It’s been a while since we dined at Mediterranean Cafe with our Lexington crew and we were reminded that it is truly a hidden gem. The service from Brandi R was prompt, personable and efficient. The venue, though clean, may not look like fine dining but the food sure tastes like it. The vegetables are fresh and locally grown by the owner. My wife is Lebanese and she proclaimed the Baba Ghannouj appetizer to be tasty and authentic. We all sampled it with pita bread and agreed. The Chicken Kabobs were a hit entree as well as the Salmon dish. I was lucky enough to get their Swordfish special which was a large, thick, perfectly cooked and seasoned chunk of swordfish with fresh collard greens over rice. It was better than I have had in any high dollar Charleston restaurant. With only a $15 corkage fee we all had excellent food, drink and a relaxing evening for a very reasonable price. Though Mediterranean Cafe hides right across the parking lot of a hotel, find it and you’ll be glad you did!
pollyh212
Reliable cuisine and service. Outstanding Mediterranean cuisine with occasional Southern flair here and there. Quaint, unassuming atmosphere with the ambiance of a traditional Old World family restaurant. Down-home service you’d expect in the South with authentic Mediterranean cuisine- the best of both worlds. I make it a point to dine here every time I’m in the Columbia area. Chicken kebabs, grilled seafood, tabouli, and Kopta are first class, and the hummus is creamy and light— not the thick, heavy grocery-store variety. It’s small, so arrive early or make a reservation.
Decided to stop by the restaurant while staying at the HIE located across the parking lot. Kristen, our server, provided exceptional service. Enjoyed the falafel appetizer with its crispy exterior and tender center and the perfectly seasoned chicken kabobs. The Baklava was fantastic. I wish I'd ordered 2 of them. A truly fantastic dining experience - I will certainly be back if in the area again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Falafel, Chicken Kabobs
Veronica Hills-Smith
Food was EXCELLENT! Service was fast and food was hot. My new Saturday night spot
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Kabobs
Patt Kovach
Amazing farm to table food, delicious, courteous, polite, and friendly staff my favorite place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
angela gill
Always delicious and so fresh!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Devon Hughes
Great food and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Scott M.
The only reason for 2 stars is the staff who were very friendly and attentive but that didn't make my meal any better. The salad was just so so, the only flavor was the feta cheese. I ordered the garlic shrimp and I was not to impressed with that as it was overcooked and a little rubbery. For my main course I ordered the 14oz ribeye cooked medium, well that was overcooked also, it do not have any flavor to it except for the charred areas on it and it was very dry and tough to eat. For the prices they are asking I would much rather go to Longhorn Steakhouse and get a much better appetizer, salad and most importantly an amazing steak. All for less money. I come to Columbia often for work and this was my first time trying this place, it will also be my last.
Michael Eller
Food is always excellent, salads have fresh vegetables from local Farms. The salmon on that bed of yellow rice is my favorite!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Side of Greek Salad, Tuna, Chicken Kabobs
While visiting our niece she had heard this was good so we gave it try - fantastic! Had fried okra as appetizer - definitely fresh out of garden. I had salmon and it melted in my mouth. My husband had broiled shrimp - thought he was going to lick the plate. My niece had Kofta steak - said it was also delicious. Our service is great. Was nice to know owner was silently to side observing first everything. Definitely when in town will visit again.
Raymond Dempsey
Love this place, the food and the atmosphere and the service are absolutely amazing. Their mato is from the farm to the table and they are not kidding. The food is great !!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Justin M
Customer service is great! Their team welcomes you as soon as you walk in the door. The manager checked on the guest experience and the food quality. Impressed with the whole experience. From the food, cleanliness of amenities as well as the music! Will definitely recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Paula Taylor
Had the salmon. Delicious. Makes a special evening out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Tips, Side of Rice
Justin W
Lauren was a great server! The food was awesome!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Side of Rice, Mediterranean Salad, Side of Greek Salad
It’s been a while since we dined at Mediterranean Cafe with our Lexington crew and we were reminded that it is truly a hidden gem. The service from Brandi R was prompt, personable and efficient. The venue, though clean, may not look like fine dining but the food sure tastes like it. The vegetables are fresh and locally grown by the owner. My wife is Lebanese and she proclaimed the Baba Ghannouj appetizer to be tasty and authentic. We all sampled it with pita bread and agreed. The Chicken Kabobs were a hit entree as well as the Salmon dish. I was lucky enough to get their Swordfish special which was a large, thick, perfectly cooked and seasoned chunk of swordfish with fresh collard greens over rice. It was better than I have had in any high dollar Charleston restaurant. With only a $15 corkage fee we all had excellent food, drink and a relaxing evening for a very reasonable price. Though Mediterranean Cafe hides right across the parking lot of a hotel, find it and you’ll be glad you did!
Reliable cuisine and service. Outstanding Mediterranean cuisine with occasional Southern flair here and there. Quaint, unassuming atmosphere with the ambiance of a traditional Old World family restaurant. Down-home service you’d expect in the South with authentic Mediterranean cuisine- the best of both worlds. I make it a point to dine here every time I’m in the Columbia area. Chicken kebabs, grilled seafood, tabouli, and Kopta are first class, and the hummus is creamy and light— not the thick, heavy grocery-store variety. It’s small, so arrive early or make a reservation.
The best filet I've ever tasted!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tabbouleh, Falafel, Mediterranean Shrimp, Grilled Tuna, Hummus, Chicken Kabobs, Mediterranean Salad
Decided to stop by the restaurant while staying at the HIE located across the parking lot. Kristen, our server, provided exceptional service. Enjoyed the falafel appetizer with its crispy exterior and tender center and the perfectly seasoned chicken kabobs. The Baklava was fantastic. I wish I'd ordered 2 of them. A truly fantastic dining experience - I will certainly be back if in the area again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Falafel, Chicken Kabobs
Food was EXCELLENT! Service was fast and food was hot. My new Saturday night spot
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Kabobs
Amazing farm to table food, delicious, courteous, polite, and friendly staff my favorite place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always delicious and so fresh!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The only reason for 2 stars is the staff who were very friendly and attentive but that didn't make my meal any better.
The salad was just so so, the only flavor was the feta cheese. I ordered the garlic shrimp and I was not to impressed with that as it was overcooked and a little rubbery. For my main course I ordered the 14oz ribeye cooked medium, well that was overcooked also, it do not have any flavor to it except for the charred areas on it and it was very dry and tough to eat. For the prices they are asking I would much rather go to Longhorn Steakhouse and get a much better appetizer, salad and most importantly an amazing steak. All for less money.
I come to Columbia often for work and this was my first time trying this place, it will also be my last.
Food is always excellent, salads have fresh vegetables from local
Farms. The salmon on that bed of yellow rice is my favorite!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Side of Greek Salad, Tuna, Chicken Kabobs
Restaurantji Recommends
While visiting our niece she had heard this was good so we gave it try - fantastic! Had fried okra as appetizer - definitely fresh out of garden. I had salmon and it melted in my mouth. My husband had broiled shrimp - thought he was going to lick the plate. My niece had Kofta steak - said it was also delicious. Our service is great. Was nice to know owner was silently to side observing first everything. Definitely when in town will visit again.
Love this place, the food and the atmosphere and the service are absolutely amazing. Their mato is from the farm to the table and they are not kidding. The food is great !!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Customer service is great! Their team welcomes you as soon as you walk in the door. The manager checked on the guest experience and the food quality. Impressed with the whole experience. From the food, cleanliness of amenities as well as the music! Will definitely recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had the salmon. Delicious. Makes a special evening out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Tips, Side of Rice
Lauren was a great server! The food was awesome!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Side of Rice, Mediterranean Salad, Side of Greek Salad
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