MAZRA — Restaurant in Redwood City

Ideally, I'd give Mazra 3.5/5.

Mazra in downtown Redwood City offers a lively atmosphere and a convenient location for a casual meal. Situated in the heart of the bustling downtown area, it boasts a spacious indoor area and a charming back patio, with takeout options available as well.

We arrived without a reservation and encountered a waitlist. The wait for a table was only about 10-15 minutes. The indoor space is visually appealing, featuring high ceilings, hanging and potted plants, low-hanging lights, and skylights that contribute to a bright and airy feel. The light brown pastel walls add a touch of warmth.

The outdoor patio is another attractive option, incorporating greenery and eye-catching neon signs. Plus, powerful fans ensure you'll stay cool on a sunny day. Ordering is a convenient process handled through a QR code on your table. You can browse the menu and place your individual orders directly on their website, eliminating the need to split the bill later.

Mazra operates on a self-service basis. You grab your own water and utensils, along with takeout boxes and bags if needed. Server interaction is limited to delivering your food and clearing tables. While this can be efficient, it creates a slightly impersonal dining experience compared to traditional table service (especially when they also show you the option to tip 🤣).

The food itself was a mixed bag. Unfortunately, the whole roasted cauliflower was a disappointment. The seasoning and dressing lacked punch, and a smoky aftertaste made it taste slightly bitter.

On the other hand, my spit-roasted chicken shawarma plate with basmati rice was a much better experience. The chicken itself was flavorful, and the red sauce added a nice kick. The accompanying garlic sauce was a particular highlight, pairing perfectly with the well-seasoned and crispy fries. The baba ganoush was another solid side dish.

Overall, Mazra offers a convenient and lively atmosphere, with a modern ordering system and an appealing self-service approach. However, the unevenness in the food quality prevents it from reaching a perfect score. If you're looking for a casual and quick bite in downtown Redwood City, Mazra is worth a visit, but be sure to manage your expectations when it comes to service and consider exploring different menu options beyond the whole roasted cauliflower. With a bit more consistency in the food, Mazra has the potential to be an even more compelling dining...

Located in the heart of the Redwood city, Mazra is a culinary gem that transports diners on a tantalizing journey through the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. From the moment you step inside, you're enveloped in an ambiance that seamlessly blends warmth and elegance, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.The menu at Mazra is a masterful fusion of traditional recipes and innovative twists, curated with meticulous attention to detail. Each dish is a work of art, bursting with freshness and authenticity. Start your culinary adventure with their mezze platter, a delightful array of small plates featuring classics like hummus, baba ganoush, and falafel, all elevated to new heights with premium ingredients and skillful preparation.For mains, indulge in their succulent kebabs, perfectly grilled to tender perfection and infused with aromatic spices that dance on your palate. The lamb tagine is a standout, with tender meat stewed to perfection in a fragrant blend of Moroccan spices, while the seafood paella offers a taste of the Mediterranean coast with its abundance of fresh seafood and saffron-infused rice.Vegetarians are equally spoiled for choice at Mazra, with dishes like the stuffed grape leaves and spinach fatayer showcasing the richness and diversity of plant-based cuisine. Each bite is a celebration of flavor, highlighting the natural bounty of the region's produce.No meal at Mazra is complete without sampling their decadent desserts. Indulge in a slice of baklava, with its layers of flaky pastry and sweet honeyed nuts, or savor the creamy delight of their rosewater-infused rice pudding.Complementing the culinary delights is Mazra's impeccable service, with attentive staff who are passionate about ensuring every guest's satisfaction. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, Mazra exceeds expectations on every level.In conclusion, Mazra is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary oasis where every dish tells a story and every meal is an adventure. Prepare to be enchanted by the flavors of the Mediterranean and Middle East, as Mazra invites you to embark on a gastronomic journey...

Very much a mixed bag. We came on a Friday evening at about 6, and the place was hopping. Nevertheless there were a few tables and we were told to simply "choose whichever you prefer" of the available tables. The woman who helped us was extremely pleasant. We sat in the back outdoor area, which is attractively decorated with lots of plants. We where handed menus and asked if we were ready to order at the same time - I guess some people come that prepared, but we were not. The waitress returned four times to ask if we were ready - at about 2-3 minute intervals, which was nicely attentive but a bit annoyingly pushy. We finally placed our order, and based on the earlier push expected our food quickly - but it took perhaps a half hour to arrive. Although we ordered a combination of Mezzes and main dishes, all of the food arrived at the same time - again, a bit of a surprise. The quality was, in general, a bit of a disappointment; my evaluation was: Dolmas: Grape leaves had too much lemon, filling was all bulgar wheat but reduced to mush - not much flavor and no sign of pine nuts. Normally a favorite - this was not. BabaGanoush; Pretty standard - not bad. Arabic Salad: Sort of a greek salad without olives. Dry and without much character, but OK. Halloumi cheese rolls: philo pastry shell was tough and dry - no sign of flakiness. Filling was pleasant Lamb wrap: Lamb was overcooked. Bizarrely, french fries were inside the wrap. Very nice pita Kebabs: Lamb was very overcooked, Koufta was extremely tasty but overdone. There was a tiny slice of onion, unrecognizably overcooked, and no tomato - but the bed of seasoned basmati rice was excellent - the best part of the entire meal. Overall, the food was quite disappointing. Mazra has decent reviews, so perhaps we got there on a bad night - but it compared unfavorably to a typical storefront middle eastern restaurant - edible but completely without distinction. It's somewhat sad that the best items were the rice and the Pita. Nevertheless, the atmosphere was attractive and the service was a bit rushed...