful. This time, we got the mixed grill. Just go, eat food, and throw your money at them....

I am rating this as a 1 not because they are not delicious because they usually are but today I went there to get some chicken noodle soup for my husband (he loves it when he has a cold). The gentleman that took my order treated me in away that I have NEVER been treated here before. First of all I ordered soup, it pre-made do all you have to do is tell the person back that youu need and order. He proceeded to let me sit there for about 5 minutes before i spoke to him first. I let that slide. Then when I said I just needed a large chicken noodle soup he proceeded to wait another 10 minutes before telling the back kitchen and that was after an employee in the kichen flashed me a look like has he helped me. That was strike 2. Finally. I paid in cash and had my hand ot for the change a change and he did the ultimate disrespectful thing to do yo a Black woman!!! I still chilled though but strike 3 is when man came in and order behind me and I am sure anybody reading this has already guessed. He definitely handed this man's change back in his hand and said thank you. At this point I felt some type of way so I calmly asked him what determines who he hands their change to and who he throws down on the counter even though their hand is out. At first he said "Excuse me" so said "I just sat here and watched you hand him his change but you threw mine on the counter when my hand was out". He had the nerve to ask me why would I do that and I said because you threw my change down. Then he proceeds to say "Oh no it wasn't like that". I just walked off be upset I rather let the people know like this than to cause a scene. I just have to say l have been going there since they are opened and have suggested it to many people. Also the owner is very kind so this is so weird to me but I cannot let it slide and won't be back. Also if someone knows some other bomb chicken noodle soupplease...

Meals were delicious but there are a some issues that made me give this review 3 Stars instead of 5. We ordered the Lamb Mandy and the 3 Skewer Mix & Match Combo. It's 1 of the best Mediterranean restaurants in the Triangle for sure, but there are some issues that disappointed us. BAD:

1. EXTRA CHARGE for MANDY RICE- We thought the Mandy rice does not have additional $1 charge for each meal. We were not informed about the extra charge, and for the price we're already paying ($15 to $17 per meal), we thought it should already be included, so it felt like a ripoff when we found out there's additional $1 charge for each Mandy rice.
2. COMBINATION LIMITATIONS- For the 3-Skewer Mix& Match order, You can't choose 2 of the same kind. The waitress informed us that they all have to be different, which kind of sucks because I wanted 2 lamb kebobs in that combination, and I was not given that option. Should be reasonable enough for the price.
3. TOO HOT AMBIANCE- We went there to eat but the place was too hot. No AC or fan to cool us while we eat.
4. PLASTIC SPOONS & FORKS - Not a big deal but for a restaurant with authentic foods like this one, it doesn't make it idea for a Valentine's dinner or a fine meal. Makes the place feel cheaper.
5. CUSTOMER SERVICE - Since there's only one waitress when we were there, it took more than 10 min. to get what we needed because the waitress was taking care of other customers and doing cashier stuff.
6. NOT ENOUGH DRINKS OR SAUCE OPTIONS - No Tatziki Sauce? or Mango Lassi? I don't remember seeing them in the menu.

GOOD

1. GREAT QUALITY OF FOOD- For the price, the amount and quality of food are excellent, well-spiced.
2. AWESOME MANDY SAUCE- Mandy sauce was good, and having refills of the sauce made it more worth it.

Overall, food is great, customer service is okay, but extra charges and ambiance made me want to go to...