Raja Mediterranean — Restaurant in Texas

We were visiting from out of town and looking for a Halal restaurant, on 8-7-2024, so we found this place. We didn’t check the reviews beforehand, but after calling to confirm if they were open and Halal, we decided to go. Upon arrival, we found the restaurant completely empty and in disarray. The owner, was busy with a large order and told us he would take our order shortly. When we indicated that we would go instead, the owner came over and said he would take our order, assuring us that the food would be ready in 20 minutes. However, after waiting for 25 minutes, we decided to leave. During that time, we kept hearing someone coughing in the back, which raised concerns about the safety of the food being prepared by someone who might be sick. Additionally, the owner was sweating and handling boxes and various items, which is not appropriate when dealing with food. This situation was very concerning. After reading some reviews while we waited, we realized the negative feedback was accurate. The women’s restroom was filthy, and we never found the men’s restroom, forcing everyone to use the women’s. The toilet was in poor condition, as if it was never flushed, and there were no paper towels available. We were also informed that the soda machine was broken, a problem that had apparently persisted for months, reading other reviews. Instead, we were offered drinks from a refrigerator, but everything in the fridge were also warm and expired. The baked goods were poorly displayed, with one shelf broken and condensation indicating a malfunctioning refrigerator. The tables were cluttered, and the overall cleanliness was unacceptable. Feeling uncomfortable, we decided to cancel our order. The man at the counter, who was visibly overwhelmed, became rude and started yelling at us, which was completely uncalled for, especially with a child present. His behavior was disrespectful and unprofessional. If someone has a large order and cannot assist customers who come in person, they should communicate that upfront. It’s important to inform customers over the phone to avoid wasting their time while focusing on other orders. As we were leaving, he kept yelling at us, even following us to our car to continue his argument. After the owner left, an employee apologized for his behavior, explaining that is how is always acts, and how he is always treated by the owner who is a bad person. While I sympathize with the staff, the owner’s conduct was unacceptable, if this is how he treats his employees and paying customers. The owner should be reported for their abusive behavior. The owner of this establishment displays arrogance and does not represent the values of all Muslims. His behavior is rude and unprofessional, and he should be ashamed of himself. This place seems to prioritize hookah and parties over serving customers. I strongly advise avoiding this establishment. It needs serious attention from health inspectors, as the conditions were unsanitary and the service was appalling. We eventually found another restaurant that was clean, respectful, and provided excellent service. It’s hard to understand how this place is still in business or how it has high ratings, those that have experience rudeness by the owner, knows the truth. And to those who have had great experience, were lucky. Other reviews, we just don't believe to be authentic or real.

UPDATE: This situation only highlights a troubling mix of ignorance and arrogance by the owner. No one was upset, a family simply stopped to eat because it’s what happens when one is hungry, you get food. Our frustration stemmed from the lack of respect we received from the owner and all the issues of this establishment, cluttered, dirty, and nothing was functioning properly. It appears to be run by an incompetent owner who abuses and thinks it's ok. Instead of acknowledging the issues and using this opportunity to improve, the owner chose to attack a family, spread lies, and make unfounded speculations about us. This behavior is shameful and reflects poor...

I visited this neighborhood restaurant based upon the reviews, and I concur. I arrived for lunch and there were only a few people there. The gentleman working in the front house was working his tail off. Bouncing from table to table, to greet everyone and get their drinks. He later identified himself as Azmi, and was a pleasant person.

He explained the Friday and Saturday special of lamb shank plate with salad bar for $11.99. The unlimited salad bar ($7.99 by itself or $4.99 as an add-on to another entree) was minimal, but had olives, mozzarella balls, a potato salad dish, hummus, baba ganoush and a tabouli like dish without the wheat grains. The pita was served fresh with olive oil and black pepper dip.

I opted for the gyros meal with fries and drink for $2 more (total $7.99). The pita was fresh and was loaded with onion lettuce and other delicious veggies (see photo). I enjoyed it, but would have liked a couple of slices of more meat. The tzatziki sauce was flavorful. I liked the fresh, fried crinkle fries being hot.

My friend ordered the lamb shank. It must have been a smaller lamb, but it was fall off the bone tender. It came with a good portion of rice and with the salad bar, it was a bargain. One of the other guests ordered the chicken shawarma (5.99). It was rolled in the fresh pita and was tender and well flavored. Her only complaint would be that a little more chicken would be nice.

Overall, the service was slow and food came out at different times. Normally a deal killer for me, but the positive attitude and friendliness of Azmi made it easy to overlook it this time for me. He later admitted that a couple of servers failed to show up, but it goes to show you that hustle and attitude is all we can ask for sometimes.

I will be back. The price point is great, but maybe a little more protein next time. Loved the baba ganoush as Asmi had a special batch made just for me which was...

We drove out to Raja to try some more authentic Mediterranean food. It is not in the best of neighborhoods, nor is it the most beautiful location. It's kind of a hole in the wall. However, the owner is one of the most gracious hosts I've ever met. He was very welcoming and very kind. He had three very new employees the night that we arrived and so things moved a little slower than they probably would have, but the food was delicious.

There was plenty of parking in front of the store. When we first arrived, we were the only ones in the restaurant. By the time we left, there were three other tables seated. There was plenty of room for more, as well. The seating is very simple with a mix and match set of tables and chairs and benches. But good enough to sit and eat.

The food was definitely more authentic Mediterranean than my kids were used to, but they all ate plenty. The beef shawarma was very gristly. That was probably my biggest complaint. The chicken shawarma seemed to be more popular than the beef. We decided to order just about every appetizer they had, so we had a lot of things to taste. They probably had some of the best falafel we've ever had. It wasn't greasy and gross. The fries were fine, but nothing special. The hummus had a very nutty taste to it. It tasted more of Tajin than it did chickpea, at least to me. I prefer my own homemade hummus a little better, but it was still good. The dolmas were a favorite of my wife. My kids did not like them, though.

If I was in the neighborhood, I would probably go back. I would probably not take my kids again, because it just wasn't their cup of tea. I would also probably try something different than the shawarma. I heard him saying that he makes the best shawarma in town, but I liked some but I've had it on Westheimer quite...