Trying to find a spot to eat in Monterey on a Saturday night during Covid is really not pleasant. I am not a real fan of the spot for Greek food. One of my friends really wanted a Gyro. So we ended up here. I've been here before and ordered the dolmas, they were not good. We had been in Carmel Valley all day tasting wine so we needed a meal! I ordered a gyro too, with fries, to soak up the wine. It was alright. Everyone is so stressed out these days though, and when we started to put our stuff on the table outside the manager ran out and was very rude telling us these tables are for my customers. We were like yes we know, we're going to order some food. And my tomato slices on my Gyro, we're like really you're gonna give me that. I just don't think they make anything there. And that's the problem. It's so so Greek food and I'm not impressed. Won't be rushing back. The beer was good. Lol. Cheers read more

See all

Little kid at the counter was really kind and nice and did a great job. Food was really good

We go there every year when we go to Laguna Seca for the races. Our motorcycle club has been gone there for over 10 years. We usually go two or three times during our weekend stay. We love the food. Sam and his staff are the best. read more

Service was good but the food was not good at all. The spinach wraps are the Trader Joe's minuscule frozen they warm up only 2 minuscule for $4. Chicken wrap gave us all heartburn. So sad the only Mediterranean place here does not offer a decent Mediterranean healthy food. read more

First impression - not the best service. I walked up and wasn't greeted, waited until he was done on his phone and then ordered. I also had to ask for my drink at the end before I left. I got the chicken gyro combo with fries. It's a really good deal, especially for right now. However, the fries were under cooked and way too salty. The chicken gyro tasted kind of like deli meat. I love onions but these were way too strong. The sauce didn't have much flavor to it but the pita bread was excellent. I love Mediterranean food. It is my all time favorite and I've had a lot of it. Good price but you get what you pay for on this one. It wasn't busy, either, I was the only person in there, minus the gentlemen who came in right as I was walking out. So you cannot blame the 12:30 lunch rush. I don't think I'll be back. read more

We made a quick stop in town to grab some Greek food. We ordered two lamb gyros w/side of hummus and falafel. I swear this was so fucking good. The hummus was thick and creamy. Made to perfection with the correct amount of lemon and olive oil. The owner was so nice he gave another side of hummus! Really enjoyed his food. Will be back! read more

Petra Cafe - Lamb gyro combo - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

I ordered the chicken gyro, and the portion was big, however, i wasn't impressed with the flavor. Overall, it was dry, and looks very processed. I had to order a side of rice, because the platter came with just salad. The rice was basically just a steamed rice. I think the best part of this platter was surprisingly, the salad.. particularly the dressing which is a nice oil/garlic dressing... read more

The best Gyro ever! Whenever I'm in Monterey, it's a must stop. The sandwich is huge, the pita is fresh and they don't skimp on the cucumber sauce. It's a hole in the wall but you won't be disappointed. They sell beer and wine too. If you're shopping at the farmers market on Alvarado on a Tuesday, you can pick one up at their food stand. That's where I fell in love with them. ALL the staff have been friendly and I can't count the number of times of eaten here. read more

Hands down one of the best place for falafel. My best friend and I were walking around town and stumbled across this little gem! The owner is so nice. I got the vegetarian plate and my friend for the Petra combo platter. She loved the chicken in the Petra combo!!! Would definitely come again :) read more

We were looking for a quick bite after arriving later than expected to Monterey and stumbled across Petra Cafe. We ordered the falafels and a gyro/ kafta platter and it was delicious! The hummus was so flavorful and creamy and the falafels were spot on. To round it out, the gentleman at the counter (I think the owner of the cafe) was so warm and hospitable, attentive to our needs as we dined out with a toddler. We loved dining here and will be back! read more

Petra Cafe - Falafel, warm pita and a gyro/kafta combination platter - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

Craving Mediterranean food, this adorable cafe is the spot! We called in a take out order one small greek salad, one large order of pita and hummus be aware its a tub of hummus and bag of pita bread! Had we have known we would have ordered a small. A chicken kabob, salad and rice plate. Everything tasted amazing the greek salad has fresh veggies and feta cheese and the chicken kabob was juicy and moist. read more

Petra Cafe - Chicken, rice and greek salad! - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

Cute hidden gem on this street packed with places to eat! The owner was very nice and accommodating. He brought me a menu and helped me figure out what I might like to eat for lunch!!! Decent prices and good food! I got the chicken gyro sandwich and it was yummy. Costs $9.73 with tax and filled me up! I sat outside to enjoy the weather, but you can also sit inside the restaurant. Nice clean set up inside. I would go back again :)! I also recommend stopping here if you are craving something beyond American or Italian food, which is mostly served on this block. Nice cultural option here that was light, not so expensive, and felt healthier. read more

Petra Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

We came here on a Saturday around 4PM and were seated and ordered right away. We ordered a falafel sandwich and a gyro platter, both were delicious and fresh. The only reason why I'm giving this 3 stars is because the bathroom was unsightly - it was kind of in the kitchen, you opened the door and it lead straight to the freezer. Also, there was a dirty mop in plain view inside the bathroom. read more

Horrible customer service. I waited for 45 mins to get my food and everyone who was behind me got theirs. When I asked about it, the long haired man was very rude. Also, later, when another woman asked about her order, the same man working at the front register told the lady to F*CK OFF!!!! She was so nice and was just asking and how dare he talk to a customer, let alone anyone, like that. Also, food was edible but not great. Will never return and I'm telling everyone my story so they don't return, too. read more

Their falafel are so delicious! Light, warm and fluffy. The pita too. Informal atmosphere. Small cafe but was quite busy when we visited with eat-in and take out. Yum. read more

This is the kind of food you eat on your knees! The kind of food the restaurant owner deserves to be a millionaire. Food should become a heritage of humanity as it is so good. My girlfriend and I shared a gyro, fries, and hummus, just amazing! One of the best food we've ever had in our lives...we're going to have dinner there again tomorrow! read more

This place probably has the best mediterranean food in the area. I love the service because the workers are always very kind. My go-to order is the vegetarian combo platter which is the delicious. The portions are also great and you will be very satisfied after. It also doesn't take too long for your food to be ready. Highly recommend everyone to come here, you will not be disappointed! read more

If I could give negative 5 stars, I would. Horrible food. Horrible service. I should have known by the fact it looked empty. Stay away from this place. First time ever, I want a refund for my food. read more

Great place, amazing prices and great food quality.... as far as take out places for Mediterranean food goes this is best tasting food within 100 miles... Sit down wise it's nothing special, but the food will keep you coming back! read more

Great Mediterranean food in downtown Monterey CA. Prices are reasonable for the area. read more

Food was okay. Meat was too dry. Service was good. Location okay since have to find street parking.

There was a young man that so help and had a joyful smile he recommended falafel salad it was delicious. I could tell that this very authentic Mediterranean food, I had a great experience. read more

This is a tiny spot that appears to be family owned and run. The gyro and baklava were excellent. Yay for small businesses!

This is a small eatery and offers both takeout and sit-in options and a Greek-style menu. The prices are reasonable, the place is clean and the staff is friendly. This spot is great if you want to grab a quick yummy bite to eat. If you are looking for a cozy place to dine, it is not for you. I would revisit if craving Mediterranean cuisine in Monterey. read more

A thoroughly meh smaller Mediterranean style restaurant right downtown. Parking is for the most part on the street although there is a tiny lot in the back. Like a lot of things in this area you should consider parking a bit farther away and walking in. This is a small walk up style spot, with a half dozen or so cozy tables, all impeccably clean. Service is of the order at counter and they'll bring it out model. Unfortunately the food was a bit of a letdown. Mediterranean cuisine can be a wonderful combination of textures-creamy, crunchy, dry, wet and flavors-savory, bitter, sweet and spicy. The food here is unexceptional in every regard. It's just a formulaic by the numbers production, not really super tasty in any way. While there is nothing wrong with the dishes, there's nothing remarkable about them either. Overall it's just okay. I'm not saying it is a place to avoid, but there isn't a lot of reason to come here either. read more

See all

Food is not Mediterranean as chicken shawarma didn't had species it needed. It's a Taco Bell for Mediterranean food. Service was good. Ambiance was ok. Please have Mediterranean food in a Mediterranean restaurant. Pretty please read more

My favorite restaurant in all of California. My husband and I love it, when we first started going together we were just friends and are now married. (We miss you Abu!) The customer service is AMAZING!! They Have the Best Rice Ever. Delicious lentil soup, love it. Abu and his wife are the sweetest restaurant owners too. The fish and chips are tasty. Leave a fat tip, they deserve it. Large beverage selection. Grab a tasty little dessert on your way out, super worth it. You don't want to miss out on the baklava! read more

Only order take-out (via Door dash). Best gyro on Monterey Peninsula. Don't change anything and just am happy. It is substantive and high quality. read more

You mean I haven't reviewed this place yet? It's small. It's affordable. It's healthy. It's cute. It's good. The owner offered to let me sit inside one time while I was waiting for my bus (I take a scheduled ride and got caught in a downpour). I remembered and wanted to make a point to return to try the food as a thank you. And found out then that the casual atmosphere doesn't match the food. I love Greek and they rock. I had been ordering the Veggie combo plate and it's so much food I have enough to take home. Comparable to nearby Epsilon's combo plate with a smaller price tag (don't worry, Epsilon. You have more variety and good service. Enough love for both of you). That's my usual order. But I wanted to try something a little smaller because I tend to waste leftovers too often. So I tried the Falafel salad. It's good and I didn't realize you actually get a taste of everything. He brings a small plate of pita, the tzatziki sauce, four falafel balls, and a dolma. So it's a way to eat healthy and get a small taste of everything. I love it. This place is so cute. It reminds me of a city. The doors are big so when they're open, the whole wall is open. And he puts one table outside on the sidewalk. I tried to eat there once and didn't realize it was too cold. He noticed and helped me move inside. Helpful and friendly is the modus operandi here. Everyone knows him. Strange that they serve fries here and also clam chowder but a lot of people want their gyros with fries. I like to try to come in every few weeks. read more

Petra Cafe - The Veggie Platter - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

Friendly service and large portions. Two of us with the Petra Platter. There was plenty of food and it was very good. Recommend getting the Kafka instead of the chicken as it is very well spiced and has a great texture. Also got the gyro sandwich and there wasn't a crumb left on the plate. The baklava supposedly is made in house, not sure about that, but I can tell you it's extremely good. Friendly fast filling couldn't ask for much more. read more

Petra Cafe - Petra platter...two people split, and there was plenty, and it was plenty good! - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

I think the definition of good greek food is atmosphere and taste, they covered both here. It is a small place and unambiguous from the front but inviting inside. I love the Tzatziki, it has to be good and this is. Good flavoring and good smells abound. read more

My wife's family is arabic and we had a very nice lunch here. The owner greeted us and made sure we had an excellent meal. Highly recommended. read more

Super tasty and the kids loved it. We ordered 2 plates and a gyro and were totally stuffed. The chicken was a tiny bit dry but everything else was amazing. read more

My husband and I went here this evening for dinner. I have never been more enthusiastic to leave a five star review! The food was absolutely fantastic (we both have had lots of Mediterranean food to compare it to), the portions were great, and the service was unbeatable. The man who helped us (I'm assuming the owner) was incredibly kind and thoughtful towards us from the moment we entered the door till we left. Could not be happier or more thankful! read more

Have been going here for years. I love the family, love the atmosphere, but mostly love the food. It is my favorite eating place on the peninsula read more

Disappointing given other similar options in town. Food was meh and overpriced imho. We picked it up and one of our items was missing when we got home. read more

Perfect Tzatziki and Avalemono soup. Very fresh tasting. Cute restaurant tucked behind Alvarado street. A must go

The portions where generous but the food was very average. I asked food to go and when I arrived to my destination they did not bother to warm the pita bread. I expected the pita bread to be warmed...they literally just put the package of pita bread from the store in my to go order. read more

So first I have to say I that have family from the Middle East and have travelled lots. I came with two others and we had the chicken shawarma wrap, falafel wrap and chicken platter and a side of tabbouleh. While you may be "put off" at first appearances it is worth it. Exceptional flavor and preparation. Platter worth it as fresh salad has authentic Greek olives and plenty of quality feta. Bread is light and fresh and crisp. Tabbouleh prepared well, fresh and well presented. Need work on the dining area maybe more tables with a refresh. Turkish coffee was odd. Overall very worth it! read more

Had lunch here and the food and service were both great. My friend and I both got the gyro sandwich combo (comes with fries or salad and a drink for about $11). The older gentleman out front was really friendly and sweet. The food was ready within a few minutes. The gyro meat was seasoned well and there was a perfect amount of tzatziki sauce. The fries were freshly fried and seasoned with a mixture of paprika and salt... they reminded me of the fries seasoning from Red Robins. When my friend and I got up to leave we were looking for the trash and the old man rushed out telling us not to worry about it and he gave us little sweets for the road, SUPER nice service. Surprised I never noticed this place, I go to Red's (next door) regularly. I'll make a point of going now that I know they have good food. read more

Petra Cafe - Gyro combo with fries and drink (not pictured) - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California