Azar's Mediterranean Grill — Restaurant in Virginia Beach

Azar's Mediterranean Grill: A Taste of the Mediterranean, Right Here in Virginia Beach! If you're craving authentic Mediterranean flavors that transport you straight to the sun-drenched islands, look no further than Azar's Mediterranean Grill. We recently had a fantastic evening there, and it truly hit all the right notes! We dove into the Chicken Kabob Entree and the Beef Kabob Entree, both cooked to perfection with that delicious char. The meats were tender and flavorful, a testament to quality ingredients. My only minor wish was that the kabobs came with their own dedicated sauce, similar to the delightful creamy tzatziki that accompanied the Gyros. Speaking of the Gyros, they were absolutely spot-on – savory, juicy, and perfectly wrapped. We also indulged in some Fries with a lovely, mild sprinkle of Za'atar, which was a unique and tasty touch we thoroughly enjoyed. And, of course, a refreshing Diet Cola to wash it all down. The prices were more than fair for the quality and generous portions. And just when we thought it couldn't get any better, we rounded off our meal with an awesome Tiramisu cake. It was the perfect sweet ending! Beyond the fantastic food, the ambiance at Azar's was truly special. Had the decor been, bright whites and blues, we would immediately reminded us of our unforgettable trip to Greece, especially the breathtaking beauty of Santorini. Even though Azar's roots are in Lebanese Mediterranean cuisine, the food connection made the entire experience even more memorable. It's clear they've put thought into creating a welcoming and authentic atmosphere. Based on our visit and echoing what many others have said in their reviews, Azar's Mediterranean Grill offers an excellent dining experience. It's a place where delicious, fairly priced food meets a wonderfully reminiscent atmosphere. We left feeling satisfied and already planning...

I wanted to give 5 stars but unfortunately the service fell short for me. This was a first visit and the interaction felt very rushed - like there was some sort of race to get us to order. First impression was welcoming but looked like they may have been understaffed when we visited?

I inquired about ingredients due to food allergies and waitress assured they could accommodate. I was so grateful - and then by chance my meal was incorrect. We tried to get assistance for several minutes but with limited staffing we waited close to ten minutes before the waitress came back to check in and she had the correct meal in hand. I’d moved some things around on the plate trying to figure out if I’d accidentally ordered the wrong thing and took a small bite of the kabob and one piece of zucchini. When the waitress saw I had begun eating the meal she was angry/upset and asked me why I was eating it when it wasn’t what I’d ordered. We’d never been there before - how were we to know it’s not what I ordered?! She took the wrong meal away and handed me what I actually ordered. Rather than asking me if I wanted the rest of the chicken kabob she asked the other person at our table?! What a confusing situation!

Thankfully the food was good - in fact it was really good! However, it’s hard for me to consider returning here after experiencing this caliber of service. I can’t quite put my finger on it but the vibe was just not good after the issue with the meal. It wasn’t so much the error with getting the wrong meal - more-so the attitude during the interaction that spoiled the situation.

Bottom line: Food was very good, portions seemed a bit small - but the service will keep us...

Last Saturday, January 16, 2021, I drove from my home in Newport News down to Hilltop in Virginia Beach, about forty-five miles away, to photograph a couple of places of worship to add to Google Maps. By 1 P.M. the sky had pretty much shut down on me, and I was very hungry. Very happily I was only a short distance from Azar's.

Usually--nearer my home--a restaurant alluding to "Mediterranean" food means "Greek." But in Azar's I discovered the best Lebanese food between Virginia Beach and--maybe Richmond.

There is a Greek Salad on the menu, but there is also Fatoush! I was so surprised and delighted that I drank what was (unfortunately) their last bottle of Beirut Beer, ate the entire salad, ate the Beef Kebab as a side to get an excellent portion of protein--everything was SO GOOD I got a (diabetically forbidden) Walnut Baklava (--they also have a Pistachio Baklava--). This is the restaurant I would probably live in if I lived nearby.

I phoned my wife to get a takeout order from her, and now I can recommend the Baked Kibbe and the Tabouli with the same enthusiasm I had for every single item I had already dined on.

Lebanese cuisine is devilishly labor intensive to prepare, but Azar's opened in Norfolk originally and later moved to this present location in Virginia Beach. The present operator is the grandson of the man who opened the first Azar's restaurant in 1988, and the food could not have been better! You might have to wait a while for a table--Covid-19 restrictions and sanitation measures are very diligently observed, including social distancing--but if there was ever a table worth waiting for, you will find...