Ambiance: 5/5: they have a great ambiance. The outdoor seating area is so pretty. Service: 5/5: Our server was friendly and checked in at the right times. Food: 5/5: We ordered an appetizer and the chicken kebab. Both were so flavorful. We did not order drinks, but definitely will next time. This place is great for date night. read more

Aba - Grilled Chicken Kebab - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

Literally my only complaint is that they don't serve the sampler on weeekends! My BIL and sister brought us here for an afternoon "snack" and it was perfect. They have so many amazing dips to choose from and I wanted to try all of them. We opted for the crispy short rib hummus, feta dip, and Muhammara - for four people it was the perfect amount to fill us up and they brought so much bread! The bread was light, warm, and fluffy, I wanted to just eat that. But when I tell you I wanted a sampler - literally everything on the menu looked good. We got a couple cocktails as well which all fit the vibe super well. Light, airy, and great flavor. Such a cool spot in a really unique area, I can see why my family loves it! read more

Aba - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

Aba is a beautiful restaurant with a modern and quaint vibe. There's both indoor and outdoor seating, and we chose to sit outside. It was very cozy and the temperature was perfect. It was a great spot to relax and enjoy the evening. The service was very friendly and attentive. We only had drinks and dessert. The menu is somewhat pricey. The frozen yogurt was light and refreshing. The pistachio panna cotta was interesting both the panna cotta and the orange topping were good on their own, but together the combination didn't quite work for me. Paid parking was difficult to find but this was a lovely spot with great ambiance. read more

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The vibe here is really what it's all about. The food is good and I've been now three times so I do think it's worth it. I just would not say it's the best Mediterranean you can get but the overall package of ambiance, service, food, and drink is what keeps me coming back. My ratings on our food below. Whipped feta - 8/10, This is usually my go to but it was a little over salted this time Crispy short rib hummus - 9/10, really great flavor and short rib is tender and crispy which adds nice texture. A little greasy but we didn't mind Truffle baked orzo - 7/10, good flavor and liked the breadcrumb topping but far too rich from the truffle so we could only have a few bites Lamb and beef kefta - 9/10, first time trying this and I'm glad that we did. Cooked perfectly and the basmati rice flavor is so good read more

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I was excited to come back to Aba but the food wasn't as good as I remember. The short rib hummus was good but a bit too salty, same for the braised short ribs. The meat melts in my mouth. It was juicy and tender, but too salty. Halibut was decent. read more

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A delightful meal at Aba! This place is superr hard to snag a rez and this was our second time trying to eat here as the available spots pop up so randomly. Got the smoky garlic hummus 9.5/10 - hummus perfection, love the chilly oil. charred egg plant 7/10 - a little too citrusy/sour for my taste but very smooth and a nice dip for the pita. Mains are Braised beef short rib husband rated it 10/10 and my halibut crusted fish 9/10 was very tasty and unique. The polenta in the short rib dish was silky smooth. And I love the crust on the fish. Very well executed. The sticky date cake was quite tasty and remind me of the brown butter cake at Intero. It has a dollop of cream on the side which helps balance out the sweeteness a lot. Good service and nice romantic ambiance. It can be a bit loud though. read more

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This was my second time at ABA and this time I brought the whole company! The food and service were both amazing, and they were very accommodating to multiple dietary restrictions for our group which was extremely appreciated! My favorite will always be the whipped feta and the sticky date cake, but everything else was amazing as well! read more

Finally tried out this place, reservations are always booked out so we tried coming on a Tuesday evening. Still had to wait 30 min for a table for 3, but this place is so beautiful, waiting at the bar wasn't so bad! We were seated outside, which was also stunning. I loved the whipped feta, worth the hype for sure! The pita it comes with is amazing too. The beef hummus was ok but would probably try something else. Chicken kebab was good, as was the salmon... Preferred the chicken though. The steak was alright but too chewy for me. Loved the orzo, basically like Mac and cheese but the texture was perfect as were the breadcrumbs. Service was nice. But they did bring us the wrong hummus (intended to get the smoky one but they brought out another). They also brought two dishes that weren't for us, which we turned away. Also... Check your bill! They added a $20 martini that we didn't order. Overall I'd go back for the food and ambiance. read more

Fantastic service, fun, lively spot, refreshing cocktails, and a perfect light bite while strolling Congress. How have we missed this gem in the city? Can't wait to come back for more. Lots of seating options. Bring your friends! read more

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Aba has been on my list for months! I was super exited to try this restaurant, however I felt like it wasn't as good as I hoped. The hummus was good, can't go wrong with a classic hummus. 4/5. The whipped feta, could've been better, it was too much feta, felt like it could've had something added to it, make it different. 3/5 The crispy potatoes were basic. Nothing new, and it was a big dish, plus the server didn't bring it till the end, which at that point we had already finished our main dish. 2/5 The pork belly described great on the menu however when we got it, it was basic and heavy. There wasn't anything to balance it out. 4/5 The pickled cucumbers, were good, had a nice kick to them. 4/5 Overall, it was a good experience, the restaurant is beautiful, but the meal could've been a lot better. Great quality food but the price for the meal was not worth it. Overall 3.5/5. Love the plants everywhere. I would like to try this restaurant again with a different menu. read more

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This review is for Aba in Austin, a Mediterranean fusion restaurant that had been on my list for a while, though I hadn't made a point to prioritize it. My boyfriend and I were in the South Congress area on a Sunday looking for brunch, and we initially planned to go to Two Hands. Unsurprisingly, it was packed--as it's one of those go-to brunch spots--so we decided to check out Aba next door. Even though Aba isn't known for brunch, they do serve it, and that ended up working in our favor. We got lucky and were seated on the patio pretty quickly. To start, we ordered drinks. Unfortunately, their coffee options were limited--just plain black coffee--so I got an iced La Colombe coffee, which I didn't love. It was watery and not really my thing. My boyfriend got a pineapple juice, though, and he really enjoyed it. Our server, Kylar, let us know that most of the portions are shareable, so we ordered a few things to split. First up was the avocado hummus, which had a nice balance of sweet and spicy from the peppers. It was super flavorful and served with warm, fluffy pita bread that was quartered, lightly buttered, and perfectly seasoned. Next, we had the khachapuri, a Georgian bread boat filled with cheese and a poached egg. It came with a marinara-style sauce and a tahini sauce. It was buttery, rich, and very indulgent--definitely meant for sharing, and one of the best things we tried. We also ordered the brussels sprouts, which were delicious and topped with nuts for extra texture. They were nicely crisped and flavorful, though maybe just a bit heavy when paired with everything else we had. Overall, the food and service were both excellent. Aba turned out to be a hidden brunch gem. Since most people don't associate Mediterranean cuisine with brunch, it wasn't overcrowded like the more obvious spots nearby. It ended up being a great decision and a really enjoyable experience. read more

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Love Aba! I first hit them up in Chicago and was thrilled to find they made the trek to Austin too. The dips are basically life-changing. Smoky bell pepper dip? I could write a love letter. Short rib hummus? Yes, and take my paycheck too. Skewers? Always solid. And then... the olive oil froyo and date cake. Honestly, I think I found heaven. The outdoor vibe is like Instagram met the wilderness and decided to elope. Parking is South Congress-level chaotic, but that's part of the adventure, right? Service was quick, no wait on a weeknight, and prices don't require selling a kidney. Will be back... probably sooner than my wallet would like. read more

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Aba has easily become one of my favorite restaurants in Austin. A special shoutout to our server, Michael, who was incredibly friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. He took the time to answer our questions, offered great recommendations, and checked in throughout the meal without ever being intrusive. The food is absolutely outstanding everything came fresh and fast. The hummus was some of the best I've ever had! read more

I had an amazing meal at Aba. On a Wednesday night it was pretty crowded - I heard that it can be packed on the weekends. It has a cool layout and seems to be a large footprint, with a choice of outdoors or indoors, and three bar areas and a lower step down dining area. I sat at the bar and my server took good care of me. I came to sample a bunch of different items. I started with the charred eggplant, whipped feta, muhammara, and chilled cucumbers - they were all excellent, served with a thicker, warmed pita. I also has the shawarma spiced prime skirt steak frites, which was really fantastic. I had planned to take 1/2 of it home for the next day, but I couldn't help finishing it. The fries sprinkled with feta were also excellent! I recommend the shawarma if you're in the mood for beef. I also ordered the cauliflower to continuing dipping into the spreads. All in all, a great experience - I highly recommend for mediterranean. read more

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Beautiful restaurant and amazing food. We came for my bachelorette party and had a set menu due to the number of people. The whipped feta, fresh pita, and grilled chicken were my favorites. The custom menu was the cherry on top. Highly recommend! read more

Aba - Menu - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

Love this place. The food is great, they have one of the best vibes in Austin and outdoor seating area and the service is always good. Hell of a way to kick off a night on South congress before going to continental club! read more

I've been trying to go to Aba for over a year and I finally made it happen last week...worth the wait! Here's some advice: if you want to experience the fabulous ambiance and amazing food Aba has to offer, then plan in advance. They are popular and it's not just them trying to make themselves look busy. You really can't get a table because they are all full of happy patrons. So get something on the books early and go enjoy sitting on the Mediterranean patio! The hummus was probably the second best I've had and the pita was perfectly warm and soft. The butternut squash was perfect for fall, but I'd eat it any time! I don't like spicy things so we almost didn't try the green falafel, but I'm glad we did. The sauce that I can't spell without google was wonderful and evened out the spice enough for me to eat it. The Brussels sprouts were a little greasier than I can usually eat, but the flavor was so fantastic that I couldn't stop. That was enough food to fill us up, so I can't wait to stop back in and try the proteins. Everything I tried was amazing, so the only issue with going back is getting a table! read more

Aba - Entry - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

By far my favorite meal in Austin. The vibes were immaculate. We had a large group and were able to customize our menu for a bachelor party - even designed the menu ourselves! It's a super trendy spot and I can see why this place is popular. Service was top notch and very attentive throughout the night. My favorite was the lamb shank - it was so tender and perfectly cooked. The hummus was phenomenal too. I can't say anything bad about any of the dishes because they were all fantastic. I hope they come to LA and open up over there! read more

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One of the harder restaurants in Austin to snag a reservation but worth a try at least once. Definitely an aesthetic decorated restaurant located on SoCo. Food was tasty with a variety of options from short rib hummus to falafel to chicken/lamb dishes. Dessert options looked great, Greek yogurt is a must try. Friendly and amazing service, food came out quick and paced, and overall enjoyable dinner. There is garage parking, but street parking in the front would be the cheaper alternative. read more

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This restaurant is an Austin gem. It is very cute inside, the decor is beautiful inside and out. The food is also wonderful. We went for happy hour and got multiple different things that were delicious. The happy hour is only at the bar, and the bar seating is limited but the staff was very nice and helped us get a spot when one opened up. read more

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have been here multiple times and will continue to come back, although I tried to avoid the patio during daytime because of birds! Patio is beautiful but they have snatched food off my table lol, inside also has a great look and bathrooms are always clean. menu is amazing, the whipped feta is something I now don't order other places because I know it will not measure up to this one! pro tip, always get crudité, too. every waiter is top notch and bartenders are very accommodating if you have questions. service is read more

Aba is that girl of Austin restaurants! From the moment you walk into the lush patio with twinkle lights and greenery everywhere, it feels like you've been transported to a chic vacation spot in the Mediterranean--but with a splash of Austin cool. Let's talk food: The whipped feta? LIFE-CHANGING. I would bathe in it if socially acceptable. The short rib hummus was silky, rich, and honestly deserves its own Nobel Prize. Every dish was packed with flavor, super fresh, and beautifully plated. Even the veggies were exciting (which says a lot). Cocktails = elite. The Purple Rain and Mediterranean Mule were both refreshing and dangerously easy to drink. Their cocktail menu is creative without being over the top. Vibes & Aesthetic: It's giving romantic date night, girls' brunch, and birthday dinner all in one. Trendy but not pretentious. Upbeat music, stunning decor, amazing ambiance--10/10 for the Instagram feed. Service: Our server was so friendly and genuinely knowledgeable about the menu. Never rushed us, gave awesome recommendations, and kept the drinks flowing. Bless them. Pro tip: Make a reservation EARLY or prepare to wait, because Aba is POPULAR--and rightfully so. Overall? Aba is officially one of my favorite spots in Austin. Delicious food, perfect vibes, great service--I'd move in if they let me. GO. ORDER THE WHIPPED FETA. THANK ME LATER. read more

Aba - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I used to really like Aba but Aba's food quality has gone down hill over the years, which shouldn't be the case when there is such a limited menu. 20 bucks for a Greek salad which is just a couple pieces of cucumber, tomatoes, slivers of red onion and a piece of feta. They gave me a piece of rotten heirloom tomato read more

Aba - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

This place gets really busy and it seems like the reservations for normal lunch and dinner times are booked out several days in advance. We were set on trying this place and fine with a weird meal time, so we made a reservation for 1:45 pm. We got there and checked in at the front before being seated. We ordered and didn't see much of our waiter after we got our food. The food itself was pretty good. We ordered the favorite variety plate, Brussel sprouts, and the halibut. The feta dip was amazing. And the falafels were good too with a solid flavor to it. Everything was pretty good except for the garlic hummus, which tasted just like hummus and couldn't taste the garlic. The pita bread was very fresh and soft but they give you small portions and having to flag someone down to get it can take awhile. The google maps address leads you to a public parking lot that is ridiculously expensive. Aba validates parking, which helps with about $3 but after an hour and the validation, it still cost us $19. Beware of that. Don't park at that garage if you can help it and find public parking. read more

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So so good!! Love the ambience with a Palm Springs/Miami vibe. We sat outside and there was a nice little breeze. We ordered the favorites dips what where soooooo delicious. We had the green falafel - it had a little kick to it and just as amazing. The service was attentive and kept checking on us throughout. We also got the Schwarma Spiced Steak Frites which were quite amazing. read more

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We celebrated my birthday here a week ago. It was amazing. Since I try to watch my diet, it just made sense to try this Mediterranean Food Restaurant. We arrived on time and was seated a few seconds later. We ordered the Greek Village Salad, and Whipped Feta as our shared food. The feta came with pita bread. For my entree I chose the Kefta and Eggs. The feta was very creamy and pairs very well with the pita bread. I loved the salad as well. The dressing that it comes with is perfect. My lamb balls on the skewer were cooked just right. They were easy to eat. The fried eggs were also cooked very well. The tzaziki and rice complimented the meal perfectly. Our server Brian ensured we were taken care of. He was prompt from the moment we sat down to when we checked out. Also the bathroom sink area smelled so good! Although the place was crowded, I didn't feel boxed in. A great place to spend some romantic time with the one your with! read more

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Beautiful restaurant! I had high expectations because it was recommended to us. Our Brussels sprouts were burnt as was the skin on my fish. The whipped feta was delicious so was the hummus. I would try them again on another visit based on how packed it was. Maybe just an off night. read more

Last night was our second visit to ABA, and considering that it's a two hour drive to get to, that says a lot. Both times, the food has been spectacular, the service off the page, and the atmosphere and ambiance magnificent. We tried three mezzes last night, and each was killer. The hummus was the smoothest I've ever eaten and with the brisket, it was killer! We tried the whipped feta with pistachios, and it was special -- salty/sweet and a little something special to make you wonder just what the spice was. The lamb & beef keftas were also excellent, with the lemon rice and a nice tsadziki -- and we make keftas at home fairly regularly, so we know what a good one tastes like. The only regret that we had was that we only have one stomach each. A second would have allowed us to keep tasting... Don't miss it. Even the patio dining was cool and refreshing -- and it was 86º when we were eating dinner! read more

Beautiful place to have a romantic meal with that special someone without having to go dressed up to the 9s and 10s. This place serves Mediterranean food and I had the chance to sample two of their main dishes: the heirloom chicken thighs and the lamb and beef kefta skewer. The lamb and beef skewer was tasty, but a little on the dry side which was funny because the outside did not seem too charred. The star of this dish is the basmati rice which was flavourful and had a nice tangy acid surprise from I'm thinking lemon? The chicken thighs are a must get dish. The chicken was crusty even with a sauce over it. The onions in the dish basically absorbed all the flavor from the chicken and spices and added great depth to the place. The one think lacking was the service. Sitting at the bar, the barmaid could not give a damn about our party. She couldn't have been bothered and pretty much ignored us through out the night even though at one point we were the only two people sitting at the bar. She did basically nothing her whole time there. Thank goodness the barman came to the rescue and served us even though he was doing the service bar and wasn't really our server. He made the night enjoyable. read more

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Such a delightful place to dine -- great vibe, friendly, knowledgeable servers, and creative, well-presented, delicious food. Thanks Dani (sp?) for making a great meal even better! Every dish -- and the 5 of us had 10 or so of them -- whipped feta, eggplant, garlic humus, Brussels sprouts, haloumi, cauliflower, skirt steak, chicken thighs, and a beef/lamb kabob. And two desserts -- chocolate cake and cheesecake - yes please. Tasty wine and a delicious latte. Candidly, my Kettle One vodka martini was just okay. One of the top restaurants in Austin! Great people watching too ... Pricey ... worth it! read more

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Food was delicious. Appetizers really held our attention. The pork belly was decent, and the marg was perfect. The ambiance was classy and lively, but impacted the quality of our service because our waiter was too busy and distracted to remain attentive. read more

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Aba is located on SoCo (South Congress) in between a building walkway. The restaurant appears to be in a tree house or a rain forest with all the lush greenery surrounding it and throughout the restaurant (including indoor and outdoor seating). The overhang outdoor covering gives the seating a European feel. Also, Aba has diffused lighting, which emits a sultry, romantic vibe. This venue would be ideal for a wedding proposal or date night with a special someone. Ambiance is a key attractor for Aba. Since I was having a meeting, I had to focus on business and less on the ambiance. The menu is inspired from Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece -- flavor explosion for any palate. I met a colleague here for lunch and she has many food restrictions. She is a near vegan, cannot eat most vegetables and textures. We shared hummus for lunch (Smoky Garlic with ceci, aleppo & urfa pepper, and preserved lemon - best hummus of my life.) I also had the chicken kebab served with basmati rice including yogurt marinade, sweet pepper, and zhoug. Service was superb when we sat down and our order was taken. However, it took a good while for our food to be delivered. We had to ask our server for status. The restaurant was packed so they were backlogged according to our server...the only downside of dining at Aba. Paid street and garage parking is available. Some restaurants on SoCo validate for two hours, however, Aba gives you $3 off $12 (first hour). Aba is a unique dining experience - décor, menu selection and service. You feel transported to another place and time. Your taste buds will be jumping for joy from all the swirls of flavor you experience. The reality of where you are hits you like a ton of bricks as soon as your feet touch the SoCo sidewalk. Aba is two thumbs up for me...way up!! Definitely would like to explore more menu items... read more

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I haven't been to Aba in about eight months so it was nice to be back! I absolutely love the Whipped Feta, it's my favorite thing on the menu--creamy, a hint of sweetness, salty, rich flavor. I also tried the beef short rib hummus which was delicious, nicely flavored and perfectly paired with the warm pita bread (can we talk about how flavorful and addictive the bread is?!?!) We also ordered the crispy chicken which wasn't well seasoned and not crispy due to it being soaked in a liquid and the beef kebabs which were my least favorites of the night. The Brussel sprouts were okay because they were so dry and salty. They needed a glaze on them and a sweet or spicy kick to them would have enhanced the flavor. The crispy potatoes which were well seasoned but missing something. Things to note about Aba! Tapas style! Although reservations are highly encouraged they will seat walk ins if they have the space. Happy hour is ONLY served at the bar/high top seats. This needs to be clearly noted on their website... Parking in the area is awful. They only validate up to $3 off parking which at minimum will be $25 if you're dining for an hour and parked in the garage. For a restaurant of this caliber parking should be fully validated. Our server was very sweet but extremely overwhelmed running between multiple tables. Be prepared to wait 10-20 minutes in between staff taking orders.. One lovely thing is that they expanded the space to add another 3rd bar and extra seating. read more

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We went for Saturday brunch. The atmosphere is trendy yet romantic. Food is tasty, flavorful. It's definitely on the pricier side, but the ambiance and quality make it worth it. read more

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I wish I had been even hungrier than I was! This place is gorgeous, so much indoor and outdoor space. PLUS it's just fun to look at! Great spot for gluten free folks! The service was wonderful and I have no complaints on that. The girls and I did a little bit of this and that and it was well worth it. We just shared things that sounded good based off of what was gluten free for me. Amazing idea! Olives w/feta Whipped feta w/ gluten free crackers Chicken kabobs Lemon meringue frozen yogurt Drinks were all soda water w/mint and lime. Definitely make a reservation as it gets pretty busy, pretty quickly. read more

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Aba is one of the most popular restaurants in Austin, and for good reason. Great food and beautiful vibe. If the weather is good, I would 100% recommend sitting outside rather than inside. It almost feels like a secret garden. In terms of food, you have to get the hummus and whipped feta. For the hummus, I had the short ribbed and smoky garlic - both were fantastic. I do not recommend the classic hummus (it was just okay). You can also get that anywhere. Be adventurous and try one of their more unique options! The whipped feta, watermelon & feta (more so the watermelon than the feta), and pita bread were also stand-outs. The things that I thought were just okay were the crispy potatoes, classic hummus, and chicken thighs. Not bad by any means, but nothing to rave about. The sour cream that the potatoes came with though was DELICIOUS. read more

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You just cannot go wrong with Aba! Every time I go I am simply blown away by everything on the menu. The patio has immaculate vibes. It's shaded, so it's still comfortable even in the Texas heat. Our waitress was very passionate about telling us the menu which I always look forward to. It really speaks to the food when the staff raves about it. The falafel sauce really tied it together. My friend doesn't even care for falafel and he enjoyed it. The Lamb & Beef Kefta rocked my world!!! I would recommend every person order it. The whipped feta and hummus were phenomenal as well. Their pita bread is just something special. Ugh, what an absolute delight!! read more

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Aba might have the best outdoor dining in Austin. You feel like you're on vacation as soon as you are outside the restaurant. The food also happens to be amazing! We came on a Sunday for brunch and had a reservation. There was a line of people at the door exactly at 10am when the opened, so I'd definitely recommend booking ahead. The Thirst Trap cocktail was so refreshing, and I loved the glass they served it in. So pretty. We split the smoky garlic hummus, falafel, chicken kebab, and chocolate cake. The hummus was smooth and creamy, and I enjoyed the house-made bread. The sauce with the falafel was really good, and the chicken kebab was super flavorful. As for the chocolate cake, I loved it. It was a bit sweet for my husband, but I'm a fan of a rich chocolate dessert so it was right up my alley. Would be a great place to impress out of town guests! read more

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Came here for a quick bite and bascially got everything feta. Their pistachio and feta dip was creamy, tangy, strong bold flavors. Great with their naan. The watermelon, tomato, feta salad was my favorite. Bunch of balanced sweet, spicy, salty flavors. Super refreshing and will be making this at home! Potatos were solid, crispy on the outside. The inside was a bit grainy so could be smoother. Otherwise great dipping condiment Generally, good ambiance, feels upscale and environment for chatting or what not. Paying for the strong robust flavors and vibes. read more

I am giving a 2-star review based on my experience with the two bartenders at the second bar outside. One of them, Kaity, was particularly standoffish, and the other bartender--whose name I unfortunately did not catch--also made me uncomfortable. Their behavior felt unwelcoming, and I couldn't help but perceive it as racially insensitive. I personally dislike using that term and am very cautious about it, so please understand that I am being thoughtful in my choice of words. When I asked for Kaity's name upon leaving, she seemed aware of her attitude and immediately started being nicer, but it felt too late for that, Kaity. Now about the place, it is lovely and asthetic. The atmosphere transported us to our favorite restaurant in Dubai. We were blown away with the ambiance. Gorgeous restaurant with beautiful plants and thoughtful decor. We went for lunch! They have both indoor and outdoor seating options. While the prices may be higher, it is highly recommended to experience this establishment. read more

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