What a great place! Delicious fresh food, usually prepared and served by the owner who never lets you leave without a smile. Just go. read more

I had eaten here twice before and had a great experience so I could not wait to bring my parents. Well we arrived and placed our order. My father ordered a $7 Caesar salad. When the salad arrived, the portion was quite small to my father asked the server if you received the main salad or a side salad. The server said it was the main salad and went into the kitchen. The next minute the owner/chef came out and came to our table and said I hear there's a problem with the salad. My father said no there's no problem I was just wondering if it was the man salad or the sides out because I thought the portion was quite small and it didn't look like a $7 salad to me. Well the owner barked at my father that the portions have never changed, those are the sizes of the portions and that's the main salad. He then walked back into the kitchen in a huff. I could not believe the way he spoke to my father with such disrespect. And my father is a 73 year old man; a very gentle, kind, quiet man. I was absolutely humiliated and appalled...But it gets better!! We had ordered the goulash appetizers and in the past when I had ordered them, they came 2 on a plate however this time they came 1 on a plate. So I asked the server if they were an appetizer size or if there is a larger platter size. He told me that the platter size is 2 and I thanked him for explaining that to me so I now know that there were two sizes on the menu. It was no big deal and I was not upset but the next thing I know, the owner is back at our table! This time he was aggressive and said, "there's a problem again! I told you people once I've never changed the portions, I've always kept the portions the same size." And I said, "excuse me there's no reason to be so defensive.. I just asked a simple question because I haven't been here in a couple months, I thought maybe the menu or something had changed.. there's no reason to scold us, we are your customers." Well he didn't like what I said I guess, because he scolded us again that the portions were the same and stormed back off into the kitchen. Not once were we rude nor were we nasty in our tone. My parents just could not believe the way they were spoken to. I cannot believe the way the owner of a restaurant could speak to his customers. There were other tables that witnessed this; the woman next to me looked shocked. The way he spoke to us was atrocious! Instead of making us happy and explaining or offering to get the platter for us he made no effort but rather scolded us and treated us with such disrespect that I'm still in disbelief this happened. NEVER AGAIN will I ever visit this restaurant nor recommend it to anyone. In fact, I will discourage everyone I know from ever going there. Never should an owner treat a customer this way. read more

I went with the Cafe 28 Special and it was simply delicious, very fresh and flavorful! Mohammed is super nice. Will be back for sure!

Wow!!!!! Large menu and everything was amazing. Prices are great and The staff is fantastic to. We can't wait to go back

Had the lentil soup, and lamp gyro. Excellent quality and freshness. You can tell that everything is homemade. I also had the homemade peach iced tea with hibiscus, this was also a treat! Mohammad should be commended on his excellent work. read more

My husband and I were looking for something different for dinner. So I went on Yelp and read the great reviews for Cafe 28. They were spot on. This place is fabulous, and though I don't want to see it get so busy that I can't get in, it's too good not share! They moved from their Red Bank location to their current one very recently. The place is small but nicely decorated and very welcoming. Kareem (sp?) and his sister are very warm and gracious hosts. The food, prepared by their father, is out of this world - from the hummus to the mint tea. Everything is so incredibly fresh and flavorful. The hummus was delicious and light with just the slightest drizzle of olive oil and served with pita slices, which Kareem thoughtfully replenished. My husband had the Fantasia Salad and Bass with vegetable couscous. I had the rice almond salad (too die for!) and sauteed shrimp with a perfect amount of lemon garlic sauce served with a side of rice. We thoroughly enjoyed every bite and left feeling completely satisfied but not overly stuffed. We capped off the meal with a refreshing mint tea. It's BYOB, which makes it a reasonable night out and there's a liquor store just a few steps away from Cafe 28. The menu prices are very reasonable for the freshness and level of food. I'm going back in the next day or two. It's that good!!! read more

The owner is super nice and the food is great. It's often nice and quiet in there. There's a huge drink selection and the coffees are fantastic. And they don't just do Mediterranean food, they have all kinds of wraps and breakfast sandwiches. read more

The sweetest guy runs this place! And he makes sandwiches straight out of heaven!!!! In all seriousness this is the best sandwich I have ever had. I got the pastrami and corned beef melt. But anything and everything here is good. Believe it when the guy says it. We also had a chef's special salad, a lamb gyro and a Kaitafi for dessert. Everything was absolutely scrumptious and nothing like I have ever had before. The service is great. The owner made me feel so much at home and fed me like I was a guest at his home! I haven't experienced such hospitality in a while! A great gem and a great experience overall. We live an hour and half away but we will definitely be coming back! read more

I have worked in red bank my whole life and i can't believe I haven't been here till this week. I'm a vegetarian and they have so many options and they are willing to change things around to suit your needs. They even have vegan options too!! I had the traditional falafel sandwhich and the grape leaves sandwhich and both were AMAZINGGG!! I LOVED it so much I got it twice in one week! read more

Our favorite restaurant for stops on the way to LBI. So pleased to have found a place that offers delicious and creative vegetarian options - also child friendly and delightful but quiet Egyptian/ Mediterranean ambiance. read more

So I was in the area with my wife and kids and wanted a quick meal on the drive back to NYC. I called about 20 minutes ahead of time and ordered 4 chicken shwarma sandwiches and 2 Hummus to go. When I arrive the owner hands me the bag and asks for payment. While he's ringing me up I look in the bag and I see shwarma platters with rice which is clearly not what I ordered. I asked him where are the sandwiches. He rudely says sandwiches only served during lunch, not dinner. And quickly charges my CC. Very unprofessional and greedy to charge double for something I never ordered. If you don't have sandwiches on the dinner menu, fine. But you have to tell that to the customer !! Not replace it with something double the price without getting approval. Very shady. read more

Great little place for Middle Eastern food. I always get the chicken shawarma or falafel. The owner and staff are very friendly. Always made fresh and big portions. read more

Great stop for Mediterranean eats in red bank nj. So good that we can back for a second round of Lamb gyros on our last 4 day trip. Mohammed is great, and we'll be sure to go back here the next time we visit. read more

This spot is similar to the one at Redbank . The food was excellent and the service was really cool . In spite of the menu , you can still order dinner size or the platter of the dish . read more

Best gyro I've had in the area! The owner is super friendly and the food is absolutely fresh and delicious. Definitely recommend it!

Everything here is exceptional. I stopped for coffee, and left with much more. Only place around here to get properly prepared falafel and Mediterranean specialties. The owner is a wonderful guy and prepares everything with care and with very fresh ingredients. I can't walk by cafe 28 without getting a Turkish coffee. It takes about 5 minutes but well worth it. While I was waiting.... I could not help but pick up some cookies.. Old school style in the case...couple of these...couple of those...my wife loved them read more

What a great spot!!! The hummus is to die for and the food is so fresh... The owner is delightful and you can tell that he has pride in his food and restaurant. The restaurant is spotless! read more

Best Mediterranean food in red bank, service is fantastic, falafel with egg plant, grape leaves, hummus, tahini. I skip the cold cuts & always try his handmade dishes. Ahhhhmmmaaaazing read more

The food was excellent. The banana shake was so good. My wife had the salmon. I had the chicken shish kabobs. The service was great, its nice cosy spot. The feel is very authentic and original. read more

I have been going to Cafe 28 for several years and this place never fails to satisfy my craving for a great falafel sandwich! In addition, I particularly love the baba ghanoush and the turkish coffee. The menu offerings also include more typical American sandwiches but I always opt for the more ethnic mediterranean choices. It is a small place but very cosy for a quick lunch or just take out. The owner is always there and he is a very pleasant person who takes the orders as well as creates all the food. If you are in the area be sure to give it a try! read more

Found this special place by chance, now part of my weekly menu traveling in the area! Love the food, friendly and accommodating service

What a hidden gem of a place.... Found it on accident being in the area and we will definitely go back. Everything was made fresh to order and the Owner was the nicest guy, so nice to have someone so eager to make you happy, you felt like he was serving you in his home..... The gyro was DELICIOUS!!!!!! read more

Excellent Mediterranean and European-style deli. Tons of options to choose. I ordered the Falafel Hummus platter and it was delicious. My boyfriend ordered the signature sub and it was ginormous - with two layers of mozzarella, tomatoes, and prosciutto. He took half home! Everything is sprinkled with olive oil. Takes a bit to get your order but that's because it's just one guy working the kitchen. Well worth the wait! read more

This place is delicious! My boyfriend got the Cafe 28 special which is a mixed platter of different Greek foods, yum! I got a sub which was also really good. The man working here is so nice. Would highly recommend. read more

Wow !!! What an amazing experience. The food was insane. We kept ordering more and more we could literally not get enough. Besides the amazing food, the owner was so nice came out and greeted us, and the place was so clean. I truly enjoyed my time here. read more

Ohmigod..this place deserves 10 stars. Amazing warm hummus with beef, eggplant moussaka that's not like any other, a fava bean dish. A special Egyptian dish with chickpeas and ritalin. Kibbeh, basterma..a type of Egyptian prosciutto. You have got to try it! read more

How wonderful it is to have walked into Cafe 28 and recognize the owner/ chef from his previous location in Red Bank, NJ. Trying to find fresh, delicious Mediterranean cuisine can be quite the challenge in Monmouth County. Not anymore!! From first courses to Turkish Coffee and dessert the menu is flawless. Fresh food seasoned to perfection is always my priority in dining out. Cafe 28 hits the mark!! The hummus is freshly made served with warm pita. I enjoyed the falafel with marinated eggplant wrapped in pita. Simply delicious. As I was dining I enjoyed looking at the decor on the walls and loved the beautiful table with inlay of mother of pearl. The added benefit is that Cafe 28 is BYOB. If I closed my eyes as I ate I would have been anticipating a warm Mediterranean breeze to pass over me. read more

Stopped here for a quick lunch. Falafel sandwich was outrageous. Falafel was flat and lightly breaded, lettuce was fresh spring mix with an incredible tahini dressing, finely diced cucumber tomato and carrot salad, and marinated eggplant. Fresh herbs, thin flavorful pita, all for $6.00. Will definitely be back now that I'm working in the area! read more

Just had the "Café 28 Special" and the food was outstanding! Outstanding food, quick service, and the owner is extremely nice! read more

Cafe 28 - Homemade Baklava and Turkish Coffee - Mediterranean Near Me - Ocean Township, New Jersey

We stumbled upon this place last night after the movies. I was drawn in by the marinated eggplant sandwich and we ended up ordering everything on the specials board. 1. Food -- the food was outstanding: fresh, authentic and made to order 2. Portions -- very generous! We took home leftovers. I smeared the sheep's cheese on my toast this morning and will fight my husband for the second half of the eggplant sandwich 3. Atmosphere -- warm friendly deli. Owner turned down the lights when he heard we staying there to eat. Also very clean with lots of tempting cookies on display. 4. Owner -- warm, gracious, and an excellent cook. He knows his food and his history. For you Italians, google escarole. It is Egyptian not Italian. Clearly I can't say enough about this little gem other than GO. You won't be disappointed! read more

Great! Fresh, authentic, affordable, and friendly! Tasty falafel, fresh salad and an assortment of tempting cookies and deserts. Turkish coffee is the best I've had. The owner is friendly, and always up for conversation. While waiting for my coffee, he offered me a cookie- so nice!! Only one table so be ready to take out. But it is SO worth it! read more

I usually stop in Cafe 28 about twice a month for a delicious cup of coffee and a snack. I have never had a bad meal at Cafe 28 and I really enjoy talking to Mohammad while enjoying my meals there. He is a good guy, serving good food, period. If you want to try something different for lunch and or eat healthy, stop by Cafe 28. read more

NOT just a sandwich! I had the hot pastrami and it was fantastic! Great quality ingredients and something in the toppings; very unique and great flavors. Natural foods with the owner's mission of serving his customers what he loves eating! Prepared by a true international chef! Nice espresso and Mediterranean goodies. A+! read more

REALLY GREAT loved the food!!!!! The shop is a little small but I think it adds to the charm of the place. Really great prices for the amount of food you get and it really is delicious. Tired falafels for the first time and really loved it. Can't wait to go back!!! read more

DO NOT GO HERE, THE FOOD IS OVER SALTED AND MADE MY PARTY OF 3 SICK. We went here and were the only people at the restaurant, took over an hour for our food to come. It was horrible, the waiter absolutely sucks. Never refilled our drinks and disappeared. Lastly, we split the check with 2 cards and they charged us 6 dollars for splitting a check????!?!?!?!?!? When I inquired about this charge, the waiter Karim said it is stated on the website(which it isnt) and we should've checked the website before coming to this restaurant. He then called the manager after I politely said that he shouldve just let me know before he put the charge and I would've happily paid it all on one. The manager came and got really rowdy, he said that we just shouldn't leave a tip and then leave and has every right to charge us what he pleases. Please just eat McDonald's instead and get sick from that than this disgusting food and service. read more

We just ate in this new restaurant which was an excellent choice. The portions were big and delicious. The staff were friendly and made sure we would have the best experience. read more

The food here is delicious and fresh. It is very authentic. The menu has a wide variety of options for vegetarians and meat-eaters. The service is friendly and caring. Be aware that they charge a "sharing fee" for entrees, which is not posted on the menu. Aside from that little surprise, this was a pleasant and delicious dining experience. read more

What a place?! Delicious food. Authentic. it' obvious the food is made with care and love. There are not many Mediterranean restaurants in the area and finding this gem is exciting to add to our mix of lazy night take out food. The place also had a wonderfully friendly and passionate server. It's a rare find to have a passionate owner, cook and server. We got the labneh, baba ganoush, hummus, falafel, the mixed grill and the delicious koshari. Enough food for 4 people dinner and lunch the next day. Great great place! Go and enjoy read more

When one comes across a special restaurant, you just know it. And so Cafe 28 is a real gem of a restaurant off the beaten track down at the shore. The food is fresh made for each order whether it's a salad and appetizer or a main dish. The desserts (kanafeh and also rice pudding) were also fantastic. So looking forward to coming again to try other dishes. read more

Friendly cozy restaurant. Great menu with a wide variety of middle eastern cuisine. BYOB. Delicious Mediterranean chopped salad. Great hummus and eggplant appetizers. Love the chicken kabobs. Highly recommend. read more