Mediterranean Fresh Grill — Restaurant in Winter Haven

In re: to the owner’s response, I’ll call out a couple of lies they just gave:

First, I can tell there’s an underlying theme with other reviews that you do not want children in your establishment. So, just own it and say “no kids allowed”. Here’s a pro tip - state this upfront, when someone calls saying they have a child with them.

The restaurant was not empty. You actually had two tables occupied by couples. One on the left towards the back and one on the right closer to the front door.

As stated before, we called twice and noted we will come between 7:30pm and 7:45pm. Train your staff to then say, we will not seat you after 7:45pm. Or not accept reservations at 7:45. It’s that easy. Both times, your staff agreed to the reservations.

Our group did not arrive just a tad bit late, we arrived at 7:40pm, before your made-up 7:45pm cut off time and your posted 8:15pm last-call time. Which time is it then?

It’s clear your discriminate against those with children and you turned us away because we had a child. The fact that you run a business like this says a lot about your morals and your overall business ethic. Good luck!

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Let me preface that this was on a Wednesday at 7:40pm and the restaurant was empty - I see they use the same excuse responding to other reviews that they are “busy” and have live music etc etc and they can’t accommodate families because it’s a “small space”. Not today, buddy. You had two tables occupied.

Discriminatory (and it’s clear they don’t welcome children in their restaurant even though they are across the street from Legoland). Never have we received such terrible service. So, we called twice today. First call was to see what time they closed (which it was confirmed that the last order is to be placed by 8:15pm as stated on the phone by a female and also online). We called again to confirm if they have high chairs or booster seats. PARENTS BE AWARE - they do NOT have high chairs or booster seats. We also made reservations during this call and told the male who answered the phone that we will be there between 7:30pm and 7:45pm and that we will be bringing our own, portable high chair. We arrive at 7:40 and the two females and one male in the back by the register look at each other - probably deciding who is going to deny these customers service (there was one lady with white shoulder length hair who I’m pretty sure made the call and was pretty sure the manager/owner). The male comes up and says they are closing. Oh! But we made reservations for between 7:30 and 7:45. The older waitress steps up and says, we can prepare a to go order for you. Why wait 15-20 mins for a to go order if your establishment doesn’t close for another 45 minutes? Reality is, they didn’t want to serve us. Here’s the thing - don’t take two calls confirming that we will be there well before the kitchen closes and then refuse us service. Bad business, bad service. The kicker is…you have a place right across the street from Legoland and yet you don’t have high chairs or booster seats! If you don’t want to serve kids, just state it on your menu, website and front door. Or mention it on the phone when a customer...

Mediterranean Fresh Grill stands out as an exceptional culinary haven, especially for vegetarians and aficionados of Lebanese cuisine. Every dish is meticulously prepared, encapsulating the genuine flavors, textures, and aromas of Lebanon, promising an unparalleled dining experience.

The fried cauliflower at this establishment is a true gastronomic revelation, a must-try dish that sets Mediterranean Fresh Grill apart from the rest. The cauliflower florets are tender, juicy, and cooked to absolute perfection, retaining their natural sweetness and robustness. Remarkably, the cauliflower is prepared without batter, allowing its authentic flavors to shine brilliantly, making every bite an exquisite delight.

Pro Tip: Elevate your fried cauliflower experience by pairing it with the garlic whip. This combination is heavenly, with the creamy, flavorful garlic whip complementing the soft, flavorful cauliflower, creating a symphony of flavors in your mouth.

The lentil soup is another standout dish, fresh, almost creamy in texture, and packed with a complex layering of flavors. The Mediterranean sampler is my personal favorite, a divine assortment featuring heavenly fresh hummus, incredibly creamy baba ganoush, and falafel that feels like a bite of heaven. The garlic whip, when paired with crispy French fries and falafel, makes for an irresistible combination that keeps me coming back for more.

The staff at Mediterranean Fresh Grill are warm, friendly, and always greet you with a radiant smile, remembering you as if you were family. This creates a welcoming and friendly atmosphere that complements the culinary delights on offer.

Located right across from Legoland, Mediterranean Fresh Grill is a hidden gem in the area. If you find yourself nearby, stopping by is a must. The sublime tastes, welcoming atmosphere, and culinary mastery on display make it a standout choice for a memorable dining experience.

In conclusion, Mediterranean Fresh Grill is a vegetarian heaven, offering a taste of Lebanon with every bite. The attention to detail, commitment to quality, and passion for authentic Mediterranean cuisine make it a truly exceptional establishment. Whether you are a vegetarian or simply a lover of good food, this place promises satisfaction, delight, and a culinary journey to remember. Additionally, for those who prefer meat, there is no shortage of amazing dishes to choose from, ensuring that Mediterranean Fresh Grill caters to all palates and...

This was one of the best meals I have had in a long time. We got a sample of an eggplant dip the chef was experimenting with and I told the owner that I hated eggplant but then proceeded to lick the bowl clean. I had a skewer of shrimp, a skewer of chicken, a skewer of beef, and a skewer of some kind of meat mixture, all served on rice. They put two little piles tzatziki (?) sauce on the plate. They were so light and flavorful. We also ordered a side of their homemade hot sauce that was excellent. I mixed the whole dish into my plate of food and boarded the bus to Flavortown. For dessert we had baklava cheesecake and that was a great ending to a great dinner. Can't say enough good things about this restaurant.

Update 11-08

Christopher Kimball tells us that "cooking is not pedantic. It's elusive, magical and alive with the poetry of life. And food is the common language. All food is everyone's food". Another great dining experience tonight! We started with a bowl of tzatziki served with pita... that is according to the menu, but if you look at the picture, that is not American pita. The bread served is true Al-Sag bread and with the tzatziki I could have made a whole meal out if it. But then I would have missed the grouper main course! Check out the picture and try to imagine all the wonderful spices and flavors that are on this fish. This is definitely not bland and tasteless food. I ordered a side of the fresh made hot sauce to go with it and tonight the chef made it using jalapenos. Take care with this! It will really warm your heart as it burns its way through your system. For dessert we ordered the baklava sampling. Unfortunately, it was all gone before I remembered that I wanted a picture. The baklava was a treat. It did not have the overpowering sweetness of other local baklava. I want to order this as a take home for Christmas dinner; it was that good.

ALMOST 5 YEARS LATER....

The restaurant continues to excel. My wife and I ate there on Valentine's Day, 2024, and I had some of the best lamb chops I have ever eaten here in Polk County. They were absolutely delicious. The salad was a little busy for my taste, but the hummus and pita bread was a great appetizer. The chef also makes his own hot sauce, (see above) which takes all the dishes to another level. My wife had the shrimp skewers. They were cooked perfectly. I can't wait until my next trip here for more of...