Noor Mediterranean Grill — Restaurant in Somerville

Edit - I'm bumping this up to 4 stars from 3 because of how responsive the owner was in replying to this. (and to clarify, it wasn't a question of veggies on the side, it was de-selecting them from the order)

I really want to leave a 5 star review, and in the past I have left glowing reviews on Facebook, but the quality has become really hit or miss. I order from them regularly, as this is one of my favorite local restaurants, so it really bums me out to have to write this review. I hope the owners see it and can do something to improve things.

I have very annoying medical restrictions that mean I can't eat the raw tomatoes and lettuce they usually put on the shawarma. So, I select the option on the menu to have those left out. But these days it seems to be a 50/50 chance that they will completely ignore the actual order and just do the 'generic' fillings. So then I have to get a refund from Grubhub (losing the restaurant money, which I don't want to do), and take the whole thing apart to try to salvage what I can eat out of it.

My partner has her own restrictions, and isn't able to eat their sauces. So I put down a special request asking for the sauce on the side/no sauce inside. Again, there seems to be a 50/50 chance that they will just ignore it and put sauce inside. So then we get into 'refund and try to salvage something edible' mode again. I even asked the owner to put a "no sauce" option on the menu, rather than requiring customers to choose a sauce, but nothing came of it.

And then on the flip side, I love the sauces. I pay for extra sauce and ask them to put it inside. Sometimes they do, but sometimes they barely put any sauce in at all. Or they'll put one sauce but not the other. It's very frustratingly inconsistent.

I've had these issues happen on both quiet weekday nights, and on the normally busy Friday/Saturday nights, so it's not just a matter of it being too busy. It seems like it must be that certain employees take the time to read the order and others don't.

I really hope the owners see this and can figure out what's going on. I love this restaurant, and I want to be able to reliably...

Falling in Love with Noor Mediterranean Grill: A Culinary Ode

Oh, Noor Mediterranean Grill, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways, between the sea and the spree. In this cozy nook, where aromas pirouette, You’ve captured my heart—how could I forget?

With a door that swings open to promise and spice, I’m greeted by warmth, like a hug that’s precise. The chatter of patrons, the clink of fine glass, Ah, it’s paradise found—no need for first-class.

The shawarma, oh dear, it’s a love affair bold, Each tender slice whispers tales yet untold. With spices that tango and flavors that sway, I’m convinced it’s a magic carpet ride, they say.

And then comes the hummus, my love, pure and true, A velvety dip that whispers, “I’m here just for you.” Paired with pita, warm from the oven’s embrace, Each bite is a sonnet, a savory grace.

Let’s not forget salads, bright gems on the plate, With colors so vibrant, they dance and they sate. Crisp cucumbers and tomatoes, a burst of delight, Who knew greens could be such a culinary bite?

But here’s the twist, my friends, let’s not be naive, Life’s not just about food, though we often believe. For in this little haven, while flavors entwine, We find joy in each other, like fine aged wine.

So here’s to the laughter, the stories we share, To the moments of magic that linger in air. For the best things in life, by the littorals we find, Are not just the meals, but the love intertwined.

So come, gather ‘round, let your hearts take a chance, At Noor Mediterranean, where flavors romance. And while the food dazzles, let’s raise a toast high: To the best things in life—good food, friends,...

Do I dare tell the truth and risk the possibility of having negative effects? So I of course, being a firm believer in Karma, must be forthcoming and honest. It will mean more people, not less people. You thought it was going to be a negative review, didn't you?!!! Wrong wrong, wrong! It's the tippy top of all restaurants and eating establishments. The Tufts area has no better place than Noor Grill. Everything is fresh and I can honestly say there is not one item on their menu that I wouldn't eat. The Noor Trio dinner is more than even I can eat. The Chicken Shawerma wrap is pure bliss. I recommend getting a small amount of garlic paste and hummus on the Shawerma wrap. Sarma aka grape leaves are just the way it is supposed to be. Light, flavorful and healthy. The falafel is also served as a wrap, side or dinner. The bottom line is that I love the place. It has the big 3 things. The food is fresh, the portions are quite large and Arsen with his staff are up front and honest. The wait can be long sometimes due to the authenticity of a real place. Please get a time estimate up front. Tell Arsen that "The Neighbor" sent you. He will know that you are ready to get the...