Middle East Market

4.6 (441 reviews)

ModerateGrocery, Persian/Iranian, Caterers

Open • 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

Updated 1 month ago

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Middle East Market - Cardamom and rose water tea - Grocery Near Me - Berkeley, California

Middle East Market - Persian New Year table on display. - Grocery Near Me - Berkeley, California

Middle East Market - Baarg with half rice and half Shiraz salad - Grocery Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Middle East Market - Market sign next to cafe - Grocery Near Me - Berkeley, California

Middle East Market Popular Dishes

20 Photos38 Reviews

21 days ago

This is a fabulous local market with the best dolma, Turkish delight, baklava and so much more. I go here all the time. It's excellent!!

3 months ago

The Turkish Delight selection is actually quite delightful! And I love the tea they serve when you buy from their deli. Everything is delicious.

9 Photos29 Reviews

6 months ago

delicious food (i'm partial to the stews gheymeh, ghormeh sabzi and fesenjan, and the occasional koobideh), friendly staff and service, and now has a restaurant next door to the grocery store with a bar stocked with drink but more...

over 1 year ago

My friend had the same thing and also added the ghormeh sabzi. She really enjoyed the food here. The second visit was by myself because I was craving baklava. Their baklava is one the BEST I have ever tried. It was so delicious and...

11 Photos10 Reviews

10 months ago

I ordered the koobideh kabob 10/10, hummus 10/10, and the shirazi salad 10/10. The service was quick and the ambiance was welcoming. The people who work there are lovely as well.

about 2 years ago

I tried a variety of their signature dishes: Ghormeh Sabzi (herb stew with beef), Chicken Thigh & Koobideh kabobs, Turkish delights, and Halva. It all popped, but the standouts were the Ghormeh Sabzi, Koobideh kabob, and Halva. The...

have been my favorite dish of all, as a dessert, but also it packs just the right amount of sweetness with the decadence of fudge, yet still somehow light and airy. I would return for the Halva alone! I felt that everything was reasonably priced and well-portioned. The kabobs, served with a heaping portion of basmati rice and grilled veggies, were a steal at $24. The Sabzi (à la carte) was $13, and a great add-on (you can also get it with rice as a full meal). The Turkish delights are sold by the pound ($16/lb). I tried an assortment of these (they have an incredible variety!), and each one was once again packed with flavor, not too sweet, the perfect companion to an afternoon coffee or tea. They were extremely fresh and clearly homemade. I did have a few nits: the chicken kabobs were a bit under-seasoned, despite being perfectly juicy and succulent (they have really dialed in their grill process), and the beef in the Sabzi was a tad dry. But both of these issues are in the noise, with what otherwise a delicious dining experience. The team here takes great pride in their food, and it shows in the end result. Don't sleep on this neighborhood gem!

Middle East Market menu photos

Menu photo 1 Middle East Market Berkeley, CA

Menu photo 2 Middle East Market Berkeley, CA

Menu photo 3 Middle East Market Berkeley, CA

Menu photo 4 Middle East Market Berkeley, CA

Menu photo 5 Middle East Market Berkeley, CA

Menu photo 6 Middle East Market Berkeley, CA

Menu photo 7 Middle East Market Berkeley, CA

Menu photo 8 Middle East Market Berkeley, CA

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MIDDLE EAST MARKET ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

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Outside

14 Photos

Casual

Moderate noise

Outdoor seating

Good for kids

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Dianna H.

I stepped in to grab food before realizing there was a separate cafe next door. Decided to come back after dinner next door to pick up some dessert and I'm so glad I did! I got an assortment of Turkish delight and some pistachio baklava ($2.99). The Turkish delight is sold by weight across all the varieties and goes for $16.99/lb. The guy behind the counter was super friendly and offered us a sample of one of the flavors to try which I thought was a nice gesture. Everything looked so good, so we picked a couple different pieces of Turkish delight to try. To my surprise, my favorite ended up being the saffron, though rose petal with pomegranate and sour cherry with pastachio were close seconds. I didn't like the coconut or the chocolate one that much, so reminder to myself to skip those next time. After picking up the dessert, I did a quick circle around the store to see what they had. It's not a big store but they manage to cram a lot of stuff into the limited space!

Tram V.

Stumbled across this place while walking around. They have a formal restaurant and a grocery/dessert next door. The grocery store was small but was packed with various treats and snacks. They had a whole selection of homemade desserts on display. I was a bit overwhelmed and didn't know what to get and the guy behind the counter suggested the rose dessert. I also got a baklava and pistachio halva. The rose dessert was a bit too sweet for my liking but I liked the "rose" flavor. The baklava was my favorite. It was crunchy, sweet but not overbearingly sweet, and enough pistachio to balance it out. The pistachio halva was something I haven't tried before. When I first saw it, I thought the texture would be a creamy dessert but the actual texture was more claylike. It was good but due to the claylike texture, it did dry my mouth while eating it. Overall, a wonderful place to try various desserts that are bite sized. I want to call out that the guy behind the counter was really sweet and kept track of the order of people in line. I was second in line but was waiting by the dessert display area instead of the cash register. A couple cut me without knowing and placed their items on the cash register and expected him to ring them up. He stopped, apologized, and let the them know that I was second in line and he'll ring them up after he takes my order. I'm glad that he did that. If not, I would have been annoyed and left. So big thanks for being so professional!

Stella Y.

Well stocked market with unique products you won't find in local Safeway. Browsing the store is a great experience on its own. We picked up a few desserts and a couple of salads. Everything was super fresh and yummy. There is a cafe next door where we ordered kebabs to go. Beautifully cooked. Staff is very friendly. A young gentleman at the counter offered us tea and a coloring page for my daughter while we were waiting for our to go order. Very nice touch! We will be back!

Michelle C.

I usually stop by either the Middle East Market or its sister spot, the Middle East Café, during my weekly laundromat run down the block. The café bartenders are always kind -- once they even let me use the bathroom before I realized the laundromat had one. I've ordered a beer while waiting for my clothes to dry and was welcomed to sit with my dog on the back patio. The atmosphere is warm and accommodating. The market itself is a treasure trove: shelves filled with Middle Eastern dry goods, nuts, dried fruits, spices, blends, and condiments you can't find anywhere else. Kofta, shish kebab, falafel, sumac, garam masala -- it's all here. They also carry pita, lavash, labna, and other breads and yogurts that make cooking from scratch feel like heaven. Bonus points for the large assortments of delicious house made baklavas! Even without a full kitchen, the prepared foods are excellent. I ordered falafel, eggplant dip, hummus, and cucumber salad from the to‑go counter -- a mini feast for $26 that didn't disappoint. **Verdict:** Courteous service, respectful staff, and a fantastic selection. Whether you're cooking at home or grabbing a bite, this place is a gem. Highly recommended.

Melody R.

Such a gem of a spot! Absolutely incredible and delicious foods. We usually order to go but this time we dined in and the outside seating is so cute and clean! The staff is kind and welcoming. They make you feel like family, very friendly and attentive. The koobideh wrap is my family's personal fave but I also love the soltani plate. Def go support, you won't regret it! The bakery is good and delicious too (love the tea!!) , their products feel like I'm going back to Iran for a moment, super nostalgic ‌‌. The meat is halal so that's a plus for those who follow. :)

Turkish delights and hummus from some of the ingredients bought there.

Marcy S.

This place is a vibe. The energy is vibrating of openness and positivity. I ordered the chicken wrap. They offered tea while I waited. I bought some Turkish delights which were beautiful and delicious. Got home and made fresh hummus to have along with the wrap. My partner and I were pleasantly surprised as this was the first time....but wow, sooo good. I have seen this market for years and - better late than never.... Fresh, quality ingredients. The wrap was friken amazing. I can't wait to come back to try more of the menu. The owner and staff were so welcoming. 10 stars for real

Sanilie F.

I have been here twice. The first visit was with my friend for her birthday. She loves Middle Eastern food just as much as I do and really wanted to stop by here. I ordered the chicken thigh skewers and koobideh plate. It came with basmati rice. The chicken had a weird almost sour taste... Maybe it was the seasoning used... The koobideh wasn't bad. I really enjoyed the rice. My friend had the same thing and also added the ghormeh sabzi. She really enjoyed the food here. The second visit was by myself because I was craving baklava. Their baklava is one the BEST I have ever tried. It was so delicious and hard to resist. I shared it with another friend and she really enjoyed it as well. She asked to come back here for more. The 4 stars is mainly for the baklava.

Shivani B.

DELICIOUS food and very kind staff 5* This place is an absolute MUST VISIT if you like flavourful and memorable food. The quality of the food is beyond amazing and the staff is very friendly and kind always! At this point I get food from here way too often and it's always awesome! I have tried the Chicken thigh kebabs 15/10 ( yes that good!) which are delicious every time, perfectly seasoned and always make you think 'when can I get this again?' I also get the Koobideh 12/10 which are fantastic, well cooked and has great flavour. You will eat extra trust me! The side of saffron rice 10/10 and the Mast Masoor yogurt sauce 10/10 completes the perfect meal. The great part is that every time you get it the quality, flavour and cook is consistent which is very rare. It is also very good value for money and you can order either individual dishes like kebab skewers or get the combo plates that come with rice. Another important part of the experience is the interaction with the staff and it is a joy to meet everyone here, specially Mustafa. Everyone working here is so kind, friendly and really make you feel welcome and happy to eat there. They have dine-in and to go options, a small grocery store where you can buy a few things and a sweets counter serving fresh traditional desserts like baklava. Note : Their double pistachio baklava is unbelievable! Hence, if you are in the area please visit this restaurant. They have a parking spot for shoppers in the back ( behind the next door laundromat) As I write this review I am thinking of my next order! Please try it!!

Nick C.

I had the best Koobideh Wrap I ever had from Middle East Market's cafe section. This market has many Persian grocery + pantry items as well as a side cafe with meals, drinks, and desserts. All of our groups' wraps were made fresh to order, and the koobideh in mine was so juicy and flavorful when it came out. The vegetables were all so good too and in the correct ratios with everything else in the wrap. Plus, the wraps here are very big, and are a great bang for your buck. There are a number of small tables/chairs near the entrance of the market where you can eat or sip your tea. Street parking is ample and very doable. Last but not least, the staff here were also very kind and helped make this such a great meal all-around. Definitely check out Middle East Market if you are around!

2 dolmas with rose falooda drink the bottle

Jennifer U.

Found this place via Yelp because I was drawn fk the fact that besides food, they're also a market that sells Turkish delights and baklava among their other groceries. 1st of all, their service was excellent. The young gentleman who helped us explained the food, offered us some hot tea and dates, and said that we could sample any of their stews and dips before buying. We had the Koobideh plate and Delmas. We also bought some Turkish delights (I totally forgot to get some baklava so that'll be a next trip). The koobideh came with packs of seasoning powder, which I can't remember the name, to help enhance the flavor. I kind of wish the plate had some veggies on it. I also got a small container of their eggplant dip and hummus; the hummus was excellent and I found that thr eggplant dip was best tasted when warmed, but that's maybe just my preference.

The variety of Turkish delights are delightful.

Jacqueline F.

I was at a party some years ago and a British friend brought a box of these. Having grown up reading about them in a children's book, I was intrigued. They didn't disappoint. So the hubs and I made a trek down here. It's a nice looking store with lots of middle eastern goods. And we got a huge box and ate them over the next week or so. I brought some to a family Xmas party and my sister who thought they were a mistake couldn't stay away from them. They were that good. They have other food stuffs but they didn't look so appealing to me, so I haven't eaten their hot food. This is our go59 spot for an ingredient we use for some recipes, un named because we don't want the competition. And the people who work there are very, very nice. And the service is good. So when at La Marcha next door or sometimes - just because, we stop by for some delectable treats.

Selina L.

Updated Review: The first time I came here, I only ordered an assortment of baklavas to-go and unfortunately only liked one of the baklava I tried. I am so glad I came back to try their restaurant food, it completely changed my view of the place. Per their owner Amir's recommendation, I also tried 2 more styles of baklavas and loved them both this time! I was just bad at picking them last time and the other variety didn't fit my baklava preference. Turns out I like the Persian baklava and the Syrian baklava the most, they are more dry and have the perfect amount of honey for my taste. I like that there are so many food options on the menu. My husband and I ordered the koobideh plate which came with rice, and a lamb shank. The koobideh is super tender. Lamb shank was falling off the bone and good flavor. Amir recommended some sides for us. I really liked the eggplant dish, I will need to learn what it is called. My husband loved the fresh yogurt. They serve complimentary tea at the restaurant, and today it was rose cardamom flavor, super fragrant and refreshing. I like that the tea is freshly brewed, it feels so comforting and welcoming, like I am visiting at a friend's house. We really enjoyed everything and cannot wait to bring our kids here next time and try more dishes! Original Review: This review is solely on their baklavas. I came here for dessert and so cannot rate anything else they offer. The place is very clean and welcoming. The selection of baklavah really is massive. As a huge fan of baklavah, my family bought a selection of them to try. Each family member picked out their own. The baklavah here is over-soaked full of honey and super sticky in texture. The one we liked the most was the one they called Syrian style, it's the puffy triangle one that looks like pistachio is over-stuffed. The reason we liked the Syrian style the best was that it was the most crunchy and flakey since it had the least amount of honey. This might just be personal preference but I am not a fan of the baklavah texture here because they are too sweet and too soggy for me. I do see other people's reviews on their food and market, I will have to try other items next time.

Nazhat S.

Came here for lunch and it was wonderful! Service was friendly and quick. The owner (I think) was super helpful. It's a cute market with a restaurant counter. My mom and I shared the koobideh and chicken breast kebab plates as well as a bowl of the aush. The dogh was a refreshing accompaniment. Everything was delicious and prices were very fair. There was a wide variety of groceries and goods available as well. If I were local, I would definitely come here regularly to shop or grab a meal. We ended up with some of the Turkish delights and tea--so delicious!

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Farhad F.

9 years ago

The grocery has a decent selection of what my Mom used to have stocked in our house when I was a kid. The to-order food there is also really delicious. The kubideh, rice, fesenjoon, and ghormeh sabzi are all great. I love that they add the roasted tomato and sweet onion to your rice. Counter staff is also very nice. read more

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Rena F.

8 years ago

This is an excellent, casual place for eat-in/take out Persian food. All of the stews have been terrific. The grocery section has a great selection of spices and mid-east/Persian staples, including great things for an experimenting cook to try. (The sour grapes in brine are terrific flavor bursts.) Owned by nice, friendly folks. Highly recommended. read more

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LW P.

16 years ago

Great wraps, just had the vegetarian with extra cilantro. AMAZING!! :) Super sweet family/staff. read more

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Judy M.

12 years ago

The baklava that was called soggy in one of the reviews is Baklava Yazdi and made deliberately soggy aka mosit. It has a delicious rosewater scent and is infused with cardamon flavor. I love it! I read more

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Simone P.

11 years ago

Everything I've had here is delicious and high quality (but mostly delicious). The best part is that it is very down-to-earth and has a welcoming quality to it. The owners are great and very kind people. It's definitely the kind of local business you want to support! read more

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C T.

10 years ago

The owners are polite and friendly. The quality of their groceries are good and their food is YUMMY! I definitely will go back for the Kobideh, and ghormeh Sabzi,... read more

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Suzie S.

10 years ago

I started shopping here a long time ago but the former owner was a little too crusty for me. The new owners are so great. The young guy in front is totally helpful and so nice. I shop there now at least once a month for my Middle Eastern ingredients; olives, spices, Tahini, and anything else you want. And the prepared foods are totally delicious. Highly recommend. read more

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Justin N.

360

10 years ago

Awesome family run place. Exceptionally friendly, great dine-in food, and good selection of middle eastern food to go as well.

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Lucas S.

387

8 years ago

I frequent this wonderful family-owned market at least once a week for delicious Persian food. The koobideh and chicken thigh skewers are delicious and always fresh and the staff are friendly and helpful. Great assortment of middle eastern groceries as well! Great to support such a nice local business. read more

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Hooman Y.

10 years ago

Amir is great and so is the food. There are not many Persian food options in the Bay Area but this place matches up with some of the best places in SoCal, without being exorbitantly priced. Good rice, solid mast-o-moosir, and really good Koobideh. Hit up this place. read more

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Jay M.

9 years ago

Amazing persian food for amazing price! I have been coming here for the past 5 years and since the new management took over, the service has improved 100000x. read more

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Kim W.

17 years ago

After an unsuccessful lunch-break shopping experience (in search of Citric Acid) at an Indian Market up the street, I decided on a whim to walk back to work on San Pablo. I had some extra time before I had to be back at work, and I figured I could browse around and window shop on my way back. I noticed a store called Middle East Market, and figured I might as well check it out. From the street, they looked like they might have Citric Acid...what can I say? They just looked like that kind of place. And I was right! A giant (considering how much I needed) 4 oz. bag for only 99 cents! What? Crazytalk! I purchased it right away, and the guy working at the register told me about how he and his friends used to eat it straight when they were kids. Like, dip their fingers in the bag and just eat it. He said he didn't recommend doing it though, and I will follow his advice. But hooray for Middle East Market! read more

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Ali D.

10 years ago

the new owners are really kind and sweet. they are so generous and hospitable and make you feel like home. the quality of food is great. they have everything you might need to make delicious persian meals. finally y wish came true and there is a wonderful persian market in berkeley! read more

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C. W.

9 years ago

Great food - tasted homemade, everything was perfectly cooked and flavored with just the right spices. The market sells lots of sweets and goodies to take home. I will definitely go again. read more

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Rachel S.

11 years ago

This gem has been taken over by new owners - a wonderful, friendly, gracious family. It re-opened only three weeks ago, therefore ignore any posts you see from earlier than that! The old owner was definitely grumpy, and the food was sometimes OK, never great. The new management has turned things around. They greet you with a smile when you enter, offer you tea, remember your face. They've still got a wide selection of imported dry goods, but I also noticed much fresher looking produce than under previous ownership - a huge plus. MORE importantly, the new owners are creating DELICIOUS food. The food is fresh, prepared with care, and the meats are juicy, tender, and spiced to perfection. Well done, new owners. WELCOME to the neighborhood...we are so glad you are here! read more

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Cynthia E.

7 years ago

Have passed by this place a few times. Didn't think of trying the food, since it seemed more of a grocery store. Then saw them on "Check Please", and made sure to try them when I'm in the area. Went there for lunch at around 1:30pm and most of the tables were taken. Service was great, the dad helped me find a table and even set it up for me. The son helped me decide which dish to get, since I couldn't decide between the lamb stew, eggplant dish and the fesenjan. He recommended the lamb stew - it was awesome, the rice was so herbaceous. Their hospitality and pride in sharing their cuisine was very evident. It was the same warmth you felt watching the dad and son as they talk about working together and sharing their food, on tv. The rest of the staff was also very friendly. Since the lamb stew was so great, I decided to also grab the fesenjan and lentil stew, both of which were so so savory. Will be back and will remember to order the tahdig next time. read more

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Somaieh A.

10 years ago

The new owner is awesome, Foods are delicious and on top of the all the staffs and specially Amir are so helpful and nice. One of the most welcoming place I have ever seen. read more

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W. M.

11 years ago

You would never guess how good their good is or if they even serve warm food if you just pass by. I gave this place a 5 star for their koobideh. Although Middle East Market isa grocery store, they also serve warm food. As I said, their koobideh is better than any "fine dining" Persian restaurant. Amir and Hussain are great and provide the best customer service. I am sure all the other food is good too but I can't help but order the koobideh each time since it's so damn good :) read more

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Gigi D.

10 years ago

I can't stop eating their food!! This is some of the best persian food I have ever had. Their portions are huge and their prices are low. Great quality food and excellent service. When you coming to eat you feel like you're part of the family. It's a diamond in the rough that is being discovered! Check it out!! read more

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nina p.

9 years ago

Dry falafel, sadly. Apparently the lamb was good though according to my dining partner. Will try it again in case it was an off day.

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Rosa K.

10 years ago

We went for dinner and ordered chicken thigh kabab and Koobideh kabab. Amir (son's owner) suggested we order it family style so we each got a plate with a very large serving of delicious Basmati rice and a large plate with flatbread with two Koobideh (Persian minced meat kabab) and five boneless chicken thighs, two halves roasted tomatoes and sliced raw red onions. The meat was delicious and the Basmati rice was fantastic. We also ordered a side of cucumber salad and a dish of an eggplant dip. The portions were very generous and the meat was hot and so tasty. Amir is very friendly and eager to explain all the dishes (we are not too knowledgeable re Persian food). In addition, the market portion has a huge selection of goods. We are so happy we found this gem and will definitely come back for dinner. read more

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Negaar A.

10 years ago

These new owners are awesome!!! Great customer service, friendly and energetic. They are still working on the inventory and are happy to hear new suggestions and very open abut comments. They try to fix everything in the way that best pleases their customers. Wish them all the best. read more

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Kian D.

153

10 years ago

It is impossible to try all of their amazing dishes at once, because each of them is an adventure and made with quality ingredients and care in a clean shop. The young man at the counter was very helpful and happy to attend to my father and I, paying attention to the needs of everyone. You dont have to speak Farsi to have a taste of Iran and the Fesenjan could lift sanctions and reconcile everything, just taste it and you will see. It was sad to see such sophisticated preparation because it reminded my father and I of our moms and how this is the closest to the heaven of home made Iranian food we will get again. The freshest Kashk, Sumac, Feta, and Saffron in the east bay, and enough Mashti Malones for a party. The chai is hot, filtered, and strong, and the atmosphere is very friendly and not just for your grandfather. Sadly, Berkeley does not allow smoking within 20 feet and they have no patio, but you can park in the back and even though there is no Halyoon the Samovar will keep your chai hot for you between smokes without scorn if you must smoke with your tea. Merci, mamnoun, tashakor is all you will be able to say as you experience a revolution of flavor. I am already reminiscing about Iran and I have yet to go there! read more

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Shawn P.

9 years ago

great family. Amir is totally engaged and is turning the place upside down for better. great to go food.

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Claire W.

11 years ago

Best Persian food to go in the Bay Area, featuring Chef Nader with delicious Chicken Kabobs, Lamb Shank and Koobideh. Let your taste buds be the judge. New family owners are awesome and make all customers feel at home. Definitely going back! read more

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nancy p.

11 years ago

This market has been taken over by new owners recently. They are warm gracious and welcoming and the food is really good. I've had the Koobideh, the kabobs and the lamb shanks. The reviews from before they took over should be removed, because it is really not the same place any more. read more

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Bruce T.

11 years ago

The New Owners are welcoming and the food is amazing, place is CLEAN and prices are very low for a high grade Persian Dish, ignore the old reviews as the new place rocks under the new ownership. read more

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Monica K.

9 years ago

Great Persian food! How have we not found this great gem in the East Bay till now!?! Ordered last minute for a party of 20 takeout and everything was delicious. Great food and service. read more

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Ru B.

9 years ago

The owners are so hospitable and welcoming - it was such a great customer experience. And they always have everything we need to make yummy Iranian dishes and make helpful recommendations. read more

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Neal S.

10 years ago

The new owners at the Middle East Market are the best. Amir practically runs the place and has the best service possible. The food is great. They get hard to find products that are fresh and fairly priced. With their new take out service, there is a huge market for their kitchen. read more

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Hana A.

7 years ago

great place!!! great food & very helpful staff!!! big thanks to mina and amir for helping us!!

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M K.

9 years ago

The BEST Persian food! Try the fessenjan -- superb.

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Saied K.

10 years ago

Excellent choice of products. Friendly service. Great prices. Impeccable in every way. We love this place.

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Annabelle B.

10 years ago

I love this place. Tasty food, excellent service, and gentle on the belly. I always leave with a smile and come back often.

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Grant E.

10 years ago

The prepared foods are delicious, and the folks running the store are super friendly. They also have a lot of good specialty items for Iranian and Middle Eastern cooking that are hard to find anywhere else. read more

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J. N.

14 years ago

Was traveling through and just happened to stop for Chinese food but then saw the Middle Eatern sign and changed our minds. My husband is Persian and LOVED the fresh large bread with the poppy seeds. My kabob was the tastiest I've had in a loong time. When we head back on our return trip we will stop in again and stock up on the breads. I also found that the workers were very accomodating, just less formal. We were very pleased! read more

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Robert M.

14 years ago

I grew up eating and loving fava beans, and I go to Middle East Market to get spices and buy cheeses like Bulgarian and French feta. The family and staff are always very friendly and welcoming. I definitely recommend this market if you are looking for spices and products from the Middle East. read more

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Fauz K.

11 years ago

I am not a Persian cuisine expert but I know what tastes good to me. I have had the Kubideh dish here on 4 different occasions and it has been consistently tasty. The rice is simply the best I have had anywhere in Berkeley or San Francisco. I look forward to trying out other dishes but first I have to get over my Kubideh addiction. Moreover, the portions are large enough whereas you can make two meals out of each serving. The hospitality offered by Amir and his dad in this 'Mom and Pop' operation is indeed an asset to the Berkeley culinary diversity. CHECK IT OUT, folks!!!! read more

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Satheene A.

13 years ago

I am SO disappointed. I went there for baklava. After browsing the selection already put in the containers, I opted for the ones on the display trays at the counter. I got 4 pistachio and one almond. $9.50. I thought it was a little steep for 5 small pastries but I told myself I would like them. When I came back home and took one out, I discovered they were ALL soggy !!! And when I say soggy, I really mean it. Like a sponge cake. Not flaky in the slightest. This makes the texture so weird to eat, and let's say it, completely wrong for a baklava. Something must have gone wrong here. I never had such a baklava before. It might have been a mistake in the recipe but it was pricey and I'm not going to take the chance to spend money again in something that may gonna end up in the trash. I even let them at the open air all night long to try to dry them up. But it didn't work. They are still so soggy. Ruined. Damp phyllo dough. Just bad. I am so disappointed that I actually called them to see whether this was just a misstep. The man on the phone told me that it was because they were "very fresh" and that "nothing was wrong with them". The only reason why I am giving them 2 stars is because the staff seemed really nice. read more

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dara r.

15 years ago

the market section looked ok. not great, not terrible, but ok. BUT, i just had the chicken stew special over barberry rice. OMG SO AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!!! the stew was like crack. i actually brought it home and then immediately went out for dinner w/ a friend, at trattoria la siciliana, no less, where we stuffed our faces w/ amazing sicilian food. when i got home, even though i was stuffed i was curious to try the chicken stew. ate like 1/3 of it, right then and there, just couldn't stop myself. and i am normally extremely good about portion control (blood sugar issues). the flavors were so complex and intriguing - it tasted like a grandma spent all morning/afternoon making it, simmering all the ingredients together. seriously, get. the. chicken. stew. (oh, and also, the cafe area in the back is super-adorable, and beautifully sunny in the afternoon/evening - i want to go back and have an eat-in meal.) read more

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Page 11 of 12

2054 San Pablo Ave
Berkeley, CA 94702
West Berkeley
Directions
(510) 704-8800
Call Now
Order Takeout
Start Order
Visit Website
http://www.middleeastmarket.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Middle East Market open?

Middle East Market opens at 10:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Middle East Market close?

Middle East Market closes at 8:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Middle East Market take credit cards?

Yes, Middle East Market takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Middle East Market serve alcohol?

No, Middle East Market does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Middle East Market have TVs?

Yes, Middle East Market has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Middle East Market have bike parking?

Yes, Middle East Market has bike parking.

Does Middle East Market have outdoor seating?

Yes, Middle East Market has outdoor seating options.

Does Middle East Market have parking?

Yes, Middle East Market has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

Other Amenities

Does Middle East Market have free WiFi?

Yes, Middle East Market has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Persian food, Mediterranean. Local and Imported Middle Eastern and European goods

History

Established in 1974.

Started as the first Middle East market in the Bay Area and northern CA. Has been the same name since, a community tradition that has blossomed into a Restaraunt, deli, and market. We’re proud to keep the tradition and the community alive and well.

Meet the Business Owner: Amir R.

A father son partnership. My fathers dream that I am living with him everyday

Middle East Market Reviews in Other Languages

Japanese
1 Review

Ask the Community - Middle East Market

Do they cater events?

Yes ! We do all occasions and offers drop off catering, or in person full service with chafing dishes. The contact for you and anyone else is 5107063882. Please text for any immediate questions and responses, we will follow up with a call and go…

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Do they sell sangak Persian flatbread?

Yes! Multigrain and regular plain sangak

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Open for dine in?

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

Is the food halal?

Yes all the food is halal

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Do they serve alcohol?

no they don't serve alcohol. You can get alcohol from the Mexican grocery store next door but you cannot drink it inside their premise.

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Do you also serve fresh hummus and pita bread on the side?

We sell and serve hummus in our deli section and Lavash bread is complimentary. However, We sell pita bread in our market separately. You can order hummus in the deli and can request the complimentary Lavash bread or choose from pita and/or any…

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Alborz

3.6(117 reviews)

1.4 mi•Downtown Berkeley

Let's start with Food we drive all the way from Pleasanton to come to this restaurant. It's nice…read moreit's cozy. It's not super fancy but the food is just outstanding a 10 out of 10 and I know my Persian food. Service is really good Ambience is good too Like in Real Estate restaurants are food. Food and food are the most important things. Tasty authentic not overpriced. Just great quality my family and I love coming here if you haven't tasted it and try it try it.

Dinner with a side of rude attitude. No thanks!…read more If it were not for the food, and I could give 0 stars, I would. Not sure if they were having a bad day, and we came on the wrong night, but that should not be any excuse. I use to frequent their old location, and have yet to go back since they moved. First attempt at the new location, I tried to come with 2 girl friends for an early lunch on a Monday at 11am. Their hours say they open at 10:30am, but it was 11:20am, and their doors were locked and the people inside said they were closed. Second attempt was on a Sunday evening at 6pm. We were 2 families totaling 8 people. We told the hostess/server our party size, and almost immediately, she did not seem too happy about it. That is when the attitude began. We looked around, and noticed that there were about 2 or 3 other tables of 2-3 people dining, so it was not like they were busy. We were really taken back by her reaction and tone, which made us worry about the service the rest of the night. We got seated, looked at the menu, and let her know we were ready to order. We were curious and had a few quick questions, such as which is popular and which type of meat comes in the plate (because it did not specify), but her responses were very rude. She even tried to give an attitude saying we could not change what comes on the plate, when in fact we were just adding to the order. She was just so quick to try to find a problem to speak on that she did not realize it was an addition. I started to get upset. I truly tried to keep my calm, but it was really hard with the way she was speaking. Food took pretty long to come out even though they were not busy. Good thing we were not in a rush. We noticed that the people next to us ordered before us, but our food came out first, so we felt bad. Then when their food did come out, I believe something was wrong, so they had to wait a little more. Although the food was decent, the service ruined the entire experience. For that reason, I would not go back.

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Persian Nights Restaurant

4.4(178 reviews)

4.4 mi

•$$

The chicken and rice are awesome. Chicken was juicy and so flavorful…read more Yogurt and chive appetizer was great. The waitress recommended it and it was way better than I was anticipating. Tachin was something completely different. So many different flavors and textures. Great change up. Wouldn't be my go to. But once in a while I could enjoy it.

We walked in and tried to get a table for 2. And the owner asked us if we had reservations. But…read morethere was plenty of seating inside and outside. Funny part is, no one walked in after us. We were then seated, the first girl asked if we wanted anything to drink which we did but we never got our drinks til another waitress came and asked us 20mins later. We told her we were ready to order and we had to wait another 10mins for another waiter to order. We got the chive/shallot yogurt, lollipop lamb chops, Koobideh and Joojeh Kabob. The kabeb dishes came with grilled tomato, grilled pepper, rice with tadig on top. They also make this pink butter to put on the rice. Food is good and everything was seasoned well and not over cooked. I want to give this place a try again but they need to work on their customer service. They catered more to other tables and we didn't even get offered the dessert menu like the other tables around us. Also, we had to ask for the check and no one even came to check if we were ready to pay we had to go up there.

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Outdoor seating

Dessert saffron rice pudding & rosewater

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Darband Mediterranean Restaurant

4.5(58 reviews)

1.5 mi•North Berkeley, Gourmet Ghetto

Darband's is located in a little cute eatery food court near the Berkeley campus. The owner is…read moresuper nice and always asks customers how they like the food, like "Was your meat seasoned enough or juicy enough?". The owner values customer opinions about his food which I think is awesome. I ordered a Beef koobideh plate which I thought was perfect. The meat was juicy and had a nice buttery flavor. It came with two roasted tomatoes, rice and some pita. The entrees are definitely reasonably priced as well especially being near the campus. Only drawback is this place doesn't stay open too late, closes at 7pm and misses much of the dinner traffic, but definitely a place worth trying.

Delicious! Excellent food, excellent service and cute location. We sat at a common garden in the…read moreback. The staff was really awesome and service was fast for a well cooked and prepared food. We had lamb chops and shawarma and ooooh they were so yummy!

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Beef koobideh with rice

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Saffron Kitchen

4.6(187 reviews)

2.6 mi•Rockridge, North Oakland

•$$

Love this place for dinner! The mantu dumplings are a wonderful appetizer and shish leek beef…read moredelicious. Usually I get lamb but I wanted to try something new and yes the shish leek is incredible. The cauliflower qurma and saffron lentil soup are also filling and delicious. Thank you for offering a kids menu so we are able to order a chicken kabob plate for kids. They were such fans of the food. I've been here three times now and each time I am impressed! There's something so cozy about the restaurant space, and always so lively, in the Rockridge neighborhood.

Saffron Kitchen has an extraordinary selection of kabobs including filet mignon, chicken breasts…read moreand salmon (in order of my top three favorite). The presentation ALMOST rivals the sensational savory seasoning that never fades with each new bite. All kabobs are offered with the option of basmati rice with a splash of vivid, yellow color on top. The roasted vegetables are a fresh-tasting variety that are sautéed to Al dente perfection (tender but still firm). Service staff are consistently friendly, seem to enjoy their work and are knowledgeable about menu options. The restaurant atmosphere is spacious with ample outdoor and indoor seating options. Street parking is easily accessible and with a lot of options within walking distance from the restaurant. Their baklava can't be passed up for dessert!

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The bar area

Kabobs and Side Butternut Squash

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Private Room

Zaytoon Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar

4.3(843 reviews)

1.6 mi

•$$

All the things I could say…read more.. We love this spot, and it has become our go to when visiting the area (though I do also LOVE Zachary's). Most recently, we dropped in before going to a show at the Ivy Room (another favorite). We got there early so we we could enjoy a leisurely meal. We were e seated in the bar, which worked well as we had great service and I personally like the higher bar tables. We tried the mezzo plate, kofta, a fantastic halumi salad, and the phyllo chicken pie. Everything we had was delicious! Cocktails and wine options were also outstanding. We finished with halva topped scoop of ice cream and delightful coffee! Great spot? Great food! Great service! We love this place!

A delicious array of Mediterranean appetizers and entrées. Zaytoon staff are friendly and…read moreattentive. The restaurant is efficient for both dining in as well as takeout. Energetic space, with excellent outdoor dining too. It can get loud inside the restaurant, so outdoor seating is better for conversations.

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Dining room

Mazza platter and eggplant salat

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Chicken shawarma plate

Lavash

4.2(1.8k reviews)

11.8 mi•Inner Sunset

•$$$

Everything we ordered was delicious. Especially loved the…read morekoobideh and Kashk-e Bademjan. I would go here again in a heart beat. The lamb tongue was ok too chewy not worth for the price. Ambiance is cute, we got seated in less than 10 min when we came around 7PM on a Friday.

Lavash (good food) was what lead me to be in a mood. Great way to support local communities…read morethrough their unique culinary creations, especially during women's history month. I'm sure there are other Persian cafés and restaurants as good as Lavash. I hardly stop to think about what made Lavash interesting. The floral aroma throughout the entire atmosphere, the gentleness of the waiters and hostesses who're well focused on serving others, and their signature paper thin Lavash bread. A clear teapot filled with saffron tea with rock candy on a stick; seen how they dip it in after pouring the tea. Interesting orange color indeed! A plate of zucchini, grape tomatoes, Moroccan mint leaves, and a pair of Bulgarian cheese; complimentary for my first visit here. Persian noodle soup, filled with beans, chickpeas, and lentils; loved the floral notes in every spoonful. Main course, veggie kabob on a bed of basmati rice drenched in saffron and spices, along with some onions and mushrooms, and of course, a large Lavash bread at the bottom to fill the whole plate. The best part is to completely sandwich wrap after I marginalized the contents on the plate. Ahhh! Satisfying to the last bite of herbs and spices. Not filling though, but I had no need for any dessert. Another highly recommended place to eat for locals and tourists alike. I let some of my friends know how much they'll love the best Persian dishes locals raved about. Thumbs up for the people of Lavash!

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Lavash Special: Shashlik (two lamb chops), Joojeh (one chicken kebab), Koobideh (one lamb+beef kebab), veggies, rice | $54

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Dessert menu: rose water noodle with ice cream

Maykadeh

3.9(1.1k reviews)

7.8 mi•North Beach/Telegraph Hill

•$$$

It was a great restaurant!!! Great food, great service!! And the owner was very nice!! The…read moreatmosphere was very nice!! Please go to this restaurant if you visit!!!

Tucked away in the north beach area is this little awesome spot. We were seated right away but…read moreservice was a bit slow. It was starting to pick up and get busy so I understand. Ordered dishes to share; Koobideh plate, salad, feta cheese spread. Koobideh was cooked great. Rice was good as well. Good salad. The feta cheese spread was a little overpowering, worth a try but I don't think I would order again.

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Homemade Baklava dessert

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Dining room

Komaaj

4.9(14 reviews)

11.1 mi•Bernal Heights, Mission

We had a fantastic experience with Komaaj Catering. We ordered a spread that included the Eggplant…read more& Tomato Dip, Herb & Cheese Frittata, Sumac Beef Meatballs, Turmeric Chicken Party Wings, Pomegranate Walnut Stew with Chickpeas, and Turmeric Rice--and every single dish was packed with flavor. You can really tell there's care and authenticity behind the cooking. The textures and seasoning were spot on across the board, from the rich, comforting stew to the perfectly spiced meatballs and vibrant dips. Everything felt thoughtfully prepared and beautifully balanced. On top of that, the service was exceptional. Farshad, the owner, went above and beyond by including a complimentary herb yogurt dip and even an extra order of rice, which was such a generous and appreciated touch. His wife Nazanin was also very helpful when we went to pick up food for sa Highly recommend Komaaj Catering if you're looking for delicious, well-crafted food and warm, thoughtful service. We'll definitely be ordering again!

Loved the dining experience here, specially that it was a treat by my son…read more The staff was super helpful and explained every dish in detail. The food was a nice twist of traditional Persian cuisine and we enjoyed every dish. The ambiance is also very warm and inviting which added to the experience. Will be back trying other dishes.

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Komaaj Pop-Up

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Marinated olives, Herb yogurt & dishes

Kamdesh Afghan Cuisine

4.1(989 reviews)

4.7 mi

•$$

Decided to come here before Henry j K show Warm, excellent…read moreservice!! Mouth-watering, well-seasoned, tender, juicy, truly enjoyable all 4 dishes we ordered!! The resto decor, together with several customers who walked in with their Afghan garb made us feel like we're in Afghanistan ourselves!! Wow! Love this place & hoping to come back here in the near future!!

I had a good experience ordering take out from Kamdesh Afghan Cruisine. I ordered from their…read morewebsite, and we picked it up half an hour later. The restaurant is extremely big with lots of seating. It was roomy, and I picked up my order near the back. They packaged my food fresh and I got it hot! We got the Quabili Pallow and Beef Kubideh. They were both delicious! I love the pallow, and the raisins and carrots were done well. The lamb shank was soft and paired well. I wish there was a bit of a sauce to it to make the perfect bite. The kubideh was also good, and the kebab was very light. Good contrast to the heavy lamb. I enjoyed our meal, and will order again!

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Chicken thigh kabob ($16.99)

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Simurgh Bakery and Cafe

4.6(292 reviews)

2.5 mi

•$$

Matcha Tales, Always looking to enjoy the food/drink…read moreexperience. We found a gem. Took a minute to prepare, but I am willing to sacrifice time for taste . Worked out great. All I heard was this is the best Matcha ever. Wow. Let's memorize this. Well deserved. See you

Pastry 4/5 Customer service 5/5…read moreValue 3/5 We came right before closing so the only thing we can get was pastries The honey cake is the best; moist and balanced in flavor. Everything is good and fresh. It is a little pricey @$7 per piece.

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Inside

Balkan Kebab Sandwich(Cevapi)

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Cute windows of display

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Bijan B.

7 years ago

when in Berkeley, be sure to visit the Middle East Market on San Pablo Ave and bring your appetite with you. One of the best selections of authentic and tasty Persian food at very low prices in the entire Northern California. the appetizers are also very good and so is the service. I have been going to this store with my family and the food is always fresh and plenty. Give them a try and you will become a regular like I did. They have a good selection of middle eastern groceries too. read more

Michael P.

1 year ago

Last evening, I had the pleasure of dining at a newly opened restaurant in the Middle East Market that specializes in Persian cuisine. It truly was one of the best experiences I've ever had, and everyone loved it, including my two granddaughters! We enjoyed our meal on the cozy back patio, surrounded by warmth and care. The food was delightful, and the kindness of the staff, who provided exceptional service, was outstanding. I would rate them ten out of five without a doubt! read more

Amro Z.

2 years ago

The Middle East Market is one of the best places in the Bay Area, and I like it a lot. One time, I had a concern regarding their website update. However, I was amazed at how they were very kind and quickly addressed my concerns. Amir acted and responded in a very professional way, making me love this place more than before. I recommend this restaurant for offering the best food, having great people, and dealing with considerate customer care. read more

Jared M.

444

9 years ago

Amir is one of the friendliest, most personable guys I have ever known. He and his family have an incredible gift for running a small business. They are exceptionally talented at providing the highest quality food, customer service, and cultural experience around for a Persian restaurant. Don't waste your time with any place else, get all your Persian necessities and cravings satisfied HERE! read more

Maddie K.

6 years ago

The absolute best Persian food and Middle Eastern grocery store in Nor Cal. I've been going here for years and the staff is so incredible/dedicated to providing the best service for the community. They have really good catering too. I recommend their Ghormeh Sabzi ~ it tastes like home read more

Martin S.

329

120

7 years ago

Very lovely family owned middle eastern grocery market AND a place to eat! Food is awesome and served fresh! They surely welcome you and make sure you feel at home. Delicious food. For your middle eastern food needs, come here! Staff is super friendly. read more

Armin N.

4 years ago

Great costumer service and hot delicious food, They're always on time with their orders and the estimated time for all the yummy food. Always fresh products and great choices in the shelves, from bakery down to the choice of teas. read more

J.P. M.

139

11 years ago

What a turn around! This place has excellent food and everyone there is sooooo friendly! If you haven't tried MEM out for awhile, you need to go back and treat yourself to some koobldeh, it's amazing. Nice job folks. read more

Alireza S.

6 years ago

This place has one of the best traditional persian food on the bay area . It's just great food , a place that you can find everything you need. read more