Garlic Mediterranean Grill and Catering

Reviews 8

JI

Jimmy Vales

May have been the first seafood dish Ive had from a Mediterranean restaurant aside from a calamari side. The seasoning gave it a new twist to salmon that I could definitely try, again. I didnt intend to dine here and ended up here from being too lazy for the longer drive to the Cupertino location. Shorting this Santa Clara location a star for two reasons: 1. Some guy apparently preparing the sweets for the massive display or assortments up front looked at me as I walked in as their *only* customer at the time (approximately 7:30pm) and said nothing, acting as if I wasnt there. After staring at their menu for a few minutes, another older man greeted me as if to call me over to his direction to order from there. I eventually walked over after deciding on my order. $20, no drink, minimum tip. Though I did enjoy the meal, that guys vibe was off putting. He gave another visiting party a very welcoming greeting after me. Acquainted or not, no restaurant should greet a customer - especially a new one - with cold silence. Id downgrade this rating to three stars just for him, but that would be petty. Second reason for downgrade: tables that smell like sweat. That smell of a dirty rag they use to wipe down every table to make them *look* clean enough to be presentable, when theyre really just spreading residue from table to table. I moved to another table (again, because I was the only customer at the time), and the smell was there too. Acclimated by the time my meal arrived, but could have done without the anti-appetizer. This four star rating is for the brand. I know the quality of this chain(?)s food is commendable based on their Cupertino location. I cant rate them any lower because of that, but I also cant return to this Santa Clara location.

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AN

Anthony DeGrote

Im from out of town and decided on this place based on reviews. Walked in at about 5 PM. No one else was in the restaurant, except staff. I ordered one of the combo plates and a soda. It has the small hole in the wall deli feel to it, but the food was unbelievable!! Ambiance, no. Great food and service, yes!! I honestly dont know what I ordered, but the chicken and beef were cooked perfectly!!! I didnt too much care for the dressing on the salad, but it did compliment the other aspects of the dinner well. Only complaint would be 4 pieces of pita for a good size helping of hummus seemed like not enough, but then again, I did not eat all of the food. Who I believe to be the owner/manager came out to ensure I was happy with my food. And. I was!! I do not believe he was the person cooking as I could see someone dressed more appropriately in the back during our brief encounter. If I am back in town, I will be back to this place!! PS: I dont review many places online, but I will call my local to-go establishments to thank them when they do surprise or disappoint me.

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MI

Michael Chan

I was in between giving this place a 4 star and 5 star because the food was excellent and the staff were very friendly and attentive, but I was frustrated with the food service itself. The restaurant was not particularly full at the time, most of the front portion of the restaurant had a few tables seated, but 60% of the restaurant was not occupied. With a large group, I expected a bit of wait, but my food took a bit to come out (ordered the combo plate). When I ate the food, I knew why it took so long - prepared very well. But when your friends are done with half of their orders and you get your food only after that point, it can be a bit frustrating. Price was fair. Next time Ill try the pizza. I dont think the speed could be any faster without sacrificing quality.

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EN

Enrique Jimenez

I would give it another try just because i got rated 4,9....but the first time I tried this i was really really disappointed. My wife and i had two wraps do to kitchen problems. ......we couldnt order anything else. ........we should off gone else were. I had a lamb kabab wrap with no meat, no meat IAM NOT A VEGAN! AND GOT NOTHING AGAINST ONE. But comon i freakin payed 9$ for it and i expected more.......bland flavor. Just lettuce and pita. Wit yogurt not good. ......never believe the ratings. ......my wife a greed, this is the first time i rate some thing like this. So for now ill keep my 1star. If i return for what we wanted the 13$ buffet and food tastes better ill change my rating. Other than that the workers are nice, and place is clean. April 28th 2015

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BI

Billy Phillips

I adore the owners of this restaurant, Kim and Greg, and LAmore is home to some of my favorite Italian food in the valley. This is a lovely little place. Both the decor and ambiance are classy and invitingly warm. I also have to say I am impressed at the level of service every time I come here. What a gracious, attentive wait staff! I particularly love patio dining (when weather permits) with all of the beautiful trees that line the outside of the restaurant. Theres a very sweet, romantic vibe here that I really love. This is a perfect spot for date night. The food is excellent as well- love the bruschetta and pizza. Also Im a notorious calamari hater but somehow, I can enthusastically grub on the calamari they make at LAmore? Its just that good I guess!

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IR

Irfan Rydhan

Halal meat is served here, per signs on the restaurant and in the menu. The place is spacious inside and also has a special room for prayers, which is great. The food, unfortunately is average. I ordered the Combo beef and chicken shawerma platter. Since the restaurant has "Garlic" in its name, I was expecting some "Garlic" flavor in the meat or sauces, but didnt taste any unfortunately. The meat servings are a little small and the white yogurt sauce given wasnt enough. Also I was expecting a nice garlic sauce on the side - disappointed that there was none. On the plus side the Turkish tea was good. I may come back again to give this place another shot, but for now its only average in terms of flavor.

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JE

Jeff Parker

Happened in here when another restaurant in the area was closed, and am seriously glad we did. We ordered the lentil soup, a doner plate, and a chicken kebab plate. The service was outstanding, and even fixed my order when I ordered the wrong item (completely my mistake, I failed at reading). The food was great, the chicken kebab was the favorite of the order. The meal finished off with some baclava, and it was possibly the best I have had. There was nothing that I could come up with to rate at anything less than outstanding, I am looking forward to my next visit!

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MU

Murat Yuksel

Hands down: The best lahmacun in the SF Bay Area! Their buffet is great with homestyle dishes. Kebap dishes taste good and impressively well-designed with rich rice pilav and mediterranean style salad. The prices are very inexpensive for the quality of food they serve. The only place for improvement is the facility, which I am not sure the owners can do much about. The service could improve a little too. But, in general, if you are looking for a good meal in a fine environment with Turkish hospitality, this is the place to go.

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