Lama Mediterranean Cuisine — Restaurant in Shenandoah

I came in on a Friday around 3 o’clock. I used to frequent this restaurant a few years ago with my business partners. I hadn’t been in a few years due to relocating. I was in the area and was excited to get some good lamb and enjoy some hot tea. I came in around 3 o’clock and stood at the hostess stand until I was finally shouted at me from a server across the room asking wether I was dining in or not. I politely responded, dining in. I had a seat inside and looked at all of the new floral. I asked the server for a moment to look at the new menu. Then the chatter began. During 90% of my stay, the servers were gathered and complaining about customers previous in the day. They weren’t trying to be quite at all. I was the only customer dining in.They just stood there and griped about how difficult their customers were and ate food. My server, specifically was eating WITH HER HANDS! I just got out of a business meeting and needed quite so desperately. My server did not go to the back to wash her hands, she left from the table she was eating at and headed my way to take my order. I ordered a spicy hummus as an appetizer. I asked if the falafel could be substituted for garlic nan or pita and she said no but that she’d bring me garlic sauce. I figured out what I wanted as an entree and I folded and put my menu up and kept looking around to get my servers attention to place my entree order. A gentle man from the kitchen brought my appetizer. I asked him to please notify my server that I was ready to order. I ordered the Persian lamb which came with saffron rice. The chatter from the servers never stopped! I wanted to ask to be seated outside, but I didn’t want the server to have to clean 2 tables. I just stayed put and tried to tune them out. The server brings my food out. She quickly puts it on the table and hurried to leave as if there’s a big rush. She never came back to check and see if everything was ok. The lamb was good, just as I remember. The saffron rice, I left it on the plate along with everything else (maybe saffron rice just isn’t my thing, I’ve never had it before to compare) When my server came back to give me my check, I mentioned to her that I could hear everyone complaining about customers and maybe that should be done when the restaurant is empty. She then, became a completely different server. She was apologetic and very kind. She stayed and chatted with me for a bit. She finally told me her name. I will not mention. She told me that she is a requested server and mentioned the changes that had been made over the last couple of years. She then offered a $10 gift card. I declined but she insisted. I just wanted to get out of there. I tipped her well and decided to forego asking for tea. When you’re paying $70 for a meal for yourself, you’re paying for the experience, the food, the atmosphere and SERVICE. The servers were far from professional. I’ve had better service at McDonalds. Their uniforms were regular clothes (I could see my servers tummy with jeans and a jacket over but she wasn’t the only one. When you’re paying $70 for a meal for yourself, there are expectations for the dining experience and the service. I know this is a long review but I too am a business owner and I would want to know these details so I could address my team and make for a...

I have to start up by saying that I was planning on giving this place a 4 star review but because of the service that we received in the end, I decided to bump up to a 5 star-- take that as you may.

First of all-- the ambience of the place is terrific. I love the vibes, I love how earthy and green and wholesome it felt, it did not feel sterile like I feel like a lot of restaurants are feeling lately and it's definitely not the move.

I wish they would have had crayons or something for kids because I think it's a family friendly place, so I would have liked something to keep my toddler occupied (although the water wall did the trick as well). I mean, I don't go into restaurants expecting them to entertain my child but we really appreciate when there are children menus like coloring pages with crayons. They did however, being a 3 ring binder of a menu to read through.

I got the 5 pack of kibbe to share, although to be honest, I really didn't want to because I love kibbe. They were one of the top 2 I've had in Houston and the surrounding area. The mixed grill was delicious and my husband and I split it, I cut up some of the meat and put it in the small pita pockets that they bought to make little sandwiches. The rice was cooked perfect as well. It was a good size portion.

The one thing I wish that they would do better is the garlic sauce because it's more like a garlic tasting mayo then it is an actual garlic sauce and the texture is not correct but it did the job just fine. I actually had to request more of it because what they give is very small but that's all right. But I hope it's better next time we go!

I also ordered something off children menu on a Wednesday and it was supposed to Half the price on a Wednesday but they charged us full price. This would have taken it down a star normally because they should be as advertised, although it could have been a misunderstanding or just over looked.

I might be more lenient because somebody came out and asked me what my favorite color was, and she brought that color candle on my cake which was the sweetest touch. Christina and Doris sang Happy Birthday which was so incredibly nice, and I just thought that was so perfect. I love teacups and we got the green tea at the end have our meal and it was really cute. I thought that it was so considerate that Christina brought ice for my toddler so she could drink the tea as well.

I'm going to bring people here on their birthday because I love when restaurants sing happy birthday and bring cake-- it's literally the cutest. Over all, it was a fantastic...

Our Educators Dinner Group (Girls Grub Out) visited the Lama Mediterranean Persian Cuisine in Shenandoah, Texas. Only one from the group had been there before and more than once who had made the recommendation. We are sure glad she did.

Our wonderful waitress, Tanya, recommended the Persian Mixed Grill and Meat Family Platter. There were 10 of us and the platter consisted of so much food that we were each able to have a full "to go" meal for the next day. The platter was split in half because of the beautiful tables and long seating with still so much food. Made for an easy transition of getting the meals for the large crowd.

We started off with green tea. The tea ware was so pretty with the small kettles, gold and laced tiny cups and utensils beautifully decorated. It was as if we were beginning our dinner with a tea party; that was so much fun.

The appetizers consisted of plain and spicy hummus served with pita bread and chips. The bread was baked to perfection, so fresh tasting and the chips were delicious. We also had the Veggie Sampler which consisted of a combination of Baba Ghanouj, Tabouli, and Falafel. Very flavorful.

The entrée platter consisted of Persian Chicken Koobideh (ground chicken), Beef Joojeh Kabobs (sirloin), Beef Koobideh (ground beef), Persian Premium Lamb Chops, and Chicken Joojeh (diced chicken) Kabobs. We chose the meats to be cooked medium and they came out very tender and seasoned to perfection.

Our dessert was complimentary green tea and Baklava Variety which consisted of layers of filo dough stuffed with cashews, walnuts, and pistachios. My birthday was a few days before and I received a complimentary birthday cake surprise known as the Chocolate Temptation. Yummy.

I must also say that the restaurant itself is beautifully decorated and gives a very welcoming feeling. The ambiance was exquisite.

We put a dent in the meal and had so much to take home. It was an enjoyable experience. Tanya was very knowledgeable and informative about the Persian food. She was kind and patient with the large group. It did not take long to get the food from appetizers to dessert. Everything flowed so very smoothly. We will partake again with additional family members and friends. I highly recommend Lama Mediterranean...