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| - In honesty, I feel a little bad about only being able to give Princess three stars. But this is a perfect example of the fact that to be considered a 'good resturant', even if it is a basic resturant and not fine dining, they can't just throw good food at you and expect return business. Ambiance and service are important pieces of that overall recipe.
So I'll start with the food. This place serves the best, most authentic Mediterranean and Arabic food I've ever had. The food is fantastic. I'd say that's a pretty across-the-board statement... everything I've tried here is good.
The ambiance: Flat out poor. It is a combo ethnic grocery store and restaurant, so that is a pretty big handicap to overcome from the outset. No real separation from the grocery store, Seating area is crowded even though there is only seating for about 20 total. The seating is primarily booths (that wobble and aren't bolted down) that look like they are from a 1980's McDonalds. There are some cafe-style bar-height tables for two scattered about in addition. During lunch it will get full enough that there will be poeple standing around, eating wherever they can find a bit of space ( a testament to the good food). Cleanliness of eating area was marginal.
Service: Only marginally better than the ambiance. The servers, although they can handle orders in English, they clearly prefer taking orders in Arabic. They have at most two people working tables, and often one. The server is also responsible for running the grocery store cash register, so if 3-4 customers try to check out at the same time from the grocery side during lunch, they'll spend the rest of the meal trying to catch up. You'll likely have to chase them down for anything except ordering the base meal and getting that brought to the table (and that might require proactive nagging as well).
Cost: Very affordable for the quality of the food ($9-$12/person). Runs on par with Spices and other Mediterrean places in the area.
Net: Not a good place for families, groups, or dates. Great place for foodies that want cheap, good authentic food.
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