This restaurant imposes a mandatory 20-25% gratuity on takeout orders while also inflating prices beyond what’s listed on the menu. Over the years, we have dined in and ordered takeout often, but in recent months, the pricing discrepancies have become significant. Menu prices no longer match the final bill, even after toggling between lunch and dinner menus. Most recently, our order—expected to total $44.45—was instead charged at $91, with no clear explanation.
Service has also declined noticeably. Dine-in visits now come with long waits for assistance and refills, making what used to be an enjoyable experience frustrating. Takeout, which once took only 15 minutes, now takes 30, yet the food often sits on the counter getting cold before it’s picked up on time. When concerns about pricing or service are raised, responses from staff have been dismissive and condescending rather than helpful.
Beyond the hidden upcharges, there are automatic gratuities of 20-25% that apply inconsistently. The threshold for these extra charges seems to change, as confirmed by my own experiences and other reviews. The restaurant also pushes unnecessary add-ons, like sauces and bread, implying they don’t come with meals—only for them to be included anyway and added to the bill. These tactics appear to be deliberate ways to increase charges and inflate the final cost. While I usually tip generously, these deceptive practices have made it clear I won’t be returning.
The food itself is average, and the atmosphere does little to make up for the poor experience. During our dine-in visit, servers openly complained about their jobs and colleagues within earshot of guests. To make matters worse, staff vacuumed the dining area while several tables were still eating, making conversation difficult. Overall, the experience is not worth the inflated prices, poor service, and uncomfortable dining environment.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Daniel Lawver
Great place great time with my 32 year old son & 7 year old granddaughter
I had an incredible combo kebab lunch at Mediterranean Bistro, and it exceeded all expectations. The rice was perfectly fluffy, bursting with flavor, and complemented the meal beautifully. Both the chicken and beef kebabs were cooked to perfection—succulent, moist, and incredibly tender. Every bite was a delight. The hummus, however, was the true star—creamy, rich, and absolutely out of this world. The flavors were authentic and satisfying, making for an unforgettable dining experience. I highly recommend Mediterranean Bistro to anyone craving top-notch Mediterranean cuisine!
This place was comfortable and cozy. But the food took way too long to come, and in the end was blah. The ice tea was good.The Greek salad was not a Greek salad though it tasted okay.Service was so slow we did not order dessert.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 1
John Couture
Always have excellent food and service. My first review was 6 years ago. My wife and I still eat here and still love the food.
Had a CONFIRMED reservation for 6PM tonight. Drove across town to find their doors closed and a sign saying dinning room closed at 12:45. Another sign saying will be back at 5! No message on their voice recording stating they were closed!!
Service: 1
Gregory Zill
Tasty Med and cozy dining room, great little hidden gem
Potential in the food but prices didn't match my bill and the waitress and co-worker talking about family problems in front of the costumers, very unprofessional.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 2
Laila Santocildes
In my opinion, this is the best Mediterranean food I had .
Two servers helped us, both had somewhat surely attitudes. We were a group of five there for lunch; they added a 20% tip. I am aware some places do this but have never thought it reasonable. The food was good, atmosphere oleasant. I was scouting for a place for my small book club to meet for dinner, to eat & discuss that would be fairly quiet. I’m not sure I’ll recommend given the unfriendly wait staff.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 2
Maddy Miller
Great food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bill Kirshenbaum
We had 9 of us go to dinner for a birthday last night and asked for separate checks. When we received our checks there was a 25% tip added on to each check. The menu said an 18% gratuity would be added to each check. We didn't say anything about it as it was a birthday celebration. I thought about it later in the night and went and talked to them today about it. I was told that they add a 25% tip when you get separate checks. We were not told that and I asked her about what the menu said about an 18% gratuity added on and I was told they were working on getting the menus reprinted. Not our fault. Two of the couples said they would never come back because of the 25% tip added on. I told that to the manager and she said that she would pass it on to the owners, but didn't really care. Just offering a small gift card or something would have helped every ones feelings about this, but nothing other than I will pass it on. The food is always wonderful but the customer service is terrible. In this day and age you should do what you can to make sure you keep your customers happy and coming back.
This restaurant imposes a mandatory 20-25% gratuity on takeout orders while also inflating prices beyond what’s listed on the menu. Over the years, we have dined in and ordered takeout often, but in recent months, the pricing discrepancies have become significant. Menu prices no longer match the final bill, even after toggling between lunch and dinner menus. Most recently, our order—expected to total $44.45—was instead charged at $91, with no clear explanation.
Service has also declined noticeably. Dine-in visits now come with long waits for assistance and refills, making what used to be an enjoyable experience frustrating. Takeout, which once took only 15 minutes, now takes 30, yet the food often sits on the counter getting cold before it’s picked up on time. When concerns about pricing or service are raised, responses from staff have been dismissive and condescending rather than helpful.
Beyond the hidden upcharges, there are automatic gratuities of 20-25% that apply inconsistently. The threshold for these extra charges seems to change, as confirmed by my own experiences and other reviews. The restaurant also pushes unnecessary add-ons, like sauces and bread, implying they don’t come with meals—only for them to be included anyway and added to the bill. These tactics appear to be deliberate ways to increase charges and inflate the final cost. While I usually tip generously, these deceptive practices have made it clear I won’t be returning.
The food itself is average, and the atmosphere does little to make up for the poor experience. During our dine-in visit, servers openly complained about their jobs and colleagues within earshot of guests. To make matters worse, staff vacuumed the dining area while several tables were still eating, making conversation difficult. Overall, the experience is not worth the inflated prices, poor service, and uncomfortable dining environment.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Great place great time with my 32 year old son & 7 year old granddaughter
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Appetizer Platter, Grilled Chicken
I had an incredible combo kebab lunch at Mediterranean Bistro, and it exceeded all expectations. The rice was perfectly fluffy, bursting with flavor, and complemented the meal beautifully. Both the chicken and beef kebabs were cooked to perfection—succulent, moist, and incredibly tender. Every bite was a delight. The hummus, however, was the true star—creamy, rich, and absolutely out of this world. The flavors were authentic and satisfying, making for an unforgettable dining experience. I highly recommend Mediterranean Bistro to anyone craving top-notch Mediterranean cuisine!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Basmati Rice, Hummus, Chicken Kebab
This place was comfortable and cozy. But the food took way too long to come, and in the end was blah. The ice tea was good.The Greek salad was not a Greek salad though it tasted okay.Service was so slow we did not order dessert.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 1
Always have excellent food and service. My first review was 6 years ago. My wife and I still eat here and still love the food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Basmati Rice, Cucumber Yogurt Sauce, Greek Salad, Chicken Kebab
Had a CONFIRMED reservation for 6PM tonight. Drove across town to find their doors closed and a sign saying dinning room closed at 12:45. Another sign saying will be back at 5! No message on their voice recording stating they were closed!!
Service: 1
Tasty Med and cozy dining room, great little hidden gem
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Basmati Rice, Hummus, Spanakopita, Chicken Kebab, Hummus with Pita
Potential in the food but prices didn't match my bill and the waitress and co-worker talking about family problems in front of the costumers, very unprofessional.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 2
In my opinion, this is the best Mediterranean food I had .
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Sultani Kabobs, Appetizer Platter, Chicken Kebab
Had lunch here with my husband and was a new place for us to try and we liked it. Good food and friendly service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mediterranean Fettuccine, Chicken Kebab
Restaurantji Recommends
Two servers helped us, both had somewhat surely attitudes. We were a group of five there for lunch; they added a 20% tip. I am aware some places do this but have never thought it reasonable. The food was good, atmosphere oleasant. I was scouting for a place for my small book club to meet for dinner, to eat & discuss that would be fairly quiet. I’m not sure I’ll recommend given the unfriendly wait staff.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 2
Great food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had 9 of us go to dinner for a birthday last night and asked for separate checks. When we received our checks there was a 25% tip added on to each check. The menu said an 18% gratuity would be added to each check. We didn't say anything about it as it was a birthday celebration. I thought about it later in the night and went and talked to them today about it. I was told that they add a 25% tip when you get separate checks. We were not told that and I asked her about what the menu said about an 18% gratuity added on and I was told they were working on getting the menus reprinted. Not our fault. Two of the couples said they would never come back because of the 25% tip added on. I told that to the manager and she said that she would pass it on to the owners, but didn't really care. Just offering a small gift card or something would have helped every ones feelings about this, but nothing other than I will pass it on. The food is always wonderful but the customer service is terrible. In this day and age you should do what you can to make sure you keep your customers happy and coming back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Chicken Sultani Kabobs, Falafel Salad, Hummus
Our favorite restaurant in Omaha. They have the best food and great atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wonderful experience. Three of us all ordered different entrees, all were very good. I'm sorry that I live so far away, or I would go more often.
Dietary restrictions: Lots of rice options for gluten-free folks
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Dolmeh
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