Mezzaterranean — Restaurant in Rancho Cucamonga

Can't believe I neglected to review this place. I try all the reputable Mediterranean food places in the area because I really enjoy this type of food. This place is top notch. The people that work there (ALL OF THEM) are very cordial and seem to take pride in what they do. The owners are quality businessmen, through and through and the food exemplifies this. I'll discuss what I've tried. I'm breaking them down by item, not by dish.

Chicken Shawarma: white meat non-gyro style, very moist and flavorful, large portion (and I'm a big eater). Excellent.

Beef Shawarma: non-gyro style, lean, tender, packed with flavor unique from the chicken version, large portion. I don't like it because there's something in the spice mix that is unpalatable to me. This is not their fault, it's a me thing.

Lamb Shawarma: non-gyro style, tender, flavorful, lean, fantastic rich flavor, large portion. Excellent.

Salmon: grilled or sauteed, dry, not flavorful, uncharacteristic of their typical quality. Don't get this if you're a picky eater and know how to prepare grilled salmon. Every place has at least one "meh" dish, this is theirs. I hate to even admit this because I love this place and the people that work there so much.

Chicken Kabob: grilled, five pieces, adequate portion, seasoned right. The gentleman who usually cooks these knows what's up. Chicken kabobs are tricky because you don't want to over or under cook them. Then there's the issue with chicken getting that rubber texture. They get it right about 9/10 of the time here and never undercooked. If your kabob has a suspect texture LET THEM KNOW, they'll make it right. This is my go to dish now.

Beef Kabob: grilled, five pieces, adequate portion, very beefy, lean (filet), good flavor. I think they've improved these because I now prefer them to the chicken kabobs. In any case, try them. You might love them.

Lamb Kabob: grilled, five pieces, adequate portion, lean, rich flavor. You should try this. I prefer the chicken and beef, but you should try these if you like lamb.

Hummus: the best in the area. The right texture, moisture, oil, and flavor. The only hummus I've tried that rivals it in the area is Mes Amis in Chino Hills (now closed) or maybe D'Vine in Brea. All the others are too smooth and taste... not yummy. Ha ha!

Tabouleh: made to order, excellent.

Mediterranean Salad: their version consists mainly of the lettuce with almost no cucumbers and tomatoes, but the flavor is very refreshing. Get it with the pepperoncinis (you'll have to ask for them). This comes with every plate and the standard portion is huge. Again, the only places to rival their version is Mes Amis in Chino Hills or D'Vine in Brea.

Rice: very simply prepared rice pilaf, moist, adequate portion, delicately seasoned, suitable.

Bread: they don't bake it in house, but they buy it from a supplier who bakes it fresh each day. This bothers some people, but you have to remember a few things: 1) Costs would rise significantly if they bake it on site; 2) When you eat there, they toast and slice it to perfection (delicious); 3) if you're taking it to go, you can toast it at home or ask them to toast it before packing it (this will negatively affect the texture which is why they don't do it unless you ask). No, it's not the best bread available, but it's suitable and they give you as much as you request. The default is two full circles.

There you have it. Hope all that detail...

Exactly what I expect and hope for when visiting a small family owned restaurant. Smiling faces, reasonable prices, and delicious fresh food. The young man at the counter was attentive and friendly, and I appreciate that very much, as it sets the mood and atmosphere for the entire experience. We chose the beef shawarma plate, and the falafel plate. Both were prepared with care, and were absolutely delicious. The shawarma was tender and the flavors were bold, leaving you anxious to go back in for another bite. You know those perfect bites when you get just the right amount of beef, hummus, pickled beet, and pita in one? Almost every bite left me thinking, "that was a perfect bite!" The falafel was just as tasty, pairing perfectly with the tahini sauce that comes on the side. The texture was delectable, and when it comes to falafel, texture is extremely important. Spot on guys!! The salad that comes with the entree plates is such a lovely addition to both the protein and vegetarian dishes. Hands down the best salad I've had in quite awhile, and yet it was so simple. Sometimes the best dishes are those that are so simple and fresh, leaving the ingredients to speak for themselves. The hummus was so fresh and seasoned well, and this is especially important, as I love to add just a small dollop to every bite. The stuffed grape leaves were fantastic as well, but I personally prefer the cold variety, without the tomato mixed in with the rice. But this is just a personal preference, and enjoyed them very much. Mezzaterranean has to be one of my new favorite places to eat in Rancho, and next time I'm in town I will be sure to...

This will probably be the last time I visit mezza. I have been a loyal customer for years now but the last two experiences just rubbed me the wrong way. I decided to visit the 2nd location in covina where I know the owners daughter runs that one more. When I sat down she was having a full on expressively long conversation with a group of customers. I think socializing and business should be separate I knew I would not be returning to the west covina location again. Now tonight I come to find out the prices on everything have gone up. I use to pay $12 for two kabobs and side of rice which is now over $16. That is why I stopped going to zakys it was the same deal a 2 kabob plate for $12 and they went up to $16 when they franchised. I'm sorry that is just way too much money for a meal for one person. Also the food quality has gone down drastically. My entire family use to love it here now they never mention it because they dont like the way the food tastes any more. I hope the family the best in the future they are great people. I guess good quality food for the price does not...