Hanging Gardens Mediterranean Food — Restaurant in Sun City

So gentle readers, as we continue our culinary tour of the gastronomical community, I would like to introduce some of you to my most recent finding. Solely due to their new signage gracing the front of the building on the northwest corner of W Bell Road and N 99TH Ave, (Otherwise known as the Sun Shadow Square Plaza to us locals), I believe I have found a hidden gem! Drawn by the ambiguous "Mediterranean" name, we ran inside solely to obtain a "to go" menu (and check out how the locals seemed to be enjoying their meals). With the presence of actual customers with "butts in the seats" they were off to a good start! As we drove home salivating over the menu (even with full bellies from the red and yellow "arched" place close by), the items descriptions and flame grilled pictures seemed enticing! Now with the computer and "Yelp" reviews at arm’s reach, the rest is history! First off, as far as "Yelp" and "Google" go, you automatically throw out the "1's" as those reviewers just seem to be unhappy soles with an eviler than anything vendetta; (don't believe me, just read most of the other reviews they have left.) You then take away a quarter of the top "5's", because they, (me included) usually just like to write, but do not have the professional license that coincides. The rest of the reviews lay somewhere between hunger, indigestion and the actual truth. This gentle writer would like to start out with Exhibit "A", the enclosed picture. I ordered the Greek salad with 2 skewers of Chicken Tikka. This meal also came with a cup of Lentil soup and a salad dressing that was as close to heaven as any mother would wish their child to get to be! The woman sitting behind was just informing the waiter the Lentil soup was even better than her own. The waiter added it is his mother’s personal recipe and people really seem to love it. Our Lentil soup was then brought to our table. Never have I tried Lentil soup; consider it like split pea soup but with a more delicate, less "hammy" flavor. Add salt and pepper to taste. My salad came afterword. It was fresh, chilled, and bursting with flavor from the freshly cut purple onion, tomato, feta cheese, kalamata olives and just cut romaine lettuce, herbs and spices. This is where the "Mediterranean" part comes in. The accompanying dressing, while Mediterranean, was not necessarily Greek in flavor, but even more appetizing than Greek if possible! See where I am going with this ambiguous "Mediterranean" thing now? Theirs is a dressing one should be able to purchase by the gallon bucket! The two skewers (5 huge pieces each) of warm Chicken Tikka ordered with the salad were enough to barely quench this writers need/desire for more! My pant waist seemed to tighten even more, causing me to wonder what the washing machine was doing to the waist band. It seemed the more I ate the less my stomach was able to keep pace, forcing me to request “to go” box in lieu of larger trousers. While waiting for my new trousers... I mean the to go box... the owner provided me a quick history lesson on the parts of the Mediterranean of which the food preparation originates, truly informative and politic free! Gentle readers, if faced with a dilemma of where to obtain your next, non-arched, non Styrofoamed, non-paper wrapped meal, I would like to recommend Hanging Gardens Mediterranean Restaurant. They use real silverware and dishes. Remember, ignore the "1" ratings, and one quarter of the 5's and read most of the remaining reviews. Not everyone is rating an $8.95 - $18.99 meal as if it is a 5-star restaurant, nor walking out without letting the manager try to make it right if a problem occurred. Give this family-oriented Restaurant a try the next time you are in the area, and give me your thoughts. Yes, I paid for my meal; no, I am not a...

First time here as I’m new to the area. I appreciate a good gyros 🥙 and there’s room for improvement here. I dined in for lunch today. Would have loved to sit outside; which is something they’re waiting approval for. Inside they’re remodeling, yet it’s clean and spacious. To order I went with the gyros - which isn’t shown on the menu behind the counter - and fountain drink; opting for the Greek salad for my side (combo). While waiting for my order I was given a cup of their lentil soup. It was quite good. My gyros came with the salad. The salad was nice with its romaine lettuce chopped, cucumbers and tomatoes, white onions, feta cheese, and kalamata olives. The dressing was a standard Greek dressing. The gyros was okay. I had to ask for white onions instead of red. I can’t stand red onions as they’re more pungent, and ruin the palate or taste. The pita bread and meat were good. Here’s where they could improve on the sandwich. Don’t use red onions; and slice them a bit thinner and longer. The tomatoes to me were diced. Use half moon slices of tomato. The tzatziki sauce had too much dill. I’m not sure how they made the sauce. It’s a very simple sauce that uses a 50/50 blend of Greek yogurt and sour cream; s&p; grated garlic and cucumber; and a touch of dill and lemon juice. The sauce should complement the meat and pita. This sauce overpowered both with too much dill. It’s a nice meal for a reasonable price: $13.80 after tax. Sorry for not taking pictures. Next time I visit I’ll do that. Nothing for dessert. It would be a nice touch to have baklava, or some other nice treats. Lastly, the bathroom is clean; and there’s plenty of parking available. It should be interesting once the remodeling is finished that will add a bar.

P.S. They list baklava under dishes to recommend. I did not see that on the menu; or even the ‘To Go’ menu. Ask questions as I have, and see what they do offer — as I had about using white onions. I should have asked if they...

Update May 2025 The beef shawarma was delicious and I really like the addition of the counter/bar and selection of beers they have added! Update Jan. 2025 Tried the 1/2 size beef kafta and it was delicious. Still includes that delicious lentil soup which is so comforting on a chilly AZ night! Update Nov. 2024 Just went for some baklava: heavenly! Not overly sweet and soggy like so many places. See pic and start drooling. Friend had the burger and said it was good, but didn't care for the bun and will stick to the Mediterranean meats which had it beat. Update: Oct., 2024 Had delicious 1/2 portion mesquite grilled shawarma, yogurt drink, and complimentary yellow lentil soup: delicious! Fun watching the owner interact so pleasantly with customers, answering questions and describing food. His son and daughter were helping out too, so it was a very warm and friendly atmosphere. New signs point out that gyros are now available. Tasty, healthy Mediterranean cuisine at fair prices served up by people eager to please and answer your questions. Items cooked over a mesquite charcoal grill just taste better as it imparts a distinct smoky layer that just can't be mimicked, so even if you just want a burger this is the place. I'd never had a marinated eggplant salad before, but it was sure good, and my friend was very pleased with the colorful Greek salad.The chicken tikka was deliciously mesquity, and we loved our hummus and baba ghanoush artistically plated with fresh pita wedges arranged like star points, and tabouli served with stuffed grape leaves.We were surprised by a complimentary serving of lentil soup that was pure comfort in a bowl. There is a wide selection of menu items to try a la carte or as a meal so be adventurous and try something new and order some more to take home. However, I wish styrofoam wasn't the to-go option since such fare deserves a healthier, classier, and more...