We're from Connecticut and came to the Allentown area for a Spartan Race at Blue Mountain Ski…read moreResort. After a long drive, the three of us were starving and wanted something healthy. Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine had great reviews, so we decided to give it a try--and we're so glad we did. We arrived around 5:30 PM, and the restaurant was already busy. The phone was ringing constantly with takeout orders, which is always a good sign. The husband and wife owners greeted us warmly, seated us right away, and brought complimentary water while we looked over the menu. We started with the hummus and pita along with the cheese cigars. Both were outstanding. We were told the hummus is made from fresh chickpeas that are slowly cooked rather than canned, and you can absolutely taste the difference. It was incredibly smooth, creamy, and easily some of the best hummus I've ever had. The fresh pita was the perfect complement. Two people in our group ordered the chicken kebabs with rice and the fresh tomato, cucumber, and red onion salad. I ordered the chicken shawarma with rice. It was my first time having authentic chicken shawarma, and it was phenomenal. Everything was seasoned perfectly, fresh, and full of flavor. I honestly can't imagine how anyone could leave a negative review after eating here. From the moment we walked in until the time we left, the food, service, and hospitality were exceptional. If we weren't racing the next morning, I definitely would have tried one of their cheesecakes. The blueberry and pistachio both looked incredible, and judging by the quality of everything else, I'm sure they would have been just as amazing. Before we left, we spent a few minutes talking with the husband, and it only reinforced how much pride they take in what they do. Allentown is lucky to have a restaurant like this. We have nothing comparable where we're from in Connecticut, and if we lived nearby, this would become a regular stop without question.

An incredible meal from start to finish. I started with the spanakopita. Flaky, doughy, rich olive…read moreoil flavor with spinach intertwined. Honestly, this alone is worth a visit and to me was the star of my food experience here. For my main I ordered the beef and lamb gyro platter. Sometimes lamb can be a little gamey but not this lamb. It was slow cooked for 48hr to achieve a deep garlicky flavor that was just decadent. The meet was tender and the rice fresh and the right ratio of sticky but firm. Finally I ended with the baklava. Flakey crunchy and sweet. This was a classic way to end a Mediterranean meal and it did not disappoint. While this place is in a strip mall, do not let the location fool you. The inside is tastefully decorated in an elegant understated way. The service was top tier. Our waiter was attentive, talked to us about the dishes we ordered, and had a genuine friendliness to him. If you are looking for Mediterranean food or just to try something new, I would highly recommend that you check out this spot.

Excellent middle eastern fare in the heart of Bethlehem. Stopped for dinner with my wife while…read moretouring the area, and we both LOVED this place!! The dining room decor was clean and smart. The staff were knowledgeable and welcoming. And the food was spot on! I had the chicken kabob and my wife had the lentil soup with a side of roasted veggies. Everything was flavorful without feeling too heavy. A very satisfying experience!!!

While visiting Bethlehem Pennsylvania, looking for a mid afternoon bite to eat. Located on East…read moreBroad Street, in the heart of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania We found Mediterranean Grill. There's ample parking in front of the building. The restrooms are handicap, accessible The atmosphere is decorated with a beautiful Mediterranean theme, florals , wood themed throughout , greenery, and plants. Great for date night as well. Greeted via a wonderful gentleman Fred , who is also the owner of Mediterranean Grill. He seated us immediately. He took our order we decided to go with a chicken Shawarma wrap And lamb Shawar. Both had a beautiful presentation. We ordered a side dish of grape leaves and a hummus dip. The dip was amazing, smooth and creamy and flavorful, and the grape leaves had just the right touch of flavor, rolled to perfection. The chicken Shawarma was lightly seasoned with a garlic cream sauce. The lamb Shawarma was equally just as good and flavorful. The dessert was a Osmayli - creamy and delicious, not too heavy . The prices are reasonable. When I visit Bethlehem Pennsylvania again I would definitely stop by here and if you are here, I say stop by give it a try you will not be disappointed and you will thank me later Say hello to Fred

Incredible chicken shawarma, my mom got the beef shawarma salad, 10s all around. They even gave us…read morefree dessert. Very hole in the wall but awesome service (love a hole in the wall)

Service was surprisingly super friendly despite it being a fast food location. This may be because…read morethe person at the register was talking a mile a minute to everyone as if they were family members he had not seen in years! He welcomed everyone in and was just very kind. I got the beef shawarma salad and falafels. I always try to get falafels wherever I am just to compare. The beef had a spice I am not familiar with. Everything was decent. We even got complimentary dessert - some coconut squares.

My Albanian wife and I loved our lunch experience here. It was our first time…read more They had a special hummus with ground lamb appetizer. The ground lamb didn't overpower the already expertly executed hummus and added fantastic depth and richness. We also sprung for the grilled calamari tubes and the chef did a great job of not overcooking while achieving an excellent char. We shared the baked cod and the spice was delicate and perfect. Using cured lemon was a very clever idea as the sauce was not too strong but still had depth; the saffron and turmeric were well balanced. The fish itself was NOT overcooked and flaked perfectly. The vegetables were also executed well and cooked so they could be eaten with the same bite. The star of the show was still the cook on the fish with the wonderful sauce. The sever gave us some Moroccan mint tea which was also wonderful. We will be making the drive from the Maine Line to just to dine here again.

Absolutely delicious food served with genuine warmth and kindness. This is a lovely restaurant and…read moreyou can taste and feel that the food is made with passion and great care. The owner/chef made us feel like the restaurant was an extension of his home to which he welcomed us so warmly.

Wonderful food, great atmosphere! Especially love their Greek specialties. Would visit anytime.read more

Their fresh bread, mezza plate, and chicken liver are delicious. We've been coming here for 10…read moreyears and this restaurant has transformed from a store packed with beer from all over the world that has a hot food section to now a full restaurant. Great to see the tremendous succuss they've made.

Came here yesterday and was extremely disappointed to see the restaurant tank in comparison to my…read moretwo prior visits. The prices have increased significantly. We were seated after the people who walked in after us. Some tables received water and no complimentary bread/olives while others received no water but complimentary bread/olives. Our bread was also sitting out for some time as the baker was not present to make it fresh at the time. It appeared very stale. The restaurant was half empty but it took over an hour (in addition to the understood 25 minute maklouba prep) for our main entree to come out. When it did, there was no apology and we had to ask if the accompanying labneh was on its way for the maklouba. The maklouba itself had rice grains not fully cooked. The server was avoiding eye contact as we tried to ask for more napkins, water and an update on our order. It then took another thirty minutes for us to get the check and pay, which was only possible because we got up. We watched as people waited so long to not only be seated but to also check out. The menu has a lot to offer of the Palestinian culture but the lack of service, lack of freshness and lack of efficiency won't have us coming back.

Have been here twice and it's such always been an amazing experience! Their portion size is massive…read moreand the complimentary pita is fluffy and delicious with zaatar and olive oil. Highly recommend their fried cheese and muhammarah. For the entrees, the chicken and kefta plates are amazing and very flavorful. I've also tried their warm milk drink that has very nice rose flavor. We usually have to wait for 10-15 min before getting seated but it's very much worth the wait. The service was fast and attentive. The interior decor is chic and culturally rich. There are just so many options and I have to come back to try more entrees and drinks.

My son and I had lunch on Sunday (3/1/26) and thoroughly enjoyed our meals. We were greeted warmly…read moreand given menus and had ample time to decide: we chose a shepherd salad and cheese rolls for appetizers (and were given a balloon bread); Dave had Iskender kebab and I ordered lab pide (and took lahmacun home). The food was delicious, and the servings were generous. Efsane is a big space with ample seating, and nicely decorated. There is plenty of parking out front. It has a great vibe to round out the picture. I plan to return, and recommend Efsane.

COME HUNGRY! I came here to celebrate my brother-in-law's birthday with my husband's family…read morerecently. There were 6 of us and we split the Efsane Family Special for 4 people and added lamb chops thinking we wouldn't have enough food lol the special also came with dessert but my sister-in-law also ordered a rice pudding. The 6 of us could've easily had the family special for 4 without ordering anything else - there was so much food and we had leftovers to take home!! For context, we all eat a LOT so to say we had leftovers is saying a lot! Quantity aside, the food itself was delicious. The bread is served fresh and steaming hot, the dips are delicious and flavorful, meat is seasoned and cooked perfectly (the chicken shish and lamb adana are my favorites), and the bitter black tea and sweet baklava are a perfect way to end the meal. I left there stuffed and so happy! The staff was also very friendly and attentive. I'll definitely be back!

Amazing service. Staff is very friendly. Food was great. Fresh and delicious. They take the…read moretime to make sure your food is prepared perfectly. Will be returning.

From the owner: Great Mediterranean food right at the entrance of LeHigh Valley Mall! Stop by and sit inside for a…read morequick bite or take some food to go while you walk around! We Serve Halal Gyros, Halal Fried Chicken, Burgers, Chopped Cheese, Philly Cheese Steak and other delicious foods. Come see us today!