I've been here more times than I can count and love it more than words could say. The owner is a great man, he remembers regular customers so well and is just as gregarious with new ones. Every so often I stray from my usual order, but most of the time I don't need to say anything - he'll ask if I'm getting "the usual" (lamb/beef shawarma hummus plate). I've tried many dishes over the years and love them. The pita and hummus are truly the best around (the best I've had since visiting Palestine and Israel). The baklava are both excellent though my favorite is the pistachio. The tea is refreshing and well worth the price.
Everything there is a great value- exceptional food, a variety of mediterranean cuisines and a staff that are friendly and helpful. What more could you want in a restaurant? In a world where everything is trying for the next big thing and restaurants are creating these massive gleaming palaces, the Mediterranean Cafe (aka Med Caf) stands out as a place where people come together and enjoy the good things in life. Having traveled to various places around the Med Sea, it honestly feels like you're transported to a hidden gem in the Middle East, Algeria, Italy or Spain...it's one of my absolutely favorite places in Madison!