Cafe Mediterranean
| Address: | 3520 Erie Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208, USA |
| Phone: | +1 513-871-8714 |
| Site: | cafe-mediterranean.com |
| Rating: | 4 |
| Working: | 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 4–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 11
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Sean Huncherick
Above average food, but some of the worst service I have ever received from the owner. My wife and I were looking for a place to celebrate our first anniversary and found a Groupon for Cafe Mediterranean. It sounded fine, so we got the Groupon and made a reservation on the restaurants website. After driving 30 minutes there, we arrived. I was sure to mention that were using Groupon before ordering. The owner explained that he couldnt honor it because he needs our reservation to be over the phone and at least a day in advance so he can work it out. He continued to push us to eat there that night and come back another time to use the Groupon. I was upset that we couldnt make a reservation for later that night at an empty restaurant, but thats fine. I called to make a reservation the next day we had free. The owner explained they were booked between 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., so we got in at 5:00 p.m. When we first walked in, he was sure to remind us that we should have eaten last time. He then asked if we just get Groupons for everywhere. I explained that its how we try new places, but he told us that we should go to the restaurant first and then use a Groupon to continue going. It sounds reasonable, but his tone and attitude were rude. He didnt interact with us at all again until the end of the meal, at which point I went to use the Groupon. He informed me that my Groupon was only good Monday through Thursday and that it was my fault for not reading closer. He refused to work out a solution (a discount? an apology? actually going out of his way for a customer during a slow night?), and instead angrily explained why its all my fault. I dont deny that I should have read the fine print more carefully, but his service was awful. If he doesnt like Groupons, stop offering them.
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Katherine Viancourt
Service was horrible. Only one server and very adamant about the kitchen closing at 8:30. Who closes at 8:30? First I walked in and said I had a reservation. He said my name wasnt on the list. After explaining I called at 4:45 he finally sat me. Also I walked in before a group of gentlemen(who didnt have a reservation), then the server took their drink order first didnt come back over to me until i acknowledged the busser or server in training and when my server came back he said I needed to order since the kitchen was closing...what I had been trying to do. I am just overall really disappointed in my experience. I love Mediterranean food and was really looking forward to eating here and it ended up being a huge disappointment. The bread on my meal tasted stale, but my boyfriends meal was good. Also, they need to have more than one waiter on staff for dinner hour. I think if the customer service was better then the experience would have been better.
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moz L
Fraudulent Owner with no honesty. First, the parking is problem during meal time because they dont have parking lot for customers. Second, the owner is a lousy waiter, why, my friend asked for a cup of hot water when he smirked, yes he smirked with contempt as if asking hot water is something stupid. Third, it is not a place if you value prompt respond, with that said, do not expect he will respond to you in 5 or 10 minutes when answering your request because he is the only one serving. Fourth, the portion of dish is much smaller than average restaurants. I need to order three course alone to feel food in my stomach. Last and most critical, the owner forces customers to pay 20 percent on top of your orders in the name of service fee after the lame service he provides. its not done, the receipt asks for additional tips. Thats why I felt he is money hungry.
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Katerina (Kate) Minevich
This is a true neighborhood gem.! The owner of the restaurant is very friendly and welcoming! Its a very nice atmosphere with a very attentive and professional staff. The waiter appeared at the right times and helped guide us through the evening. The food is fresh and with an amazing array of flavors. As a frequent traveler to Europe & Middle East and a foodie I can guarantee you, the food is most authentic, prepared in simple Mediterranean style. Portions are a good size for an average appetite. The wine list matched up well against the menu choices. You should try it!
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Sally H-P
The food was adequate but the manager copped a serious attitude at the end. My friends made a reservation through Open Table and he would not honor our Groupon because of it. A $200 meal was ruined by his unwillingness to cooperate with us and reach a compromise. Said he wasnt going to pay Open Table and Groupon (sheesh, how much could that have really cost him?) A huge disappointment. Oh, and there was an obnoxious bellydancer moving around the dining room with music so loud we couldnt have a conversation!
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David Furlong
Ive eaten at many Mediterranean restaurants in Cincinnati and around the US for that matter (Greek town, Detroit, ...etc). This is by FAR the best Mediterranean food in Cincinnati. Fresh fresh fresh. No corners cut on ingredients. The grape leaves are truly amazing. Moussaka and lamb suate are worth every penny. Good portions, great personal service (the owner remembered us from our visit several weeks back), and desert so good we took several to go! Highly recommended.
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Brian Rineair
We had the octopus to start which was delicious. For our entrees we had the falafel and the branzino special they had that evening. Not only did the dishes have great presentation but the taste was just as incredible. The music they played and the patio out front made for a very authentic atmosphere. To top it off the service was outstanding and their recommendations for pairing drinks with food was on point. We will definitely be going back.
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Shelley and Tom Hunt
There were four of us so we were able to taste lots of dishes. The cold sampler appetizer included babaganoush, grape leaves, hummus, eggplant, kisir and labne served with delicious warm bread. We tried the lamb chops, lamb shank, cabbage rolls and filet of beef. All delicious!! Even the vegetables were cooked to perfection and well seasoned. The service was friendly and impressive. We will be back.
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ken pape
Your exposure at taste of Blue Ash was horrible. ordered a Gyro..5 dollars for a cold pita with 2 slices of tomato, tons of lettuce, one little squirt of sauce, and 1 thin strip of meat. I asked the teenager making the order..Is that what your going to give me for 5 dollars? He said its bosss orders. I wish Blue Ash Chili would have been there. Their Gyros...would have closed your booth the first day
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L Brown
Ive been to Cafe Mediterranean twice. Both times were disappointing. Im not comparing it to restaurants in Istanbul (where I lived for a year) as it doesnt even come close. Im comparing it to other Turkish and Middle Eastern restaurants in the greater Cincinnati area. It simply doesnt measure up. I went back after the first disappointing meal to give it another chance but it wasnt any better. Sorry!
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Brogan Bennell
Amazing restaurant. Everything Ive tried has been fantastic. By far the best Mediterranean/Turkish food I have ever had. Not to mention the aesthetic is gorgeous and the owner is a genuine guy. Hes always making sure everything exceeds expectations and that you have a impeccable dining experience. 10/10 would recommend. I will be sure to go back soon.
