I never had dates baklava. It was sooooo delish. It was first time to eat. I never seen dates baklava. I don't know famous enough or not. I wish many Mediterranean deli sell this dessert. Super good!!
(5)
T ..
If you're looking for a fun, high-energy, perfect for people watching & delicious place to enjoy a good meal, then this is your place! We arrived just before the rush! Everyone seemed to know what they were doing except us first-timers. It was a bit overwhelming to scan the wide assortment of dishes and read the labels to know what's what. That being said, there is a great variety of sides and dishes to choose from. I like the option of mixing and matching and being able to try new things over time. The atmosphere is very casual and almost cafeteria style, which was perfectly fine with us. Our food came out relatively quickly, especially given the crowd. Everything was delicious & provided us with a unique and enjoyable dining experience! There was a slight mix up with one of my sides. Otherwise, I would have rated them 5 stars.
(4)
Alexa O.
This place is up there on things I miss the most about Chapel Hill. I lived in Chapel Hill for five years and probably ate here AT LEAST once a week. Everything here is so good. I've probably had one of everything off the menu. The hummus is fantastic. Sometimes when I was just looking for a snack I'd come here and order hummus and pita for $3. So amazing. I wish I I could still eat here all the time.
(5)
Rose L.
So this was the question: where can I go for a late lunch with my seven siblings, mom and six nieces and nephews all under the age of five. Add into that that its Fourth of July and we're all foodie want-to-be's (thanks mum and dad!). So, we took a chance on Mediterranean Deli and we were beyond pleased. Mediterranean Deli has a large open eating area that you walk into immediately. You stand in line and order while looking at cases of food that can also be picked from. I chose from the grill: a chicken shawarma wrap with a side of Baba Ghanoush and a large piece of balaclava. NOTE: if you get a side of humus, etc you should also pick up a bag of pita bread, it doesn't come with the meal! But on top of the fabulous food they also have a little open Mediterranean condiment bar FREE with olives, picked veggies, sauces, garlic whip, oh my god I can't even tell you, it's just so good!! And if you're not satisfied 100% with the food and service, just take a peak at the grocery store next door! You cannot be disappointed with a stop at the Mediterranean Deli, it's a must stop for any local or tourist alike!!
(5)
R K.
No substitutions for bread, you can change it out for another type of bread like a pita instead of the tortilla for the doner kebob. You cant even get rid of it and its kind of an ordeal to get it switched out for another type of bread. Place was really busy and has a lot of variety. We are from northern VA where there are a lot of Mediterranean places (Isreali, Turkish, Iranian). I am not sure what type of Mediterranean food this was but it was pretty salty compared to everything else I've had and the kebobs were kind of dry. I didnt get why it was rated so highly but it might be because of a lack of competition in the area. It was OK, not great if youre from somewhere that has a lot of Mediterranean restaurants.
(2)
Amy G.
You ever walk in somewhere and are paralyzed by choice because everything looks so amazing and you panic and just order the same thing you always do then deeply regret your life and your choices? Yeah that's how I feel when I walk in here. I've never had a bad thing off this menu, and there are TONS of veggie options. Their hummus will change how you feel about hummus.
(5)
Jennifer H.
So I needed a little something to eat before my yoga class in chapel hill and a friend suggested "Med Deli" and I td her I had no idea what she was talking about. She suggested I grab something al carte and that she would meet me there before our yoga class. So I walked into the market side door and was very surprised so see a huge seating area and TONS of food options displayed. Honestly, at first it was a bit Overwhelming! I paced back and forth looking at all the options and I will say that I was assuming that I would be dropping a pretty penny on this snack but that wasn't the case! I ordered spanakopita and a piece of walnut baklava-both were amazing!! I was shocked that my total was only $6 and some change! The baklava was the best I've ever had!!! Looking forward to retiring to try various items! Thanks for such great food at a great price-keep up the good work!
(5)
Emily M.
This place is not safe for celiacs. Their website advertises gluten free facilities and numerous gluten free dishes -- but they have wheat based dishes mixed in with gluten free dishes in the deli area. Furthermore their servers have no idea what is gluten free and what is not! Finally their menu does not distinguish what is and isn't gluten free. The restaurant is bedlam.
(1)
Kate S.
I really like the ambiance of this restaurant. It's welcoming, very spacious, and casual without looking too low maintenance. They also have a lot of options on their menu. Unfortunately, I was not impressed with the particular dish I got. I got a Greek Fatayer - its looks were deceiving! There was way too much feta cheese and the dish was very salty. I ended up eating the bread and tossing the rest of the dish in the garbage. Despite my bad luck with meal choice, I plan on going back again to try another dish on the menu - hopefully one with less cheese and less salt.
(3)
Leslie E.
Great eats. Very busy and very low. Great late night. Lots of variety of things to eat.
(4)
Gisa D.
Beware a side of falafel consists of 1 solitary falafel. They used to give you at least 3. Apparently their policy changes arbitrarily. Essentially for 3 sides (2 orders of baba ganoush and 1 falafel you pay 8 dollars. Beware and do not order as sides.
(1)
Yvonne C.
I really enjoy this place. Anytime I'm further out by West Franklin, Med Deli ends up being my go-to for quick but quality food. Their menu is very extensive, it's always so hard to pick something. But just go for it, because all the dishes are good. Everytime I've been here I've tried something different and I always enjoy it. Also their portions are very generous and will DEFINITELY fill you up. Go for a combo that lets you try 2 sides so you can really get a large amount of variety and flavors! There is also a little sauce bar with olives and spices! I don't really have a clue what I'm eating half the time, I just sample it and go with what I like best. Give this place a try! Also of note, you order at the counter and they bring your food to you.
(4)
Salil S.
Awesome food, great atmosphere for taking small kids. Love the gyro, fatayer and schwerma.
(5)
Ashley D.
I order gyros often and i have to say that this one is up there! The peach salad was surprisingly salty, but delicious. I recommended eating here.
(5)
Joe H.
Excellent selection of Mediterranean food, especially Lebanese. The stuffed cabbage leaves, spinach and chickpea salad, and the grape leaves were spot on! Also love the free olive bar, which also includes a variety of other pickled vegetables. Clean restaurant with fresh flowers on the tables and free wifi! Only caution would be the parking situation, which can be hairy even when UNC is not in session.
(5)
Summer H.
Really nice. Convenient and cheap. Nice flavor food, I ordered the lamb and beef gyro, tastes really good. My friends ordered some middle east flavor, one of.them has eggplant in it. Tastes good too.
(4)
Carolina M.
There are a lot of vegetarian and vegan options here. I'm new to a no-raw vegan diet, so this place was like heaven in a sea of fast food restaurants and others that aren't quite so vegan-friendly. I was completely wow'd by the deli case with so many different sides, so I got a sampler: Roasted Beets: I love beets. A little acidity in this gave it it's flavor. Mediterranean Quinoa: This was good too. The quinoa was fluffy and not too grainy. Armenian Wild Rice: Easily a favorite because it was just so tasty. It's got lots of other things in it too like craisins. I only wish we got more of this. Eggplant Stew: So I'm not sure if I liked this or not because it was a little too salty, however, it definitely needed the pita bread that comes with it. In fact, I polished off the stew with all my servings of pita bread. One thing I've noticed between the 3-side and 2-side samplers is that you're going to get bigger portions with with the 2-side samplers. Both are easily filling especially when they also give you a decent serving of their in-house baked pita bread. Service wasn't exactly the best. I mean, they got the "deli" no bullshit attitude. While I respect that they're busy, I'm disabled, so I wish they had been a little kinder when I couldn't remember the exact names of the sides that I wanted that I had to keep walking back to the deli case. That's kinda besides the point. I'm still a fan and wish I could resume my usual diet so I could try everything. If I'm back in town and still on this no-raw, vegan, no garlic, no fried foods diet, I would come back. Their sides taste better than Whole Foods' bars.
(5)
Paul W.
Wow. This place is fantastic. Fast service, super selection, authentic food, and low prices. I have been eating Mediterranean food for over 35 years, and this is as good as it gets! The only critical thing I can think of is it can get loud in the dining area. Super condiment bar!!!! Highly recommended!!!!
(5)
Rachel A.
The first time I went to this place I enjoyed my meal and the sides were yummy as well. But the next time we went, the actual making of the entree was different and not pleasing at all. I and my friends enjoyed their special drinks when we've gone - they used to serve it in a container separate from the fountain drinks. I've not gone back thus far... there are other Mediterranean options around. Also, it gets really busy around lunchtime, so watch out!
(3)
Janet N.
Came here im with my cousin since she's a vegetarian who has been sheltered from eating out by her parents! Zoe's was closed so we took a chance on a recommended Mediterranean place in Chapel Hill. The food was pretty good but not the best. I would've rather taken my cousin to Jasmin's Bistro for her first Mediterranean experience. The bathroom was disgusting and the toiletries were not kept up very well. It was a disappointment since many of my unc friends live by it. P.S. My cousin ended up at Jasmin's the following week and loved the falafel pita and hummus wayyyyy more. At least this place didn't turn her away from med food altogether!
(2)
Pranitha P.
Love the vegetarian options and constant variety. I've come here for lunch and dinner with my work team and am able to find new, healthy options every time. I always get a sampler plate to explore options in the glass case. My two favorites: hummus because they've got around 6 delicious options and the Mediterranean quinoa because its rich with flavor. You can ask for gluten free pita. The portions are pretty large so come hungry/take some leftovers. They also have a pickle and sauce bar for all where you can indulge in olives, tzatziki sauce, pickled cucumbers, and many more! It's usually pretty busy but doesn't take long to get your food and there is plenty of space to sit. The one issue would be the parking because Franklin St. is usually packed with college students, so it usually takes us a while to find a place to park in the evenings. Brought this down to a four because of the service...been here a couple more times and one time the servers either took 20 minutes to get our food out and the second, missed two orders completely.
(4)
Lana P.
A must when visiting Chapel Hill. Healthy & delicious with sooo many options to choose from. The only downside is I sometimes feel that it's a bit too pricey for lunch and a little too casual for dinner.
(5)
Carol S.
Friendly service! I had the shwarma (however it's spelled), and it was quite tasty as well as priced right. Alongside I could get a salad substituted for the fries, so I didn't have to feel guilty for eating yummy food. Nice! My co-worker, who's from NYC, raves about the falafel. He says this is the only place in the Triangle that gets it right. I'll try that the next time.
(5)
Becky S.
A gem! Tried the pomegranate muhammara a few visits ago and it's a new favorite. We bring all our visitors!
(5)
Laura D.
You know, it took a while for them to win me over because I love Neomonde so much. However, their selection is great, and portions are filling. My go-to for a quick lunch is the falafel wrap. I love their pickle bar!!
(4)
William O.
Love just about everything here,from the gyro platters,to the chicken pitas. Great for large parties,families,kids,etc. They have a do it yourself,buffet style cart,where you can load up on cucumber sauce,pickles,olives. Only wish we lived closer.
(5)
Stella M.
Picked up a falafel sandwich for lunch and while I was please with their service, the food took much longer than I expected even though they were not very busy. Also, the salad had too much vinegar on it. It was extremely sour-- that's saying something considering I have a high tolerance for strong vinegar dressings. It was also a bit expensive, but it was large serving size. It could have fed two people. Nothing you want to save for leftovers thought because it will be soggy from the dressing. Maybe next time I will just try a wrap?
(3)
Clc C.
We picked up an eclectic mix of vegan to carnivore options for a staff meeting. We asked for food to feed 15 and it easily fed the 20 of us with some to take home. From hummus to salad to rice and chicken.....everything was delicious! Fresh food and plentiful portions.
(5)
Taj D.
By far the best tacos in the Triangle. A mi me gusta el borrego (lamb) y la carne asada (steak). Perfecto! Great price, very meaty (or veggie-y), and you can perfect your meal at the bar with cilantro, slaw and salsa. You definitely want a refresco- horchata, tamarindo, mango, etc. Very nice drinks and not watered down. Don't forget to leave some $$ on the table before you leave. Then I recommend heading across the street to the panaderia. ;)
(4)
Lida F.
Doesn't get any better than this!! So many choices each day something new. Plus all the dishes are labeled g free Vegan vegetarian etc And the Iced tea is the best. Rose water etc. yum! Park across the street at Town of CH parking lot.
(5)
J P.
YUMMMM! Great selection and friendly service (most of the time). I recommend the lamb shank and if you're feeling a bit on the healthy side, I recommend the trio chicken salad. BTW, olive bar!! I also loved the grape leaves!
(5)
Kimberly L.
I am absolutely obsessed with this place and that may even be an understatement. As a Duke student, I make the drive into Tarheel territory just to satisfy the craving--it's that real. The selection at Mediterrenean Deli is, upon your first visit, extremely overwhelming and it takes several visits to really get adjusted to the endless possibilities. I tend to make a meal out of a few sides, and after way too many visits to count, I have narrowed down my favorites to the, drumroll please, sauteed cauliflower and the eggplant stew. In complete and total honesty, you can't go wrong with anything you choose here. The only mistake you can make is choosing not to take full advantage of the unlimited dips and pickles. The garlic spread and the tzatziki are to die for.
(5)
Kel W.
The deli case of offerings was beautiful and yielded wonderful things. The roasted cabbage and roasted pineapple salad were very good. Our gyro was quite tasty and well cooked, and we loved the complimentary olive/sauce bar. The only downside to our meal was the shawarma, which didn't live up to expectations.
(4)
Michele Z.
What's not to like?!? The food is fresh, reasonably priced, and varied. Portions are plentiful, various sides are free, and Jamil is the nicest (and most generous) guy you're going to meet. I've eaten there numerous times and had them cater a luncheon event. One of my happy places!
(4)
Christina L.
This place is very casual. It's essentially a large deli/cafeteria with a ton of seating (Love the flowers included at each table, and yes, they're real!). The great thing about this place is that the ingredients are fresh, and the prices are reasonable. Their homemade pita is an absolutely must! It's soft and delicious. Chicken Gyro is served on a pita with lettuce, tomato, peppers, onions, and tzatziki sauce, $6.99. The chicken is tender, peppers aren't spicy, and overall a great snack/lunch. The Sampler doesn't provide much to share, but it's a fantastic option if you can't decide what you want to order because you want everything you see! However, this option only allows vegetarian items, non-vegetarian options are an additional cost. The most items you can add is 4 items. I went with Curry Apple Orzo, Grape Leaves/Dolmas, Eggplant Squash Stew, Carrot and Walnut Salad, all for $9.75, plus homemade pita is included. Half of the items behind the glass deli windows look like questionable mush, but I assure you, they taste much better than they look! I've never had anything remotely similar to Carrot and Walnut Salad (carrots, olive oil mayo, garlic, walnuts, and olive oil), but it's good! I'd definitely recommend ordering something in addition to the Sampler if you're going to share, otherwise, you'll leave hungry. The Chicken Shawarma looks like a Hot Pocket, but more doughy. It's marinated with olive oil, cardamom, garlic and Lebanese spices, served in a pita, $6.99. Soft, but not enough to be a filling meal. Looks very odd to be served with only half a handful of lettuce pieces and 2 slices of tomatoes - either add more, or don't include these at all because it looks random and skimpy.
(5)
Young B.
Love the variety of foods here and I appreciate how big it is as well because it's always so busy and packed at med deli. Their food is always fresh and delicious. Definitely need to go back and try some of their other foods.
(5)
Kaitlyn M.
This place has set the bar so very, very high for me and mediterranean food. Every since I left Chapel Hill and came back, this place topped the list of places I missed. I saw it develop from a hole-in-the-wall with a deli case to the bustling social center and meeting place that it is today. It's got atmosphere, and a deli case that grows every time I come back, and some of the best kebab platters. A large part of the appeal of this place is the quaint sidewalk dining. They've filled the outdoor space outside with plenty of tables and umbrellas, and even planted a large vegetable and flower garden out front in their city median area. These tables will be full an any given sunny afternoon, and especially on Sundays. But the FOOD is exceptional! The deli case is filled with specialty items from every possible Mediterranean country, from Moroccan spiced cous cous to Lebanese fattoush to Tunisian cucumber salad. They've got Turkish pides (pizza boats) and lentil patties and greek tzatziki with all the kebabs. My favorite thing to order there is the lamb kebab, which comes nestled on a bright yellow bed of saffron rice with olives and a perfectly grilled tomato and jalapeño, every time. I love the artichoke dip (best I've ever had) and the greek salad and hummus, but I have to mix up my side plate to attempt to taste all the variety they offer here. They also always have a stewed special of Mediterranean or Morrocan chicken, and usually have stewed lamb shank that is great in the winter. They've got a killer garnish bar, where you can get your fill of kalamata and olive variety, a variety of pickles, feta, tzatziki, and other things I can't name. They've also started offering complimentary specialty olive oil with z'aatar for your pita. Another tip, try the rosewater tea. I like it half and half with sweet tea, but that's just the Southerner in me.
(5)
Christie N.
Definitely love the amazing selections they have here. There is plenty to choose from the glass case that makes it overwhelming because there's so much to choose from. Small menus can be found on top of the soda display near the registers. Display of baked goods and a small market connected to the restaurant makes it a mini exploration. Free condiment bar that includes olives, olive oil, and a variety of sauces. Staff is friendly, although it does get quite busy so they may seem impatient. The food we had is abundant but alright. We had the beef and lamb kabobs with rice, hummus, chick pea salad, Greek salad and pita bread which we were told was made in house. The beef was more on the smelly side but cooked right. Lamb was good. Pita bread was quite chewy and cold. The rice isn't something to remember. We really enjoyed the sides, and can't wait to try the others.
(3)
Andrew S.
Love this place! Great food at good price. And the students in Chapel Hill are out for the summer.
(5)
Kristel H.
a Chapel Hill staple--perfect place to stop after walking around Franklin Street. It can get really busy on the weekends, but it is well worth it! a few of my favorite sides are: tabouli salad, the heart of palms salad, spinach & artichoke dip, Lebanese grape leaves, ahhh there are too many to name!
(5)
Carolyn T.
If I lived on the Chapel Hill area, I would certainly become a regular customer here! While on the prowl for a filling, affordable, healthy lunch, we decided the Med Deli fit the bill. The inviting aroma of Mediterranean food hit us as soon as we walked in. The place was hopping like a high school cafeteria. There were plenty of tables, but most were occupied at noon on a weekday. We perused the menu and ordered at the counter. I decided on the falafel salad and we took our seats. We were given numbers and took our seats. Waitstaff brought our food promptly and we were shocked by the huge portions! My falafel was delicious, though I was not the biggest fan if the tahini sauce in which the salad leaves were drenched. Regardless, I really enjoyed my meal and my craving for falafel was happily satisfied. We brought our plates and silverware to a bin where we cleared our plates and put them away. The next time I'm in the area, I will certainly return to try more of the menu!
(4)
Cindy G.
Came here because a few friends told me to check it out for a big selection of food. I'm giving it a 4 star because of the freshness and quality of the food but my experience was just average. The grape leaves pita sandwich was small and messy to eat. The sauce was coming out of the cracks of the bread and my nephew had the same experience with the falafel pita. I asked the cashier what the difference was between Greek and Lebanese grape leaves they had and she didn't know. The place was very noisy and crowded. Selection of food was a little overwhelming and would cost a lot to order more than a few items. Four items cost $10 and extra for non-vegetarian items. They recently added gluten free bread which felt rubbery and not very tasty. Our server never came back with the bread so we had to flag down another worker who quickly gave us some bread. My husband's chicken salad was a very nice portion. There was a nice selection of dessert as well with gluten free chocolate cake available. Next door is a small grocery store with fresh and canned/jar foods.
(4)
Emily M.
A great place with different food. A little awkwardly down Franklin but it's nice that it's not so crowded. I know there's a new place where Chipotle used to be which may be similar, but was always great for a nicer but quick lunch than most of the places on Franklin.
(5)
Adrienne F.
Med Deli has the best hummus I've ever eaten, hands down. Absolutely delicious. Pretty much everything here is good. The system of ordering can be overwhelming. Menus are next to the foremost deli case, but you place your order at the register. You can order entrees, oven items or cold combos there. This is a great place to take out-of-downers, cheapskates, and people with specific dietary needs. Lots of vegetarian, vegan, paleo and dairy-free options.
(4)
Janice F.
Best Gyro in town! Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Also try their baklava it's delicious!
(5)
JP S.
BIG FAT FAN of this place. First of all, it is adequately staffed with friendly, helpful and hard working staff. They hustle behind the counter and on the floor to get you the delicious food. Lots to choose from and you see it before it hits the plate. Peruse the fresh offering of Mediterranean fare (Arabic, Greek, Turkish, etc.) and portions come to your table a-plenty. Often there is enough for a to-go bag/box. The floating island houses a variety of grapes, sauces, pickles and zatar. The cool thing is that all that is free and compliments your dinner. Have eaten at fancier restaurants throughout the country that boast a Mediterranean menu, but for the value and the flavor, this may be the winner hands-down. Only drawback was the volume of the place, between the servers, patrons, clanging of plates, etc. it was a cacophony of enough decibels to make conversation requiring your "outside voices". SaleebScore: Value: 9/10; Food Quality / Flavor: 9/10; Service: 8/10; Atmosphere: 7/10; Noise: 6/10. Next time we are in the area... we are bee-lining it to this place. ======== UPDATE: 8/29/2015 This is like the 3rd time here. Came in with my son and being of Lebanese descent can appreciate the food. Done nicely, busy and accommodating staff. Watch them make fresh Arabic Bread while you eat. Free helpings to appetizers at the central island bar. Lots of BANG for your BUCK. Never once did I leave feeling like I didn't get my money's worth. Crowded cuz locals know it is great too.
(5)
Solange C.
The most caring community oriented local foodie place ever. Excellent food. Great flavors. Fast. Reasonable. Now a fabulous, clean middle eastern grocery store with interesting ingredients and essentials. And he was giving out free food when the hurricane wiped out the power in the city. There is nothing more you can ask for from a local food business.
(5)
Katie O.
Loved this place! A little chaotic at dinner time but the staff was great and my chicken souvlaki platter was great. Loved the olive bar in the middle to snack on too!
(5)
Cortney W.
Everyone loves med deli. I haven't met a single person in Chapel Hill who cannot find something to eat on the menu and be satisfied. We love their lamb and beef gyros, and the fresh pita in bags to go is a huge hit in our household. It's also one of the few places where you can reliably find outdoor seating on a regular basis even though the place is packed almost all the time. Decently priced, good food that is dependable.
(4)
Zebrina W.
This is my favorite restaurant in Chapel Hill. If anyone is traveling to Chapel Hill visiting, this is a restaurant you must visit! The food is fresh, healthy, and there is the widest selection you've ever seen.
(5)
Jules W.
My family and I just got back from Istanbul and the food from Med Grill took us all right back. Love the variety, freshness and authentic recipes - all right here in Chapel Hill. This was my first visit and no way will it be my last. It's a must visit!!
(5)
eileen Y.
This place is a hot spot on West Franklin although I never understood the appeal. However, to be fair, I am not a huge fan of Mediterranean food. I do want to warn you that this place did not have air conditioning when I visited. Hopefully, they have one installed this year, if not, it is definitely not a place of choice during the summer. On a side note, I do enjoy their rice and their Baklavas A LOT.
(3)
Nicholas S.
Med Deli has and always will one of my favorite restaurants in Chapel Hill. Scratch that. The hummus and gyro platter at Med Deli has and always will be my favorite dish in Chapel Hill. I make that correction because it's has literally been the only thing I've ever eaten there. This love story starts a little over three years ago. My friends and I were "looking to experiment." ;) We started to get tired of the E Franklin food options and wanted to adventure down to W Franklin. I went into Med Deli and was overwhelmed by the options. I've never really eaten at many Mediterranean food places before so I was pretty lost at what to get. After much consideration, I went with the hummus gyro platter. I found it to be simple, yet elegant as it only contained three things (hummus, gyro, and pita). Best. Decision. Ever. As the server brought the dish out, we (the dish and I, not the server) locked eyes. Beauty. Perfection. Mouth-watering. You could even say its serving size was voluptuous. We've been going steady ever since.
(5)
Heather W.
AWESOME!!! Authentic, fresh greek and mediterranean food. Their gyros with homemade pita bread were fantastic. Their falafel was perfect and moist. The grape leaves and baklava were delicious too. We will definately be back.
(5)
Christina C.
AMAZING!! I wish I could give them more stars...I can't say enough how much I love Med Deli! They have so many options in their deli and on their menu from all different countries. I love to try something new every time I come. Everything I've tried is so delicious...everything is cooked and spiced to perfection. I also love taking some hummus and food to go when we leave. The restaurant is very casual...find your own seat and bus your own table, which is a great idea for them! For my gluten free friends- they have gluten free pita bread!! It's really really good...actually tastes like "pita" bread, not just random gluten free bread. It's soft too! They also have a sign up saying they were certified gluten free from the gluten intolerance group...so you know they take precautions when baking the bread. They also have MANY gluten free options clearly marked in the deli section. If you want to order something gf off the menu, all of the servers can answer your questions no problem. Like I said...this place is great!!
(5)
Ling W.
The name of this place describes it all -- they serve a large variety of Mediterranean dishes, deli-style. You can buy side dishes in small tubs, catering trays, or any size in between. There's a bakery section where you can get meals on traditional bread. You can get their fresh, organic pita, or their desserts, or keep it simple and get their falafel or shwarma. I had the falafel with roasted eggplant, which was hands down the best falafel of my life. The falafel has a nice, kinda crunchy outside with soft, creamy inside, and has toasted sesame seeds embedded into the outside. Brilliant idea. The tahini sauce will drip all over your hands as you eat, and you'll want to lick it all up to savor every drop. Then you'll revisit the olive and pickled food bar because how often do you find one of those? Finally, you'll visit the market next door, where you can stock up on bulk beans, grains, imported snacks, fresh produce, or other groceries.
(5)
L S.
Love this place and the food here is always fabulous. Inexpensive and authentic. Love the deli case veggie options and olive bar with tzatziki. Moroccan chicken special is always good! Nice outside seating too.
(5)
Lauren H.
I recently stopped in for dinner at the Mediterranean Deli before a show in Chapel Hill. Now I just wish they could open a second location a little closer to me! At first glance the menu looks overwhelming and they have tons of different items to choose from. I ended up just taking a look at all of the food in the long glass cases to figure out what I wanted to eat for dinner. I decided to go with a chicken shawarma with a side of hummus. They even had four different types of hummus to choose from! They also have tons of different salads, meat dishes, salads, sandwiches and desserts. The chicken shawarma was huge, I ended up needing to use a fork to eat it. However, the flavor was great and I really didn't even need the side of hummus I had ordered. I will say the hummus was very good as well and even the portion size for this was very large. My friend seemed to enjoy her gyro and her pasta salad as well. The restaurant is large with plenty of seating and the prices are very reasonable especially considering the size of the portions that they serve here. I am very excited to come back to the Mediterranean Deli the next time I am in Chapel Hill to try some more of their delicious looking dishes!
(4)
Annabelle L.
I've been coming to Med Deli since college and I LOVE IT. It's super fresh, tasty, affordable, and with SO many options! I usually go for their gyro wrap, but this time, I tried their lamb sfiha and with a side of their eggplant squash stew. Oh man, both were so good! The lamb was spicy and flavorful on a wonderfully chewy dough crust. The eggplant squash stew was amazingggggg (I'm salivating at the thought): super hearty, complex in flavors, and oh so good. Both were perfect given how rainy and gross the weather was outside.
(5)
John B.
My small family and I enjoy eating at Med Deli occasionally, perhaps once a month. Usually it is quite good. I really appreciate their gluten free pita bread (as I'm celiac). However, tonight I ordered the Grilled Tilapia, and it was so bad I had to choke it down. The fish was beautiful, grilled a golden color. But when I took the first bite, I was overwhelmed with the muddy-musty-moldy flavor of cheap fish-farmed nastiness. Ugh, it was really awful. I had to slather it in hot sauce to be able to choke it down. Yes, I really should have spoken to the manager, but with my dietary challenges, there were no other choices on the menu. And I also hate the idea of an animal giving its life, only to be chucked in the trash. On top of that, I had a tired four year old and a teething ten month at the table, and, well, sometimes a dad just has to suck it up and eat what he's got. Clearly, management needs to have a serious talk with their supplier of Tilapia. This problem is a common one with Tilapia, Catfish and other farmed-fish. And the problem is easily fixed. The fish farmer can hold the harvest in clean, fresh water for a day or two to reduce the toxins. crsps.net/wp-content/dow… To salvage the remaining fillets in the mean time, I recommend the kitchen use an acidic preparation to salvage the remaining fillets. (Think marinade of lemon juice, vinegar, or buttermilk, etc.) Med Deli is usually a really good restaurant. But someone really messed up on this. I'm going to say that Chef is in love, and let it slide. I hope they'll get the problem solved and implement better quality control in future. Thanks for reading.
(1)
S A.
The best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus,the best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus,the best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus,the best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus,the best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus,the best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus,the best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus. Did I mention how much I love the hummus?!
(5)
Steve P.
Great Mediterranean deli. Numerous choices. Everything I have tasted is delicious. Very gluten free friendly. Well located in the UNC area
(5)
Rhona K.
Every time I've come here, the restaurant has been bustling with a very cordial atmosphere, and it would be a perfect place to take the family for a meal. I particularly love the kebab meat - the gyro's here are delicious and I love the falafels as well. All the ingredients are fresh and vibrant, and there are few things on the menu that will disappoint. (I would mention that I once ordered the turkish Doner here, having amazing memories of eating them in Germany, and the Doner here was either a different version or just not as good because it was much drier and not what I expected.)
(5)
Yulianna A.
I find the the food in the salad case to be really hit or miss. Not sure if they do samples, but you should definitely ask if you've never been before. Also, you can't go wrong with the fatayers.
(4)
Matthew K.
If you are looking for a romantic little nook, you're looking at the wrong place; move along. If you are looking for a quiet place to have a business meeting over dinner, you're looking at the wrong place; move along. However, if you want your taste buds to be taken on a wild ride, you've hit the jackpot. I've never been to the Middle East, so I don't know authentic, okay? I won't use that word. Well, I just did, but I won't use it again. However, I've been eating Middle Eastern food in restaurants around the US for most of my 47 years on this planet (falafal was a childhood favorite) and let me tell you this, the food here takes a back seat to NO PLACE I've ever eaten. I stole bits and pieces off my wife's plate, my 3 teens' plates, and then I finished off my mother-in-laws's falafal (the next day, servings were very generous). Everything was great. The lamb shank special belongs in a high end Greek restaurant. My 17 year old son usually orders two lamb shwarmas at our local place; he only ate half the giant shwarma they served him here (looked forward to finishing part 2 for dinner all day the next day). Listen, I'm wasting both our times (times? time? is there more than one or do we share it?) here. Just go. Go and be amazed.
(5)
Jennifer Y.
The food here is wonderful. Other than the noise level, I have no complaints! Don't forget the free pickle/sides bar!
(4)
Tiffany C.
I could come here a million times and not be satisfied. Their display case is a crown jewel. Everything looks appetizing, even the brownish sludge looking stew once you realize that it's got eggplant and onions and amazing goodness in it. I came here on a really nice summer's night so seating outside was absolutely mandatory (for me, at least). I shared a platter of 6 different deli selections: kalamata hummus, spanakopita, eggplant... stew/slop? (still AMAZING), grape leaves with rice, chickpeas with spinach, and I am completely blanking on the last one. But wow, I really loved the dishes. Everything was flavorful but not heavy-handledly so! My favorite was the kalamata hummus, but that's because I live and breathe hummus. I saw a ton of other things in there that I wanted to try, but sadly one stomach can only hold so much at a time. :( The only thing I was a little put off about was the pita bread was a bit stiffer/staler than I would have liked... but honestly, who cares! The rest was on at their A game and then some, so YAY!
(5)
Daniel K.
Classic Franklin street spot for order at the counter Mediterranean food. Pita is baked daily, soft and chewy. The hummus is fresh and there are many flavors to choose from. The pita wraps seem to be the way to go, but the platters were excellent also. Gyro beef pita and the gyro plate were our Favorites. The olive bar was a nice touch and the garlic sauce to die for. This place was packed at 3pm on graduation weekend, so we were in good company. Self seating is plentiful and manageable for larger parties. Highly recommended.
(4)
Natacha S.
After hearing so much all it this place I just had to try it out. I had the grilled mixed plate which included an amazingly tender portion of lamb - my favorite part. The hummus and pita is great and the tsaziki sauce is delicious. I love that there is a complimentary olive bar too. For the quality of the meal I for, and the amount, I found the price to be reasonable as well. The actual deli looks so vast with so many choices, I could probably eat something new each day. The space inside is large with lots of seating, and I personally loved sitting outside at the tables on the sidewalk. Eating outside with passerby's has a nostalgic European feel for me, especially on a warm night. I'm sure I'll be back again in no time next time I'm craving Mediterranean food.
(5)
Leigh H.
I work at UNC-Ch and eat at the on campus location in Lenoir Hall two-three times per week, but I have never visited the actual restaurant location. Well, I finally did and it was just as magnificent and glorious as I thought it would be. First, dining on campus is great but the options are not as extensive as at the restaurant. When I walked in I thought I was in heaven. All my favorites were there plus tons and tone of other items they simply can't serve at the campus location. Oh, I didn't even know where to start. I decided to get something I can't have when I go to Lenoir and went with the Greek Fatayer. It was gigantic and totally worth the 9.50 price tag. I shared it with my friend (who ate his own meal), and I still had plenty of food to fill me up. I'm not confident that the Greek Fatayer would keep well as a leftover. Seems like it would get soggy. Half of it was plenty for me. My friend got the Lamb and Beef Gyro and declared it to be the best gyro he had ever had in all memory of time. He said it was perfect. I tried a piece of the meat, and it literally melted in my mouth. So perfect. The staff was wonderful and friendly Everything was clean. I may have to start making the walk down to the restaurant just to sample all the goodness!!!!
(5)
Josh B.
In first tried mediterranean food for the first time here in summer 2013. Ever since that firs time, I have been here at least 25 times in the last year. In particular, the spinach and chick pea salad is very tasty - and it's great for someone who is gluten free or has those types of sensitivities. The location is usually busy, which seems to be a testament of it's popularity, considering all of the other options available on franklin street there in chapel hill. If you haven't had this type of good before, try out! I was skeptical at first but then I was amazed by mediterranean food. Cheers!
(5)
Carol W.
I love this place. I could eat here every single day. Amazing fresh foods. One item is more delicious than another. A must go to in Chapel Hill
(5)
Mike K.
This is it. the destination for middle eastern and Mediterranean food in Chapel Hill. I love the long deli case full of dozens upon dozens of fresh, delicious cold sides. The pita is so good that people buy it on its own by the bagful. The kababs are worth the price of admission on their own. After you get your meal, you can eat in the spacious interior main space or take it out to the sidewalk, where they've set up some cafe tables. Don't forget to pile up some olives, pickles and sauces at the little stand in the middle of the restaurant. On top of all that, they have a nice little selection of draft beers. Can't beat this place for freshness, taste, and price.
(5)
Kellye M.
This is one of my FAVORITE places in Chapel Hill. I keep trying to get my parents to come visit me, JUST so they can try it out. I love everything I've had here. Their veggies are always fresh and colorful. Their meat is always perfectly done. The prices are fantastic, esp for poor college students. I love the little food bar where you can get extra sauces, peppers, olives, etc. And feta... LOTS OF FETAA!!!! YUM :D I love Med. Deli. I bring friends there every time they come to visit. There are great selections for all types of foodies, veggie, meat lovers, health addicts, etc. I adore this place and could not recommend it more. I hope anyone reading this will give it a chance. You will not regret it and will go back again and again. Only con: parking :(
(5)
Anon Y.
I have been satisfied 100% of the times that I have eaten at Med Deli. The food is delicious, healthy and cheap. You can't beat it.
(5)
Rafael R.
My wife and I had our first date, lunch, at Med Deli and three years later asked Jamil to cater our wedding. This place is such a gem, I only wish we had something half as good where we live now. The best way to experience it is to order things you've never heard of from the deli as well as things you've had elsewhere for comparison. Who cares if the service is a little quirky? I care so much more about the food.
(5)
Nikki C.
I think all the other positive comments say enough, so I'll just contribute my 5 stars. Truly delicious :)
(5)
Angel S.
For my first visit in NC, my friend took me to Med Deli. This place is awesome! Lots of selection from meat to vegetables, salad, etc. for a great price. The platter for $10 is excellent and the portion is big - I ordered a chicken kebob with rice, a side of cumin hummus and vegetables. We sat outside and enjoyed a nice, relaxing day while we sip on rose sweet tea! It was damn good! The best and I'm most definitely going back here the next time I'm in NC. A must!
(5)
Shirley S.
Food, good Service, good
(5)
Jolly R.
Lived in Chapel Hill for ten years and traveled all over the country... BEST MEDITERRANEAN FOOD IN THE NATION!
(5)
Caitlin F.
I'm going to cut right to the chase: This is my absolute favorite restaurant in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. I don't think I've ever had anything here that I didn't like. Normally that wouldn't be saying much, considering I'm a vegetarian and usually can only find one or two things to eat at any given restaurant. But luckily for me, Med Deli is one of the most vegetarian-friendly places in the area. The fresh food case is almost entirely vegetarian, and you can order by weight or in variously-sized sampler platters. You can also substitute some of the sides with the entrees for other items from the case - always ask, it can probably be done. For all you carnivores out there, don't worry, meat products abound in all sorts of authentic Mediterranean recipes. Beef, chicken, and of course, lamb are staples in most of the regular entrees. From what I've heard, they're all good. Suggestions: buy a bag of 4 fresh pitas for $2 instead of getting extra pita with your meal, and take advantage of the complementary items such as kalamata olives, tzatziki, feta, peppers, etc. You can basically make a round of appetizers this way, and you'll have extra pita for the fresh case items. As for personal recommendations, from the case: - two words: Pomegranate. Muhammara. - eggplant-squash stew - sun-dried tomato-basil pasta (add some of the feta) - stuffed grape leaves - spinach-artichoke dip From the menu: - Spinach Fatayer (it's like a sesame dough pizza) - Falafel Get a fountain drink glass and try the rose water sweet tea - even if it's not your thing, it's worth a sample. Other things I love about this place besides the menu and fresh baked pita bread: they use local produce, sell select products as a small market, and do charity drives every so often. The place can get crowded at peak hours, so expect a wait, but seating shouldn't be too much of a problem. When it's nice, you can also sit outside. Take advantage of this place - the food is amazing and the prices are just right. It quickly became one of my staple restaurants and is one of the things I miss most about Chapel Hill. Seriously, I make it a point to go there every time I'm in the area.
(5)
Jane Y.
This is by far my favourite budget med place in the triangle. Don't be deterred by the word "budget"". "Budget" for this place means super cheap, big portions and deliciousness!!!!! I can get a chicken kabob platter with two sides from their VAST SELECTION OF SIDES for $9.99. uhm I really don't know where else I can get that. The chicken was so tender and marinated well. I had the eggplant mashwy which was perfectly seasoned, and had a hint of grilled char (which i love). It also didn't leave my tongue feeling funny. I also had the tabouli. Not too sour, not too salty. Just fresh and perfect. Their pita bread is organic and freshly baked. YUM. I love carbs, and it definitely hit the spot. I've tried some of their other sides. The egg plant squach stew, the leek stew, tuna salad and baba ganouj. I really had NOTHING to complain about any of them. That's a first because I'm pretty critical of my foods. The service have always been efficient and pleasant. You also must get a dessert. The date baklava is too sweet, but everything else is great!! I had the namora...and it wasn't too sweet and it was stuffed with pistachios. perfect ending to a hug med feast! They also have a sauce/olive self-serve bar with tahini sauce, yogurt sauce, hot sauces, etc. You can't go wrong with this place. You really cant.
(5)
Nicole H.
A couple of friends I'm visiting brought me here on my first night - it's one of their favorites, and I can see why. The food is delicious and the prices are fair. The menu has an intimidating number of choices, but luckily my friends had already honed in on their favorite: the gyros platter. The meat was exactly right, and came with generous helpings of hummus and tabouli, along with their homemade pita (I could have done with more pita, but that's just because it was so good). There's also a stand in the middle with all-you-can-eat olives and feta cheese, along with various sauces (including a quite good tzatziki) At dinnertime on a Thursday, there were several open tables and only a short line to order at the counter. They bring your food to you, so you can sit munching on olives and feta during the short wait. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, with tables nicely spaced but all together in one big room. It was a perfect place to catch up with friends over a good meal.
(5)
Shannon R.
Absolutely the best Mediterranean food available in the Triangle! I have been going to Med Deli for years, and it's always been good. They recently renovated/expanded the restaurant and now it's better than ever! There is ample seating available both indoors and out. The food is simply amazing. I haven't tried anything I didn't like. Most recently, I tried a fatayer from their impressive bakery. It was one of the tastiest meals I've had in a long time!!! They have also added a condiment bar complete with all-you-can add olives, feta cheese, pepperonicis, and tzatziki. Where else can you get all the feta and tzatziki you want???? A+++
(5)
Nancy H.
The spread is amazing! I felt like a little kid in a candy shop when I saw all the food in the deli. Since it was my first time here I went with the tried and true falafel sandwich, although I really wanted to try the baba ganoush and kabobs. The portion was huge, definitely two meals worth. I really liked the condiment bar they had and got addicted to the yogurt, perfect addition to the sandwich. I only wish the pita bread and falafels had been warmed, sadly they were cold. Awesome place!
(4)
Vv L.
Great food, great price. Love the freshness and variety. I could eat at Med Deli everyday, if I didn't have to drive to get there. The fresh baked pita smell is awesome. Their pita is the best I've had.
(5)
Nick P.
They gave us platefuls of food after my grandpa died, to use for the reception. I lived off of a hummus plate for a week, it was so good. They are hummus magicians It's the perfect place for an early afternoon lunch with friends, before or after a stroll along Franklin, and the atmosphere is perfect for a few hours of chatting.
(5)
Felecia L.
This place has everything under the sun which made it so difficult to decide that I had to go with a sampler plate and a separate Baba Ganoush sandwich just to try to cover most of the bases. I have never been that impressed with pita bread before as it always seems to be an afterthought but these were so fresh that you could eat them plain without any filling. But filled them I did. I got the falafel, hummus and tabbouli plate and enjoyed mixing and matching it with the tahini and pita. It came with a side of tomatoes and lettuce as well. The hummus is seriously the best I have ever tried. Expertly seasoned and made with a high quality olive oil I could put this on anything. The falafel was pretty good. It seemed to be cooked just a bit too long but otherwise was very flavorful. The tabbouli was again the best I have had. I usually find it too grainy but this had enough tomato and parsley that the texture was just right. The only downside to the meal was the Baba Ganoush sandwich. I am sure it is perfectly cooked but I do not personally like anything that tastes like it has been smoked at all. I would have preferred it without that flavor so I didn't get very far with it since that certain taste triggers serious headaches. There is so much more to try that I could eat there everyday with all the vegetarian options. I also like how you can order family size portions to take home. This is a real gem in Chapel Hill.
(4)
HK L.
Can be busy at times, but the lines are quick. Love their Falafel, Baklava and Hummus
(4)
Peter A.
If you're looking for consistently good, on occasion great, Mediterranean food, this is the place to go. It's well priced, and since the remodeling over a year ago, its an enjoyable place to sit down and eat some hummus. The most troubling thing is deciding what to order. There is a long cooler full of delicious dishes all displayed tempting you on your way to the counter. You're hungry and all you can see is options. Maybe this time i'll have those stuffed mushrooms. OR that spinach pastry thing. I've tried to make it a goal to just start at one end of cooler and every time I enter move a couple plates down. Though they're constantly changing, so that never worked out. I most often order the Mixed Grill Platter for $9.99. It's a combination of marinated chicken souvlaki and gyro meat with a side of hummus and tabouli salad. Served with tzatziki sauce, caramelized pineaple and pita. I usually end up substituting the tabouli with something tasty I saw in the the case on my way to the counter to order. My fiance and I generally split this along with an additional side of something else if we're really hungry. If I'm on my own I've gotten the falafel with hummus for $5.75 and it was plenty filling. I've been here close to a dozen times, and its been the place my co-workers often welcome a new team member or say good bye to another. This place only gets 4 stars, because its just always good. Rarely is it ever great.
(4)
Ethan P.
The Mediterranean Deli was crazy hectic the night I stopped in. Just because of all the hustle and bustle it took me a minute to figure out where the line to order was. Once I figured that out, I ordered the Morrocan chicken which was on special that night (came with saffron rice and a small salad). The food was great and well priced. I'm not sure if it's always quite that busy, but if you're looking for a quiet place to eat this does not seem to be it. If you're fine with the energy and noise though, it's well worth checking out.
(4)
Warren N.
Always a great choice. Constantly busy so you know food is turning over and everything is fresh. Huge selection to please anyone.
(4)
Jackie M.
Everything about this place was delicious. The Grilled Veggie Pita was amazing and the homemade pita bread topped it off. The peach salad was a perfect dessert. We want to go back to try more of the sides.
(5)
Marina Y.
What can I say - this is my favorite place in the ENTIRE TRIANGLE AREA. I love everything here - everything. I haven't had anything I HAVEN'T liked. I only wish this place were in Durham and not in Chapel Hill, though I'll definitely drive 15 minutes!! Especially interesting and something I haven't found anywhere else is the rosewater tea, which I recommend everyone try!
(5)
Carrianne C.
I love this place when I'm craving mediterranean. They have SO many options that I often have a hard time choosing, but the two things that I always, always love are the fatayers and the hummus with pita. The chicken shwarma is good, although not shaved thinly the way that its usually served in Boston/NYC. The olive bar with olives/sauces/toppings is great also - I love to try a little of everything thats offered. This isn't a complaint really, but something to be noted: its not as cheap as it initially seems. The sides/desserts/drinks add up quickly, and I always end up spending more than I realize.
(4)
Holli P.
I absolutely LOVE Med Deli. Everything is fresh, light, and delicious. A relatively inexpensive Chapel Hill institution.
(5)
Allen T.
Had dinner here last night. Quite good with local ambience. Service seemed surprisingly slow - our food took quite a while although it wasn't very crowded yet. Had lamb shank. Others had a chicken wrap and a mixed platter. Everyone was satisfied. Would come back.
(4)
Gabriel C.
Mediterranean food is not my go-to place, but that being said everything I tried here was delicious! Greek salad (4/5) had fresh greens and lots of feta, but a little heavy on the dressing for my taste. The lamb and beet gyro (5/5) was piled higher than I've ever seen on my gyros. And the red pepper humus (4/5) was smoother and "thinner" than the other ones I've had in the past. Would definitely recommend folks to come by here and try something that's outside the standard meals in Chapel Hill
(4)
Vania H.
i came to visit some friends at unc for spring break, and this was one of the first places they suggested when we were deciding on where to get lunch. always up for some good mediterranean food, we chose med deli. when you first walk in, it can be a bit overwhelming. there are many glass cases displaying different types of hummus, veggies, and side dishes, along with their delicious baklava. i ordered the gyro plate (just your basic gyro with lamb, peppers, onions, and tzatziki sauce) and it was cheap AND delicious! the pita bread is soft and warm, and it tastes freshly made. their entree portions are extremely generous. my only gripe is that their baklava is SO good - but their servings are very small for the price you pay for them. but they are definitely very, very good. parking can be a hassle (as it is on most college campuses), so walking to med deli is probably the best option.
(4)
Luke C.
The food and selections were delicious, so many sweets to whett your appetite. There is also a specials board. This is a great addition to the Franklin Street food scene. As an update I got a catering from them. It was superb, especially the eggplant stew, vine leaves, and turkish burek. They deliver, supply the platters and warmers and then pick it up the next day. I would definitely use them again!
(4)
Katie B.
In the month I've lived in Chapel Hill, I've been to Med Deli three times. This may not be "the best" Mediterranean food I've ever had (it's hard to compete with it at its source), the variety of food (especially vegetarian) and low cost ($10 gets me two meals) makes up for any shortcomings. Highly recommended are the avocado-tomato-feta salad and roasted pears (for a healthy dessert!). In fact, I think it may be time for another visit...
(4)
Amy H.
Big place and slightly confusing for a first-timer. It almost appeared to be mass chaos as there was no clear indication of a line. But once you get past that, the food is delicious. I ordered the falafel which was flavorful and piping hot. Everything at the counter looked delicious, but I haven't tried any. It was really busy the night I went (which I don't know whether this is always the case), so the service was a bit slow. Still, a good place to go.
(4)
Jasmine G.
I dined here for lunch with my husband and toddler. We enjoyed the open, laid-back atmosphere of the restaurant. the Lamb Fatayer was excellent and the Chicken Shawerma made my taste buds sing. My new Chapel Hill go-to spot!
(5)
Angela S.
The food is yummy enough. I don't really think it stands out from the rest of the falafel, gyro places in the area. They use a little bit too much of the white sauce, that it just overwhelms the flavor of the food. But I do love their little sneeze-free guarded stand that has olives, feta cheese, etc. I would much rather just grab some of their pita bread and eat them with the olives, feta, and dressing, than some of the other stuff on the menu.
(3)
Yen D.
The bad reviews of this place make me sad, because Med Deli made me so happy! I went here on a brief trip to Chapel Hill and agree with many of the points, namely: -confusing for a first-time customer -hard to understand people who work there -can get awkwardly crowded But these three things add to the deli-like charm of the place. This ain't no Subway, this is the real deal. Love the deli case, the olives/condiment bar, the iced tea, the bakery case. Reminds me of gruff, efficient, delicious delis in NYC and Budapest. Super cheap, super tasty. The falafel is some of the best I've had this side of the Atlantic, pita is great, and I enjoyed my pomegranate-grapefruit juice and random foods I pointed at in the deli case. Also, the grilled veggies are fantastically flavorful. We ate outside and I heard the PA system fine. Next time I visit UNC I'll be coming back.
(4)
Chuck W.
How did I go to school here for four years, and had only been there once? And had totally forgotten about it? Well evidently, I'm not the only person who enjoys Med Deli since Tyler Hansbrough was there too. Anyways, between stealing furtive glances at him, I enjoyed my combo platter. The food is good, but I particularly like the station of garnishes which are free. I loved piling on the sauces and the olives as well! The prices are reasonable, and it's a solid option for dinner - highly recommended. Now if you could only find a good place to park, you'd be set.
(4)
Ami O.
Don't be thrown off by the line or the overwhelming display of foods -- grab a menu off the drink cooler and peruse the cases for ready-to-eat choices. I suggest the two- or three-item samplers, which come with pita bread. Everything I've tried here, which has been mostly vegetarian, has been excellent. The earlier in the day you get there, the fresher the food -- as evidenced by the unappetizing dried skin that forms on the hummus later in the day.
(4)
Ellen C.
I've been here twice and both times the food has been really delicious and inexpensive. It's a no-frills place: decor is plain and you order at the counter, but everything is fresh and the servings are generous. The choice of vegetarian options is quite large, and pita bread is really good fresh out of the oven. One of the best mediterranean restos in the area. The flavours are perfectly en pointe. It has a larger variety of dishes, and is cheaper than NeoMonde in Cary.
(5)
Terrence L.
Med Deli is a terrific place to eat if you are craving mediterranean food. When you first step in you past by a row of food in a clear display. Whenever you get a main course, you can choose 2 sides along with it and it comes with a pita. Sometimes they have special items such as moroccan chicken stew on sale. After you order, you get a number and you wait for it to be called and you collect your food. Fool proof, really. Food & service is extremely good, and portions are insanely huge.
(5)
Jon B.
If it tasted as good as it looked, I would have been in heaven. I ordered a sampler plate and picked three vegetarian items: the Foul Madama, the Artichoke Dip, and the Mediterranean Eggplant. The Foul Madamas looked great - tasted burnt. For a hot soup like dishe - that is hard to do. (*) The Artichoke dip was nice at first - the texture was a little gainy, the flavor was good(**) The Mediterranean Eggplant had a nice texture and good flavor - a bit heavy handed on the cilantro, and either a bit much lemongrass or actual lemon as the dish cooled. (***) It was nice being able to sample the hummus while waiting in line for ordering my lunch. I can make hummus at home, so I rarely order it while dining out. I will be trying other restaurants on the street.
(2)
Nick N.
I thought the food here was average at best, roughly comparable to Baba Ghannouj, in spite of the very large selection. I much prefer Neomonde on Beryl Road in Raleigh for this kind of Mediterranean food.
(2)
Jennifer B.
Yes, this place is awesome. I cannot stay away from ordering the hummus and falafel sandwich although every time I leave I am regretful of still not trying one of those amazing pizza things. I am also a huge fan of the cabbage and spinach salad. I mean it is super great food at a great price and with a sauce and pickled things bar. Sold. I try to come out here every time I venture to Chapel Hill and am never disappointed. I do not know what to add seeming there are a million reviews of this place! I just wanted to say, yes, I think it is awesome too!
(5)
Jay S.
This is probably the best food on Franklin Street. They have lots of options and it is all amazing. Their condiment bar is crucial. They have an interesting variety of iced teas and even a couple local beers on tap. I've only ever eaten there but they also have a huge array of carry out stuff by the pound. The outdoor seating is particularly pleasant. Med Deli never disappoints.
(5)
X X.
The experience at Mediterranean Deli is not as great as the 5-star reviews but not as poor as the 1-star reviews suggest. We went in a very busy Saturday night. It's a disorganized zoo that doesn't make a good first impression. Ambiance: The layout is sub-optimal. The plate return bins are the first thing you encounter walking through the doors. This area gets dirty, especially the floor. The entire dining area is just loud and chaotic. Service: It's deli-style. You place your order at the counter and pick it up yourself after they call your number. Pay attention--if you miss your number, they didn't announce it a second time. Secure a table before ordering, otherwise you'll be stuck holding a plate of food with nowhere to sit. Because customers bus their own tables, workers have little motivation to maintain the overall cleanliness of the dining room. Like other customers, we had to wipe down a messy table before sitting. Food: Serviceable Mediterranean food. Nothing is made to order, just "warmed to order." Decent falafel and hummus. Less impressed with the meat offerings. There a little condiment bar which gets disgustingly dirty, but has some good extras. I hear their catering is pretty good, but as a place to go an eat I was underwhelmed. Won't go back to dine, but maybe for take-out.
(2)
Matthew G.
Med Deli has thankfully stuck around Franklin St. I enjoy the quantity of food it offers and the Gyro platters I've had there have been yummy as well as the food from their case. I can't compare them to thare Mediterranean restaurants because I don't eat it all the time, but it IS a go to spot when I can't think of what I want to eat and don't want to make something at home. Though I recently noticed a rotating spit for Shawarma, it is true that the first time I was here in '06 the Shawarma was nothing like what I'd seen in photos of it online. Regardless, it was still tasty. I also like the Kibbeh I've had there and the Mahmoul. I have yet to try their fresh Pita. I hope this sticks around for awhile as a change from the pizza, burger and beer joints that make up the majority of Franklin St.
(4)
tejune k.
this place is awesome - plenty of room and very authentic food. parking can be a pain once in a while, but the food is fresh and the choices are amazing. so many choices and things to eat. portions are very generous as well. wish there was some spicier sauce tho, but overall would very much highly recommend! thumbs up
(5)
Missy M.
Such great food for a low price. I've been here twice, and have been blown away at the quality of the food. There are so many options, and it all tastes natural yet delicious. Everytime I go I want to try something different and it always blows me away.
(5)
Andrea B.
Classic, real, and authentic Greek food. I had a gyro and my husband had a tuna salad stuffed in a homemade pita with a side Greek salad. The deli case looks amazing and if I lived closer I would be trying something new every week. For those of you who live in Chapel Hill, take advantage of this great deli, have them cater your next event, and invite me!
(5)
Katarina S.
Great food! Only marred by an incompetent cashier on my last visit, though didn't bother me enough to deduct a star. The lamb gyro hummus platter is fab, and also the chicken souvlaki hummus platter. Any of the stuff inside the glass cases will be delicious. I really like that they have free tzatziki and olives at the condiment bar. And, besides my last visit, the service has always been satisfactory. Get a glass of wine and some baclava and sit outside for a great afternoon of people watching or a casual convo with friends.
(5)
Jay G.
Solid food at a reasonable price.
(5)
Kelly W.
Amazing food!! Wondrous hummus, fresh fruit sides.... awesome.
(5)
Care H.
Went back a second time, it's definitely a winner. I'd give it 4.5 stars instead of the 4 last time. Tried the shawerma hummus with chicken ($8). So delicious. Chicken in subtle spices (they said cardamom and Lebanese, but I have no clue), sitting with fresh roasted parsley and red onions in a sea of hummus and olives. The pita is so fresh and chewy, it's slightly more elastic than other pita breads I've had. Very curious what they put in there, it's got an interesting consistency. You really have to rip into the pita. My boyfriend got the chicken kebob ($9.25), much better than the beef kebob he had gotten weeks before, in my opinion. The chicken was juicy and marinated in an interesting yellow sauce. His sides were great - one was a sauteed cauliflower in what appeared like a curry sauce. The other side were roasted vegetables and mushrooms. Delicious flavors. Again, this was a lot of food. The amazing thing is that it still tasted great on Day 2, even without a microwave. I'm impressed, will definitely make this a stop more frequently.
(4)
Matt D.
Food is consistently excellent. Extensive menu. Awesome olive bar. Pretty quick service. Relaxed, family friendly, casual atmosphere. Lots of vegetarian options.
(5)
Tanya B.
The food was fresh and the price reasonable given the quality of the ingredients. I brought my 2 year old daughter and they tried to be inventive with the kind of foods that might satisfy her (2 pieces of chicken and some lentils/rice) to no avail. The seating arrangement, deli atmosphere, bus your own ethos, and pricing seem a little out of sync with the quality of the food (based only on the setup I would have expected something a little lower in quality and less expensive) thus the 4 instead of 5 stars.
(4)
William J.
Mediterranean Deli is a deli that serves Mediterranean food. If you have a problem wrapping (get it, wrap?) your head around that, then perhaps locating good restaurants is not your biggest problem. Until recently, Med Deli was the only place to go around here for some serious falafel, kebabs, etc. Competition is just around the corner, now, but Med Deli is still the best. The prices are extremely affordable, and the freshness and quality of the ingredients is almost without equal. The location is not the best, convenient neither to UNC's campus nor to the teeming masses of Mediterranean-loving hippies of Carrboro, so you'll have to walk a bit. The staff can have a bit of a chip on their collective shoulder about dealing with new people; if you're not a regular, there's a chance that you might get some static about not knowing exactly what's going on (especially if some of the less common menu items throw you off; god help you if you ask for a description). Be aware that Med Deli's greatest strength can also be its greatest weakness for some people: there is very little concession here for Americanized standards of taste. What you get will be quite authentically "Mediterranean" compared with most similar places. It's not for everyone.
(4)
Romin B.
I had my first meal here less than a year ago, and since then have had close to a dozen more. I won't add much more than what others have already said, but this is as solid of Mediterranean food as they come, at reasonable prices in a nice casual setting. I've tried a bunch of different things, especially as a UNC student who's gone to his fair share of catered lunch talks, but when I'm dining in, my go-to is the falafel and hummus. One of the cheapest things on the menu at under $6, it's two completely stuffed half-pitas with a yummy falafel and rich, oily hummus packed in. And I always take my liberties with the free condiment bar and add plenty of feta cheese and tzatziki. Lots of people recommend the sampler platter, but it can get pretty pricey, especially if you're picking non-vegetarian items. Although it's almost impossible to pick one thing, in terms of bang for your buck, I think you're better off getting a pound or 1/2 lb of something.
(4)
justin g.
This place is outstanding and very reasonably priced. I got the Moroccan chicken special and it was great. Everything is very fresh and authentic. Best pitas I've ever had, in fact I had to buy a pack before I left. The atmosphere is very casual and open. Nice little patio and little things like fresh roses on all the tables. First class all the way.
(5)
R P.
The Mediterranean Deli is really good. Best pita I've had in the states and as good as any I had in the Med. Very fine falafel and decent humus, veggies are always fresh, and the olive bar is a real treat. The deli case is a sight to behold! Have found the service to be fairly good, even when crowded. Most of the delis I've been to around the Triangle are just sloppin' sandwiches out the door (the Subway concept of a deli). Mediterranean Deli knows what a good deli is all about.
(4)
Jo H.
VERY fresh pita. Hummus good but a tad tarter than I prefer. Falafel tasty, but overall my sandwich was a little bland. Needed both hummus AND tahini, which did not appear to be an option. Still, I liked the place and will try it again.
(4)
Mark C.
Always great food (had Gyros this time), love the olives in the condiment bar for a starter for the meal. Desserts are phenomenal. Will definitely return.
(5)
Robert G.
I had the gyro and my wife the chicken salad. We both had cucumber salads and walnut and cheese baklava. The portions are small but at least the tab was large: $23 for lunch. I just don't see the rave about the place. The taziki sauce seemed to have no spice. Was it plain yogurt? Maybe. The gyros made by the Gyro Time restaurant chain and the Mad Greek in Barstow, CA (Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives) are much better. Nothing we had was special, and for the price we'd rather spend our money elsewhere.
(2)
Lan S.
Whenever we're in, or passing through, Chapel Hill-Carrboro, we debate whether to do take out from the Mediterranean Deli for healthful organic and natural food or from Gourmet Kingdom for amazing Szechwan. Both are great values with delicious food and friendly service. This trip, the Med Deli won, and we took home a falafel plate, a lamb gyro plate and a couple of packages of the Med's supremely good organic pita bread. Although the atmosphere is no-frills cafeteria style, it works here. The Med Deli is usually packed with students and local folks, service is friendly and prices can't be beat.
(5)
Lauren S.
Along with everyone else in Chapel Hill, I love Med Deli. Everything always tastes fresh and there are so many delicious options to choose from. My favorites are the hummus, chicken salad, tuna salad, and greek salad. You have to try the homemade pita, definitely the best around! The service is always quick and friendly. If you go at peak lunch time you can expect to wait a little bit, because they are always busy. It's nice that you can get your own sauces, pickles, olives from the bar. It is a little pricey for the amount of food you get, but it's all so good I keep going back! It's a great place to sit on the sidewalk when the weather is nice, they are in a prime spot for people watching on Franklin.
(4)
H Z.
great place, cheap but yummy, every dish is very big plate. there are plenty of choices. I tried lamb shank which is great. Tiramisu is very good.
(4)
Todd G.
A huge variety of tasty, creative dishes. My gf and I had lunch here today and each ordered 5 side items. 6 were excellent, 2 were good and 2 were ok. Staff was nice and helpful. Will return!
(5)
Anita C.
My friends took my fiance and me here. It's like a cafeteria with TONS of options. The hard part is you have to remember all the names and order at the counter. I felt like I was a fat kid in a candy store! Everything looked so good. I ended up ordering: Hummus Med chicken Eggplant stew Beet Turkish The only thing I was a little disappointed with was the eggplant stew. It was sweeter than I like. But everything else was very very good. They also have a salad bar with olives, yogurt, pickled veggies. I could've just sat and ate the whole salad bar. We would definitely go back!
(4)
Steve M.
I am a bit of a chicken shwarma snob, and these guys straight up DUNKED it. No joke, this is the best shwarma I have tasted in the state. It puts all other North Carolina shwarmas to shame (in so far as I know right now - I have tried 3 different restaurants' offerings). I will be back to try the other delicacies on this menu for sure!
(5)
Vida D.
Med Deli has great food and now that they have opened up a little market next door, customers can grab some great rare-find ingredients to make excellent Middle Eastern inspired food at home.
(4)
Tal T.
Shame on me. I grew up in Chapel Hill. Skipped school to thumb through vintage at Time after Time. Grubbed on Pepper's pizza and Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen. But never, not once, EVER ate at this downtown institution. Until now. Boy was I missing out! Choices, choices, choices. Meat, veggies, sweets, wine, beer, deli case, made to order, dine-in, take-out, catering, and more. And it's all good. Damn good. And cheap. Blissful, I tell you. We over-ordered for my family of five, which was great because I tried like a thousand things. The lamb is perfectly spiced. The spinach chickpea salad stood out as well-balanced and delicious: it's a can't miss. Falafel, fantastic! As expected, about the best I've ever had. Again, the spices are spot-on and the crunchy outside is just right. Loved the eggplant and the hummus is perfection. Service is fast and friendly and the large dining room is frequently packed. Bottom Line: quality food at amazing prices, Med Deli should be a staple of any Chapel Hill resident's diet.
(4)
Howie S.
This place has great food and sooo many gluten free options! Everything is clearly labeled for food allergies (i.e. gluten, nut, dairy, meat, etc.) which makes it way less stressful to eat out. Also, they have gluten free pita bread and Fatayer. It can be really busy and loud sometimes but the food is worth it. Also, the new market attached to the restaurant is fantastic. They have fresh produce and a meat counter, as well as many Mediterranean specialties (i.e. halvah, grape leaves, etc.).
(5)
Eric S.
Really good chicken souvlaki and gyro. They were really busy when we came. The place was crowded and hot but there's plenty of outdoor seating. All in all good food with tons of options and killer baklava.
(4)
Sam S.
Great selection. Quick service. Always busy. Toughest part is finding parking on Franklin when it is busy
(5)
Logan B.
Some of the best Mediterranean food for the price I've ever had. I've had 4 or 5 items off of the menu and have been more than satisfied each time. Large portions for usually around $10 each. It's a must stop if you are in the Chapel Hill area.
(5)
Katie T.
Med Deli is a one of the most consistent restaurants in turning out flavorful, delicious fare. I am a sucker for the sampler platter. How can one resist the enormous display case of colorful dishes, each one beckoning you to choose it? The three sample platter is filling and it comes with a side of pita (gluten free available). You can SEE the pita coming out of the oven in preparation for your plate. Talk about fresh! Fantastic food. Excellent service. Options for all diets (foods in display case are all labeled for different diets!). Vegans, carnivores, and those who are gluten intolerant can all unite at this gem in Chapel Hill!
(5)
Katrina N.
The best falafels in the area!
(5)
Chad S.
Incredible food at a good price. I purchased the greek platter that I had heard about and it did not disappoint. Would reccomend to anyone who is in the mood.
(5)
Rose S.
I seriously love Mediterranean Deli. THE epitome of why I believe that ethnic foods are taking over the food industry in America. I have quite the grandiose palate. I could never understand my friends who stick to the same food every night: pizza, fried chicken, and sandwiches. There is so much to try out there and living in Chapel Hill makes it easier. The food is healthy, fresh and simply delicious. They make the best pita bread in the world and make you love vegetables that you never thought you would like. My favorite thing to do is to come here when the weather's nice and you can find a table outside. It's really relaxing to eat the great food, enjoy the beautiful day, and appreciate what Franklin Street has to offer.
(5)
Pat G.
Unbelievable selection of different dishes to choose from with ample selections from all around the Mediterranean. Everything is always very fresh and delicious. Very reasonably priced with decent portion sizes too.
(4)
Diana X.
I really like the deli layout, where you can see all the cold sides in their display (and there are many). The place also manages to balance variety with quality, while delivering the food pretty quickly - large assortment of Mediterranean desserts, sides, and meats prepared different ways, that don't disappoint. The kabobs are excellent, and I recently tried their tilapia special, which was also pretty good. Every time I go there, they also have at least two different and interesting teas available that are also good, such as pomegranate green tea and rosewater tea.
(4)
S K.
This place has an excellent selection of Mediterranean dishes. We shared two dishes (a sampler with 3 different salads) and a gyro (lamb) platter. The gyros were delicious, and came with tabouli, pita, hummus, and tzatziki. There is an awesome olive bar with delicious sour pickles and assorted other small appetizers/sides that accompany the meal. The atmosphere is nice but can get very busy during the school year. There is also a nice market/shop attached to the restaurant.
(5)
Michael B.
Fresh food. Pretty cheap. Solid Mediterranean. What else could you ask for. Pretty much a good place to come have a chat with friends - it has a very cafeteria like dining area.
(4)
Jared W.
So many choices to choose from- not just on the menu but from the case as well, and this certainly isn't a bad thing. I decided on the beef Schawarma and my girlfriend got the chicken salad pita. The Schawarma was HUGE and almost impossible to eat with your hands without looking like a fool, but I tried anyway. It's size didn't take away from the flavor at all; it was well-seasoned and the onion, pickles, and peppers added a good balance. My girlfriends chicken salad gyro was possibly even better than the Schawarma and was refreshingly sweet tasting with raisins and almonds mixed into the chicken salad. We only got two fruit kabobs as sides but ended up full anyway from the large portions. I would definitely recommend checking out the deli!
(5)
Terry S.
This review is long overdue. A very heartfelt thank you to the catering and private dining crew at the Mediterranean Deli. In May we held a memorial service for my sister in their private dining room. We had a miscommunication on the time (we got there an hour earlier than they expected) and the room wasn't quite set up the way we needed it. No problem for these folks! They just hustled, moved the buffet to the back of the room and made everything work! Of course the food was excellent as always too. Thanks much!
No dessert for vegans...but many other options available. Of course, if you aren't vegan the options are endless. A bit pricey, but better than sit down prices. Rose water with oranges was fantastic. Similar to a whole foods hot bar. Servers were friendly and let me try a sample. If I'm ever in the area again, I'd go back.
(4)
Nancy G.
One of my favorite spots in Chapel Hill! I always get the Moroccan chicken which comes with pita and Greek salad. I have never figured out what kind of dressing is mixed with the salad, but it's one of a kind. Every time I leave chapel hill for an extended period, I miss med deli. The chicken is mixed with vegetables over a bed of rice. Grand. The scallion hummus is sooo good too. If you're in town for a day or four years, don't miss out on Med Deli.
(5)
Amy S.
The food here is really, really good. Service is fast most of the time. It is often very crowded but adds to the lively vibe. Tip for newbies- head towards the counter area to order and grab menu and also look at all the tasty choices in the glass cases. I usually end up ordering the chicken gyro because it is so good. You get a number and then they will bring your food out. This is a nice loud casual place to eat. Don't go here for a quiet romantic date. We have also had Med Deli cater two of our Bat Mitzvah events and food and service is excellent. Highly recommend.
(5)
Amelia Z.
Went for the first time for a birthday party a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it! The food is fantastic and super fresh. The hummus was delicious and the lamb and beef gyro is definitely the best I've had. I thought the pitas were just a touch too tough but that hasn't stopped me from craving this place ever since we left. There's a back room for larger parties you can reserve if you're going with a group. The front was pretty busy when we went and wouldn't have accommodated our group well so I'm glad they had a space in the back. Just make sure you tell them when you order that you're in the back because they will be searching the front for you otherwise!
(5)
Thomas H.
I've been here a handful of times since moving to Chapel Hill. It's a cafeteria, not a restaurant, and the food and customer experience reflect that. The prices also aren't any better than average, and you can easily get better quality elsewhere for the same price or better. The food itseld is not bad, but you never get the sense that a lot of care was put into its preparation. When I've ordered meat, whether it's Gyro or Souvlaki, it's typically been overcooked and dry. The same has been true for the Falafel. The tabouli has more herbs than bulgar/quinoa, which some folks may like, but I and some of my friends agree that it's just too overpowering. The desserts are very good, however. Customer service has never seemed to be a priority here when I have visited. It's a cafeteria, like I said before, and one where the wait staff aren't especially nice or helpful. If you're a person who values quality and service, you'll probably be disappointed. You have to know what you want, and you have to ask for it. This is a very basic, unpretentious place and a lot of people apparently like it that way, as it is a very popular eatery. I personally like the atmosohere, but I would go somewhere else if I had the choice.
(3)
Sam F.
This is a great place! The food is health and it is always good. There is a massive selection of side dishes, and there are always reasonably priced specials. You can also get a package of pitas here to take home.
(5)
BK H.
Love the food. Love the staff. Love the location. My choice for Greek food. I'm from Atlanta and have lived in several large Metro areas in the US. The deli is very authentic, the food fresh and delicious, the service fast and friendly.
(5)
Kelly H.
On a recent trip to Chapel Hill, my sister took our family here for dinner and though we were tired and weary from travel, Med Deli perked us right up! O Holy Deli of Choices - so many healthy dishes, not enough room on my plate. Let's start with the garnishment bar: um pretty awesome to have your choice of pickle, sauce or spread to accompany your meal. I personally loaded up on the pickled peppers and red hot sauce. In fact I took 3 cups of hot sauce home I loved it so much. Next let's examine our sample from the cooler: delicious spinach chickpeas, check! Amazingly non-fishy sardines, check! Huuummmuuus, check! Avocado tomato salad, check! These are a few of my favorite things. My hubs loved the chicken shawarma plate too. Service was friendly, though a little slow. While the menu and deli may have some less traditional items (pasta salad?), the sheer volume of quality food was impressive. I may like to try new places when traveling but I will be sure to keep this place as a staple when visiting again.
(4)
Zachary R.
Med Deli is one of the most reliable places in Chapel Hill. While not the best mediterranean food, you can find better stuff at more specialized restaurants, it has a huge selection and is always above average. I typically get stuff out of the case, I find the assortment of items intriguing and personally I think they're better than most of the stuff on the menu. However, the fatayers are great and huge.
(4)
Jessie D.
Awesome place! Had really great food. Wish the menu was laid out a little better and you were able to just by sides that aren't by the 1/4 or 1/2 lb. The ordering process was a little stressful as well as the staff was trying to be attentive but ended up being pushy. The atmosphere was great though! Cool place with great food!
(4)
Holly L.
Great food with a big selection. I enjoy lunch here regularly. The food is always fresh and very reasonably priced
(4)
Michele J.
My fiance and I decided to meet a friend here last weekend based on Yelp reviews. The place was easy to find and pretty busy, even at 7:30 on a Saturday. There were a lot of college students in the crowd, and it was fairly loud in there. The set-up of the restaurant is not exactly clear and was somewhat confusing for a group of people who had never been there before. We found menus and got in line to order over toward the left of the long counter after we saw others doing the same thing. The woman who took our order was really unpleasant. I would strongly advise the managers to speak to her about the way she interacts with customers (red hair, young, didn't catch her name). I worked in retail for 7 years, including on Black Friday, and I have never been so rude to a customer as she was to us. Placing our initial food orders went fine, though she was brusque and unhelpful in regards to our questions (we had never been there before! I'm sorry!). We sat down with our numbers to await our food. There was an olive/hummus bar in the middle of the floor that seemed to be free game, but there weren't any signs in there that said it was, so we didn't end up grabbing anything from there. When our food arrived, it was good, though I wouldn't say it was a bargain. I got a better gyro with a side for the same price in Northern VA, and that's saying something. After eating our main meals, we went back up to the register to order some baklava, which looked very impressive in its case. I also wanted to order some dolma to take home. It was in a nearby case, so I assumed the cashier would simply scoop some up and put it in a container for us. Again, there aren't any signs or information letting anyone know how things are done. I don't need a big flashing neon light, but maybe just a person to direct people or something? Anyway, we came up to the same angry cashier as we had before, and she rang us up for an order of dolma and two squares of baklava, and then only scooped one. We asked for one more, as that was what we had paid for, and she angrily stabbed at a big chunk of baklava, ripping apart the layers, and shovelled it into the container. We were smiling this whole time, like "oh, dang, do we get a little extra?" trying to be nice, but she was not having it. The baklava was basically destroyed. In addition, upon receiving a number, I asked confusedly, "Oh, do we have to wait for something?" And she responded, "Yes, there are people who placed orders before you and you have to wait for them to get their orders." It doesn't sound bad when typed, but her tone indicated that she thought I was a spoiled, demanding brat, when really I just didn't understand what was going on. I know that people have off-nights and they are tired and frustrated, but, like I said, she was downright rude and soured the whole experience for me. I would eat at Med Deli again if I was in the area, but I wouldn't go out of my way. And I would definitely turn around and leave if I saw the same cashier manning the register when I walked in.
(3)
Sam A.
Food is always excellent. Pricing is always cheap and the "market" atmosphere is awesome. I love coming here. Staff while ordering aren't always the most patient and make you feel rushed at times since everyone comes here, but they still get 5 stars.
(5)
Lauryn C.
Put down that huge menu and just put your face on the glass and take a look around. I believe that is the best way to navigate this eatery. I was rather overwhelmed by the large selection on the menu but after observing the many cases of food in front of me the decision was made. I ordered the kofta platter and just like that huge menu I was delivered an enormous plate filled with basmati rice, kofta, chickpea salad, and tabbouleh. I really wanted a taste of every side item that was in the deli cases getting a platter at least gave me some choices. Like I need to mention it but obviously try some hummus they have many choices and it's fresh and tasty. I shared the chive hummus with my lunch mates it's a great starter to any meal. I noticed a large banquet room in the back which would make a great space for an event. You do have to bus your own table and the restaurant can get a little loud but you always have the option to eat outside as well. I need to make a trip back soon and try some of those yummy looking desserts. Baklava holla!
(4)
Tiffany L.
Came here for the first time this past weekend. I got the falafel and hummus, which tasted very fresh. I also really liked the large variety of sauces available. I definitely want to come back and try the gyros next time.
(4)
Breeze R.
By no means am I an expert on Mediterranean food, but I sure do love this place. My go-tos are the chicken fatayer and shawarma. My friends who are vegan/vegetarian never have problems finding a delicious option. I've been many times and I am satisfied with the food about 90% of the time. The service is normally prompt even when they're busy. It's a nice place for a small gathering of friends. The bar with olives and pickled vegetables is free and a god-send. If you're eating at their location in the Bottom of Lenoir, I normally find that quality on par with the actual restaurant although the pita isn't quite as fresh.
(5)
Daniel L.
Delicious falafel, gyro, pita, hummus, fatayer, shwarma. Great buzzing atmosphere, and awesome condiments bar! One of the best businesses in chapel hill
(5)
Silas R.
The mere fact that Med Deli can have over 200 yelp reviews and most of them 4+ stars in an under-yelping city like Chapel Hill should speak for itself. This place is phenomenal. It's the best deal you can get in this overpriced college town, for sure. The food really is amazing. People are not exaggerating. If you haven't been to med deli and you live in the Triangle, you're missing out. Dishes of note: The Chicken Shawarma is mighty tasty. Their pita bread (both white and wheat) has no match. It's the freshest / best you can get. I love their harissa hummus and oftentimes bring a tub of it plus a bag of pita bread to parties and potlucks. I should also bring up their desserts. WOW. Just thinking of the cheese baklava is making me wish I had that in front of me rather than a diet mountain dew.
(5)
Cliff H.
Med Deli is all that. It can be a little overwhelming as you try to figure out what to order from all of the healthy Mediterranean foods so beautifully displayed in the huge refrigerated glass case. I often get the lamb shank which is very reasonably priced and comes with two sides. The epdesserts are amazing. They also have what I call Turkishizza. They don't have hot tea which is my only negative. The complimentary olive/pickle/sauce bar is phenomenal.
(5)
Kevin N.
I haven't had Mediterranean/Greek food since arriving here in N.C. and I jumped at this opportunity to try their gyros--so I turned down the lamb special to have the gyros plate! In short: perhaps it's cause I haven't had Greek cuisine in such a long time (but I'd like to think that I'm trying my best to be unbiased), but this is the best gyros I've ever had. Super flavorful with a texture that is characteristically gyros. The outer layer of the gyros was crisp enough and the inside was perfectly moist. Delicious! And the hummus. It complemented the gyros and the pita bread so well. So great. Exceptional customer service (cashier was really keen on helping me order something great and workers were furrying people towards cash registers and ordering areas), fair prices, and a nicely lit, friendly atmosphere (not to mention the whole place obviously smelled great) makes this place an absolute must try for anyone looking for top-notch Greek food in the Chapel Hill/Franklin St. area.
(5)
Heather S.
Med Deli is delicious and nicely price. Some of my favorites dishes include Moroccan Chicken, Lamb Shank, Baba Ghannough, Greek Salad, Moroccan Couscous, and Bardi. Oh, and the cashew baklava in the best.
(5)
Lauren R.
"Med Deli," as locals call it, is quite good for fast-casual Mediterranean food--I just don't think it's as good as all of my friends who are former UNC students say it is. I mean, I heard someone suggesting a drive from Raleigh to Chapel Hill for the explicit purpose of getting Med Deli (it's good, but it's probably not 90-minute-round-trip good). Lunch for two will set you back about $20. The inside is HUGE and there are a few tables on Franklin Street, which are really nice. It's a cafeteria-style ordering system for salads, and they'll bring your sandwich plate out to you. Mediterranean Deli focuses on quantity--the plates and sandwiches are HUGE (seriously, I think I've gotten a stuffed pita the size of my head before)--and the food is higher quality than most other portions-driven restaurants. However, in my 2-3 trips to Med Deli, I've always found the salads and sandwiches under seasoned--like the hummus was just hummus, no spices to make it interesting. And the pita sandwiches--because they're stuffed so full--typically fall apart creating a huge mess. It's no big deal, but remember to pick up a fork even if you're ordering a sandwich. I guess the tone of this review was more negative than I meant it to be--I like Med Deli, and I definitely think of it as a solid lunch bet in Chapel Hill. There are just so many reviews touting this place that I wanted to leave a more subdued positive review: good, but a bit overhyped.
(3)
Adam B.
Every time I come here, I leave thinking, "I should come here more often". The only drawback is that parking can be a bit of a bear, particularly at lunch when the University lot on Rosemary St. behind the building isn't open. But it's worth making your way here for all the terrific Med flavors. The menu is ginormous, with hot items as well as the deli case. I head straight for the deli case, because all the goodies are on display and you'll know exactly what you're getting and there's more than plenty of choices. I usually get a three-item plate and go for some sort of grilled chicken dish (last night it was with wonderfully seasoned bell peppers) and a couple of sides. I've had great cucumber salad, various grain dishes, and wonderful penne with sundried tomatoes. Every type of vegetable you can name is usually represented in the case and everything is deliciously spiced and flavorful. They're usually quick getting the plates out to the table after you've ordered. Drinks are of the serve-yourself type and include a very nice pomegranate green tea. Now, if only they served beer and wine, I'd never leave!
(5)
Greg S.
I'm not sure why I've not reviewed Med Deli before now. I don't eat there often, but I like it when I do. So, here's the rundown: Food: Tasty. I'm kind of a picky eater, all told, so the vast selection of stuff and the ability to cobble together a plate from several items makes me a little more adventurous. I enjoy that. I don't enjoy everything I put in my mouth from this place, but more often than not what I'm eating is really good. Good kebabs. The pineapple and pepper salad is amazingly weird and delicious. The only thing I don't really like is the hummus, and I'll probably be dragged into the street and shot but I've found that restaurant hummus is usually a little runny for my tastes and I prefer the storebought Sabra stuff. Sorry, food purists. Service: No problems here. The lines get long so there's not a lot of time for pleasantries, but every problem I've had with anything has been corrected promptly and politely. If they gave you the wrong one of the 600 pasta salads in the display case (might be estimating slightly too high), they'll just bring you the one you wanted. They're polite. They're sane. It's all good. All in all, I declare Mediterranean Deli a great place to grab a bite to eat on Franklin.
(4)
Dexter B.
We used Med Deli to cater our wedding reception and they did a phenomenal job, both in terms of the service and the quality of the food. All of our guests were raving about the food days after the event was over. They also did a wonderful job projecting the amount of food needed, as we gave them an exact headcount and did not run out of anything. One of their main representatives that works with catering customers is Parker and he is fantastic! He is extremely responsive and helpful. If you are looking to find a caterer for your next event, I would strongly consider Med Deli!
(5)
Jordan P.
I've used Med Deli (as it's affectionately known) for catering, for date nights, as a spot to bring out-of-towners, and as a haven for delicious food for the past 7 years. As a student at UNC, I found that it was one of the best places to get lots of food for not a lot of money. I used to stick to the classic gyro platter, but have since ventured to try any and everything that looks tasty on the menu and strikes my fancy. Before I forget to mention it, the folks who work here are amazing. Seriously, I don't know if (other than IP3s) you could find a better, friendlier group of employees. It makes me happy that, even if there's a wait, you're assured some friendly banter from the fellows working behind the countertop. The pitas are always fresh, which serves as a delicious accent to just about any meal you get. I absolutely LOVE the greek salad, and a large is more than enough to get me through two full meals. I could bathe in their hummus, which is creamy and just salty enough without blasting your tastebuds. It serves as a great spread on the pita, but is tasty enough to eat by the spoonful (not that I've ever done that....) Having eaten here alone or with a crowd of over ten, there's really something for everyone, and their new(ish) bakery whips out some fatayers that rival any pizza for something cheesy, melty, and decadent. I could eat here for every meal for the next two weeks and not repeat a dish, and come out just as happy on the other side. Sometimes (weekend nights, especially) there can be a decent crowd, but they work fast, and you're never waiting for too long. Come, eat, and be merry. And then end your night with some baklava, and be merrier.
(5)
Katrina C.
I come here several times a week. I always get the sampler. I'm a huge fan of their orzo and stuffed grape leaves. I also love the fact that they have the olive/sauce bar in the middle. I will never deny free kalamata olives, pepperoncini peppers or tzatziki sauce. And don't forget to try their pistachio or date baklava, delicious!
(5)
Louis F.
Best gyro, lamb, and hummus in the area. Bread is great too. Well worth the 40 minute drive from Cary.
(5)
Jacquelyn O.
Delicious and authentic! Casual deli where you order at the counter and they bring your food to the table. Portions were generous; food tasted very fresh. Pitas were perfect and tasty. This place gets very busy, but they have a lot of indoor seating and some outdoor seating on Franklin Street.
(5)
Margaret N.
Went here when I was visiting friends at Chapel Hill and food is amazing! They had a nice selection of freshly prepared hummus and their gyros are HUGE and amazing! Definitely try their Fatayer's (Mediterranean style pizza)! I plan on going back to this location, every time I'm in North Carolina!
(4)
Stacy P.
Oh my! I attended UNC and never ate here. On vacation with my husband and we stopped here for dinner based on Yelp reviews. I think I found Heaven, and it serves Tabbouleh! I got the mixed grilled platter, and the amount of food served was incredible. The gyro meat was tender and flavorful. The tzatziki sauce was delicious and wonderfully creamy. But the real star was the tabbouleh. It is herbaceous, fresh, with the perfect amount of acid. The cucumbers and tomatoes were firm and juicy. The bulgur was nutty and provided a beautiful texture to the salad. I could have eaten just a giant bowl of the tabbouleh and been happy! Go. Now. Don't worry about changing out of your sweats. Just go!
(5)
Koushyar R.
Good place specially for large groups. The food is mostly good but sometimes at the busy hours the quality may drop a little bit. Lots of delicious side food available.
(4)
Naomi K.
Strolling down Chapel Hill, this place is easy to miss. It's a huge deli instead with Mediterranean deliciousness. Service has always been speedy and friendly. You must try the Fatayer- any of the combos. They are quite delicious. Gyros, kebobs, falafels, where can you go wrong? couscous, spanakopita, bruschetta, quiches... Seriously, you can't try them all, but you can keep coming back. I'm also a huge fan of the pistachio theme desserts- hello Baklava!
(4)
David S.
If you're in the area and you're in the mood for Greek this is the place to be! I ordered the Gyro platter and it was like I was back in Greece again. Very authentic and delicious. This place has an incredible variety of Greek and Middle Eastern foods and an awesome and helpful waitstaff.
(5)
S W.
Great food. Some outdoor seating. Located on Franklin street. Gluten free menu. What else do you need?!
(5)
Greg O.
Really like this place a lot! They have a pickle bar with so many good toppings and sauces to put on top of the juicy sandwiches and salads they have that are so fresh. The garlic spread is something that's hard to find, and this place makes some of the best I ever had. The waits are usually on the long side, but that's fine for a place like this. Their hot sauce is really good too, so do yourself a favor and make lots of trips to the bar, just save some for me.
(4)
Lauren H.
I like med deli. It is not my favorite mediterranean place however in Chapel Hill. The food it good but slightly americanized and they only offer the basics. It is good for fast food or a quick dinner but don't recommend for anything more formal that that. The ambience inside is unappealing and it can get very noisy.
(3)
Alejandro B.
MedDeli can be hit-or-miss. Their selection is overwhelming, especially for a fan of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food like myself. One of their ordering options allows you to select 2, 3 or 4 deli items. Mediterreanean Deli is a good introduction to the region's cuisine, but some of its things leave much to be desired. Go for the hummus. They have several varieties, including harrisa (spicy), chive, sun-dried tomato and olives. Smooth and creamy. Not the best hummus I've ever had but a good accompaniment to their fresh pita. If you're a fan of yogurt, order the labaneh. Rich and dense, it's by far one of the best yogurts I've had. During my last visit I also ordered a cabbage roll stuffed with ground beef and rice, as well as a tomato stuffed with flank steak. Wasn't impressed. They were a bit bland, and I was dissapointed considering all the other items I considered getting. As I mentioned in my previous review, MedDeli's sauce bar is great and offers tzaziki, parsley, tahini, spicy pepper sauce, jalapeño/cilantro sauce or garlic sauce (all complementary too).
(4)
W L.
Oh. My. Vegan. Are you kidding me? I appreciate Neomonde but this is on a whole other level. I read about this place before we even moved here from SF and finally tracked it down. In the warmer months, I literally made a weekly pilgrimage here to stock the fridge with vegan prepared foods...rices, stews, roasted vegetables, ten types of creamy hummus, muhammara, fresh pitas...my only sadness was in discovering all baklava and similar pastries are made with butter, so they're off limits. They have a *free!* condiment bar with delicious tahini vinaigrette, spicy salsa-like pepper sauces, fresh olives, pickles, olive oil and seed/spice mixes. It takes a little practice to maneuver the space and I'm still an amateur. One piece of advice is to bring a little pad of paper and pen because you pass a long line of goodies and by the time you reach the register you'll have trouble remembering what caught your eye. They're not really set up to allow taste sampling, either. I've asked only when they weren't too busy, but could tell it wasn't really done. Street parking is a little challenging and costs $2.50 but that just goes with the Franklin Street territory.
(5)
Stephanie R.
Love this place! Everything on the menu is awesome.
(5)
Chris W.
We tend to wind up here, either to eat in or order out, every time we're in Chapel Hill. The food has been consistently good, although on this most recent visit there was something up with the hummus, almost a freezer burned or plastic flavor. To be clear that was a one-time occurrence, and the staff immediately addressed it. Every other time I've been there the hummus, and everything else, has been very good so I'm sure this was a fluke. The atmosphere is not terribly wonderful. It's a bit like a cafeteria set up, where you order at the counter, grab a number and some empty glasses, hit the beverage dispensers, and take a seat. It's fine if you're not looking for a quiet, intimate, well lit experience. If you are, order out. But the food is good, with all the Middle Eastern regulars: very nice hummus and babaganoush, fresh baked pita and zaatar bread, tasty stuffed grape leaves, kibbe and shawarma, tabouleh, etc. If you like Middle Eastern food, you'll find everything you're looking for and you won't be disappointed.
(3)
Rod O.
If you want Turkish Coffee order the Greek...If you want Lebanese Coffee order the Turkish! Order the Turkish it has Cardamom! Or (yes I just started a sentence with the word Or! Or I could say... Yes you could order the Greek to get Turkish! The Coffee was Good, not great! Everything we had gets about four yelp stars! Donner was good! Better than some, just a little "gamier" than I like! Pita Bread, very nice! They make it here in their Bakery five stars Tabbouleh, better flavor than most 4 stars Hummus, fresh, though I thought it needed more Garlic 3.84 stars Muhammara 3.75 stars Tzatziki 3.75 stars Deli Cases and Cases of Displayed food - Impressive looking! Variety! They have everything I look for in a "Mediterranean Market/Restaurant! Most White people should feel just fine coming in here and ordering or pointing as I would do (I'm White) though I have always heard Tabbouleh is better made to order (like let me ruin it with some extra Garlic) please do not throw me out yet. This place is HUGE! Large Dinning Room indoors and several tables outside! Large Storefront Windows are wonderful! The Service was GREAT!
(4)
Bethany A.
Reasonable prices for some serious delicious Mediterranean food. The gyros here are delicious and the pita bread is top-notch. They don't skimp on veggies or sauce either. It's a fairly large restaurant and I like how service is really laid back and there's an outdoors seating area for warmer days. I haven't tried their falafel yet but I've heard great things. Cool place, definitely worth checking out if you even remotely like Med food.
(4)
Grant D.
This place is amazing! It's one of my favorite restaurants in the downtown Carborro / Chapel Hill area. I highly recommend their Fatayers The overall atmosphere is great, and the play traditional mediterranean music as you eat your food. Theres a deli and bakery, so you can choose whether you want something quick from the deli, or if you have more time to spare, you can order off the main menu from the bakery.
(5)
Jamie T.
Pita is really great and soft, and comes with all the samplers. All the salads/samplers look awesome. I got 2 of them, both of which tasted great
(5)
Lida F.
This is as good as it gets. Park across the street in the public lot and relax and enjoy the amazing flavors of the Med Deli. I like to suggest the 2 or 3 sampler plate for all new guest. You can have meat dishes or non-meat. Huge portions. Dairy FREEEEE
(5)
Mike S.
You know the place is good when it's always packed. Med Deli is one of our favorites, so much to choose from and pints of Carolina Brew to boot. I tend toward the falafel with eggplant and loads of the green hot sauce, don't know what it is, but it's great.
(5)
Tim C.
Med Deli is my favorite restaurant to go to in Chapel Hill! The Moroccan Chicken Special is absolutely delicious - it's a generous portion of food at a reasonable price - always my go-to meal if I can't decide what to get. Their fatayers (turkish pizzas) are also good - freshly made to order. From the deli case, I like the red pepper hummus, grilled vegetables, cous cous, heart of palm, and the orzo. Their pita is also freshly made from a special pita machine, which makes the whole restaurant smell warm and homey. Another wonderful thing about Med Deli is they provide an unlimited amount of free sauces, such as tzatziki sauce, garlic sauce, chili sauces, tahini, feta cheese, peppers, etc. They also catered an event for me, and I was very pleased with how it all turned out. The food was (of course) good, the owner was super helpful, and the service was excellent. Bottom line - go here for great mediterranean food at a very reasonable price.
(5)
Calvin Y.
You know, I understand the appeal of Mediterranean Deli. There's a lot of food options at reasonable prices. I got the Mixed Plate Grill at $11, which came with gyro, chicken souvlaki, hummus, grilled pineapple, and loads of tabouli salad. For the most part, the items were alright, I wasn't blown away by any of the items. The only thing I truly didn't care for was the tabouli salad as it was very cilantro heavy. On the plus side, they serve Sky Blue Golden Ale.
(3)
Dana Z.
Fantastic Greek deli with a wide range of food to choose from and plenty of seating! I had the grilled chicken panini and it was so delicious. It also came with a side Greek salad. The portion was so big I couldn't even finish it. The prices were reasonable too! Great find in Chapel Hill.
(4)
Marin J.
Triple Yum. While the atmosphere is more like a VFW dining hall, the food is most certainly not. There is a wonderful authenticity, and simple goodness to the menu. I enjoyed everything I ordered, and what my dining companion ordered. It is a shame that the huge space lends some awkwardness to understanding how to order for the first time. To the left is one menu, the center is the order takers and the left are GIANT cases of salads, hummous and other delights. But for the first-timer it is awfully confusing and you risk drawing the ire of the hungry hordes of regulars if you dally.
(4)
Jennifer H.
Med deli is great for two reasons: the food & owner Jamal, who has a true sense of social responsibility of a global nature. But it's the quality of his food that has people returning here over the years. I've enjoyed everything I've ever ordered (and that's a lot over the years-esp. Since we had them cater our wedding reception). But the thing I love THE MOST is the hummus!!! And the only reason I'm giving them 4 rather than 5 stars is that my pita bread wasn't grilled in my gyro last night and the meat was not very hot-an aberration I'm sure-so I'll update to 5 stars when I next go back.
(4)
Prashant P.
Hands down the best mediterranean eatery in the area. It is great for lunch. Not your fine dining evening place, but if you want your lebanese fix then this is it.
(5)
Luis A.
Fresh pita!! Lamb shank over Moroccan couscous!! Need I say more...? This place is awesome, maybe a little intimidating when you come in your first time. Find the yellow menus and get in line. Send a scout for the vegetarian side items. I tried kafta kabob, hummus, cucumber salad, pita bread, eggplant and they were all delicious. I wish I would have known about this place earlier.
(5)
Fido D.
Came here with my husband and in-laws and wow, what an awesome place for those of us on budget! Wide variety of food and not expensive. My husband and I are thinking of biking down here from where we live in Durham every so often. This place is as good as it gets for Middle Easter/ Mediterranean food!
(5)
stacy W.
As i was walking buy, there was a guy inside that looked like Steven Spielberg so i decided this was going to be my lunch stop right then and there. I had a Falafel platter which was MEH. not the best falafel I've had, not even close. But I knew what to expect when the guy at the counter asked me 4 times what I ordered. ehhh really? it's Wednesday, pay attention! i swear he had the memory capacity of a goldfish. i was actually surprised when i got the correct order. Aside from the falafel, everything else was pretty good. I can't give this place any more than three stars though. The main feature of my meal was mediocre. The pita bread was SO fresh and the hummus was some of the best I've had in a restaurant, but the falafel... well i didn't even finish it. i'm willing to give this place another try. why? because it's a cheap lunch stop and the side items were pretty darn good. I'll just have to go with another main dish feature.
(3)
B R.
Ate here on this past saturday. This is one of our favorite repeat restaurants in Chapel Hill as the food is high quality, fresh, good tasting, and relatively inexpensive. It can get quite noisy inside but that tells you it is popular. I recommend it to everyone.
(4)
Katie M.
Super delicious greek food! It has SO MANY deli options. I've only been once and I had the gyro with beef & lamb. It was DEEELISH, and the baklava is also quite good. I can't wait to go again and try more dishes!
(4)
Jimmy R.
This place is no joke. I was bummed at first given the Singaporean restaurant we wanted to visit was CLOSED. We came hear instead and boy was it a good find. I have never been to the mecca of Mediterranean food it appears in this area. So much baked good inside and so much warm and pita like foods abound the counters of this place. This was my first experience with what appeared to be like a Mediterranean pizza. The Turkish sausage flavor is what i got. the combination platter with hummus was great. All kinds of baklava. The servings are large here. We ate outside. I could see how it would be a superb place to cater from. I really wasn't expecting much from Chapel Hill, NC but so far the good in NC has been great!
(5)
Jon L.
Solid food. They make their own pita fresh. The fatayer is like heavan...freshly baked goodnes right out of the oven. It has a nice kid friendly atmosphere. Its on the list for one of the steady favorites.
(4)
Liwei Y.
Reasonably priced mediterranean food. There are looots of options. You can pay to get pre-made food by weight. Or you can order from a variety of things on their menu. I think the food here is legit and good. You can also order meat by the pound here, like gyro meat, if you can't find it at the grocery store.
(4)
Dan W.
I stopped going to this place two or three years ago b/c food was never reliably fresh or good. That has changed big time. Since their renovation and addition of a bakery and more dining room space, this restaurant has experienced a rebirth. Went for dinner last night and was very impressed with how delicious and fresh everything (greek salad, baba ganoush, heart of palm salad, pita bread, tatziki, etc.). Med Deli used to trail Neomonde Deli of Raleigh, which remains the Triangle's best. Med Deli is now a very close second.
(4)
Gian J.
Lamb lamb lamb! The gyros were great. The hummus was excellent. A casual seating area and counter service make for good conversation and encourages lingering with your group
(4)
Johnathan V.
This was my little date night place once a week for a few months during the summer 2 years ago. Good food at a low cost! Refreshing Rose Tea!
(4)
Will C.
Very tasty especially getting the vegetarian platter of 4 foods for $8. The bigger space and serving beer helps alot.
(4)
Molly R.
I have lived all over the country, and never have I found a Mediterranean restaurant as wonderful as Med Deli. I love (and miss) this place! The variety of vegetarian deli selections is astonishing. You will be hard pressed to find many of these dishes in other Mediterranean restaurants. My favorites are the carrot walnut salad, the orzo salad, and the baba ganoush, but you literally cannot go wrong no matter what you order.
(5)
Paige T.
We were out walking the dog the other night down Franklin St. and decided to try out one of the many places to eat that we haven't tried yet--there are so many! We were looking for something on the lighter side, like sandwiches, or something to that persuasion. There is a shiny new sandwich place that just opened that I thought might be fun to try, but after reading their menu and the prices, we thought, another time. Right across the street, though, was Mediterranean Deli and Catering and it was bustling with activity. I sat at one of the outside tables with the dog while my husband grabbed a menu. What a great selection they have. Rob ordered a chicken gyro and I ordered a falafel and hummus wrap, both very reasonably priced and just what we were looking for. The wait was mere minutes, but to stave off the hunger pangs while we waited, we took advantage of a free hummus sampling inside. There is also an all-you-can-eat olive bar and boy do I love me some olives, but I can only realistically enjoy about five at a time. Anyhow, Rob enjoyed his gyro and I thoroughly enjoyed my wrap. This is a place I'd like to venture back to some day, because their options seem colorful and delicious--watermelon-feta skewers anyone? Neat! The interior (which boasts a giant flat screen tv smack in the middle of one of the walls) leaves a lot to be desired--like a cafeteria. I am not a big fan of watching television anyways, let alone in eating establishments (sports bars are an obvious exception). Needless to say, I am not holding their flatscreen against them. I'll maybe just reserve this place for summer outings and sit outside with my dog :)
(4)
Jason R.
Med Deli is absolutely delicious. I have had about half the menu since living in chapel hill for three years, and have yet to be even slightly disappointed. My favorite so far is the lamb shank.
(5)
Saskia S.
Oh the power of yelp... Visiting a friend in Chapel Hill, and she had to attend a seminar for most of Saturday. So I wandered around Franklin St. And then I got hungry. Thank goodness for yelping from my fancy phone. Found this place, walked a little farther down Franklin than I might have otherwise. And then got to enjoy a gyro plate that made my day. Delicious! Sadly, too full for dessert.
(4)
Oliver Wendell H.
The food here is outstanding. Everything is fresh, prices are super reasonable and the portions are huge. They have wonderful hummus (try the scallion hummus) and plenty of other fantastic vegetable dishes in their case.
(5)
Hoa N.
I'm so glad I went here for lunch! The food was delicious! I love their chick shawarma hummus! Their hummus is so tasty. The bread is delicious. The atmosphere was great. The decor was very minimal so if you want a romantic date I wouldn't recommend it. But to just have a good time hanging out with friends and enjoy good delicious food, I would totally recommend it. I would definitely come back because they have a large selection that I would love to try all of them! Even their desserts are good. So you couldn't go wrong by coming here for a satisfying meal :). The price is not super low but reasonable for good food. If no drink or dessert is concerned, it can be well under 10 but if you order something extra, it can be over 10 easily. :) Hope it helps!
(5)
Big B.
I seriously feel cheated in the fact that I just went here for the first time, after living in the area for over 1.5 years. I had the GYRO and it was the best I've had since being in the Greek Islands several years back. This place rocks.
(5)
Mei Lin H.
Came here over 6 times. Everything is great. Per person blew $10~12. The best Mediterranean food in Chapel Hill, NC.
(5)
Lou L.
Best Hummus I've ever had. The Gyro Platter was amazing and made me regret not trying one of the 5 different Falafel variations on the menu. It almost makes me not miss the Greek Philly street vendors I'm used to.
(5)
Richard H.
Awesome...you won't be sorry. Be adventurous. Try something new. It all very good.
(5)
Irving A.
Well we finally made it to the Med. Grill and it was well worth the journey. Ever since leaving Milwaukee via Cambridge, MA we have been searching for a real, off the turn-spit, Gyro (and yes there are wonderful, authentic gyro spots in Milwaukee). Thank the heavens for this place. Not only did we find truly wonderfully tasting Souvlaki, we found an abundance of other delicious delights. My four year old daughter had the chicken souvlaki skewer and loved it. She even finally agreed to let me try it and it was perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection. If you find yourself there and need something tart and refreshing you must try the pomegranate grapefruit juice. I should have brought some home. I did grab a bunch of bags of their homemade pita to go. I knew that their pita was super tasty from discovering it for the first time at Southern Seasons in Chapel Hill. I had a gyro platter that came with tabbouleh and hummus. Everything was so fresh it just hummed and zinged off the plate. I have to agree with other reviewers when it comes to making a choice from all the wonderful looking dishes featured in their glass cases. Next time it might not be as easy for us trying to decide what to eat, but we will definitely be heading back to give it a go!
(5)
Laura K.
Fantastic fresh food! I love this place!
(5)
Ike B.
Excellent food, great service, friendly staff! It's difficult to fine a place like this that serves authentic Greek/Mediterranean food. If you have friends from out of town, bring them to this Chapel Hill hot spot. The energy coming from this place reminds me of being back in NYC. The restaurant owner can be found cleaning tables and mixing with the customers. One of the best places to eat on Franklin Street!
(5)
lisa p.
I completely agree with Kevin A. Yes, the place is aggravating. Yes, their ordering system does not work... Yes, there are lots of people standing around staring at the counter waiting for their food all stressed about when/how they will get their food and if they might miss their number. Yes, either get a new pa system or ditch it altogether (haven't you figured out a system after being in business in the same location for so many years??). Yes, the food is pretty plain. And YES YES YES: don't go there if you consider yourself to be remotely intelligent and/or desire a satisfying meal. When I was a first year grad student at UNC - I ate here a few times when classmates wanted to have lunch there but I never really enjoyed their food. Being from California originally, I've had my share of excellent ethnic food, including good Mediterranean food in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. I judge a Mediterranean place by it's hummus and falafal - and this place is a failure when it comes to both! So I swore to myself I would not return as it was unsatisfying every time! I held my word and never entered the place again the whole time I was at UNC... So, after not entering this establishment for five years even though I still live in the Chapel Hill area, I entered tonight with a couple friends who were craving falafal. I thought - what the heck? Let me give them a chance. Maybe they have changed....Well I entered the madhouse, waited in line, and my two friends and I ordered one after the other. As I waited for my friends to complete their order, I think....wow...they have gotten new tables and gotten rid of the unsanitary mess of a place it used to be.....but, it's the same people working behind the counters all these years later.... After placing our orders, we headed over to wait in the stressful area with all the other customers receipts in hand....and we wait 15 minutes and one member of our party gets their food....then we wait 10 more minutes and another member of the party gets their order....then we wait.....and we wait.....and then we wait some more.....we notice that several people who ordered after us had gotten their food....we ask the guy making the food what is going on with our third order.....he says don't worry, it's coming up......the third order is never made....I go upto the cashier twice to make sure the order has been given to the guys making the food and he confirms that he has given it to them....so we wait....5 more minutes....10 more minutes....15 more minutes...40 minutes have passed since we first placed our order....but still no third order....by then two of the cashiers have been notified, but none of them are able to communicate that one of our orders needs to be made!! And when we made the owner/manager guy aware of what was going on, instead of listening to us, he tells us to be patient in a patronizing, rude manner!! So the two friends and I decide.....enough is enough.....and leave the place!! We had yummy dinner in Carrboro instead! This is the worst customer service I have seen in my life anywhere in the world (including countries that don't pride themselves on customer service)!! I am so thankful that I didn't give them my business the rest of my years as a student at UNC! I don't think the UNC departments that give them catering orders should continue to do so either. The owner/manager has forgotten what good customer service means! If you care about being respected as a customer, do not enter this establishment! If you want authentic, real, and tasty Mediterranean food...drive to Morrisville or Raleigh and go the Neomondes! That is what I call yummmmmmmmmmmmm!
(1)
Greg D.
Solid Mediterranean food. Sampled the beef shawarma, which was well done with noticeable cardamom, which I enjoy. Busy lunch crowd location with an excellent selection of salads if you choose to skip the fixed plates. It will satisfy a hankering for Greek or Eastern Mediterranean food, accepting that certain ingredients are limited in the US. I will note that having lived in Greece, my standards are fairly high yet I would not hesitate to drop in for a quick meal.
(3)
Shane M.
I wanna go back right now, the food is very good, large portions and the olive and pickle bar is awesome.
(5)
Anna W.
Med Deli is one of my favorite Chapel Hill restaurants. The deli-style set up makes it a fun experience. I always tell myself I am going to try something new, but the Gyros and Fatayers are just too good. The Tabouli and Hummus (variety of flavors) are also great.
(5)
J G.
So good. This place is a great deli that has a ton of different food options, and all of them are reasonably priced. You can get a diverse set of veggie dishes, dips, and meats. If you want to try something new, try the Pide, which is kind of like a Turkish Pizza. I recommend this place to anyone who likes mediterranean food.
(5)
Emma S.
Great Mediterranean food at great prices, you can't go wrong. The only reason they didn't get 5 stars is for the nasty manager picking food out of the display case with his fingers and eating it right there, health code anyone? Obviously the food is good if I'm giving four stars regardless of that incident.
(4)
Ben M.
You know how good Mediterranean Deli is? You can go there with me making all kinds of awful "jy-ro/gee-ro" jokes and, because you actually ate the gyro that caused the jokes at the Med Deli, you'll think it's totally worth putting up with. If gyros aren't your thing, they have a pretty excellent selection of wraps and other Greek/Mid Eastern options - all of which will make your head spin from goodness (well, I mean, I don't like the baba ghannouj pita if you're really going to ask me to call something out...but I don't like baba ghannouj on principle so I'm bad to ask about that). They have excellent hummus (making the hummus and gyro my surprisingly cheap favorite on the menu) as well as some panini options that will set you pretty straight. It's not much to look at on the inside, but then again, most of the best places for food aren't.
(5)
Violet T.
I have only met one person who said anything negative about the Med Deli. He had the kebabs and said they were "boring." It's meat on a stick, dude; you're the one who picked it over the 12 billion more interesting things on the menu! Med Deli's foods (and of course, Lime&Basil's) are the only things from keeping my ethnic-food-loving palate from forcibly dragging me back to Chicago. When I can't muster up the motivation to walk all the way down Franklin Street for my Med fix, I find their wraps in the coffee shops on campus. Sure, it's not the same, but Jasmine Chicken Wrap = PERFECT LUNCH.
(5)
Zoe L.
There was a little mix up with my togo order and they were really struggling to figure it out but the food was delicious and made up for it! I love the condiment bar--I must have left with 10 little plastic containers of different sauces and you can snack on olives while you're waiting. There is outdoor and indoor seating available. I can't wait to revisit when I'm in Chapel Hill again.
(4)
Barton C.
A delight! Line up at the counter while looking at the menu. Pick what you want, order & pay at the cashier, given a little stand with a number that you carry to and put on your table and then they bring your order to you. Enormous choice, tasty tasty food, free bar with sauces, hot pepperonici, olives. Vegetarian and meat. Hummus excellent, veggie platters great. In downtown CH and full of students. Take out (great prepared dishes), great desserts. Top score.
(5)
Gloria L.
I love Med Deli. They have a wide selection of Mediterranean foods and it brings me back to my trip to Greece when I order the tzatziki. I always get one of their sweet potato selections as well as the tzatziki; the workers are always attentive and nice and go the extra mile for long-time customers. A branch was just opened in the UNC food court, too. There's always a wide variety of customers here, from little kids to students to adults. They don't seem to mind studyers during the school year like some other places do, either.
(5)
Picky E.
Think high-end, home made Whole Foods deli counter gone Mediterranean and that is what you get here. If you like that kind of thing (I don't), then this place is going to be perfect for you. It has an olive and feta bar and the deli counter is truly amazing. They make their own pita from local flour. So, if you just wanted cold things, I would be a regular. But, I don't like my hot food prepared in advanced and then re-heated, at least not when I am at a restaurant, so this place was just okay for me.
(3)
Ellie G.
This place is amazing! The deli is like a Middle Eastern version of Whole Foods' deli, only a lot more bang for your buck. Tons of variety, delicious entrees, lots of sides, and tempting desserts. If I had the monetary means, I'd patronize Med Deli every single day!
(5)
Tina W.
I had the small greek salad which is the best salad I 've ever eaten. (Maybe its just that i am too hungry at that moment) I do not like the spanich seafood quiche but since the salad/pita are way too amazing, I think I still go for a 4 stars
(4)
Faiza Q.
A must go for anyone who loves Mediterranean food. Loved the hummus especially the one with Harissa. Can't beat the fresh pittas and choices of salads.
(4)
Andrew D.
Downgrade alert: "They F--- you at the drive-thru!" Two times in a row now for take-out/delivery, they have charged us for pita bread and not given it to us. (Once I wasn't paying, so the old "fool me once" rule doesn't yet apply.) Having a vat of hummus with no pita to dip into it is a real f'ing drag.
(4)
John H.
In a word, INCREDIBLE! There is almost too much food to recommend here. Plenty of Veggie and Meat options. I've taken people here in the past who don't normally like Mediterranean food and they always fall in love with Med Deli. I highly recommend their falafel. It's so good. Their kabobs are also great. All sides are excellent. Service rocks. ZERO COMPLAINTS! GO HERE! Since it is Franklin Street, parking can be a bit messy, but nothing impossible. It's worth it in the end, especially if you are just visiting campus or doing a tour.
(5)
Adrienne A.
This place is by far the best Mediterranean restaurant in the area. Huge selection, great food. And I do mean great. I could eat here every day.
(5)
Chris J.
Yes I would be a regular if I lived in CH. Enjoyed the environment and food, friendly staff and fair value.
(4)
R M.
Kabobs are the authentic and deserts are awesome.
(5)
Barbara V.
Great smell when you walk in letting you know yummy goodness is close at hand. Ordered the kibbi, it was good only missing pine nuts in the middle, just meat inside. My mate gott the chicken salad pita and reported it very good. I had the artichoke muosaka which was good and sat on a velvety layer of hummus. Lots of items to choose from here that can please most. Several gluten free and vegetarian items. We left with some baklava and Turkish delight (I love) to sample later. A must go staple!
(5)
Tess M.
The lamb shank special for $12 is AMAZING!! Lamb falls off the bone- and comes with Mediterranean Cous Cous and Greek salad; and pita of course. And I love their olives/sauce bar- pickles vegetables and dressings to your liking. What a great deal. I will be sad when they move on from the lamb shank special to something else.
(5)
E S.
Med Deli is casual. You order at the counter, and a server brings your food. The menu is quite extensive. Lots of different options. We get the gyro platter and falafel pita. Both are great. Love the pickle/olive/sauce bar. The garlicky sauce is my favorite. Nice selection of beverages, including beer. Good portion sizes. Affordable prices.
(4)
Christina G.
140+ reviews. 4.5 star rating. Can it be true? As made evident in a recent Talk thread, Medi food has never really been my 'thing': yelp.com/topic/durham-he… The overwhelming praise for Med Deli, and suggestions of dishes I ought to try, got me off my butt and out to Chapel Hill for lunch on a recent afternoon. True story: I went to school at UNC and never set foot in this place. Regret. I had the most AMAZING lunch last weekend! I followed Romin B's recommendation and ordered the falafel and hummus pita. Two pita halves stuffed to literally bursting with mushed falafel spread with the smoothest creamiest hummus goodness. I went to the toppings bar, and filled up ramekins of tzatziki and jalapeno garlic sauce (there were lots of other awesome choices too!). My pita, from the bread to the filling to the sauces, was fresh and full of flavor. (Bland food is something I've begun to associate this cuisine with, and I was so happy to be proven completely wrong today.) If I wasn't on a quasi-diet, I would have absolutely ordered some baklava. And probably taken home a tub of hummus with me -- the display cases of different flavors were gorgeous, and if the original is mouth-wateringly good, I know the others have to be even better... The only thing I didn't like about my visit was how super-crowded and loud the space was (hard to fault them for being popular though!) and the Turkish coffee. Though the presentation of saucer and espresso cup alongside steaming long-handled pot was adorable, I thought the coffee tasted like hot water with the oddity of ground sediment at bottom.
(5)
Marie-Angela D.
This is the best Mediterranean in the area, that is for certain, so if you are looking for this type of fare, I do recommend this place. It can get really busy, but its worth it for the best pita and hummus in the area...and they are one of the only places around that have kibbee! If you have had access to really, really, good Mediterranean food all your life, you might think this place is just a-okay, but seriously, its the best we got around here, so I'll take it! Unfortunately, the service is pretty terrible nearly every time I go. I have only been there once when my order has actually made it to the table without me having to wait a long time, then chase the lost order down. There are nice people that have been friendly, but just overall, I never expect to have a good service experience there. The things we will do for good pita!
(3)
TJ W.
Always consistent, quick, and good! Go here consistently for lunch meetings and office outings. They have great hummus, gyros, and gluten free pitas. The chicken Shawerma and Gyros are the best. The atmosphere and clientele are always comfortable.
(5)
Kimberly C.
Absolutely wonderful. Generous portions of quality, fresh, delicious food, much of it vegetarian and gluten-free friendly, at super reasonable prices. What more could you want? Even my parents, the pickiest restaurant patrons on the planet, enjoyed this place. Writing this review is making me think about looking for an excuse to go to Chapel Hill this week just to go eat at this place.
(5)
GT W.
"Med Del" is probably the best value in Chapel Hill for food. No waiters, no tips required, order ultra fresh Greek, Lebanese, Arabic food that is freshly prepared. Free olive and pickled veggies bar. Now they serve Carolina Brewery's beers on tap, the brewpub next door. But instead of having to eat the food at Carolina Brewery, you can eat here and have the highest quality lunch and dinner in the area by value. Everything is amazing, the menu extensive, but I usually just go vegetarian sampler from the deli. A must try is the pomegranate muhammara, an amazing savory and sour hummus like dip. If you are in CH, you can get beer at wonderful places like Sandwhich and Med Del across the street rather than wasting your time at Carolina Brewery or Top of the Hill. This is a local hangout, and one of the most popular in town. Parking is on Rosemary St behind the restaurant. Walk up the brick sidewalk to get to Med Del or Sandwhich. Do not miss this. Freshest, healthiest food at UNC.
(5)
Kelsey P.
I was visiting my sister in Chapel Hill for the week and this one of the places she was RAVING about, so I decided to give it a try! I'm usually an adventurous eater and love Mediterranean food, but this puts all my previous "medi" experiences to shame! This is authentic, delicious, and super inexpensive food! I was in heaven! I ordered the chicken & hummus plate and it was pretty inexpensive, so I was expecting a smaller portion, but when they brought out this HUGE plate of food, I was absolutely thrilled! I couldn't eat all of it and ended up taking the second half of my portion on the plane with me the next day. Even the people on my flight had eyes of envy for my delicious non-airplane food! I totally wish we had a "Med Deli" out in Phoenix, but I have absolutely no problem flying across the country for this awesomeness! The only downside: We ordered some food from the actual deli "to-go" and it took them quite some time to get it all together, but in the end, it was worth the wait!
(4)
Anne W.
Love, love, love! We eat here probably every couple of weeks, as this is one of our very favorite restaurants in all of Chapel Hill. HUGE selection of really enticing dishes, all arrayed in a giant class case so you can see exactly what you're likely to be getting. Labneh, hummus, tabouli, the hot chicken dish they always have, orzo & apples dish, the oranges & dates, yum, yum! The pita is made in-house and is also wonderful. Even our kids--who when young were not the most adventurous eaters--have always enjoyed this restaurant, I think because they can see what they are getting. Service is quick, and there's lots of seating, including outdoors--a plus now that it's getting warm (we sat outside when there earlier this week). Prices are reasonable. Truly a gem!
(5)
Susan Z.
This place is fantastic. 1. On Fri, Sat, and Sun they have a lamb shank special for like $12 some dollars. But I've had them run out of it by Sunday. 2. Their lamb kabobs are amazing. 3. They are extremely flexible with substitutions. I hate rice and always sub it out for couscous, they are cool with it. 4. Lots of space & seating 5. Great value for generous portions. Only downside is that it's in Chapel Hill; I have to brave horrible parking and the horrible realization I'm getting older while surrounded by perky, attractive undergrads of both genders. Lemme tell you, that baklava goes straight to the gut fat. Oy vey!
(5)
Andrew K.
I like the Meditteranean Deli. It's lively, cheap, fast, and it's good food. The Mediterranean Deli is located on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, so there's almost always a crowd there of happy little UNC kids, professors, and townies. One of my favorite things about the Deli is that there is so much available to try fairly cheaply. You can spend $10 to have a hummus dish, a Spinach Fatayer, and a Lady Finger. They have a lot of their food on display, so you can see what it looks like before you order some dish that you've never heard of before. For my picky Vegetarian wife, this is a big deal, because she can see if it looks suitable for her or not prior to ordering. My favorite entree is the Fatayer. The Hummus is excellent. I don't like Babaganoush, but friends of mine who do assure me that the Mediterranean Deli has excellent quality. My picky vegetarian wife can always find food to eat there, without it costing us a fortune. Ambiance isn't the focus of this deli, it's crowded, bustling, and not always completely logical. This probalby isn't the place to go on a hot date. Rather, it's the place to bring your parents if they aren't very wordly to try some new foods. There isn't service to speak of. You order, pay, take a number, and they drop off the food. Pretty simple. I reccomend the deli for a cheap, casual dining experience. It's not the best food on Franklin Street, but it's decent, and it scratches an itch for some people.
(4)
Karman K.
Med Deli = mad deliciousness Their selection and flavorful dishes are to die for. I send any visitors looking for a great spot there. At work we cater a good 90% of our meals with them as it's always a big hit among college kids.
(5)
chelsea l.
I love Med Deli!! LOVE LOVE LOVE! Everything is delicious!
(5)
Ian W.
Great food, fast service, consistent, and won't break the bank! The pita is positively the best I've ever had, and I've tried it from the middle east, to downtown NYC. Every time I eat here I leave with one or two bags of pita under my arm.
(5)
Kristen J.
The Med Deli is always a great choice for lunch or a casual dinner. When we can't decide where to go or agree, this is sure to break the log jam. I like the HUGE selection of salads, different types of hummus, vegetarian choices, fresh baked, soft pita bread and fatayers. Some of my favorite salads are the hearts of palm, the curried cabbage, the Mediterranean chicken and the grilled chicken. I'm not a big baklava person (don't get me wrong, I love my sweets, but prefer my desserts to be chocolate), but a couple people in my family are crazy about it and like all of the different types to choose from.
(5)
Michael N.
We have eaten there before when we lived in Chapel Hill. Just recently went back. Had it brought to our hotel room via Tarheel Takeout. It was just as good as we had remembered. It's so nice to have a place that is consistent! My wife had the gyro platter and I the keftah kebob. The tabouleh, hummus, grape leaves and baba ganoush are all dreamy! The rice under the kebob had toasted almonds for a nice crunch /texture. You must have a meal here when you visit Chapel Hill!
(4)
Georgia O.
I love Greek and Mediterranean food but finding a good place to get it can be tough. I was excited to try Mediterranean Deli & Catering. As we walked in I was disappointed to see so many of the items pre-made and sitting behind the deli counter. So as we looked over the menu I was careful to select items that were made fresh. I could not resist the spanakopita and the Turkish burek even though these were reheated items. I wish I had not chosen them they were no where near as good as fresh versions I have had elsewhere. For my main course I selected the falafel and hummus. The pita bread was soft and warm and the falafel were crispy on the outside and soft and flavorful on the inside. The hummus had a perfect balance of seasoning and was just delicious. My husband ordered the chicken shawerma. The chicken was moist and flavorful and came wrapped in a thin pita with a refreshing tabouli. It was accompanied by a crisp fresh Greek salad. For dessert I ordered the tiramisu. The ladyfingers had soaked up just enough espresso and the cream was light and had just the right amount of sweetness. It was hands down the best tiramisu I have ever had. My husband ordered the chocolate halva which we have never tried before. It had a strange grainy texture and was more savory than sweet. Neither of us cared for it. We both ordered the Turkish coffee which is like a smoother less bitter version of espresso. It was perfection. Even though the deli case items are not that good and one of the desserts was a flop I still had to give this place five stars because if you stick with the items that are made fresh and finish the meal with the tiramisu and Turkish coffee it will be a five+ star meal.
(5)
n k.
Absolutely our favorite place in Chapel Hill and probably in the Triangle area for that matter. My wife and I both love Mediterranean food, and Med Deli is our go-to place for a guaranteed good meal. We first found this place several years ago during a trip to scope out the Triangle area, and we've gone here about once every 1-2 months since then. We usually go with the mixed grill platter, gyro, lamb shank (weekends), or the fatayers. The food here is for the most part our gold standard that we compare other Mediterranean places to. Things can get quite busy there at times, but it's always been worth the wait. My kid loves eating the pickles from the salad bar area and will eat heaps of them, I have no idea how he does it, since they're pretty sour. I took my parents here a few months ago, and each time they come to visit us now, they ask me to take them there for at least one meal during their stay.
(5)
Charlene G.
So, why only 3 for a venerable, well loved institution? Because of one critical element- the pita was terrible. Like gross, rawish, bland, and yucky awfulness. I would like to think I just got a bad piece- or perhaps a bad batch (because my husband's was the same), but the fact that even one batch in a med deli is this bad really warrants a 1 star. The rest of our food was great, pretty terrific even. Good and hearty- chicken schwerma, gyro, backlava, hummus, and a lovely almond dessert. They saved the day- and bumped up to 3 stars. I know I'm spoiled by the pita at Bosphorus, but I'm still boggled at how I was even served the piece I got.
(3)
Tara S.
I order the same thing every single time I come to Med Deli-because why mess with perfection? 1) The "grape leaves" sandwich is the best. Literally, of all the veggie options (and I've tried a bunch, including the shawarma, the veggie pita, falafel, pick your own stuff, and more) it is the perfect combination of all that is yummy at Med Deli. Sounds not-so-great, but trust me, it is. 2) The pomegranate grapefruit juice is super if you like "sour." Kind of overpriced, yes, but it's so delicious. 3) Get 1 billion condiments. You must. Labneh, olives, peppers, you name it. 1 billion. Put them all over pita. Pita should explode. Labneh should run everywhere. But it's SO awesome.
(4)
Kathryn E.
Whoa. This place is unreal. I had fairly high expectations of the food since Mediterranean is my FAVorite cuisine...but this meal blew me out of the water. I ordered the mixed grill platter which came with chicken souvlaki and gyro meat and 2 sides...the gyro meat was the most *amazing* that I have ever tasted, either here or abroad. Tender, Flavorful, Perfect. I could have eaten 2 pounds of it. Phenomenal. The hummus was delicious and predictable as expected and the eggplant saute was wicked delicious. Wait, did I mention they have a self-serve olive and condiment bar? Pile on the sauces, por favor. Neat! This was really amazing food. I don't out 5-stars too freely but this far exceeded my expectations. They have about 6 million other things that I want to try so I'll be back ASAP.
(5)
Meredith D.
I.love.Med.Deli. I only get the Baba Ghannoug pita, but I've seen the Grilled Chicken Greek Salad my brother always gets, and it looks to die for. I've tried a piece of my mom's Fatayer (kind of like a pita pizza), and that is super delish as well. But I cannot stray from my Baba Ghannoug. Sometimes you get your food wayyy (I'm talking 15 minutes once and 5 minutes another) before the rest of your party depending on what you all order. It can be a little awkward if you want to eat at the same time. I'd give this place five stars except the first time I ate here when I was an undergrad years ago at UNC, there was a staple in my food! They gave me some free baklava. Obviously, that did not stop be from coming...
(4)
Jerry H.
The Best Mediterranean I've ever had. It is incumbent on Hummus eaters to find Mediterranean Deli and throwdown on this Hummus. The Veggie Spread and the Falafel were amazing. The freshly baked organic Pita is worth coming here for alone. as mentioned the pickle and sauces bar is fantastic and unreal. I'm not kidding best Mediterranean I've ever had.
(5)
Sue J.
Mediterranean Deli is by far the best place to go for falafel, baba ghannouj, kebab, fattoush, tabouli and above all that, PITA! So fresh, so soft. I think I'm in love.
(5)
Omeed Z.
A truly authentic place. The food is great & usually doesn't take to long to receive your food. Would definitely recommend.
(5)
Mich S.
This is easily one of my favorite places to eat, on or off campus. While I can enjoy this on campus at the bottom of Lenoir, I prefer the experience of eating in the actual restaurant. That, and the little complimentary mini-bar of condiments. The pickles are amazing. I usually eat dinner at the restaurant on Franklin and it can prove to be difficult to find a place to sit, especially on a weekend, but it proves to be worthwhile because I love the ambiance of a bustling restaurant with the various smells of spices and lively chatter. The food is awesome. I looked at the menu only once and it was when I was a total novice at Med Deli, but I quickly realized looking at the assortment of trays near the counter were much more worthwhile in terms of helping me picking my selection of food. I usually go for the curry chicken with rice and split a salad with an accompanying friend. We usually eat off of one another's plate's as well and we -still- have leftovers. It's a great place if you want a lively atmosphere, relatively inexpensive, large-portions of food.
(5)
M B.
The food is amazing - phenomenal selection, fresh and balanced, and they saved my backside on catering. They came though like all-stars when another local deli let me know at 7 pm the night before a lunch meeting with 15 attendees that they couldn't fulfill my order. Mediterranean Deli is now my Chapell Hill go-to, no question.
(5)
Kyle L.
Plus:: Gyros are on point! This place is a legit Greek restaurant. Negatives:: The hummus was ok, I'm picky. It needed to be spicier, but the pita bread was good. I do agree w others, that it's a bit over-priced for what you get. They could at least include a side, even if it's a small portion.
(4)
Anish T.
This place is out of control delicious. Navigating it properly will lead you to a 4.5 star review (which is what this is) - navigating it poorly will lead you to a measly 3 stars. I have eaten here over 20 times, and have spent a GREAT amount of time and energy demystifying their menu. I have concluded that the kebab or gyro platter is by far the best, because they allow you to substitute the vegetarian side dishes that you may not want. For example, you can sub out rice for greek salad (which I do). However, it goes past that, as evidenced by my all-time favorite order: Shish Kebab Platter: -Fresh-baked pita bread -Greek salad (instead of rice) -Baba ghannoush (instead of hummus) -Grilled eggplant (vegetable) -Tatziki sauce (free) -Green chili sauce (free) -Red chili sauce (free) This is the right time to mention the fact that their pita bread is made in-house, and is absolutely delicious. It may also be the right time to point out that they have an island of fresh condiments, ranging from sauces to olives to banana peppers. This place is awesome; play it right and you will not be disappointed!
(4)
Nate A.
Not much left to say that hasn't already been said. So many of the dishes here are great, I can't imagine you wouldn't be able to find at least 2-3 that you like. The carrot walnut salad is amazing. Also,I think this is my baby's favorite restaurant. He gets so mad whenever I stop giving him tzatziki!
(5)
Bob B.
This was my first visit to this establishment and I went based on all the good reviews. I didn't like it. Everything on my plate tasted the same as everything else. You order at the counter and you are presented with your bill for payment, including tip! I don't like this approach and it was an automatic negative! Of course you are going to give a tip, right? Wrong! I wish I hadn't considering I did most of the waiting! You have to get your own drink, silverware, napkins and anything else you will need. I ordered a grilled chicken kabab with 2 sides. Total with tip and a drink, $16.50!! The chicken was dry and tasted just like the Jasmine Rice and the Hummus and the Potato Salad!! The waitress brought me the meal but that was it. She never came back to check on us or for anything at all for that matter. The kicker was you have to clear your own table when you are done!!! This place is for students and hippies with no taste buds. If you are a grown up and enjoy your meals, DON'T GO HERE! And for god sake, give yourself the tip!!! Terrible!
(1)
Arie S.
This may be may favorite casual place to eat in Chapel Hill. Good food, good prices, good vibe. I usually get a half lb of warm Lebanese grape leaves and chicken Mediterranean and it always hits the spot. I also love that they have an assortment of peppers and sauces you can try. After your meal you can never go wrong with some hot tea or Turkish coffee. Overall, great spot
(5)
Adam J.
Their lamb & beef gyro is EVERYTHING! YASSSSSSSSS! But seriously, I don't think you can go wrong with any entree. Everything looks delicious, the prices are good (especially for Franklin St), and my food never takes too long to come out. Eat here. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
J V.
One of my favorite places to grab a bite in chapel hill!! Great selection of meat and veg dishes, honestly haven't tried anything I didn't like! Reasonable prices, good for take out or for dining in with a casual atmosphere, fun decor, works well for groups or a solo meal.
(5)
Trudy L.
Three words: Moroccan Chicken Platter. The portions are huge. I usually split the platter with someone and we both end up stuffed. The couscous here is also excellent with a curry flavor and sweet raisins. Gyros are also yummy, as are their salads. The garlic paste at their condiments bar is mind-blowing. Put it on everything.
(5)
Carrie N.
One of the best greek salads I've ever had!! All the greens & veggies were fresh, the grilled chicken was tender & juicy, and the dressing was not overwhelming and oily! I'm not a bread fan, but they serve warm homemade pita bread with the salad. Definitely a good deal for the price! My boyfriend enjoyed his gyro as well. In addition to tasty food, they have outdoor seating, which creates the perfect dining out experience.
(5)
Dara L.
WOW! Loved this place! Parking can be an issue due to the college, but if you try to go on an off time it makes it easier. The deli case is full of beautiful vibrantly colored food which all looks very fresh. There were so many choices and since we were first timers we played it safe and ordered chicken souvlaki . They have a toppings bar with wonderful olives and sauces on it. I can't wait to try some more items next time. Every plate we saw pass by our table looked absolutely delicious. I doubt you can go wrong with anything on their menu.
(5)
Rachael N.
Hmmm. 3.5 stars. Relatively good Mediterranean food. Tried this place on my most recent trip to Chapel Hill. It was pretty good. Don't get me wrong- there's lots of choices and it has pretty authentic choices of selection.. I tried the grape leaves (meh, they were ok), the hummus, and the chicken kebobs. The chicken was a tad dry, and the rest were okay. The desserts were good though. The baklava, the egg roll looking thing were excellent. I tried the chocolate halva....ummmm....not my thing. haha. But with some of their turkish coffee, it's worth it. The line is rather long, but if you have a craving for mediterranean food, try it out.....
(3)
Mike O.
Wow, people seem to love this place, but it isn't knocking my socks off. Perhaps I need to go more often and try more things. I had the grilled veggie pita. The bread was truly delicious, but everything else about the meal was just fine, nothing spectacular.
(3)
Robert K.
On a scale of one to five stars, I give this place 50. This is simply one of the greatest restaurants I have ever been to in my life- and probably the best place I have ever been to in North Carolina, where I have lived for several years now. I was fortunate enough to have some friends tell me about this place on a trip home from Raleigh. I was completely unprepared for the amazing experience that would follow. It is a fairly unassuming place from the outside, with a very unassuming name. But when I walked in and saw the amazing display case, with so many incredible looking items, I saw that I was in chow hound heaven. Everything looked fresh and inviting and delicious. I could have easily blown my entire paycheck on this place, which would have been a problem but at least I would have eaten extremely well for two weeks. I had a chicken souvlaki platter, and it was served with pita, a small salad and some hummus. I also had a grilled tomato on the side. And they have a complimentary 'fixins' bar if you will, with olives, peppers, marinated veggies, sauces and condiments. Magnificent. Everything I had for lunch was incredibly delicious. You can get what I had at any greek diner, but it won't be as good. This was the best I've ever had. Remarkably fresh, perfectly cooked and seasoned. I could have eaten a gallon of the hummus :) It was fantastic. You must eat here if you are in Chapel Hill. Bring your appetite and if possible, bring plenty of money. You're welcome.
(5)
Julia T.
Love this place!!! Have to go every time I'm back in chapel hill. Had the sampler plate with kalamata olive hummus, baba ganoush, hearts of palm salad, and Mediterranean chicken salad! The pita is so warm and soft and the olive bar is clutch! Great tzatziki!!!
(5)
Elizabeth F.
I was blown away by the selection of freshly prepared foods in the case. I could hardly make up my mind because it all looked delicious. I finally settled on the Moroccan Chicken platter. It was beautifully prepared and tasty. I look forward to going back soon!
(5)
Kyle P.
I was very excited to try this place, as I love Mediterranean food. With the Yelp hype and fairly crowded dining area, I figured I was in for a treat. The service is deli style, you order at the counter and they bring it out to you. There's a lot of dining area including outside seating, which is always nice. Stickin' to the basics, I ordered some hummus and a lamb/beef gyro. Our food arrived lightning fast. Suddenly, disappointment! The hummus was bland and forgettable. The tzatziki sauce had absolutely no flavor as well, which in turn made for a bad gyro. The rest of the food was just average. Not sure if I came on an off day or if Chapel Hill has collective taste amnesia, either way, it seems like just another mediocre Mediterranean deli to me.
(2)
Katie E.
This place is awesome... I'm just upset it took me so long to walk through the door! I tried the hummus, falafel, baba ganoush (know I'm spelling that wrong) and israeli couscous. The cost is very reasonable for what you get... it really is delicious.
(5)
Anna W.
This food was great! I've been a student for going on 4 years at UNC and had yet to make it to Med Deli until last night. It was just as good as everyone has been saying all these years. I had a chicken kabob, rice, goat cheese bruschetta, some kinda of orange salad, pita bread, and sweet tea. The waitress had recommended the food I ending up ordering, and she did not steer me wrong; it was absolutely delicious. There was more than enough food. I left stuffed and had entire box of food to take home for lunch today. My only complaint was that the sweet tea was far from sweet.
(4)
Michael R.
Not only is the food great, but it's a wonderful place to get some Turkish or Greek coffee. I recommend the lamb fatayer.
(5)
Steve B.
This is my favorite place to eat in Chapel Hill, it's complicated. They have menu's; I feel it's cheating to use them. What you have to do is check out all the food and order individual items by the pound. It's difficult to remember all the names and turn them into quantities that are appropriate for 2 or 3 people. Always buy a bag of the fresh pita bread and half a pound of one of several hummus. Then, sardines, moussaka, eggplant stew (great), stuffed grape leaves, lentils, cauliflower - it's all good! You order at the counter, take a number and wait for it. Nothing fancy, just good. Finally, if you have room choose a dessert. I think it's the halva that I like.
(5)
Groovy S.
I love Med Deli! Their food is fresh, flavorful and in abundance. I have never had a bad dish and I swear that there are so many options that even the pickiest eater will find something they like.
(4)
The S.
Delicious and reasonably-priced, authentic-tasting Mediterranean food. We are planning to return tomorrow...
(4)
Erin W.
While out shopping for 80's prom (GO Time After Time!) when Susan Z. suggested we go for dinner at Mediterranean Deli. I'm a fan of all things falafel so in we went! I'm glad Susan ran back towards the registers and grabbed a menu because otherwise I would have just gawked at the fresh food cases till closing time! We decided to each get lamb/onion stuffed savory pastries and split the 4-item sampler. Everything we got was a hit. The tabbouleh is packed with parsley and really flavorful, the cucumber salad was refreshing and the pastries were hot and meaty! My favorite item though, was the orzo salad. OMG, y'all! It was sweet with white grapes, yellow curry, almonds and bits of apple. I could've eaten a whole bucket! I've been back with my boyfriend and had another great experience. So, if you're milling around Franklin with an empty tummy and are down for some cheap exotic deliciousness, just head over to Mediterranean Deli. They got it covered.
(5)
Ashley S.
I love Mediterranean food so I was very excited to try this place. I ordered a lamb gyro and hummus. The pita bread was bland, dry and tasted like cardboard, and the tzatziki sauce was very watered down. The hummus was ok, but nothing special. The only thing I really liked was the rosewater sweet tea. I also liked how they had a condiments bar stocked with olives, sauces, etc. I don't think that's enough to make me come back though.
(2)
Lauralee M.
One of the best places to eat in CH! Price is reasonable. Love how all of the food is displayed so you can choose what you want. Never been disappointed in all of the MANY times I've been here. This is my first review on Yelp and I wanted to give my inaugural one to The Mediterranean Deli - 5 stars well earned!
(5)
Cyrus T.
Wow! An enormous selection of tasty Mediterranean deli items and a great menu with a variety of hot dishes and salads. And the place is huge. For an appatizer, I got 1/4 pound each of 4 different things (jasmine chicken salad, sundried tomato hummus, labneh, and dolmeh) with bread. For an entree I ate lamb kabob with rice and salad. Rosewater sweet tea was terrific. Altogether a great experience. I hadn't been here in 5+ years and was stunned to see what they have done to the place. Very spacious now and a great place to bring a group.
(5)
Samathryn C.
We haven't had a dish we didn't like. Excellent hummus, love the chicken kebab platter and the fatayer. Hubs always orders the vegetarian platter and chooses from the many amazing salads in the deli case. Fresh baked pita, rosewater sweet tea, various baklava, awesome condiment bar with pickles and olives and tasty sauces. All around delicious! This is probably our favorite spot for casual dining in the Triangle area!
(5)
Kristen T.
Soooo good. No matter what I have tried its all been yummy!!
(5)
Susan P.
Fantastic food, freshly made bread, superb selection of vegetarian options. Everything is excellent- the fatayers, the baba ghannouj, the different types of hummos. And the best tabbouleh anywhere. Their prices are very fair. Friendly and fast service too. Wonderful all around,
(5)
Charles D.
I've eaten Med Deli's fare from the UNC student store nearly three times a week for three years, but somehow never bothered to stop by their actual restaurant. Needless to say, the fresh falafel was significantly better than the sandwiches I get from the cooler on campus. The wait was significant, but definitely worth it. Very reasonably priced, excellent food, absolutely no complaints--the free olives and feta cheese are nice as well.
(4)
Kun P.
I don't know if people have been following the current trend in the fate of Franklin St. restaurants as of late, but they have all been going out of business. There's a reason why Med-Deli is still alive. They make fantastic food, and they cater to the masses/events around Chapel Hill. I'm definitely not a fan of their catered fare/outsources plates to be found at local cafes/cafeterias, but it's truly one of my favorite, fail-proof, bang-for the-buck joints on Franklin. Ok, if I had to nitpick, I'm not a fan of their disposal system. It's got hummus streaked on the plastic disposal, and flies are always hanging out and about during the warmer days. But their lackluster attention towards disposal can find a blind eye, especially focusing on the fresh bar consisting of olives, pepperocini, hot sauce, etc. I love their foul madamas, hearts of palm salad, and artichoke salad. Pretty much anything off of their a-la-carte list is fair game, and have yet to disappoint. My usual fare consists of the spicy chicken wrap (excellent value for money, plus you don't have to necessarily get the two sides that are offered with the meal; you can choose your own), or any of their kebab platters are delightful as well. They have increased their prices recently, but who hasn't? I'd go here over Baba Ghannouj, anyday. As for picking up their pre-fixed items dispersed throughout campus....well, why don't you take the initiative and take a visit to the mainframe.
(4)
Kianna M.
Med deli has some amazing items to choose from (just a short list): Falafels Chicken and Beef Shwirma Lamb and Beef gyro Salad with feta & tomatoes Chicken salad Carrot salad Hummus Baklava and Turkish Delights I love a lamb and beef gyro with the yogurt sauce on the side and baklava for dessert. You can have more sauces and olives at the condiments station. I also like to get a little ramican of olives too. Some people hate olives-- at least one of my friend's does anyway-- that's ok more for the rest of us olive loving peeps. It's a pretty large space with outdoor seating just there on the sidewalk to eat and check out the passersby. It's pretty much right in the center of the Franklin Street hustle.
(5)
Sandy P.
I want to make a comment on Mediterranean Deli's "Pita Bread" .... They have a pita oven out front... the pita bread is made fresh daily.. If I want Pita Bread, I drop by the Mediterranean Deli and pick it up fresh... It is delicious and fresh, why buy pita bread in the grocery stores that have been sitting on the shelf ????? Mmmm Good !!!
(5)
Chris T.
Med Deli is completely underrated -- it's one of the best restaurants in the Triangle, and also one of the cheapest. I'm partial to the chicken souvlaki, but honestly most everything on the menu is great. I frequently just go in and order pitas and hummus with friends -- their hummus with some nammora (best dessert ever) is a meal unto itself. Turn off your computer and go get lunch! You won't regret it.
(5)
jennifer s.
I've been going to the Med Deli since I was in college and it's always good. Recently, I stopped in to buy a jar of tahini and picked up some hummus to go. It's always hard to order just a few things from the deli case because it's all so delicious. Plus, I love all the free olives and condiments.
(4)
M.J. S.
One of the many pleasures of living in CH. They are masters are seasoning everything authentically -- hummos, baba, tabouli, kebabs, even the rice. What a great value and a city atmosphere. Beer and wine are available and perfect with the food here. Franchise this place in college towns all over the country. Nah, just keep on doing what you're doing in CH.
(5)
Ann D.
I didn't have a single bad meal for the entire 2 days I was in Chapel Hill, and this place definitely stood out. At dinnertime on a Friday it was packed with students, and with good reason. They have a HUGE selection, and everything looked wonderful. I wound up with a very flavorful falafel eggplant pita, enhanced by extra tahini and various spicy sauces from the condiment bar (which also kept us going back again and again for more yummy kalamata olives and feta). The fatayers and zaatar bread that my dining companions ordered looked quite delicious as well (and are big enough that you can take half home for another meal or snack); if I'm in the area again I'll definitely try the veggie fatayer and maybe pick up some other dishes to go. One of the people I was there with had lived in the Middle East for several years, and comes here for products that she can't get anywhere else in the area. The pastry selection is excellent as well; I tried the plain nammora and it was a lovely coconut-honey treat for those who get tired of ordering baklava at every Mediterranean place ever. Would definitely come here again, because I want to try everything.
(5)
Michael P.
Best gyro in Chapel Hill. Their tzatziki sauce is mad good, and one of their gyros for lunch guarantees a satisfying meal. Great any time of day.
(5)
Dennis S.
Yes the ordering system blows. Yes, people tend to linger long past their meals and don't seem to care much about others, but that's not the Med Deli's fault. Most other inexpensive places in CH are populated with the same self-absorbed university employee crowd (have you tried to get a table in buns during lunch!?!). The food, however, is good for the very low price point(s). Their is a case full of salads and cooked dishes that present the opportunity to sample mid- Mediterranean dishes. There is one caveat, however. Although most dishes are prepared fresh daily, some 'age' better than others. Choose your dishes wisely toward the end of the day. For those that don' t want to experiment, their are a few stand-outs that are consistently good. Trust me, I'd eaten there at least a couple of dozen times before I made this observation. The fatayers are VERY good. Try the spinach, great veg and sesame flavors in a crisply baked package. I happen to like gyros, and find theirs to be more than adequate. If just interested in some meat, pita, and hummus, you can just order that. You may want to add another piece of pita for a whopping 65 cents. Get some tsadziki and other sauces from the condiments bar and you're set for less than $9. They've just added a new hummus as of this writing, flavored with hot peppers and tomato that I thought was far better than their plain hummus. I wonder if I can get that on my next gyro dish.. The pita is baked on premises and as good as it gets, take some home after your meal. The desserts are good, but nothing remarkable. I may have only given them 3 stars, but in context with how inexpensive, I think they're a great place to eat.
(3)
Lenka B.
Yum, yum, and more yum. This place never lets me down. I always leave with more for later and completely satisfied.
(5)
Jessica G.
Med Deli is great. I'm a vegetarian, and there are tons of options for me. They have a menu of gyros and such, but they also have a huge deli case full of salads, hummus, etc. I usually choose from the deli case. There is also a small buffet of free toppings in the middle of the store, which has tzatziki, olives, feta, and more. Highlights: Hearts of Palm Salad, Kalamata Hummus, Walnut Baklava, Cheese Tortellini salad, and Tzatziki.
(5)
Debra S.
I usually like this place, however on my visit tonight I ordered a baba /tabbouleh sandwich (it's on the menu). The bread, usually delicious, was a soggy mess. Seriously? The kitchen staff cannot figure out that you drain the tabbouleh before putting it on the pita? What a disappointment, and not what I expected of this establishment.
(2)
Adrienne E.
I cannot believe I've overlooked the review thread for Mediterranean Deli for so long. This place is less expensive, more casual, and infinitely better than most of the other Greek/Middle Eastern restaurants in the Triangle. My favorites are the chicken souvlaki and the baba ghannouj pita, but really everything on the menu is fantastic. The dining area is a little uninspired and it can be rather messy when the place is busy, but the take-out orders are prepared very quickly so I always get my food to go. The staff can be a little brusque at times, but they're extremely efficient. The prices are beyond reasonable - I'd probably be willing to pay much more for food this yummy.
(4)
Ben R.
Delicious, casual and great value.
(5)
Teresa P.
Excellent food, good size portions, and a very generous owner. I honestly cannot name another business in the area who contributes as much as Med Deli to both local and global causes.
(5)
tegen d.
Good, affordable, authentic food. Have eaten here dozens of times, and have always been happy, sometimes more. The weekend lamb special is wonderful. They could work harder at basic tidiness in the restaurant, but otherwise this is one of Chapel Hill's better dinner stops.
(4)
Lina B.
Quite possibly my favorite place in the area for baba gannnoush. It's spectacular. They have two types of pita. One is sorta plain and unappetizing, the other is amazing when warmed up a bit in the oven (it's the round, non-pockety-kind). I also like their falafel. And they have such unique salads -- stuff I haven't seen in other mid-eastern places. Okra salad is delicious, so is eggplant stew. They also have havlah and baklava. And even sweet tea to cater to the NC crowd. Very affordable, and they just renovated the whole place so it's' great inside. Friendly service!
(5)
Roll T.
I wish they had Mediterranean like this in Washington, DC. I ordered quite a few items here, and I found most of them spectacular. The gyro was among the best I have had in the nation; the actual meat, in my experience, sets a high bar for competitors. Another culinary sensation was the sauteed eggplant which wasn't too stringy and had a nice soft finish without breaking the texture of the vegetable. The hummus (scallion version) was better than average. I would pass on the spanakopita. I also highly recommend their sauces (we liked their tahini, red pepper sauce, and jalapeno sauce). The complimentary kalamata olives and feta cheese was also a nice touch. Food was super cheap (we fed 5 people for less than $45). I would also suggest sitting outside and people watching while you are here. Very nice spot on Franklin Street. Highly recommended.
(5)
Chris and Tami T.
wait. i need a moment. i love this place. is that a help-your-self-to-a-variety-of-sauces(even some labnah!?!?!)-and-a-few-thoughtful-choices-of-Âolives-and-oiled-parsley-bar? stop. shut up. hold on. that display behind the glass...shut. your. stupid. face, world. i feel like i'm watching pornoshows. this food is hubba hubba and posing all sexy at me like it's winking. i want every last piece of food in this gorgeous display case put in my mouth. stuffed cabbage YES 2 different types of dolmas YES fluffy tabbouleh YES farro YES o my god pinch me is that keftedes?!? give me all your kibbe, all your roasted eggplant, feed me the lamb, feed me your lamb, i am your lamb. whatever i don't care who heard me. whatever i don't care what my hair looks like.
(5)
Charlotte V.
I've developed a thing for mediterranean food over the years, having a good friend who is lebanese and always has delicious authentic home-made food has probably aided in that. I went here while visiting a friend at school and enjoyed my experience. True to a good deli, the restraunt has lots of seating and a very happening atmosphere, but was totally a place that we could sit and talk and enjoy the scenery. Both of us got the 4 item plate, with different items from the counter. Overall this was 8.50 each, and too much food, I would recommend the 2 or 3 item plates (6.50 and 7.50) unless you are very hungry or want leftovers. The pita is some of the best I've had, and all of my items- baba ganoush, hummus, greek grape leaves, and then the sweet potato salad were delicious and heavenly. The servers were very helpful and friendly. I will definitely return if I happen to find myself in Chapel Hill again. Really good food for a decent price in a quality setting? All here.
(5)
sandy c.
We wandered in here on a sunday because 'Sandwich' was closed and we are glad that we did. The food here is really good and is affordable too. I had the gyro plate which was really good and a big portion. My husband had the chicken sharma and I thought that the grill flavor of the chicken was great but my husband thought that my gyro plate was better. The pastichio baklava was really good, with the right amount of sweetness and nice texture.
(5)
Ovidiu C.
The food is excelent and cheap.
(5)
Brenda K.
I've been here twice and each time it gets better. The first time I didn't know what to expect, but when I saw the condiments bar I knew I was in for a good time. We started out with a falafel sandwich, which was ok, but the falafel was not spiced enough, and fell apart as I was eating it. However, the pita was really fresh (they bake it there!) and after I added some tahini sauce, olives and feta cheese from the condiments bar, I was in foodie heaven. Frankly, the falefel is better at the Neomonde Bakery. OK, so the falefel is the reason I didn't give it 5 stars. The second time I went with my Dad and my son, and we ordered the chicken shawarma sandwiches. I think this is their specialty, because it was so tasty. My Dad ordered something that looked like a mediterranean burrito (forgive me, I lived in California too long!) with ground lamb which he loved. All in all, a wonderful dining experience.
(4)
Brian O.
The setup in this restaurant is a little odd, it's not quite clear where to order your food at. But once you get past their setup you move onto the food which is the important part. I really enjoyed the plate I got, chicken with hummus and baba ghanoush. I thought their pita was great and I really enjoyed having a self-serve olive bar. Although i didn't try their prepared salads they have a very large collection and they looked good.
(4)
Ben B.
I really like this place. Their food is great and they have a big selections of sides available in their glass case. The only reason this place isn't 5 stars is because picking up your order can be a hectic and confusing process, especially when their busy. But all in all, delightful.
(4)
Dwight S.
Agree with Kevin A - their ordering system is almost comically ridiculous sometimes.The food remains overwhelmingly mediocre, and what's decent is still a poor semblance of it's authentic counterpart. Improper seasoning (either far too much or too little) ruins many of their offerings.
(2)
Henry S.
A little far down West Franklin, Mediterranean Deli is a hidden gem on Franklin St. The hummus and filaffel here are great, and they have some of the best gyros I've ever had. The service here is great, and the take out is always done in 10 minutes or less. The inside is nothing special, it's set up like a local deli might be, with tables and chairs. One tip for anyone who is in the UNC Business School, Mediterranean Deli delivers a selection of their most popular menu items down to the cafe every single day.
(4)
Leah P.
Great place to go for a cheap(er) meal. Yes, the makeshift marketplace with dust-covered tahini sauce jars is a little weird, so we just order our meals or grab some goodies to take home from the deli. This is the place to go for gyros, hummus, falafel and kebobs. Oh and the baklava is SOOOO yummers.
(4)
Nehal A.
The best Mediterranean deli in the Triangle Area.
(5)
Sarah M.
Possibly one of the best restaurants in Chapel Hill. Consistently delicious and authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food. I've never had a bad meal there, and I go there...often. Their baba ghannoush is amazing. And their orange blossom/rosewater iced tea is seriously among the best things I've ever had in my life. I've considered taking a pitcher with me. AND they deliver!
(5)
Lily P.
YUM! its like a mix of amer's (in ann arbor) but a lot better! different hummus, tabouli, salads, olive bar, pita, and desserts. The prices aren't bad with 4 samples for $8.50. The drinks were standard fountain drinks and tons of different sweet teas. There is gyro combos and such. You make the order and then wait for your number to be called. The line wasn't very long and there was tons of cafeteria style seating. Situated in the middle of UNC main road you can escape the heat and parallel park near by. This is a place I def will be going back to and try!!
(5)
Tori H.
Really good. The meat seems to be of good quality. The sides are delicious. The staff seem friendly and they are quick. There's plenty of seating. It gets very crowded, but it's worth the wait.
(4)
Monica M.
The second I saw the words "Mediterranean Deli," I had to go in and try the blamb. That is, gyro. See, I've had a long standing love affair with the blamb gyro. Its not as gamey as straight up lamb, and not as boring as spiced up beef. Its delicious! However, there are a few places who manage to screw it up, so I tend to use this as my benchmark for the Mediterranean places I try out. The meat was done very well, the tzaziki sauce was straight up delightful, and the pita bread... ohhh the pita bread. They really have a good thing going with that pita bread made from scratch in the store, much like how Mexican restaurants with the lady making tortillas in the back always has the best ones. It was really well done! My parents both ordered the chicken salad trio - and I thoroughly enjoyed theirs as well! I got to taste all of the different dishes, and will definitely be ordering that the next time I go in. Yum.
(4)
Lawrence S.
It's a good place for me to take my kids. We all walk away feeling satisfied with the service and the quality of the food. This is the best spot in Orange County for Mediterranean food. Not a date night spot for wifey and I, but a great choice when we are out and about with the kids.
(4)
Samantha E.
Tied as my favorite restaurant in Chapel HIll. It has been great watching it grow and evolve since my first year at Chapel Hill when it was still a tiny little place. They have really become an institution and everything they make is absolutely perfect. Gyros and lam bi ajeen are my favorite but anything on the menu is guaranteed to be great.
(5)
Tom C.
Recently hired Med Deli to cater our wedding. Not only was the food fabulous and very affordable, but the service was absolutely five-star. Our guests raved about the food and the staff, and now I'm doing the same. Unqualifiedly recommended for any event you're planning.
(5)
Lorenzo G.
The food here is out of this world i was told about this place from a coworker me and my girlfriend was very impressed. This place is a MUST try if you have a chance the food is fresh and it's by far the best Mediterranean food I've had between Raleigh-Durham and Chapel Hill. I recommend the grilled chicken, sauteed cauliflower, quinoa and the tabbouleh very fresh.
(5)
Kate H.
I am no longer a Fatayer virgin. Walking down Franklin street on a Saturday afternoon, you really cannot miss all the people surrounding the Mediterranean Deli. I was a bit hesitant when we first walked in-the place was not just packed but also rather chaotic. I was afraid we'd wait forever and be rewarded with sub-par food. Alas, it was quite the opposite! While we briefly waited for our food, we were able to pick from a variety of ice teas and then hit up the condiment buffet and stock up on olives and pickles for the meal. Now, back to my losing my Fatayer virginity. I pretty much had no idea what I was ordering but was excited with the description of veggies, fresh cheese and homemade dough using local flour. I really wasn't prepared for the delicious dough that encased a pluthera of veggies, feta and mozzerella. I was shocked at how large the portion was and enjoyed every bite! In all seriousness, if I lived in Chapel Hill I would probably visit this place often. And, I'd probably get the Fatayer again and again!
(5)
John L.
According to Kevin A's logic, I am a moron... well, I am in grad school, so I'm not too sure what that says about me (Oh wait, I do: youtube.com/watch?v=XViC… ). What I do know is that Med Deli's food and catering is outstanding. I was in here last week and got the chicken souvlaki platter, complete with hummus, tabouli, and pita bread. I ordered, and I waited a little bit. The sound system they have isn't perfect (though it is very clear outside). It's all a matter of checking the slips. If they match up with your #, it's your food. Now, onto the food: the souvlaki was spiced well and delicious, and the hummus, tabouli, and pita were all very good. I think I may have received a little too much hummus and tabouli for how much pita I got, but I assume that I would complain more if I didn't receive enough. Seating was quick and easy, even at lunch time (we found seats relatively quickly, and in the middle of the restaurant, too). Their catering is also excellent, and the food travels well from the restaurant to wherever it needs to go. Overall, I'm impressed. I may not be the brightest bulb, but I like their food. :)
(5)
Victoria H.
Food is fresh. Jasmine chicken salad is always a fav. The seasonal fruits and vegs are used beautifully. Try the beets, both in the case and on the pickle bar. It's a bit busy and quite noisy but a great way to experience chapel hill.
(4)
Melissa A.
As a lover of sauce, they had my heart the second I strolled by the condiment bar. They after I tasted their hummus, I was dazzled. Between my bf and I we had a way more food than the two of us could handle, with a gyro, chicken schwarma, and 1/2 lbs of sundried tomato hummus. I was full in the happiest way possible. One annoying thing (likely b/c we were incredibly hungover) was the beeping the occurred every time a new customer walked through the door.
(4)
Michelle K.
this is my public vow that I will continue to go to mediterranean deli until I've tried everything behind their glass. purple, green, orange, red food galore! this is going to take a very long time. but i'm up to this delicious challenge!
(5)
Jasi B.
I'm ready to chose my grad school off of this experience. I went to visit UNC and my first night there they took me out to Medi Deli. It looks quite unassuming and I wasn't expecting much. I don't even remember what I had. I was given free reign to order whatever I want and the tab was on the school. So I just ordered a whole lot of everything. I have no witty words or creative expressions to describe food that was just plain good. Like I've been dreaming about it for the past three months. Like ahhh I need to find something like this in NYC (without having to travel to Queens) and be just as good, FRESH and cheap. I bodied all the goodness that was on my plate. Overstuffed my face and then some. And I didn't feel all that much like an oompa loompa after. It's not heavy food, it's the food of the gods.
(4)
Joe G.
We had an interesting experience in finding Med Deli while visiting d.t. Chapel Hill. The number of selections were overwhelming to someone unaccustomed to choices in our small town back in Calif. Colorful displays of bewildering arrangements, all seemingly freshly prepared and tantalizing. Okay, I'm glad I did not physically drool on anything or anyone- we were both rather hungry by then. Imagine my relief. We had good meals- not spectacular, as another reviewer had also observed, but very good. The ambiance was lively and animated, even though the restaurant was less than half capacity during the visit. Service was within 10 minutes for my order, and 15 or so for the baked dish my gf ordered. Nothing out fo the ordinary in the preparation there, either, but perhaps my expectations were set on WAY high, after my brother had talked the place up. SPOILER ALERT The reason for taking off two stars is that, while cleaning up in the restroom, my gf observed one of the cooks bee-line from the toilet to the door without so much as a wink to the sink. My gf didn't mention it 'til later so as to not spoil my lunch, but hey, this is a big deal, isn't it? I don't expect perfection, but at least a modicum of hygiene if you're going to touch something going into my mouth. The unnamed female employee was one of the cooks in the back. Not going back; there are far too many other good candidates for my money!
(3)
Charlie T.
Great value (and accordingly crowded). Some of the best mediterranean in the area. The tables out front are very nice in the Spring and Fall. I like the Mixed Grill. My wife usually gets the salad combination. Very good baba ghannouj and hummus. The kibbe is also very nice.
(4)
Andrea C.
such a nice place ! they have really good food from all the mediterranean countries. their tiramisu is probably the best dessert they make. it can take some time to be served and the place is very noisy when crowded sometimes. it's also quite pricy, to be honest, but it's definitely worth it. the potato salad is really good, the stuffed tomatoes too, it's very unlikely to be disappointed when you go there !
(4)
Jeff H.
Huge selection, reasonably priced, and delicious. Their hummus is fresh, great veggies. All around a wonderful experience.
(4)
Tori T.
Growing up half Arab-American in the ethnically and culturally diverse neighborhoods of Washington, DC, I was surrounded by incredible Middle Eastern food. Ever since, I have sought tirelessly a decent alternative in cities across the United States. Everyone... I have found it! Med Deli is my go-to spot on Franklin for three reasons: 1. The food is absolutely, unequivocally, indubitably incredible 2. The portions are huge and the prices are low. Med Deli's price-to-happiness ratio is fantastic. 3. Despite its location on Franklin, it's totally unpretentious. You won't feel at all out-of-place in sweatpants. On the other hand, though, you probably won't feel at all out-of-place when dressed to the nines. It's just that kind of place. Last time I was in, I had the chicken kebab platter with lentil rice and the Israeli cous-cous salad. All parts of the meal were executed perfectly. Bravo, Med Deli!
(5)
Erik R.
Let's get one thing clear: Mediterranean Deli is decent, but not amazing Mediterranean food. I find it odd that so many people rave about their food when it is simply average. While the restaurant has a wide variety and a great selection, as far as options go, most of the food is rather bland for Mediterranean food. It is not as savory, spicy, or complex as real Mediterranean food. In particular, the lamb and beef and chicken gyros are okay. The pitas the meat are wrapped in are delicious and homemade, but the seasonings for the meat and sauces are seriously lacking. It tastes like eating day old meatloaf. There simply isn't enough flavor. Additionally, their service is nothing to write home about. At lunch they are incredibly packed and busy, which would seem good, except that it means that they are slow with getting your food to your table. It also means that they are rude at the counter and as they move through the floor to deliver food. When I was there on Friday with two friends, they took 15 minutes to deliver my Gyro platter, which consists of fresh pita triangles, avout five strips of lamb/beef, some vegetables, some hummus, and taboli (in other words, items mostly prepared already). It was cold and, again, only decent. During the rest of my lunch there, they moved wildly around our table, once even pushing my chair from behind, when there clearly wasn't walking room to do so, just to avoid walking around one of the columns on the floor. The server didn't even apologize. If you have a Mediterranean food craving, it will fix it; however, you would do well finding a place with better service and more flavorful dishes.
(2)
Annie M.
YUM!!!! seriously amazing, fresh food. I never get sick of it. I'm going tonight and have been looking forward to it since I woke up this morning:)
(5)
V M.
The chicken pita salad was amazing! Comes with a side of fruit which is very fresh. Yum!
(5)
Mary Beth W.
This place was confusing upon entering as I didn't see any listings of sandwiches they make, but my local sister set me straight by handing me a menu. I went with her recommendation of the chicken gyro platter with sides of tabbouleh and hummus. It was DELICIOUS!! It was not a traditional gyro all wrapped up in paper, it was laid out on a plate like fajitas would be and the pita bread was quartered. lMy 2 year old niece took half my pita bread as she loved dipping it into the creamy sauce but we went back inside and bought a whole pack of the soft, delicious pita bread. We were visiting colleges and I hope my daughter decides to attend UNC so I can come back to try all their salads as everything tasted great! Nice place to sit outside and watch the world go by as well! Excellent bookstore a few doors down with gently used books too so you can have a book to read while eating!
(5)
Jennie R.
I LOVE this place. The food is always fantastic and the prices are too. I've had a variety of the sandwiches and have tried almost all of the deli case choices and nothing has disappointed me. Definitely get anything with the pita bread. Try a chicken souvlaki sandwich, gyro, any of the pasta salads and baklava for dessert. I love the free condiment bar also! When I lived in Chapel Hill I went here so often that the cooks recognized me - they're all so friendly!
(5)
Jesse P.
Great establishment and I enjoy going every time, the constant line is always a good indicator of the great business and fan base that Med Delis has acquired. Such a broad variety of food, cant go wrong with some pitas and med. Grilled chicken salad, the Morraccon chicken dish is always solid. If you're into spices, make sure to get the red chili sauce they have, and compliment it with the cilantro sauce.
(5)
David W.
Came here during a weeknight and if you're looking for this type of food, you probably won't find better in Chapel Hill. It's a pretty simple place, you walk up to the counter, place your order, and then they call you when it's ready. We got the vegetable entree which lets you choose 4 different vegetable sides out of their deli case for about $10, which was a pretty good value when you see the size of the portions they end up giving you. I also got the Lamb Shank, and this was very good. The lamb was really soft and fell of the bone effortlessly, definitely worth it at only about $12. Once again, these dishes are a pretty good size considering what you pay, so it's very easy to come here and get stuffed for only $10-$15.
(5)
Iris C.
This place is delish! I love the great selection of Mediterranean food. The combo platters are genius. i love getting to choose from all of the freshly prepared foods and then top it off with the free olive, peppers, and pickles. This is for sure a staple for me when I'm visiting Chapel Hill.
(4)
Stacy T.
This place is kind of like a fast-food joint for Mediterranean food. You can pick up some menus by a pillar on top of a machine (its towards the back of the house), then order at one of the cashiers. You pick up a number and then you pick a seat in their quite size-able dining area. I shared a simple falafel and hummus sandwich with my beau. The ingredients are fresh and they do not skimp on the portions. It was a perfect meal for two. The tomatos were ripe and firm and the lettuce was crisp. Hummus was seasoned perfectly and the falafels weren't overly greasy or hard (crunchy). Pita was soft and wrapped up the combo nicely. For $5.99 - great deal! We also tried the pomegranate and grapefruit drink. It took a very long time for this to be made - we finished our meal before it came out. However, it is legit - real pomegranate and grapefruit juice, but it will cost you $2.99 and you don't get quite that much, maybe about 10 ounces. Yea, I would come back. =)
(4)
Zach C.
The food is fantastic: delicious, fast, and fairly priced. One shortcoming: recently, it seems like every glass I've gotten has been a little dirty. I love to experiment with mixing the many different foods, but you can't go wrong with the Moroccan chicken.
(4)
Leela S.
Fortunately the owners of Mediterranean Deli are a good deal more exciting and innovative in the kitchen than they are when it comes to naming restaurants. When we dropped in for lunch today, my biggest challenge was figuring out what to order from the vast menu. I eventually settled for the roasted veggie pita while Joel had a souvlaki platter. I am Scottish, therefore thrifty by nature, so this joint's complimentary olive, pickle and tzatziki bar was right up my alley. The tzatziki in particular was delicious. My pita was also very good, with perfectly roasted squash, onions and eggplant piled on a fluffy pita bread with feta crumbled over it. It may not sound special but it was very well done. Joel also enjoyed his plate, which included a pretty healthy serving of their hummus. By the end of the meal I'd already talked myself into buying some of some vine leaves and other goodies home to try at home tomorrow. Hopefully they'll live up to or even exceed the standard set by this restaurant today,
(4)
Lucy D.
Wow, this place really rocks! Great food, excellent prices and service with a smile! The homemade pita bread was awesome. We will return soon and I highly recommend this place.
(5)
Leen K.
When I get the cravings for a proper gyro, I always head for the Med Deli. I think this is the only place in Chapel Hill where the gyro meat is actually cooked on an upright rotisserie (the way it should be cooked). Other places use frozen chunks of gyro meat and just heat it on the grill. I've also tried their stuff from the deli case and it ranges from "wow, this is awesome!" to "yeeech, is this still edible?" But if you are adventurous or vegetarian, this place is great. Parking is a bit more of a hassle. Those meter checkers are probably the most efficient government workers in the area.
(4)
Dave M.
A great place for a casual meal with really good food at very reasonable prices.
(4)
Mei O.
I had dinner here last night and I already want to go back. The deli counter is *HUGE* and a great display of all of the amazing foods available to gorge on. I stood in front of the glass transfixed for a few minutes and my brain collapsed in option overload. I have problems when it comes to deciding what to eat at a restaurant. Just ask Andrew, who has had to suffer/send waiters away multiple times while I privately debated the merits of ordering one dish over another. I finally decided on the two "Sampler" plate, picking dolmas (grape leaves) and bardi (chickpeas, eggplant and green beans). I was a happy camper with every bite, and wished for a larger stomach to fit everything in. Everyone at the table got something different, and everyone was happy with their choices. The hummus? Yummy! Chicken gyro and shwarma? Yummy! The pita was also yummy, and inspired one of my lovely co-diners to purchase some at the bakery counter for later. And they have an olive/sauce bar (a la Quiznos pickle bar) so you can eat olives and yummy tzatziki to your hearts content! Which I did.
(5)
Seri L.
The Mediterranean Deli has some great vegan and vegetarian options. If you ask them to leave off the feta cheese or dairy-based sauces, then many of the pitas and wraps will work. My favorite is the dolmas pita- the dolmas are warm and delicious, they will put on extra hummus when you remove the dairy sauce, and the veggies and bread taste fresh. In short: lots of great options, relatively inexpensive, and non-vegetarian/vegans will find lots to enjoy.
(4)
Sarah M.
Ok. So I read all the Yelp reviews and had been told by tons of friends that this place was super awesome. I finally went on a Saturday night with my boyfriend right before closing. The spread in the cases is nothing short of amazing, and there are TONS of options for all types of eaters. I am indecisive by nature and was so overwhelmed by everything to choose from that it took me about 30 minutes to pick a meal (this is my boyfriend's favorite quality in me -- jk). Anyhoo, I was ravenous and settled for the 3-side sampler and went with some artichoke and potato lasagna thing (starts with an m), hummus with pita, and kibbi. Hands down, the best part of my meal was the pita. OMG. It was right out of the oven, fluffy, not greasy, and SO tasty. Definitely the best pita I've had in this part of the Triangle. The accompanying hummus was pretty damn good too. I dipped the pita in the fresh tzaziki sauce from the self-serve condiment bar, which was equally as deeeeeeeeelish. UGH, now for the bad stuff (sorry, you knew it was coming). My kibbi was so greasy that I had to wipe it off with a napkin, and it was definitely not as good as that of Sitti in Raleigh and of other local joints. My artichoke/potato square dilly-o was hard on top, bland, and just lackluster. I had to dip it in the tzaziki sauce to give it some "umph." The boyfriend's tomato and feta pasta was "meh" at best -- little to no feta, greasy, and pretty tasteless. I REALLY wanted to love Med Deli, but it really just didn't blow me away as I had expected. Of our collective 4 sides, only the hummus with pita did the trick. Maybe we just caught the place at the end of a busy or off day. I'll definitely give it another whirl though and try out one of the other 5,353,223,453 menu options.
(3)
Chris L.
At first I wasn't a fan of this restaurant, but since my girlfriend was an addicted lover of the place, I came here enough to appreciate it. They have an extensive, very Mediterranean menu, but also have tons of by the pound foods that you can get. I prefer these because you can get lots of different flavors on your plate for the same price. They have tons of hummus choices, though I'd recommend the roasted red pepper (it's the best). Another favorite is the fattoush salad here or the standard falafel. The chickpeas are well cooked and grab some fresh-made tzatziki sauce and you got yourself a meal. In the winter I also really enjoyed the lentil soup that sometimes popped up on their menu, that's a must-try item. Tons of seating here and TVs to watch whatever college basketball game is on (most likely UNC) makes this a college town spot for many a Tar Heel student. If you're going to school here or in town for a college visit, this is a definite place to go.
(4)
Melanie S.
This is the best restaurant this town has going on! Jamil is extremely personable, the food has top notch quality (and local!) ingredients, and the presentation could not be more pleasing. I can't praise this place enough. My kids and I always feel like family here, and I always love to bring friends and newcomers to Chapel Hill to this restaurant. There literally is something for everyone and all diets
(5)
M M.
I've eaten at a lot of Mediterranean restaurants. Med Deli is my favorite by far. The food is decently priced and a variety of delicious foods is available. Enjoy!
(5)
Liz W.
Totally awesome! Haven't tried anything I didn't like, yet! I think the atmosphere is fun, the selection vast, the flavors wonderful, and the service great! Also, their pitas are the best.
(5)
Meghan B.
I'm changing my "Last Meal" status to "Anything and everything out of Med Deli's display cases." I can only imagine how awkward I looked gaping at all the beautiful food on my first visit (pretty sure I stood there with my mouth hanging for a good 3 minutes). But I think the workers there must be used to it, because it sure does have a lot of 5-star reviews! The worst thing about Med Deli is having to choose something to eat because EVERYTHING looks fantastic. I considered asking the owner if I could hop behind the counter with tasting spoons and just take a little bit of everything, but decided against it. I settled on a falafel and eggplant pita with lots of tzatziki (which is so fresh) and it was simply scrumptious! The eggplant was juicy and flavorful. What really got me, though? The pita!! So fluffy, a little garlicky, warm because it was RIGHT OUT OF THE OVEN (homemade pita...who does that?). I'm turning into one of Pavlov's dogs just thinking about the display cases again.
(5)
Lauren B.
Whenever I'm on Franklin Street I make a bee line straight for Mediterranean Deli. They have an amazing selection of fresh deli selections and the homemade organic pita bread is out of this world. Being a creature of habit, I always get the same thing (sort of!) - the sampler platter. I like being able to have a little bit of everything and the portions are generous enough that I can get two meals out of it. There's also a complimentary condiment bar with olives, feta and sauces, which is nice because I get to drench my food in tzatziki - mmmmm!!! My favorite thing to eat here is the eggplant & squash stew. It's amazing. I even tried to deconstruct it and make it at home but couldn't figure it out. So it's back to Mediterranean Deli for me to get a fix! I also love their stuffed grape leaves and the Pomegranate Mohammara is nothing short of addictively delicious (I much prefer it to the hummus which is also tasty). I have yet to try their sweet selections because my meal always fills me up, but I have heard nothing but rave reviews about them. It's a pretty popular place and therefore can get crowded and loud, so if you are not a fan of noise while eating you'll want to get your food to go. Oh - and bonus! It's super-duper CHEAP! I don't think I've ever spent more than $14 including a drink and as stated above always get two meals out of it (and they'll give you a to-go cup for your drink, too). If you're in the Chapel Hill area, this place is a must!
(5)
YL S.
Great food but kind of pricy for a joint like that. I need to try it again some time. Will be updated
(4)
Harry P.
I love Med Deli. The range of food choices is amazing. It's almost an entire wall of their restaurant and it would be if they didn't stack it to a second row in the cases. They've got probably over 50 different items. I find this place the best when I'm trying to do a low carb diet or some other restricted diet. They've got so many choices that you could eat there all week and not get the same thing twice. My go to meals: - Beef kebabs, eggplant stew, hearts of palm salad, falafel salad instead of rice (dairy free, low carb) - Moroccan chicken with saffron rice- this is usually available for lunch. Man it's good. - 4 veggie sides - Eggplant stew, hummus, lebanese grape leaves, rice College students can eat pretty cheap here. Just order something small and then load up at the olive bar. I can get full just eating a plate of green olives. They've started baking their own bread inside the store. It's pretty cool to see the pitas come rolling out. They've gotten really good too. They'll make pizzas for you too in the bakery. I haven't tried them, but they look tasty too. The atmosphere is like a relaxed cafeteria. There's plenty of tables you can pull together to seat a crowd. People are nice there. It's a great place to eat outside at when the weather is nice. A piece of baklava and some tea, plus great Chapel Hill weather is always welcome.
(4)
John C.
Actually, 4.5 * As close to perfect as you're going to find in the South...
(4)
Adeline C.
I really don't think there is anything bad I can say about Med Deli. I absolutely love it there. The food is deliciously satisfying. I ALWAYS get the moroccan chicken platter. I get it every time I go b/c it's my ultimate comfort food (especially after exams, a long day etc.) It's warm and hardy with a homecooked kind of taste. I've had their hummus, potato salad, and gyros. It's all quite good. However I wish that their desserts were better and also better stocked. The good ones are always sold out, and the bad ones are dissapointing simply b/c you know they're not fresh. I also think it gets really crowded. Which is another downer. With all this aside though I still give it 5 stars. It's an old favorite that I'll always be loyal to even if I'm not in Chapel Hill anymore.
(5)
Ellie L.
I always get overwhelmed trying to figure out what to eat. I want to try everything but I'm not quite there yet! I've tried their gyros, kabobs, shawerma; absolutely love their hummus, baklava; and I could live off their tzatziki sauce and fresh baked warm and soft pita bread. Their baked goods are cherished prizes to buy and bring home for later after that you stuff your stomach. I love the variety and freshness Med Deli brings to Chapel Hill. Lots of good memories of casual lunches or dinners with friends here.
(5)
Saliha B.
Truthfully this is definitely my favorite casual Med. restaurant in the Triangle. Unfortunately now that I am no longer a student at UNC I rarely get a chance to eat here. If it was closer I would probably end up going here more than I go to Baba Ghannouj or Aladdin's, but alas Med Deli is just one location and they never have (and probably never will) make another one in the Raleigh/Cary area. What makes Med Deli so great? The food is fresh, delicious, seasoned well, and it's not too pricey either. Also, they now have a bakery section where you can get pizzas and fresh bread. Nothing beats a warm pita bread fresh out of the oven with some hummos, olives and/or feta cheese. I love watching the pitas come off the oven on the conveyor belt while I wait for my food. Another yummy and fun detail at Med Deli is the olive bar where you can go back as much as you want to get different olives and other pickled items to munch on with your food. The workers here are also really nice, down to earth folks so that's another really good reason I can't wait for an excuse to go to Chapel Hill to eat here. My ideal of a lovely Chapel Hill outing is food here and then a stroll to Yogurt Pump to walk off some of my food and get some fro yo to end the food expedition. Note for all you UNC hospital employees (which I used to be): you can get Med Deli food at both hospital cafeterias in the fridge sections. Med Deli also has food at UNC cafeterias on campus, which is nice when you have only a small amount of time between classes and want Med Deli goodness but can't make it out to the store.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Valet, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
Greek food is a fine melody of the finest pressed olive oil, fresh fermented bread, colorful vegetables, juicy meat, sea food all cooked in spices and fresh rosemary. The people from Greek were great scholars who aimed to excel in everything they do. The results are quite visible in their food as they are the inventors of olive oil which is beneficial to health. Greeks also made different type of wines from the best quality of grapes fermented in controlled environment.
Today, you can find hundreds of restaurants offering authentic Greek food or popularly termed as Mediterranean cuisine in New York city alone. People wait in line to taste the exotic Greek dishes like saganaki, taramasalata, souvlaki, loukoumades, spanakopita, moussaka, and many more. One thing which most people like about these authentic Greek dishes is abundant use of lemon juice, olive oil, fresh rosemary and sea salt. A smart mix of few ingredients can virtually take you on the pebble streets of beautiful city of Greece.
For those who don't have time to enjoy fine dining should try tasting the famous souvlaki with pita which is type of meat dish, also a trademark Greek fast food. For those who are vegetarian, or vegan can try different versions of Greek Salad. So, if you wish to enjoy a hearty yet healthy meal that tastes divine then try dining at the best Greek restaurant in your city. Greek cuisine not only tastes good but also help maintain your body in a natural way through healthy diet.
Suzie S.
I never had dates baklava. It was sooooo delish. It was first time to eat. I never seen dates baklava. I don't know famous enough or not. I wish many Mediterranean deli sell this dessert. Super good!!
(5)T ..
If you're looking for a fun, high-energy, perfect for people watching & delicious place to enjoy a good meal, then this is your place! We arrived just before the rush! Everyone seemed to know what they were doing except us first-timers. It was a bit overwhelming to scan the wide assortment of dishes and read the labels to know what's what. That being said, there is a great variety of sides and dishes to choose from. I like the option of mixing and matching and being able to try new things over time. The atmosphere is very casual and almost cafeteria style, which was perfectly fine with us. Our food came out relatively quickly, especially given the crowd. Everything was delicious & provided us with a unique and enjoyable dining experience! There was a slight mix up with one of my sides. Otherwise, I would have rated them 5 stars.
(4)Alexa O.
This place is up there on things I miss the most about Chapel Hill. I lived in Chapel Hill for five years and probably ate here AT LEAST once a week. Everything here is so good. I've probably had one of everything off the menu. The hummus is fantastic. Sometimes when I was just looking for a snack I'd come here and order hummus and pita for $3. So amazing. I wish I I could still eat here all the time.
(5)Rose L.
So this was the question: where can I go for a late lunch with my seven siblings, mom and six nieces and nephews all under the age of five. Add into that that its Fourth of July and we're all foodie want-to-be's (thanks mum and dad!). So, we took a chance on Mediterranean Deli and we were beyond pleased. Mediterranean Deli has a large open eating area that you walk into immediately. You stand in line and order while looking at cases of food that can also be picked from. I chose from the grill: a chicken shawarma wrap with a side of Baba Ghanoush and a large piece of balaclava. NOTE: if you get a side of humus, etc you should also pick up a bag of pita bread, it doesn't come with the meal! But on top of the fabulous food they also have a little open Mediterranean condiment bar FREE with olives, picked veggies, sauces, garlic whip, oh my god I can't even tell you, it's just so good!! And if you're not satisfied 100% with the food and service, just take a peak at the grocery store next door! You cannot be disappointed with a stop at the Mediterranean Deli, it's a must stop for any local or tourist alike!!
(5)R K.
No substitutions for bread, you can change it out for another type of bread like a pita instead of the tortilla for the doner kebob. You cant even get rid of it and its kind of an ordeal to get it switched out for another type of bread. Place was really busy and has a lot of variety. We are from northern VA where there are a lot of Mediterranean places (Isreali, Turkish, Iranian). I am not sure what type of Mediterranean food this was but it was pretty salty compared to everything else I've had and the kebobs were kind of dry. I didnt get why it was rated so highly but it might be because of a lack of competition in the area. It was OK, not great if youre from somewhere that has a lot of Mediterranean restaurants.
(2)Amy G.
You ever walk in somewhere and are paralyzed by choice because everything looks so amazing and you panic and just order the same thing you always do then deeply regret your life and your choices? Yeah that's how I feel when I walk in here. I've never had a bad thing off this menu, and there are TONS of veggie options. Their hummus will change how you feel about hummus.
(5)Jennifer H.
So I needed a little something to eat before my yoga class in chapel hill and a friend suggested "Med Deli" and I td her I had no idea what she was talking about. She suggested I grab something al carte and that she would meet me there before our yoga class. So I walked into the market side door and was very surprised so see a huge seating area and TONS of food options displayed. Honestly, at first it was a bit Overwhelming! I paced back and forth looking at all the options and I will say that I was assuming that I would be dropping a pretty penny on this snack but that wasn't the case! I ordered spanakopita and a piece of walnut baklava-both were amazing!! I was shocked that my total was only $6 and some change! The baklava was the best I've ever had!!! Looking forward to retiring to try various items! Thanks for such great food at a great price-keep up the good work!
(5)Emily M.
This place is not safe for celiacs. Their website advertises gluten free facilities and numerous gluten free dishes -- but they have wheat based dishes mixed in with gluten free dishes in the deli area. Furthermore their servers have no idea what is gluten free and what is not! Finally their menu does not distinguish what is and isn't gluten free. The restaurant is bedlam.
(1)Kate S.
I really like the ambiance of this restaurant. It's welcoming, very spacious, and casual without looking too low maintenance. They also have a lot of options on their menu. Unfortunately, I was not impressed with the particular dish I got. I got a Greek Fatayer - its looks were deceiving! There was way too much feta cheese and the dish was very salty. I ended up eating the bread and tossing the rest of the dish in the garbage. Despite my bad luck with meal choice, I plan on going back again to try another dish on the menu - hopefully one with less cheese and less salt.
(3)Leslie E.
Great eats. Very busy and very low. Great late night. Lots of variety of things to eat.
(4)Gisa D.
Beware a side of falafel consists of 1 solitary falafel. They used to give you at least 3. Apparently their policy changes arbitrarily. Essentially for 3 sides (2 orders of baba ganoush and 1 falafel you pay 8 dollars. Beware and do not order as sides.
(1)Yvonne C.
I really enjoy this place. Anytime I'm further out by West Franklin, Med Deli ends up being my go-to for quick but quality food. Their menu is very extensive, it's always so hard to pick something. But just go for it, because all the dishes are good. Everytime I've been here I've tried something different and I always enjoy it. Also their portions are very generous and will DEFINITELY fill you up. Go for a combo that lets you try 2 sides so you can really get a large amount of variety and flavors! There is also a little sauce bar with olives and spices! I don't really have a clue what I'm eating half the time, I just sample it and go with what I like best. Give this place a try! Also of note, you order at the counter and they bring your food to you.
(4)Salil S.
Awesome food, great atmosphere for taking small kids. Love the gyro, fatayer and schwerma.
(5)Ashley D.
I order gyros often and i have to say that this one is up there! The peach salad was surprisingly salty, but delicious. I recommended eating here.
(5)Joe H.
Excellent selection of Mediterranean food, especially Lebanese. The stuffed cabbage leaves, spinach and chickpea salad, and the grape leaves were spot on! Also love the free olive bar, which also includes a variety of other pickled vegetables. Clean restaurant with fresh flowers on the tables and free wifi! Only caution would be the parking situation, which can be hairy even when UNC is not in session.
(5)Summer H.
Really nice. Convenient and cheap. Nice flavor food, I ordered the lamb and beef gyro, tastes really good. My friends ordered some middle east flavor, one of.them has eggplant in it. Tastes good too.
(4)Carolina M.
There are a lot of vegetarian and vegan options here. I'm new to a no-raw vegan diet, so this place was like heaven in a sea of fast food restaurants and others that aren't quite so vegan-friendly. I was completely wow'd by the deli case with so many different sides, so I got a sampler: Roasted Beets: I love beets. A little acidity in this gave it it's flavor. Mediterranean Quinoa: This was good too. The quinoa was fluffy and not too grainy. Armenian Wild Rice: Easily a favorite because it was just so tasty. It's got lots of other things in it too like craisins. I only wish we got more of this. Eggplant Stew: So I'm not sure if I liked this or not because it was a little too salty, however, it definitely needed the pita bread that comes with it. In fact, I polished off the stew with all my servings of pita bread. One thing I've noticed between the 3-side and 2-side samplers is that you're going to get bigger portions with with the 2-side samplers. Both are easily filling especially when they also give you a decent serving of their in-house baked pita bread. Service wasn't exactly the best. I mean, they got the "deli" no bullshit attitude. While I respect that they're busy, I'm disabled, so I wish they had been a little kinder when I couldn't remember the exact names of the sides that I wanted that I had to keep walking back to the deli case. That's kinda besides the point. I'm still a fan and wish I could resume my usual diet so I could try everything. If I'm back in town and still on this no-raw, vegan, no garlic, no fried foods diet, I would come back. Their sides taste better than Whole Foods' bars.
(5)Paul W.
Wow. This place is fantastic. Fast service, super selection, authentic food, and low prices. I have been eating Mediterranean food for over 35 years, and this is as good as it gets! The only critical thing I can think of is it can get loud in the dining area. Super condiment bar!!!! Highly recommended!!!!
(5)Rachel A.
The first time I went to this place I enjoyed my meal and the sides were yummy as well. But the next time we went, the actual making of the entree was different and not pleasing at all. I and my friends enjoyed their special drinks when we've gone - they used to serve it in a container separate from the fountain drinks. I've not gone back thus far... there are other Mediterranean options around. Also, it gets really busy around lunchtime, so watch out!
(3)Janet N.
Came here im with my cousin since she's a vegetarian who has been sheltered from eating out by her parents! Zoe's was closed so we took a chance on a recommended Mediterranean place in Chapel Hill. The food was pretty good but not the best. I would've rather taken my cousin to Jasmin's Bistro for her first Mediterranean experience. The bathroom was disgusting and the toiletries were not kept up very well. It was a disappointment since many of my unc friends live by it. P.S. My cousin ended up at Jasmin's the following week and loved the falafel pita and hummus wayyyyy more. At least this place didn't turn her away from med food altogether!
(2)Pranitha P.
Love the vegetarian options and constant variety. I've come here for lunch and dinner with my work team and am able to find new, healthy options every time. I always get a sampler plate to explore options in the glass case. My two favorites: hummus because they've got around 6 delicious options and the Mediterranean quinoa because its rich with flavor. You can ask for gluten free pita. The portions are pretty large so come hungry/take some leftovers. They also have a pickle and sauce bar for all where you can indulge in olives, tzatziki sauce, pickled cucumbers, and many more! It's usually pretty busy but doesn't take long to get your food and there is plenty of space to sit. The one issue would be the parking because Franklin St. is usually packed with college students, so it usually takes us a while to find a place to park in the evenings. Brought this down to a four because of the service...been here a couple more times and one time the servers either took 20 minutes to get our food out and the second, missed two orders completely.
(4)Lana P.
A must when visiting Chapel Hill. Healthy & delicious with sooo many options to choose from. The only downside is I sometimes feel that it's a bit too pricey for lunch and a little too casual for dinner.
(5)Carol S.
Friendly service! I had the shwarma (however it's spelled), and it was quite tasty as well as priced right. Alongside I could get a salad substituted for the fries, so I didn't have to feel guilty for eating yummy food. Nice! My co-worker, who's from NYC, raves about the falafel. He says this is the only place in the Triangle that gets it right. I'll try that the next time.
(5)Becky S.
A gem! Tried the pomegranate muhammara a few visits ago and it's a new favorite. We bring all our visitors!
(5)Laura D.
You know, it took a while for them to win me over because I love Neomonde so much. However, their selection is great, and portions are filling. My go-to for a quick lunch is the falafel wrap. I love their pickle bar!!
(4)William O.
Love just about everything here,from the gyro platters,to the chicken pitas. Great for large parties,families,kids,etc. They have a do it yourself,buffet style cart,where you can load up on cucumber sauce,pickles,olives. Only wish we lived closer.
(5)Stella M.
Picked up a falafel sandwich for lunch and while I was please with their service, the food took much longer than I expected even though they were not very busy. Also, the salad had too much vinegar on it. It was extremely sour-- that's saying something considering I have a high tolerance for strong vinegar dressings. It was also a bit expensive, but it was large serving size. It could have fed two people. Nothing you want to save for leftovers thought because it will be soggy from the dressing. Maybe next time I will just try a wrap?
(3)Clc C.
We picked up an eclectic mix of vegan to carnivore options for a staff meeting. We asked for food to feed 15 and it easily fed the 20 of us with some to take home. From hummus to salad to rice and chicken.....everything was delicious! Fresh food and plentiful portions.
(5)Taj D.
By far the best tacos in the Triangle. A mi me gusta el borrego (lamb) y la carne asada (steak). Perfecto! Great price, very meaty (or veggie-y), and you can perfect your meal at the bar with cilantro, slaw and salsa. You definitely want a refresco- horchata, tamarindo, mango, etc. Very nice drinks and not watered down. Don't forget to leave some $$ on the table before you leave. Then I recommend heading across the street to the panaderia. ;)
(4)Lida F.
Doesn't get any better than this!! So many choices each day something new. Plus all the dishes are labeled g free Vegan vegetarian etc And the Iced tea is the best. Rose water etc. yum! Park across the street at Town of CH parking lot.
(5)J P.
YUMMMM! Great selection and friendly service (most of the time). I recommend the lamb shank and if you're feeling a bit on the healthy side, I recommend the trio chicken salad. BTW, olive bar!! I also loved the grape leaves!
(5)Kimberly L.
I am absolutely obsessed with this place and that may even be an understatement. As a Duke student, I make the drive into Tarheel territory just to satisfy the craving--it's that real. The selection at Mediterrenean Deli is, upon your first visit, extremely overwhelming and it takes several visits to really get adjusted to the endless possibilities. I tend to make a meal out of a few sides, and after way too many visits to count, I have narrowed down my favorites to the, drumroll please, sauteed cauliflower and the eggplant stew. In complete and total honesty, you can't go wrong with anything you choose here. The only mistake you can make is choosing not to take full advantage of the unlimited dips and pickles. The garlic spread and the tzatziki are to die for.
(5)Kel W.
The deli case of offerings was beautiful and yielded wonderful things. The roasted cabbage and roasted pineapple salad were very good. Our gyro was quite tasty and well cooked, and we loved the complimentary olive/sauce bar. The only downside to our meal was the shawarma, which didn't live up to expectations.
(4)Michele Z.
What's not to like?!? The food is fresh, reasonably priced, and varied. Portions are plentiful, various sides are free, and Jamil is the nicest (and most generous) guy you're going to meet. I've eaten there numerous times and had them cater a luncheon event. One of my happy places!
(4)Christina L.
This place is very casual. It's essentially a large deli/cafeteria with a ton of seating (Love the flowers included at each table, and yes, they're real!). The great thing about this place is that the ingredients are fresh, and the prices are reasonable. Their homemade pita is an absolutely must! It's soft and delicious. Chicken Gyro is served on a pita with lettuce, tomato, peppers, onions, and tzatziki sauce, $6.99. The chicken is tender, peppers aren't spicy, and overall a great snack/lunch. The Sampler doesn't provide much to share, but it's a fantastic option if you can't decide what you want to order because you want everything you see! However, this option only allows vegetarian items, non-vegetarian options are an additional cost. The most items you can add is 4 items. I went with Curry Apple Orzo, Grape Leaves/Dolmas, Eggplant Squash Stew, Carrot and Walnut Salad, all for $9.75, plus homemade pita is included. Half of the items behind the glass deli windows look like questionable mush, but I assure you, they taste much better than they look! I've never had anything remotely similar to Carrot and Walnut Salad (carrots, olive oil mayo, garlic, walnuts, and olive oil), but it's good! I'd definitely recommend ordering something in addition to the Sampler if you're going to share, otherwise, you'll leave hungry. The Chicken Shawarma looks like a Hot Pocket, but more doughy. It's marinated with olive oil, cardamom, garlic and Lebanese spices, served in a pita, $6.99. Soft, but not enough to be a filling meal. Looks very odd to be served with only half a handful of lettuce pieces and 2 slices of tomatoes - either add more, or don't include these at all because it looks random and skimpy.
(5)Young B.
Love the variety of foods here and I appreciate how big it is as well because it's always so busy and packed at med deli. Their food is always fresh and delicious. Definitely need to go back and try some of their other foods.
(5)Kaitlyn M.
This place has set the bar so very, very high for me and mediterranean food. Every since I left Chapel Hill and came back, this place topped the list of places I missed. I saw it develop from a hole-in-the-wall with a deli case to the bustling social center and meeting place that it is today. It's got atmosphere, and a deli case that grows every time I come back, and some of the best kebab platters. A large part of the appeal of this place is the quaint sidewalk dining. They've filled the outdoor space outside with plenty of tables and umbrellas, and even planted a large vegetable and flower garden out front in their city median area. These tables will be full an any given sunny afternoon, and especially on Sundays. But the FOOD is exceptional! The deli case is filled with specialty items from every possible Mediterranean country, from Moroccan spiced cous cous to Lebanese fattoush to Tunisian cucumber salad. They've got Turkish pides (pizza boats) and lentil patties and greek tzatziki with all the kebabs. My favorite thing to order there is the lamb kebab, which comes nestled on a bright yellow bed of saffron rice with olives and a perfectly grilled tomato and jalapeño, every time. I love the artichoke dip (best I've ever had) and the greek salad and hummus, but I have to mix up my side plate to attempt to taste all the variety they offer here. They also always have a stewed special of Mediterranean or Morrocan chicken, and usually have stewed lamb shank that is great in the winter. They've got a killer garnish bar, where you can get your fill of kalamata and olive variety, a variety of pickles, feta, tzatziki, and other things I can't name. They've also started offering complimentary specialty olive oil with z'aatar for your pita. Another tip, try the rosewater tea. I like it half and half with sweet tea, but that's just the Southerner in me.
(5)Christie N.
Definitely love the amazing selections they have here. There is plenty to choose from the glass case that makes it overwhelming because there's so much to choose from. Small menus can be found on top of the soda display near the registers. Display of baked goods and a small market connected to the restaurant makes it a mini exploration. Free condiment bar that includes olives, olive oil, and a variety of sauces. Staff is friendly, although it does get quite busy so they may seem impatient. The food we had is abundant but alright. We had the beef and lamb kabobs with rice, hummus, chick pea salad, Greek salad and pita bread which we were told was made in house. The beef was more on the smelly side but cooked right. Lamb was good. Pita bread was quite chewy and cold. The rice isn't something to remember. We really enjoyed the sides, and can't wait to try the others.
(3)Andrew S.
Love this place! Great food at good price. And the students in Chapel Hill are out for the summer.
(5)Kristel H.
a Chapel Hill staple--perfect place to stop after walking around Franklin Street. It can get really busy on the weekends, but it is well worth it! a few of my favorite sides are: tabouli salad, the heart of palms salad, spinach & artichoke dip, Lebanese grape leaves, ahhh there are too many to name!
(5)Carolyn T.
If I lived on the Chapel Hill area, I would certainly become a regular customer here! While on the prowl for a filling, affordable, healthy lunch, we decided the Med Deli fit the bill. The inviting aroma of Mediterranean food hit us as soon as we walked in. The place was hopping like a high school cafeteria. There were plenty of tables, but most were occupied at noon on a weekday. We perused the menu and ordered at the counter. I decided on the falafel salad and we took our seats. We were given numbers and took our seats. Waitstaff brought our food promptly and we were shocked by the huge portions! My falafel was delicious, though I was not the biggest fan if the tahini sauce in which the salad leaves were drenched. Regardless, I really enjoyed my meal and my craving for falafel was happily satisfied. We brought our plates and silverware to a bin where we cleared our plates and put them away. The next time I'm in the area, I will certainly return to try more of the menu!
(4)Cindy G.
Came here because a few friends told me to check it out for a big selection of food. I'm giving it a 4 star because of the freshness and quality of the food but my experience was just average. The grape leaves pita sandwich was small and messy to eat. The sauce was coming out of the cracks of the bread and my nephew had the same experience with the falafel pita. I asked the cashier what the difference was between Greek and Lebanese grape leaves they had and she didn't know. The place was very noisy and crowded. Selection of food was a little overwhelming and would cost a lot to order more than a few items. Four items cost $10 and extra for non-vegetarian items. They recently added gluten free bread which felt rubbery and not very tasty. Our server never came back with the bread so we had to flag down another worker who quickly gave us some bread. My husband's chicken salad was a very nice portion. There was a nice selection of dessert as well with gluten free chocolate cake available. Next door is a small grocery store with fresh and canned/jar foods.
(4)Emily M.
A great place with different food. A little awkwardly down Franklin but it's nice that it's not so crowded. I know there's a new place where Chipotle used to be which may be similar, but was always great for a nicer but quick lunch than most of the places on Franklin.
(5)Adrienne F.
Med Deli has the best hummus I've ever eaten, hands down. Absolutely delicious. Pretty much everything here is good. The system of ordering can be overwhelming. Menus are next to the foremost deli case, but you place your order at the register. You can order entrees, oven items or cold combos there. This is a great place to take out-of-downers, cheapskates, and people with specific dietary needs. Lots of vegetarian, vegan, paleo and dairy-free options.
(4)Janice F.
Best Gyro in town! Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Also try their baklava it's delicious!
(5)JP S.
BIG FAT FAN of this place. First of all, it is adequately staffed with friendly, helpful and hard working staff. They hustle behind the counter and on the floor to get you the delicious food. Lots to choose from and you see it before it hits the plate. Peruse the fresh offering of Mediterranean fare (Arabic, Greek, Turkish, etc.) and portions come to your table a-plenty. Often there is enough for a to-go bag/box. The floating island houses a variety of grapes, sauces, pickles and zatar. The cool thing is that all that is free and compliments your dinner. Have eaten at fancier restaurants throughout the country that boast a Mediterranean menu, but for the value and the flavor, this may be the winner hands-down. Only drawback was the volume of the place, between the servers, patrons, clanging of plates, etc. it was a cacophony of enough decibels to make conversation requiring your "outside voices". SaleebScore: Value: 9/10; Food Quality / Flavor: 9/10; Service: 8/10; Atmosphere: 7/10; Noise: 6/10. Next time we are in the area... we are bee-lining it to this place. ======== UPDATE: 8/29/2015 This is like the 3rd time here. Came in with my son and being of Lebanese descent can appreciate the food. Done nicely, busy and accommodating staff. Watch them make fresh Arabic Bread while you eat. Free helpings to appetizers at the central island bar. Lots of BANG for your BUCK. Never once did I leave feeling like I didn't get my money's worth. Crowded cuz locals know it is great too.
(5)Solange C.
The most caring community oriented local foodie place ever. Excellent food. Great flavors. Fast. Reasonable. Now a fabulous, clean middle eastern grocery store with interesting ingredients and essentials. And he was giving out free food when the hurricane wiped out the power in the city. There is nothing more you can ask for from a local food business.
(5)Katie O.
Loved this place! A little chaotic at dinner time but the staff was great and my chicken souvlaki platter was great. Loved the olive bar in the middle to snack on too!
(5)Cortney W.
Everyone loves med deli. I haven't met a single person in Chapel Hill who cannot find something to eat on the menu and be satisfied. We love their lamb and beef gyros, and the fresh pita in bags to go is a huge hit in our household. It's also one of the few places where you can reliably find outdoor seating on a regular basis even though the place is packed almost all the time. Decently priced, good food that is dependable.
(4)Zebrina W.
This is my favorite restaurant in Chapel Hill. If anyone is traveling to Chapel Hill visiting, this is a restaurant you must visit! The food is fresh, healthy, and there is the widest selection you've ever seen.
(5)Jules W.
My family and I just got back from Istanbul and the food from Med Grill took us all right back. Love the variety, freshness and authentic recipes - all right here in Chapel Hill. This was my first visit and no way will it be my last. It's a must visit!!
(5)eileen Y.
This place is a hot spot on West Franklin although I never understood the appeal. However, to be fair, I am not a huge fan of Mediterranean food. I do want to warn you that this place did not have air conditioning when I visited. Hopefully, they have one installed this year, if not, it is definitely not a place of choice during the summer. On a side note, I do enjoy their rice and their Baklavas A LOT.
(3)Nicholas S.
Med Deli has and always will one of my favorite restaurants in Chapel Hill. Scratch that. The hummus and gyro platter at Med Deli has and always will be my favorite dish in Chapel Hill. I make that correction because it's has literally been the only thing I've ever eaten there. This love story starts a little over three years ago. My friends and I were "looking to experiment." ;) We started to get tired of the E Franklin food options and wanted to adventure down to W Franklin. I went into Med Deli and was overwhelmed by the options. I've never really eaten at many Mediterranean food places before so I was pretty lost at what to get. After much consideration, I went with the hummus gyro platter. I found it to be simple, yet elegant as it only contained three things (hummus, gyro, and pita). Best. Decision. Ever. As the server brought the dish out, we (the dish and I, not the server) locked eyes. Beauty. Perfection. Mouth-watering. You could even say its serving size was voluptuous. We've been going steady ever since.
(5)Heather W.
AWESOME!!! Authentic, fresh greek and mediterranean food. Their gyros with homemade pita bread were fantastic. Their falafel was perfect and moist. The grape leaves and baklava were delicious too. We will definately be back.
(5)Christina C.
AMAZING!! I wish I could give them more stars...I can't say enough how much I love Med Deli! They have so many options in their deli and on their menu from all different countries. I love to try something new every time I come. Everything I've tried is so delicious...everything is cooked and spiced to perfection. I also love taking some hummus and food to go when we leave. The restaurant is very casual...find your own seat and bus your own table, which is a great idea for them! For my gluten free friends- they have gluten free pita bread!! It's really really good...actually tastes like "pita" bread, not just random gluten free bread. It's soft too! They also have a sign up saying they were certified gluten free from the gluten intolerance group...so you know they take precautions when baking the bread. They also have MANY gluten free options clearly marked in the deli section. If you want to order something gf off the menu, all of the servers can answer your questions no problem. Like I said...this place is great!!
(5)Ling W.
The name of this place describes it all -- they serve a large variety of Mediterranean dishes, deli-style. You can buy side dishes in small tubs, catering trays, or any size in between. There's a bakery section where you can get meals on traditional bread. You can get their fresh, organic pita, or their desserts, or keep it simple and get their falafel or shwarma. I had the falafel with roasted eggplant, which was hands down the best falafel of my life. The falafel has a nice, kinda crunchy outside with soft, creamy inside, and has toasted sesame seeds embedded into the outside. Brilliant idea. The tahini sauce will drip all over your hands as you eat, and you'll want to lick it all up to savor every drop. Then you'll revisit the olive and pickled food bar because how often do you find one of those? Finally, you'll visit the market next door, where you can stock up on bulk beans, grains, imported snacks, fresh produce, or other groceries.
(5)L S.
Love this place and the food here is always fabulous. Inexpensive and authentic. Love the deli case veggie options and olive bar with tzatziki. Moroccan chicken special is always good! Nice outside seating too.
(5)Lauren H.
I recently stopped in for dinner at the Mediterranean Deli before a show in Chapel Hill. Now I just wish they could open a second location a little closer to me! At first glance the menu looks overwhelming and they have tons of different items to choose from. I ended up just taking a look at all of the food in the long glass cases to figure out what I wanted to eat for dinner. I decided to go with a chicken shawarma with a side of hummus. They even had four different types of hummus to choose from! They also have tons of different salads, meat dishes, salads, sandwiches and desserts. The chicken shawarma was huge, I ended up needing to use a fork to eat it. However, the flavor was great and I really didn't even need the side of hummus I had ordered. I will say the hummus was very good as well and even the portion size for this was very large. My friend seemed to enjoy her gyro and her pasta salad as well. The restaurant is large with plenty of seating and the prices are very reasonable especially considering the size of the portions that they serve here. I am very excited to come back to the Mediterranean Deli the next time I am in Chapel Hill to try some more of their delicious looking dishes!
(4)Annabelle L.
I've been coming to Med Deli since college and I LOVE IT. It's super fresh, tasty, affordable, and with SO many options! I usually go for their gyro wrap, but this time, I tried their lamb sfiha and with a side of their eggplant squash stew. Oh man, both were so good! The lamb was spicy and flavorful on a wonderfully chewy dough crust. The eggplant squash stew was amazingggggg (I'm salivating at the thought): super hearty, complex in flavors, and oh so good. Both were perfect given how rainy and gross the weather was outside.
(5)John B.
My small family and I enjoy eating at Med Deli occasionally, perhaps once a month. Usually it is quite good. I really appreciate their gluten free pita bread (as I'm celiac). However, tonight I ordered the Grilled Tilapia, and it was so bad I had to choke it down. The fish was beautiful, grilled a golden color. But when I took the first bite, I was overwhelmed with the muddy-musty-moldy flavor of cheap fish-farmed nastiness. Ugh, it was really awful. I had to slather it in hot sauce to be able to choke it down. Yes, I really should have spoken to the manager, but with my dietary challenges, there were no other choices on the menu. And I also hate the idea of an animal giving its life, only to be chucked in the trash. On top of that, I had a tired four year old and a teething ten month at the table, and, well, sometimes a dad just has to suck it up and eat what he's got. Clearly, management needs to have a serious talk with their supplier of Tilapia. This problem is a common one with Tilapia, Catfish and other farmed-fish. And the problem is easily fixed. The fish farmer can hold the harvest in clean, fresh water for a day or two to reduce the toxins. crsps.net/wp-content/dow… To salvage the remaining fillets in the mean time, I recommend the kitchen use an acidic preparation to salvage the remaining fillets. (Think marinade of lemon juice, vinegar, or buttermilk, etc.) Med Deli is usually a really good restaurant. But someone really messed up on this. I'm going to say that Chef is in love, and let it slide. I hope they'll get the problem solved and implement better quality control in future. Thanks for reading.
(1)S A.
The best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus,the best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus,the best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus,the best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus,the best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus,the best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus,the best hummus, the best hummus, the best hummus. Did I mention how much I love the hummus?!
(5)Steve P.
Great Mediterranean deli. Numerous choices. Everything I have tasted is delicious. Very gluten free friendly. Well located in the UNC area
(5)Rhona K.
Every time I've come here, the restaurant has been bustling with a very cordial atmosphere, and it would be a perfect place to take the family for a meal. I particularly love the kebab meat - the gyro's here are delicious and I love the falafels as well. All the ingredients are fresh and vibrant, and there are few things on the menu that will disappoint. (I would mention that I once ordered the turkish Doner here, having amazing memories of eating them in Germany, and the Doner here was either a different version or just not as good because it was much drier and not what I expected.)
(5)Yulianna A.
I find the the food in the salad case to be really hit or miss. Not sure if they do samples, but you should definitely ask if you've never been before. Also, you can't go wrong with the fatayers.
(4)Matthew K.
If you are looking for a romantic little nook, you're looking at the wrong place; move along. If you are looking for a quiet place to have a business meeting over dinner, you're looking at the wrong place; move along. However, if you want your taste buds to be taken on a wild ride, you've hit the jackpot. I've never been to the Middle East, so I don't know authentic, okay? I won't use that word. Well, I just did, but I won't use it again. However, I've been eating Middle Eastern food in restaurants around the US for most of my 47 years on this planet (falafal was a childhood favorite) and let me tell you this, the food here takes a back seat to NO PLACE I've ever eaten. I stole bits and pieces off my wife's plate, my 3 teens' plates, and then I finished off my mother-in-laws's falafal (the next day, servings were very generous). Everything was great. The lamb shank special belongs in a high end Greek restaurant. My 17 year old son usually orders two lamb shwarmas at our local place; he only ate half the giant shwarma they served him here (looked forward to finishing part 2 for dinner all day the next day). Listen, I'm wasting both our times (times? time? is there more than one or do we share it?) here. Just go. Go and be amazed.
(5)Jennifer Y.
The food here is wonderful. Other than the noise level, I have no complaints! Don't forget the free pickle/sides bar!
(4)Tiffany C.
I could come here a million times and not be satisfied. Their display case is a crown jewel. Everything looks appetizing, even the brownish sludge looking stew once you realize that it's got eggplant and onions and amazing goodness in it. I came here on a really nice summer's night so seating outside was absolutely mandatory (for me, at least). I shared a platter of 6 different deli selections: kalamata hummus, spanakopita, eggplant... stew/slop? (still AMAZING), grape leaves with rice, chickpeas with spinach, and I am completely blanking on the last one. But wow, I really loved the dishes. Everything was flavorful but not heavy-handledly so! My favorite was the kalamata hummus, but that's because I live and breathe hummus. I saw a ton of other things in there that I wanted to try, but sadly one stomach can only hold so much at a time. :( The only thing I was a little put off about was the pita bread was a bit stiffer/staler than I would have liked... but honestly, who cares! The rest was on at their A game and then some, so YAY!
(5)Daniel K.
Classic Franklin street spot for order at the counter Mediterranean food. Pita is baked daily, soft and chewy. The hummus is fresh and there are many flavors to choose from. The pita wraps seem to be the way to go, but the platters were excellent also. Gyro beef pita and the gyro plate were our Favorites. The olive bar was a nice touch and the garlic sauce to die for. This place was packed at 3pm on graduation weekend, so we were in good company. Self seating is plentiful and manageable for larger parties. Highly recommended.
(4)Natacha S.
After hearing so much all it this place I just had to try it out. I had the grilled mixed plate which included an amazingly tender portion of lamb - my favorite part. The hummus and pita is great and the tsaziki sauce is delicious. I love that there is a complimentary olive bar too. For the quality of the meal I for, and the amount, I found the price to be reasonable as well. The actual deli looks so vast with so many choices, I could probably eat something new each day. The space inside is large with lots of seating, and I personally loved sitting outside at the tables on the sidewalk. Eating outside with passerby's has a nostalgic European feel for me, especially on a warm night. I'm sure I'll be back again in no time next time I'm craving Mediterranean food.
(5)Leigh H.
I work at UNC-Ch and eat at the on campus location in Lenoir Hall two-three times per week, but I have never visited the actual restaurant location. Well, I finally did and it was just as magnificent and glorious as I thought it would be. First, dining on campus is great but the options are not as extensive as at the restaurant. When I walked in I thought I was in heaven. All my favorites were there plus tons and tone of other items they simply can't serve at the campus location. Oh, I didn't even know where to start. I decided to get something I can't have when I go to Lenoir and went with the Greek Fatayer. It was gigantic and totally worth the 9.50 price tag. I shared it with my friend (who ate his own meal), and I still had plenty of food to fill me up. I'm not confident that the Greek Fatayer would keep well as a leftover. Seems like it would get soggy. Half of it was plenty for me. My friend got the Lamb and Beef Gyro and declared it to be the best gyro he had ever had in all memory of time. He said it was perfect. I tried a piece of the meat, and it literally melted in my mouth. So perfect. The staff was wonderful and friendly Everything was clean. I may have to start making the walk down to the restaurant just to sample all the goodness!!!!
(5)Josh B.
In first tried mediterranean food for the first time here in summer 2013. Ever since that firs time, I have been here at least 25 times in the last year. In particular, the spinach and chick pea salad is very tasty - and it's great for someone who is gluten free or has those types of sensitivities. The location is usually busy, which seems to be a testament of it's popularity, considering all of the other options available on franklin street there in chapel hill. If you haven't had this type of good before, try out! I was skeptical at first but then I was amazed by mediterranean food. Cheers!
(5)Carol W.
I love this place. I could eat here every single day. Amazing fresh foods. One item is more delicious than another. A must go to in Chapel Hill
(5)Mike K.
This is it. the destination for middle eastern and Mediterranean food in Chapel Hill. I love the long deli case full of dozens upon dozens of fresh, delicious cold sides. The pita is so good that people buy it on its own by the bagful. The kababs are worth the price of admission on their own. After you get your meal, you can eat in the spacious interior main space or take it out to the sidewalk, where they've set up some cafe tables. Don't forget to pile up some olives, pickles and sauces at the little stand in the middle of the restaurant. On top of all that, they have a nice little selection of draft beers. Can't beat this place for freshness, taste, and price.
(5)Kellye M.
This is one of my FAVORITE places in Chapel Hill. I keep trying to get my parents to come visit me, JUST so they can try it out. I love everything I've had here. Their veggies are always fresh and colorful. Their meat is always perfectly done. The prices are fantastic, esp for poor college students. I love the little food bar where you can get extra sauces, peppers, olives, etc. And feta... LOTS OF FETAA!!!! YUM :D I love Med. Deli. I bring friends there every time they come to visit. There are great selections for all types of foodies, veggie, meat lovers, health addicts, etc. I adore this place and could not recommend it more. I hope anyone reading this will give it a chance. You will not regret it and will go back again and again. Only con: parking :(
(5)Anon Y.
I have been satisfied 100% of the times that I have eaten at Med Deli. The food is delicious, healthy and cheap. You can't beat it.
(5)Rafael R.
My wife and I had our first date, lunch, at Med Deli and three years later asked Jamil to cater our wedding. This place is such a gem, I only wish we had something half as good where we live now. The best way to experience it is to order things you've never heard of from the deli as well as things you've had elsewhere for comparison. Who cares if the service is a little quirky? I care so much more about the food.
(5)Nikki C.
I think all the other positive comments say enough, so I'll just contribute my 5 stars. Truly delicious :)
(5)Angel S.
For my first visit in NC, my friend took me to Med Deli. This place is awesome! Lots of selection from meat to vegetables, salad, etc. for a great price. The platter for $10 is excellent and the portion is big - I ordered a chicken kebob with rice, a side of cumin hummus and vegetables. We sat outside and enjoyed a nice, relaxing day while we sip on rose sweet tea! It was damn good! The best and I'm most definitely going back here the next time I'm in NC. A must!
(5)Shirley S.
Food, good Service, good
(5)Jolly R.
Lived in Chapel Hill for ten years and traveled all over the country... BEST MEDITERRANEAN FOOD IN THE NATION!
(5)Caitlin F.
I'm going to cut right to the chase: This is my absolute favorite restaurant in Chapel Hill-Carrboro. I don't think I've ever had anything here that I didn't like. Normally that wouldn't be saying much, considering I'm a vegetarian and usually can only find one or two things to eat at any given restaurant. But luckily for me, Med Deli is one of the most vegetarian-friendly places in the area. The fresh food case is almost entirely vegetarian, and you can order by weight or in variously-sized sampler platters. You can also substitute some of the sides with the entrees for other items from the case - always ask, it can probably be done. For all you carnivores out there, don't worry, meat products abound in all sorts of authentic Mediterranean recipes. Beef, chicken, and of course, lamb are staples in most of the regular entrees. From what I've heard, they're all good. Suggestions: buy a bag of 4 fresh pitas for $2 instead of getting extra pita with your meal, and take advantage of the complementary items such as kalamata olives, tzatziki, feta, peppers, etc. You can basically make a round of appetizers this way, and you'll have extra pita for the fresh case items. As for personal recommendations, from the case: - two words: Pomegranate. Muhammara. - eggplant-squash stew - sun-dried tomato-basil pasta (add some of the feta) - stuffed grape leaves - spinach-artichoke dip From the menu: - Spinach Fatayer (it's like a sesame dough pizza) - Falafel Get a fountain drink glass and try the rose water sweet tea - even if it's not your thing, it's worth a sample. Other things I love about this place besides the menu and fresh baked pita bread: they use local produce, sell select products as a small market, and do charity drives every so often. The place can get crowded at peak hours, so expect a wait, but seating shouldn't be too much of a problem. When it's nice, you can also sit outside. Take advantage of this place - the food is amazing and the prices are just right. It quickly became one of my staple restaurants and is one of the things I miss most about Chapel Hill. Seriously, I make it a point to go there every time I'm in the area.
(5)Jane Y.
This is by far my favourite budget med place in the triangle. Don't be deterred by the word "budget"". "Budget" for this place means super cheap, big portions and deliciousness!!!!! I can get a chicken kabob platter with two sides from their VAST SELECTION OF SIDES for $9.99. uhm I really don't know where else I can get that. The chicken was so tender and marinated well. I had the eggplant mashwy which was perfectly seasoned, and had a hint of grilled char (which i love). It also didn't leave my tongue feeling funny. I also had the tabouli. Not too sour, not too salty. Just fresh and perfect. Their pita bread is organic and freshly baked. YUM. I love carbs, and it definitely hit the spot. I've tried some of their other sides. The egg plant squach stew, the leek stew, tuna salad and baba ganouj. I really had NOTHING to complain about any of them. That's a first because I'm pretty critical of my foods. The service have always been efficient and pleasant. You also must get a dessert. The date baklava is too sweet, but everything else is great!! I had the namora...and it wasn't too sweet and it was stuffed with pistachios. perfect ending to a hug med feast! They also have a sauce/olive self-serve bar with tahini sauce, yogurt sauce, hot sauces, etc. You can't go wrong with this place. You really cant.
(5)Nicole H.
A couple of friends I'm visiting brought me here on my first night - it's one of their favorites, and I can see why. The food is delicious and the prices are fair. The menu has an intimidating number of choices, but luckily my friends had already honed in on their favorite: the gyros platter. The meat was exactly right, and came with generous helpings of hummus and tabouli, along with their homemade pita (I could have done with more pita, but that's just because it was so good). There's also a stand in the middle with all-you-can-eat olives and feta cheese, along with various sauces (including a quite good tzatziki) At dinnertime on a Thursday, there were several open tables and only a short line to order at the counter. They bring your food to you, so you can sit munching on olives and feta during the short wait. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, with tables nicely spaced but all together in one big room. It was a perfect place to catch up with friends over a good meal.
(5)Shannon R.
Absolutely the best Mediterranean food available in the Triangle! I have been going to Med Deli for years, and it's always been good. They recently renovated/expanded the restaurant and now it's better than ever! There is ample seating available both indoors and out. The food is simply amazing. I haven't tried anything I didn't like. Most recently, I tried a fatayer from their impressive bakery. It was one of the tastiest meals I've had in a long time!!! They have also added a condiment bar complete with all-you-can add olives, feta cheese, pepperonicis, and tzatziki. Where else can you get all the feta and tzatziki you want???? A+++
(5)Nancy H.
The spread is amazing! I felt like a little kid in a candy shop when I saw all the food in the deli. Since it was my first time here I went with the tried and true falafel sandwich, although I really wanted to try the baba ganoush and kabobs. The portion was huge, definitely two meals worth. I really liked the condiment bar they had and got addicted to the yogurt, perfect addition to the sandwich. I only wish the pita bread and falafels had been warmed, sadly they were cold. Awesome place!
(4)Vv L.
Great food, great price. Love the freshness and variety. I could eat at Med Deli everyday, if I didn't have to drive to get there. The fresh baked pita smell is awesome. Their pita is the best I've had.
(5)Nick P.
They gave us platefuls of food after my grandpa died, to use for the reception. I lived off of a hummus plate for a week, it was so good. They are hummus magicians It's the perfect place for an early afternoon lunch with friends, before or after a stroll along Franklin, and the atmosphere is perfect for a few hours of chatting.
(5)Felecia L.
This place has everything under the sun which made it so difficult to decide that I had to go with a sampler plate and a separate Baba Ganoush sandwich just to try to cover most of the bases. I have never been that impressed with pita bread before as it always seems to be an afterthought but these were so fresh that you could eat them plain without any filling. But filled them I did. I got the falafel, hummus and tabbouli plate and enjoyed mixing and matching it with the tahini and pita. It came with a side of tomatoes and lettuce as well. The hummus is seriously the best I have ever tried. Expertly seasoned and made with a high quality olive oil I could put this on anything. The falafel was pretty good. It seemed to be cooked just a bit too long but otherwise was very flavorful. The tabbouli was again the best I have had. I usually find it too grainy but this had enough tomato and parsley that the texture was just right. The only downside to the meal was the Baba Ganoush sandwich. I am sure it is perfectly cooked but I do not personally like anything that tastes like it has been smoked at all. I would have preferred it without that flavor so I didn't get very far with it since that certain taste triggers serious headaches. There is so much more to try that I could eat there everyday with all the vegetarian options. I also like how you can order family size portions to take home. This is a real gem in Chapel Hill.
(4)HK L.
Can be busy at times, but the lines are quick. Love their Falafel, Baklava and Hummus
(4)Peter A.
If you're looking for consistently good, on occasion great, Mediterranean food, this is the place to go. It's well priced, and since the remodeling over a year ago, its an enjoyable place to sit down and eat some hummus. The most troubling thing is deciding what to order. There is a long cooler full of delicious dishes all displayed tempting you on your way to the counter. You're hungry and all you can see is options. Maybe this time i'll have those stuffed mushrooms. OR that spinach pastry thing. I've tried to make it a goal to just start at one end of cooler and every time I enter move a couple plates down. Though they're constantly changing, so that never worked out. I most often order the Mixed Grill Platter for $9.99. It's a combination of marinated chicken souvlaki and gyro meat with a side of hummus and tabouli salad. Served with tzatziki sauce, caramelized pineaple and pita. I usually end up substituting the tabouli with something tasty I saw in the the case on my way to the counter to order. My fiance and I generally split this along with an additional side of something else if we're really hungry. If I'm on my own I've gotten the falafel with hummus for $5.75 and it was plenty filling. I've been here close to a dozen times, and its been the place my co-workers often welcome a new team member or say good bye to another. This place only gets 4 stars, because its just always good. Rarely is it ever great.
(4)Ethan P.
The Mediterranean Deli was crazy hectic the night I stopped in. Just because of all the hustle and bustle it took me a minute to figure out where the line to order was. Once I figured that out, I ordered the Morrocan chicken which was on special that night (came with saffron rice and a small salad). The food was great and well priced. I'm not sure if it's always quite that busy, but if you're looking for a quiet place to eat this does not seem to be it. If you're fine with the energy and noise though, it's well worth checking out.
(4)Warren N.
Always a great choice. Constantly busy so you know food is turning over and everything is fresh. Huge selection to please anyone.
(4)Jackie M.
Everything about this place was delicious. The Grilled Veggie Pita was amazing and the homemade pita bread topped it off. The peach salad was a perfect dessert. We want to go back to try more of the sides.
(5)Marina Y.
What can I say - this is my favorite place in the ENTIRE TRIANGLE AREA. I love everything here - everything. I haven't had anything I HAVEN'T liked. I only wish this place were in Durham and not in Chapel Hill, though I'll definitely drive 15 minutes!! Especially interesting and something I haven't found anywhere else is the rosewater tea, which I recommend everyone try!
(5)Carrianne C.
I love this place when I'm craving mediterranean. They have SO many options that I often have a hard time choosing, but the two things that I always, always love are the fatayers and the hummus with pita. The chicken shwarma is good, although not shaved thinly the way that its usually served in Boston/NYC. The olive bar with olives/sauces/toppings is great also - I love to try a little of everything thats offered. This isn't a complaint really, but something to be noted: its not as cheap as it initially seems. The sides/desserts/drinks add up quickly, and I always end up spending more than I realize.
(4)Holli P.
I absolutely LOVE Med Deli. Everything is fresh, light, and delicious. A relatively inexpensive Chapel Hill institution.
(5)Allen T.
Had dinner here last night. Quite good with local ambience. Service seemed surprisingly slow - our food took quite a while although it wasn't very crowded yet. Had lamb shank. Others had a chicken wrap and a mixed platter. Everyone was satisfied. Would come back.
(4)Gabriel C.
Mediterranean food is not my go-to place, but that being said everything I tried here was delicious! Greek salad (4/5) had fresh greens and lots of feta, but a little heavy on the dressing for my taste. The lamb and beet gyro (5/5) was piled higher than I've ever seen on my gyros. And the red pepper humus (4/5) was smoother and "thinner" than the other ones I've had in the past. Would definitely recommend folks to come by here and try something that's outside the standard meals in Chapel Hill
(4)Vania H.
i came to visit some friends at unc for spring break, and this was one of the first places they suggested when we were deciding on where to get lunch. always up for some good mediterranean food, we chose med deli. when you first walk in, it can be a bit overwhelming. there are many glass cases displaying different types of hummus, veggies, and side dishes, along with their delicious baklava. i ordered the gyro plate (just your basic gyro with lamb, peppers, onions, and tzatziki sauce) and it was cheap AND delicious! the pita bread is soft and warm, and it tastes freshly made. their entree portions are extremely generous. my only gripe is that their baklava is SO good - but their servings are very small for the price you pay for them. but they are definitely very, very good. parking can be a hassle (as it is on most college campuses), so walking to med deli is probably the best option.
(4)Luke C.
The food and selections were delicious, so many sweets to whett your appetite. There is also a specials board. This is a great addition to the Franklin Street food scene. As an update I got a catering from them. It was superb, especially the eggplant stew, vine leaves, and turkish burek. They deliver, supply the platters and warmers and then pick it up the next day. I would definitely use them again!
(4)Katie B.
In the month I've lived in Chapel Hill, I've been to Med Deli three times. This may not be "the best" Mediterranean food I've ever had (it's hard to compete with it at its source), the variety of food (especially vegetarian) and low cost ($10 gets me two meals) makes up for any shortcomings. Highly recommended are the avocado-tomato-feta salad and roasted pears (for a healthy dessert!). In fact, I think it may be time for another visit...
(4)Amy H.
Big place and slightly confusing for a first-timer. It almost appeared to be mass chaos as there was no clear indication of a line. But once you get past that, the food is delicious. I ordered the falafel which was flavorful and piping hot. Everything at the counter looked delicious, but I haven't tried any. It was really busy the night I went (which I don't know whether this is always the case), so the service was a bit slow. Still, a good place to go.
(4)Jasmine G.
I dined here for lunch with my husband and toddler. We enjoyed the open, laid-back atmosphere of the restaurant. the Lamb Fatayer was excellent and the Chicken Shawerma made my taste buds sing. My new Chapel Hill go-to spot!
(5)Angela S.
The food is yummy enough. I don't really think it stands out from the rest of the falafel, gyro places in the area. They use a little bit too much of the white sauce, that it just overwhelms the flavor of the food. But I do love their little sneeze-free guarded stand that has olives, feta cheese, etc. I would much rather just grab some of their pita bread and eat them with the olives, feta, and dressing, than some of the other stuff on the menu.
(3)Yen D.
The bad reviews of this place make me sad, because Med Deli made me so happy! I went here on a brief trip to Chapel Hill and agree with many of the points, namely: -confusing for a first-time customer -hard to understand people who work there -can get awkwardly crowded But these three things add to the deli-like charm of the place. This ain't no Subway, this is the real deal. Love the deli case, the olives/condiment bar, the iced tea, the bakery case. Reminds me of gruff, efficient, delicious delis in NYC and Budapest. Super cheap, super tasty. The falafel is some of the best I've had this side of the Atlantic, pita is great, and I enjoyed my pomegranate-grapefruit juice and random foods I pointed at in the deli case. Also, the grilled veggies are fantastically flavorful. We ate outside and I heard the PA system fine. Next time I visit UNC I'll be coming back.
(4)Chuck W.
How did I go to school here for four years, and had only been there once? And had totally forgotten about it? Well evidently, I'm not the only person who enjoys Med Deli since Tyler Hansbrough was there too. Anyways, between stealing furtive glances at him, I enjoyed my combo platter. The food is good, but I particularly like the station of garnishes which are free. I loved piling on the sauces and the olives as well! The prices are reasonable, and it's a solid option for dinner - highly recommended. Now if you could only find a good place to park, you'd be set.
(4)Ami O.
Don't be thrown off by the line or the overwhelming display of foods -- grab a menu off the drink cooler and peruse the cases for ready-to-eat choices. I suggest the two- or three-item samplers, which come with pita bread. Everything I've tried here, which has been mostly vegetarian, has been excellent. The earlier in the day you get there, the fresher the food -- as evidenced by the unappetizing dried skin that forms on the hummus later in the day.
(4)Ellen C.
I've been here twice and both times the food has been really delicious and inexpensive. It's a no-frills place: decor is plain and you order at the counter, but everything is fresh and the servings are generous. The choice of vegetarian options is quite large, and pita bread is really good fresh out of the oven. One of the best mediterranean restos in the area. The flavours are perfectly en pointe. It has a larger variety of dishes, and is cheaper than NeoMonde in Cary.
(5)Terrence L.
Med Deli is a terrific place to eat if you are craving mediterranean food. When you first step in you past by a row of food in a clear display. Whenever you get a main course, you can choose 2 sides along with it and it comes with a pita. Sometimes they have special items such as moroccan chicken stew on sale. After you order, you get a number and you wait for it to be called and you collect your food. Fool proof, really. Food & service is extremely good, and portions are insanely huge.
(5)Jon B.
If it tasted as good as it looked, I would have been in heaven. I ordered a sampler plate and picked three vegetarian items: the Foul Madama, the Artichoke Dip, and the Mediterranean Eggplant. The Foul Madamas looked great - tasted burnt. For a hot soup like dishe - that is hard to do. (*) The Artichoke dip was nice at first - the texture was a little gainy, the flavor was good(**) The Mediterranean Eggplant had a nice texture and good flavor - a bit heavy handed on the cilantro, and either a bit much lemongrass or actual lemon as the dish cooled. (***) It was nice being able to sample the hummus while waiting in line for ordering my lunch. I can make hummus at home, so I rarely order it while dining out. I will be trying other restaurants on the street.
(2)Nick N.
I thought the food here was average at best, roughly comparable to Baba Ghannouj, in spite of the very large selection. I much prefer Neomonde on Beryl Road in Raleigh for this kind of Mediterranean food.
(2)Jennifer B.
Yes, this place is awesome. I cannot stay away from ordering the hummus and falafel sandwich although every time I leave I am regretful of still not trying one of those amazing pizza things. I am also a huge fan of the cabbage and spinach salad. I mean it is super great food at a great price and with a sauce and pickled things bar. Sold. I try to come out here every time I venture to Chapel Hill and am never disappointed. I do not know what to add seeming there are a million reviews of this place! I just wanted to say, yes, I think it is awesome too!
(5)Jay S.
This is probably the best food on Franklin Street. They have lots of options and it is all amazing. Their condiment bar is crucial. They have an interesting variety of iced teas and even a couple local beers on tap. I've only ever eaten there but they also have a huge array of carry out stuff by the pound. The outdoor seating is particularly pleasant. Med Deli never disappoints.
(5)X X.
The experience at Mediterranean Deli is not as great as the 5-star reviews but not as poor as the 1-star reviews suggest. We went in a very busy Saturday night. It's a disorganized zoo that doesn't make a good first impression. Ambiance: The layout is sub-optimal. The plate return bins are the first thing you encounter walking through the doors. This area gets dirty, especially the floor. The entire dining area is just loud and chaotic. Service: It's deli-style. You place your order at the counter and pick it up yourself after they call your number. Pay attention--if you miss your number, they didn't announce it a second time. Secure a table before ordering, otherwise you'll be stuck holding a plate of food with nowhere to sit. Because customers bus their own tables, workers have little motivation to maintain the overall cleanliness of the dining room. Like other customers, we had to wipe down a messy table before sitting. Food: Serviceable Mediterranean food. Nothing is made to order, just "warmed to order." Decent falafel and hummus. Less impressed with the meat offerings. There a little condiment bar which gets disgustingly dirty, but has some good extras. I hear their catering is pretty good, but as a place to go an eat I was underwhelmed. Won't go back to dine, but maybe for take-out.
(2)Matthew G.
Med Deli has thankfully stuck around Franklin St. I enjoy the quantity of food it offers and the Gyro platters I've had there have been yummy as well as the food from their case. I can't compare them to thare Mediterranean restaurants because I don't eat it all the time, but it IS a go to spot when I can't think of what I want to eat and don't want to make something at home. Though I recently noticed a rotating spit for Shawarma, it is true that the first time I was here in '06 the Shawarma was nothing like what I'd seen in photos of it online. Regardless, it was still tasty. I also like the Kibbeh I've had there and the Mahmoul. I have yet to try their fresh Pita. I hope this sticks around for awhile as a change from the pizza, burger and beer joints that make up the majority of Franklin St.
(4)tejune k.
this place is awesome - plenty of room and very authentic food. parking can be a pain once in a while, but the food is fresh and the choices are amazing. so many choices and things to eat. portions are very generous as well. wish there was some spicier sauce tho, but overall would very much highly recommend! thumbs up
(5)Missy M.
Such great food for a low price. I've been here twice, and have been blown away at the quality of the food. There are so many options, and it all tastes natural yet delicious. Everytime I go I want to try something different and it always blows me away.
(5)Andrea B.
Classic, real, and authentic Greek food. I had a gyro and my husband had a tuna salad stuffed in a homemade pita with a side Greek salad. The deli case looks amazing and if I lived closer I would be trying something new every week. For those of you who live in Chapel Hill, take advantage of this great deli, have them cater your next event, and invite me!
(5)Katarina S.
Great food! Only marred by an incompetent cashier on my last visit, though didn't bother me enough to deduct a star. The lamb gyro hummus platter is fab, and also the chicken souvlaki hummus platter. Any of the stuff inside the glass cases will be delicious. I really like that they have free tzatziki and olives at the condiment bar. And, besides my last visit, the service has always been satisfactory. Get a glass of wine and some baclava and sit outside for a great afternoon of people watching or a casual convo with friends.
(5)Jay G.
Solid food at a reasonable price.
(5)Kelly W.
Amazing food!! Wondrous hummus, fresh fruit sides.... awesome.
(5)Care H.
Went back a second time, it's definitely a winner. I'd give it 4.5 stars instead of the 4 last time. Tried the shawerma hummus with chicken ($8). So delicious. Chicken in subtle spices (they said cardamom and Lebanese, but I have no clue), sitting with fresh roasted parsley and red onions in a sea of hummus and olives. The pita is so fresh and chewy, it's slightly more elastic than other pita breads I've had. Very curious what they put in there, it's got an interesting consistency. You really have to rip into the pita. My boyfriend got the chicken kebob ($9.25), much better than the beef kebob he had gotten weeks before, in my opinion. The chicken was juicy and marinated in an interesting yellow sauce. His sides were great - one was a sauteed cauliflower in what appeared like a curry sauce. The other side were roasted vegetables and mushrooms. Delicious flavors. Again, this was a lot of food. The amazing thing is that it still tasted great on Day 2, even without a microwave. I'm impressed, will definitely make this a stop more frequently.
(4)Matt D.
Food is consistently excellent. Extensive menu. Awesome olive bar. Pretty quick service. Relaxed, family friendly, casual atmosphere. Lots of vegetarian options.
(5)Tanya B.
The food was fresh and the price reasonable given the quality of the ingredients. I brought my 2 year old daughter and they tried to be inventive with the kind of foods that might satisfy her (2 pieces of chicken and some lentils/rice) to no avail. The seating arrangement, deli atmosphere, bus your own ethos, and pricing seem a little out of sync with the quality of the food (based only on the setup I would have expected something a little lower in quality and less expensive) thus the 4 instead of 5 stars.
(4)William J.
Mediterranean Deli is a deli that serves Mediterranean food. If you have a problem wrapping (get it, wrap?) your head around that, then perhaps locating good restaurants is not your biggest problem. Until recently, Med Deli was the only place to go around here for some serious falafel, kebabs, etc. Competition is just around the corner, now, but Med Deli is still the best. The prices are extremely affordable, and the freshness and quality of the ingredients is almost without equal. The location is not the best, convenient neither to UNC's campus nor to the teeming masses of Mediterranean-loving hippies of Carrboro, so you'll have to walk a bit. The staff can have a bit of a chip on their collective shoulder about dealing with new people; if you're not a regular, there's a chance that you might get some static about not knowing exactly what's going on (especially if some of the less common menu items throw you off; god help you if you ask for a description). Be aware that Med Deli's greatest strength can also be its greatest weakness for some people: there is very little concession here for Americanized standards of taste. What you get will be quite authentically "Mediterranean" compared with most similar places. It's not for everyone.
(4)Romin B.
I had my first meal here less than a year ago, and since then have had close to a dozen more. I won't add much more than what others have already said, but this is as solid of Mediterranean food as they come, at reasonable prices in a nice casual setting. I've tried a bunch of different things, especially as a UNC student who's gone to his fair share of catered lunch talks, but when I'm dining in, my go-to is the falafel and hummus. One of the cheapest things on the menu at under $6, it's two completely stuffed half-pitas with a yummy falafel and rich, oily hummus packed in. And I always take my liberties with the free condiment bar and add plenty of feta cheese and tzatziki. Lots of people recommend the sampler platter, but it can get pretty pricey, especially if you're picking non-vegetarian items. Although it's almost impossible to pick one thing, in terms of bang for your buck, I think you're better off getting a pound or 1/2 lb of something.
(4)justin g.
This place is outstanding and very reasonably priced. I got the Moroccan chicken special and it was great. Everything is very fresh and authentic. Best pitas I've ever had, in fact I had to buy a pack before I left. The atmosphere is very casual and open. Nice little patio and little things like fresh roses on all the tables. First class all the way.
(5)R P.
The Mediterranean Deli is really good. Best pita I've had in the states and as good as any I had in the Med. Very fine falafel and decent humus, veggies are always fresh, and the olive bar is a real treat. The deli case is a sight to behold! Have found the service to be fairly good, even when crowded. Most of the delis I've been to around the Triangle are just sloppin' sandwiches out the door (the Subway concept of a deli). Mediterranean Deli knows what a good deli is all about.
(4)Jo H.
VERY fresh pita. Hummus good but a tad tarter than I prefer. Falafel tasty, but overall my sandwich was a little bland. Needed both hummus AND tahini, which did not appear to be an option. Still, I liked the place and will try it again.
(4)Mark C.
Always great food (had Gyros this time), love the olives in the condiment bar for a starter for the meal. Desserts are phenomenal. Will definitely return.
(5)Robert G.
I had the gyro and my wife the chicken salad. We both had cucumber salads and walnut and cheese baklava. The portions are small but at least the tab was large: $23 for lunch. I just don't see the rave about the place. The taziki sauce seemed to have no spice. Was it plain yogurt? Maybe. The gyros made by the Gyro Time restaurant chain and the Mad Greek in Barstow, CA (Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives) are much better. Nothing we had was special, and for the price we'd rather spend our money elsewhere.
(2)Lan S.
Whenever we're in, or passing through, Chapel Hill-Carrboro, we debate whether to do take out from the Mediterranean Deli for healthful organic and natural food or from Gourmet Kingdom for amazing Szechwan. Both are great values with delicious food and friendly service. This trip, the Med Deli won, and we took home a falafel plate, a lamb gyro plate and a couple of packages of the Med's supremely good organic pita bread. Although the atmosphere is no-frills cafeteria style, it works here. The Med Deli is usually packed with students and local folks, service is friendly and prices can't be beat.
(5)Lauren S.
Along with everyone else in Chapel Hill, I love Med Deli. Everything always tastes fresh and there are so many delicious options to choose from. My favorites are the hummus, chicken salad, tuna salad, and greek salad. You have to try the homemade pita, definitely the best around! The service is always quick and friendly. If you go at peak lunch time you can expect to wait a little bit, because they are always busy. It's nice that you can get your own sauces, pickles, olives from the bar. It is a little pricey for the amount of food you get, but it's all so good I keep going back! It's a great place to sit on the sidewalk when the weather is nice, they are in a prime spot for people watching on Franklin.
(4)H Z.
great place, cheap but yummy, every dish is very big plate. there are plenty of choices. I tried lamb shank which is great. Tiramisu is very good.
(4)Todd G.
A huge variety of tasty, creative dishes. My gf and I had lunch here today and each ordered 5 side items. 6 were excellent, 2 were good and 2 were ok. Staff was nice and helpful. Will return!
(5)Anita C.
My friends took my fiance and me here. It's like a cafeteria with TONS of options. The hard part is you have to remember all the names and order at the counter. I felt like I was a fat kid in a candy store! Everything looked so good. I ended up ordering: Hummus Med chicken Eggplant stew Beet Turkish The only thing I was a little disappointed with was the eggplant stew. It was sweeter than I like. But everything else was very very good. They also have a salad bar with olives, yogurt, pickled veggies. I could've just sat and ate the whole salad bar. We would definitely go back!
(4)Steve M.
I am a bit of a chicken shwarma snob, and these guys straight up DUNKED it. No joke, this is the best shwarma I have tasted in the state. It puts all other North Carolina shwarmas to shame (in so far as I know right now - I have tried 3 different restaurants' offerings). I will be back to try the other delicacies on this menu for sure!
(5)Vida D.
Med Deli has great food and now that they have opened up a little market next door, customers can grab some great rare-find ingredients to make excellent Middle Eastern inspired food at home.
(4)Tal T.
Shame on me. I grew up in Chapel Hill. Skipped school to thumb through vintage at Time after Time. Grubbed on Pepper's pizza and Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen. But never, not once, EVER ate at this downtown institution. Until now. Boy was I missing out! Choices, choices, choices. Meat, veggies, sweets, wine, beer, deli case, made to order, dine-in, take-out, catering, and more. And it's all good. Damn good. And cheap. Blissful, I tell you. We over-ordered for my family of five, which was great because I tried like a thousand things. The lamb is perfectly spiced. The spinach chickpea salad stood out as well-balanced and delicious: it's a can't miss. Falafel, fantastic! As expected, about the best I've ever had. Again, the spices are spot-on and the crunchy outside is just right. Loved the eggplant and the hummus is perfection. Service is fast and friendly and the large dining room is frequently packed. Bottom Line: quality food at amazing prices, Med Deli should be a staple of any Chapel Hill resident's diet.
(4)Howie S.
This place has great food and sooo many gluten free options! Everything is clearly labeled for food allergies (i.e. gluten, nut, dairy, meat, etc.) which makes it way less stressful to eat out. Also, they have gluten free pita bread and Fatayer. It can be really busy and loud sometimes but the food is worth it. Also, the new market attached to the restaurant is fantastic. They have fresh produce and a meat counter, as well as many Mediterranean specialties (i.e. halvah, grape leaves, etc.).
(5)Eric S.
Really good chicken souvlaki and gyro. They were really busy when we came. The place was crowded and hot but there's plenty of outdoor seating. All in all good food with tons of options and killer baklava.
(4)Sam S.
Great selection. Quick service. Always busy. Toughest part is finding parking on Franklin when it is busy
(5)Logan B.
Some of the best Mediterranean food for the price I've ever had. I've had 4 or 5 items off of the menu and have been more than satisfied each time. Large portions for usually around $10 each. It's a must stop if you are in the Chapel Hill area.
(5)Katie T.
Med Deli is a one of the most consistent restaurants in turning out flavorful, delicious fare. I am a sucker for the sampler platter. How can one resist the enormous display case of colorful dishes, each one beckoning you to choose it? The three sample platter is filling and it comes with a side of pita (gluten free available). You can SEE the pita coming out of the oven in preparation for your plate. Talk about fresh! Fantastic food. Excellent service. Options for all diets (foods in display case are all labeled for different diets!). Vegans, carnivores, and those who are gluten intolerant can all unite at this gem in Chapel Hill!
(5)Katrina N.
The best falafels in the area!
(5)Chad S.
Incredible food at a good price. I purchased the greek platter that I had heard about and it did not disappoint. Would reccomend to anyone who is in the mood.
(5)Rose S.
I seriously love Mediterranean Deli. THE epitome of why I believe that ethnic foods are taking over the food industry in America. I have quite the grandiose palate. I could never understand my friends who stick to the same food every night: pizza, fried chicken, and sandwiches. There is so much to try out there and living in Chapel Hill makes it easier. The food is healthy, fresh and simply delicious. They make the best pita bread in the world and make you love vegetables that you never thought you would like. My favorite thing to do is to come here when the weather's nice and you can find a table outside. It's really relaxing to eat the great food, enjoy the beautiful day, and appreciate what Franklin Street has to offer.
(5)Pat G.
Unbelievable selection of different dishes to choose from with ample selections from all around the Mediterranean. Everything is always very fresh and delicious. Very reasonably priced with decent portion sizes too.
(4)Diana X.
I really like the deli layout, where you can see all the cold sides in their display (and there are many). The place also manages to balance variety with quality, while delivering the food pretty quickly - large assortment of Mediterranean desserts, sides, and meats prepared different ways, that don't disappoint. The kabobs are excellent, and I recently tried their tilapia special, which was also pretty good. Every time I go there, they also have at least two different and interesting teas available that are also good, such as pomegranate green tea and rosewater tea.
(4)S K.
This place has an excellent selection of Mediterranean dishes. We shared two dishes (a sampler with 3 different salads) and a gyro (lamb) platter. The gyros were delicious, and came with tabouli, pita, hummus, and tzatziki. There is an awesome olive bar with delicious sour pickles and assorted other small appetizers/sides that accompany the meal. The atmosphere is nice but can get very busy during the school year. There is also a nice market/shop attached to the restaurant.
(5)Michael B.
Fresh food. Pretty cheap. Solid Mediterranean. What else could you ask for. Pretty much a good place to come have a chat with friends - it has a very cafeteria like dining area.
(4)Jared W.
So many choices to choose from- not just on the menu but from the case as well, and this certainly isn't a bad thing. I decided on the beef Schawarma and my girlfriend got the chicken salad pita. The Schawarma was HUGE and almost impossible to eat with your hands without looking like a fool, but I tried anyway. It's size didn't take away from the flavor at all; it was well-seasoned and the onion, pickles, and peppers added a good balance. My girlfriends chicken salad gyro was possibly even better than the Schawarma and was refreshingly sweet tasting with raisins and almonds mixed into the chicken salad. We only got two fruit kabobs as sides but ended up full anyway from the large portions. I would definitely recommend checking out the deli!
(5)Terry S.
This review is long overdue. A very heartfelt thank you to the catering and private dining crew at the Mediterranean Deli. In May we held a memorial service for my sister in their private dining room. We had a miscommunication on the time (we got there an hour earlier than they expected) and the room wasn't quite set up the way we needed it. No problem for these folks! They just hustled, moved the buffet to the back of the room and made everything work! Of course the food was excellent as always too. Thanks much!
(5)David J.
Walked in and instantly smelled the spices of the Mediterranean. The extensive menu had several columns of options and the food was all displayed below the glass counter, which wrapped around a quarter of the restaurant. I had to wait a bit for my food to be prepared, but my date ordered something that didn't require much prep and got it right away. I had the spicy chicken panini. It was more lettuce than chicken, but was well seasoned. It came with a Greek salad that was pretty average. My date ordered sautéed cauliflower, avocado salad, and Harissa hummus. We both through the hummus was the best part of the meal.
(3)Sara T.
No dessert for vegans...but many other options available. Of course, if you aren't vegan the options are endless. A bit pricey, but better than sit down prices. Rose water with oranges was fantastic. Similar to a whole foods hot bar. Servers were friendly and let me try a sample. If I'm ever in the area again, I'd go back.
(4)Nancy G.
One of my favorite spots in Chapel Hill! I always get the Moroccan chicken which comes with pita and Greek salad. I have never figured out what kind of dressing is mixed with the salad, but it's one of a kind. Every time I leave chapel hill for an extended period, I miss med deli. The chicken is mixed with vegetables over a bed of rice. Grand. The scallion hummus is sooo good too. If you're in town for a day or four years, don't miss out on Med Deli.
(5)Amy S.
The food here is really, really good. Service is fast most of the time. It is often very crowded but adds to the lively vibe. Tip for newbies- head towards the counter area to order and grab menu and also look at all the tasty choices in the glass cases. I usually end up ordering the chicken gyro because it is so good. You get a number and then they will bring your food out. This is a nice loud casual place to eat. Don't go here for a quiet romantic date. We have also had Med Deli cater two of our Bat Mitzvah events and food and service is excellent. Highly recommend.
(5)Amelia Z.
Went for the first time for a birthday party a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it! The food is fantastic and super fresh. The hummus was delicious and the lamb and beef gyro is definitely the best I've had. I thought the pitas were just a touch too tough but that hasn't stopped me from craving this place ever since we left. There's a back room for larger parties you can reserve if you're going with a group. The front was pretty busy when we went and wouldn't have accommodated our group well so I'm glad they had a space in the back. Just make sure you tell them when you order that you're in the back because they will be searching the front for you otherwise!
(5)Thomas H.
I've been here a handful of times since moving to Chapel Hill. It's a cafeteria, not a restaurant, and the food and customer experience reflect that. The prices also aren't any better than average, and you can easily get better quality elsewhere for the same price or better. The food itseld is not bad, but you never get the sense that a lot of care was put into its preparation. When I've ordered meat, whether it's Gyro or Souvlaki, it's typically been overcooked and dry. The same has been true for the Falafel. The tabouli has more herbs than bulgar/quinoa, which some folks may like, but I and some of my friends agree that it's just too overpowering. The desserts are very good, however. Customer service has never seemed to be a priority here when I have visited. It's a cafeteria, like I said before, and one where the wait staff aren't especially nice or helpful. If you're a person who values quality and service, you'll probably be disappointed. You have to know what you want, and you have to ask for it. This is a very basic, unpretentious place and a lot of people apparently like it that way, as it is a very popular eatery. I personally like the atmosohere, but I would go somewhere else if I had the choice.
(3)Sam F.
This is a great place! The food is health and it is always good. There is a massive selection of side dishes, and there are always reasonably priced specials. You can also get a package of pitas here to take home.
(5)BK H.
Love the food. Love the staff. Love the location. My choice for Greek food. I'm from Atlanta and have lived in several large Metro areas in the US. The deli is very authentic, the food fresh and delicious, the service fast and friendly.
(5)Kelly H.
On a recent trip to Chapel Hill, my sister took our family here for dinner and though we were tired and weary from travel, Med Deli perked us right up! O Holy Deli of Choices - so many healthy dishes, not enough room on my plate. Let's start with the garnishment bar: um pretty awesome to have your choice of pickle, sauce or spread to accompany your meal. I personally loaded up on the pickled peppers and red hot sauce. In fact I took 3 cups of hot sauce home I loved it so much. Next let's examine our sample from the cooler: delicious spinach chickpeas, check! Amazingly non-fishy sardines, check! Huuummmuuus, check! Avocado tomato salad, check! These are a few of my favorite things. My hubs loved the chicken shawarma plate too. Service was friendly, though a little slow. While the menu and deli may have some less traditional items (pasta salad?), the sheer volume of quality food was impressive. I may like to try new places when traveling but I will be sure to keep this place as a staple when visiting again.
(4)Zachary R.
Med Deli is one of the most reliable places in Chapel Hill. While not the best mediterranean food, you can find better stuff at more specialized restaurants, it has a huge selection and is always above average. I typically get stuff out of the case, I find the assortment of items intriguing and personally I think they're better than most of the stuff on the menu. However, the fatayers are great and huge.
(4)Jessie D.
Awesome place! Had really great food. Wish the menu was laid out a little better and you were able to just by sides that aren't by the 1/4 or 1/2 lb. The ordering process was a little stressful as well as the staff was trying to be attentive but ended up being pushy. The atmosphere was great though! Cool place with great food!
(4)Holly L.
Great food with a big selection. I enjoy lunch here regularly. The food is always fresh and very reasonably priced
(4)Michele J.
My fiance and I decided to meet a friend here last weekend based on Yelp reviews. The place was easy to find and pretty busy, even at 7:30 on a Saturday. There were a lot of college students in the crowd, and it was fairly loud in there. The set-up of the restaurant is not exactly clear and was somewhat confusing for a group of people who had never been there before. We found menus and got in line to order over toward the left of the long counter after we saw others doing the same thing. The woman who took our order was really unpleasant. I would strongly advise the managers to speak to her about the way she interacts with customers (red hair, young, didn't catch her name). I worked in retail for 7 years, including on Black Friday, and I have never been so rude to a customer as she was to us. Placing our initial food orders went fine, though she was brusque and unhelpful in regards to our questions (we had never been there before! I'm sorry!). We sat down with our numbers to await our food. There was an olive/hummus bar in the middle of the floor that seemed to be free game, but there weren't any signs in there that said it was, so we didn't end up grabbing anything from there. When our food arrived, it was good, though I wouldn't say it was a bargain. I got a better gyro with a side for the same price in Northern VA, and that's saying something. After eating our main meals, we went back up to the register to order some baklava, which looked very impressive in its case. I also wanted to order some dolma to take home. It was in a nearby case, so I assumed the cashier would simply scoop some up and put it in a container for us. Again, there aren't any signs or information letting anyone know how things are done. I don't need a big flashing neon light, but maybe just a person to direct people or something? Anyway, we came up to the same angry cashier as we had before, and she rang us up for an order of dolma and two squares of baklava, and then only scooped one. We asked for one more, as that was what we had paid for, and she angrily stabbed at a big chunk of baklava, ripping apart the layers, and shovelled it into the container. We were smiling this whole time, like "oh, dang, do we get a little extra?" trying to be nice, but she was not having it. The baklava was basically destroyed. In addition, upon receiving a number, I asked confusedly, "Oh, do we have to wait for something?" And she responded, "Yes, there are people who placed orders before you and you have to wait for them to get their orders." It doesn't sound bad when typed, but her tone indicated that she thought I was a spoiled, demanding brat, when really I just didn't understand what was going on. I know that people have off-nights and they are tired and frustrated, but, like I said, she was downright rude and soured the whole experience for me. I would eat at Med Deli again if I was in the area, but I wouldn't go out of my way. And I would definitely turn around and leave if I saw the same cashier manning the register when I walked in.
(3)Sam A.
Food is always excellent. Pricing is always cheap and the "market" atmosphere is awesome. I love coming here. Staff while ordering aren't always the most patient and make you feel rushed at times since everyone comes here, but they still get 5 stars.
(5)Lauryn C.
Put down that huge menu and just put your face on the glass and take a look around. I believe that is the best way to navigate this eatery. I was rather overwhelmed by the large selection on the menu but after observing the many cases of food in front of me the decision was made. I ordered the kofta platter and just like that huge menu I was delivered an enormous plate filled with basmati rice, kofta, chickpea salad, and tabbouleh. I really wanted a taste of every side item that was in the deli cases getting a platter at least gave me some choices. Like I need to mention it but obviously try some hummus they have many choices and it's fresh and tasty. I shared the chive hummus with my lunch mates it's a great starter to any meal. I noticed a large banquet room in the back which would make a great space for an event. You do have to bus your own table and the restaurant can get a little loud but you always have the option to eat outside as well. I need to make a trip back soon and try some of those yummy looking desserts. Baklava holla!
(4)Tiffany L.
Came here for the first time this past weekend. I got the falafel and hummus, which tasted very fresh. I also really liked the large variety of sauces available. I definitely want to come back and try the gyros next time.
(4)Breeze R.
By no means am I an expert on Mediterranean food, but I sure do love this place. My go-tos are the chicken fatayer and shawarma. My friends who are vegan/vegetarian never have problems finding a delicious option. I've been many times and I am satisfied with the food about 90% of the time. The service is normally prompt even when they're busy. It's a nice place for a small gathering of friends. The bar with olives and pickled vegetables is free and a god-send. If you're eating at their location in the Bottom of Lenoir, I normally find that quality on par with the actual restaurant although the pita isn't quite as fresh.
(5)Daniel L.
Delicious falafel, gyro, pita, hummus, fatayer, shwarma. Great buzzing atmosphere, and awesome condiments bar! One of the best businesses in chapel hill
(5)Silas R.
The mere fact that Med Deli can have over 200 yelp reviews and most of them 4+ stars in an under-yelping city like Chapel Hill should speak for itself. This place is phenomenal. It's the best deal you can get in this overpriced college town, for sure. The food really is amazing. People are not exaggerating. If you haven't been to med deli and you live in the Triangle, you're missing out. Dishes of note: The Chicken Shawarma is mighty tasty. Their pita bread (both white and wheat) has no match. It's the freshest / best you can get. I love their harissa hummus and oftentimes bring a tub of it plus a bag of pita bread to parties and potlucks. I should also bring up their desserts. WOW. Just thinking of the cheese baklava is making me wish I had that in front of me rather than a diet mountain dew.
(5)Cliff H.
Med Deli is all that. It can be a little overwhelming as you try to figure out what to order from all of the healthy Mediterranean foods so beautifully displayed in the huge refrigerated glass case. I often get the lamb shank which is very reasonably priced and comes with two sides. The epdesserts are amazing. They also have what I call Turkishizza. They don't have hot tea which is my only negative. The complimentary olive/pickle/sauce bar is phenomenal.
(5)Kevin N.
I haven't had Mediterranean/Greek food since arriving here in N.C. and I jumped at this opportunity to try their gyros--so I turned down the lamb special to have the gyros plate! In short: perhaps it's cause I haven't had Greek cuisine in such a long time (but I'd like to think that I'm trying my best to be unbiased), but this is the best gyros I've ever had. Super flavorful with a texture that is characteristically gyros. The outer layer of the gyros was crisp enough and the inside was perfectly moist. Delicious! And the hummus. It complemented the gyros and the pita bread so well. So great. Exceptional customer service (cashier was really keen on helping me order something great and workers were furrying people towards cash registers and ordering areas), fair prices, and a nicely lit, friendly atmosphere (not to mention the whole place obviously smelled great) makes this place an absolute must try for anyone looking for top-notch Greek food in the Chapel Hill/Franklin St. area.
(5)Heather S.
Med Deli is delicious and nicely price. Some of my favorites dishes include Moroccan Chicken, Lamb Shank, Baba Ghannough, Greek Salad, Moroccan Couscous, and Bardi. Oh, and the cashew baklava in the best.
(5)Lauren R.
"Med Deli," as locals call it, is quite good for fast-casual Mediterranean food--I just don't think it's as good as all of my friends who are former UNC students say it is. I mean, I heard someone suggesting a drive from Raleigh to Chapel Hill for the explicit purpose of getting Med Deli (it's good, but it's probably not 90-minute-round-trip good). Lunch for two will set you back about $20. The inside is HUGE and there are a few tables on Franklin Street, which are really nice. It's a cafeteria-style ordering system for salads, and they'll bring your sandwich plate out to you. Mediterranean Deli focuses on quantity--the plates and sandwiches are HUGE (seriously, I think I've gotten a stuffed pita the size of my head before)--and the food is higher quality than most other portions-driven restaurants. However, in my 2-3 trips to Med Deli, I've always found the salads and sandwiches under seasoned--like the hummus was just hummus, no spices to make it interesting. And the pita sandwiches--because they're stuffed so full--typically fall apart creating a huge mess. It's no big deal, but remember to pick up a fork even if you're ordering a sandwich. I guess the tone of this review was more negative than I meant it to be--I like Med Deli, and I definitely think of it as a solid lunch bet in Chapel Hill. There are just so many reviews touting this place that I wanted to leave a more subdued positive review: good, but a bit overhyped.
(3)Adam B.
Every time I come here, I leave thinking, "I should come here more often". The only drawback is that parking can be a bit of a bear, particularly at lunch when the University lot on Rosemary St. behind the building isn't open. But it's worth making your way here for all the terrific Med flavors. The menu is ginormous, with hot items as well as the deli case. I head straight for the deli case, because all the goodies are on display and you'll know exactly what you're getting and there's more than plenty of choices. I usually get a three-item plate and go for some sort of grilled chicken dish (last night it was with wonderfully seasoned bell peppers) and a couple of sides. I've had great cucumber salad, various grain dishes, and wonderful penne with sundried tomatoes. Every type of vegetable you can name is usually represented in the case and everything is deliciously spiced and flavorful. They're usually quick getting the plates out to the table after you've ordered. Drinks are of the serve-yourself type and include a very nice pomegranate green tea. Now, if only they served beer and wine, I'd never leave!
(5)Greg S.
I'm not sure why I've not reviewed Med Deli before now. I don't eat there often, but I like it when I do. So, here's the rundown: Food: Tasty. I'm kind of a picky eater, all told, so the vast selection of stuff and the ability to cobble together a plate from several items makes me a little more adventurous. I enjoy that. I don't enjoy everything I put in my mouth from this place, but more often than not what I'm eating is really good. Good kebabs. The pineapple and pepper salad is amazingly weird and delicious. The only thing I don't really like is the hummus, and I'll probably be dragged into the street and shot but I've found that restaurant hummus is usually a little runny for my tastes and I prefer the storebought Sabra stuff. Sorry, food purists. Service: No problems here. The lines get long so there's not a lot of time for pleasantries, but every problem I've had with anything has been corrected promptly and politely. If they gave you the wrong one of the 600 pasta salads in the display case (might be estimating slightly too high), they'll just bring you the one you wanted. They're polite. They're sane. It's all good. All in all, I declare Mediterranean Deli a great place to grab a bite to eat on Franklin.
(4)Dexter B.
We used Med Deli to cater our wedding reception and they did a phenomenal job, both in terms of the service and the quality of the food. All of our guests were raving about the food days after the event was over. They also did a wonderful job projecting the amount of food needed, as we gave them an exact headcount and did not run out of anything. One of their main representatives that works with catering customers is Parker and he is fantastic! He is extremely responsive and helpful. If you are looking to find a caterer for your next event, I would strongly consider Med Deli!
(5)Jordan P.
I've used Med Deli (as it's affectionately known) for catering, for date nights, as a spot to bring out-of-towners, and as a haven for delicious food for the past 7 years. As a student at UNC, I found that it was one of the best places to get lots of food for not a lot of money. I used to stick to the classic gyro platter, but have since ventured to try any and everything that looks tasty on the menu and strikes my fancy. Before I forget to mention it, the folks who work here are amazing. Seriously, I don't know if (other than IP3s) you could find a better, friendlier group of employees. It makes me happy that, even if there's a wait, you're assured some friendly banter from the fellows working behind the countertop. The pitas are always fresh, which serves as a delicious accent to just about any meal you get. I absolutely LOVE the greek salad, and a large is more than enough to get me through two full meals. I could bathe in their hummus, which is creamy and just salty enough without blasting your tastebuds. It serves as a great spread on the pita, but is tasty enough to eat by the spoonful (not that I've ever done that....) Having eaten here alone or with a crowd of over ten, there's really something for everyone, and their new(ish) bakery whips out some fatayers that rival any pizza for something cheesy, melty, and decadent. I could eat here for every meal for the next two weeks and not repeat a dish, and come out just as happy on the other side. Sometimes (weekend nights, especially) there can be a decent crowd, but they work fast, and you're never waiting for too long. Come, eat, and be merry. And then end your night with some baklava, and be merrier.
(5)Katrina C.
I come here several times a week. I always get the sampler. I'm a huge fan of their orzo and stuffed grape leaves. I also love the fact that they have the olive/sauce bar in the middle. I will never deny free kalamata olives, pepperoncini peppers or tzatziki sauce. And don't forget to try their pistachio or date baklava, delicious!
(5)Louis F.
Best gyro, lamb, and hummus in the area. Bread is great too. Well worth the 40 minute drive from Cary.
(5)Jacquelyn O.
Delicious and authentic! Casual deli where you order at the counter and they bring your food to the table. Portions were generous; food tasted very fresh. Pitas were perfect and tasty. This place gets very busy, but they have a lot of indoor seating and some outdoor seating on Franklin Street.
(5)Margaret N.
Went here when I was visiting friends at Chapel Hill and food is amazing! They had a nice selection of freshly prepared hummus and their gyros are HUGE and amazing! Definitely try their Fatayer's (Mediterranean style pizza)! I plan on going back to this location, every time I'm in North Carolina!
(4)Stacy P.
Oh my! I attended UNC and never ate here. On vacation with my husband and we stopped here for dinner based on Yelp reviews. I think I found Heaven, and it serves Tabbouleh! I got the mixed grilled platter, and the amount of food served was incredible. The gyro meat was tender and flavorful. The tzatziki sauce was delicious and wonderfully creamy. But the real star was the tabbouleh. It is herbaceous, fresh, with the perfect amount of acid. The cucumbers and tomatoes were firm and juicy. The bulgur was nutty and provided a beautiful texture to the salad. I could have eaten just a giant bowl of the tabbouleh and been happy! Go. Now. Don't worry about changing out of your sweats. Just go!
(5)Koushyar R.
Good place specially for large groups. The food is mostly good but sometimes at the busy hours the quality may drop a little bit. Lots of delicious side food available.
(4)Naomi K.
Strolling down Chapel Hill, this place is easy to miss. It's a huge deli instead with Mediterranean deliciousness. Service has always been speedy and friendly. You must try the Fatayer- any of the combos. They are quite delicious. Gyros, kebobs, falafels, where can you go wrong? couscous, spanakopita, bruschetta, quiches... Seriously, you can't try them all, but you can keep coming back. I'm also a huge fan of the pistachio theme desserts- hello Baklava!
(4)David S.
If you're in the area and you're in the mood for Greek this is the place to be! I ordered the Gyro platter and it was like I was back in Greece again. Very authentic and delicious. This place has an incredible variety of Greek and Middle Eastern foods and an awesome and helpful waitstaff.
(5)S W.
Great food. Some outdoor seating. Located on Franklin street. Gluten free menu. What else do you need?!
(5)Greg O.
Really like this place a lot! They have a pickle bar with so many good toppings and sauces to put on top of the juicy sandwiches and salads they have that are so fresh. The garlic spread is something that's hard to find, and this place makes some of the best I ever had. The waits are usually on the long side, but that's fine for a place like this. Their hot sauce is really good too, so do yourself a favor and make lots of trips to the bar, just save some for me.
(4)Lauren H.
I like med deli. It is not my favorite mediterranean place however in Chapel Hill. The food it good but slightly americanized and they only offer the basics. It is good for fast food or a quick dinner but don't recommend for anything more formal that that. The ambience inside is unappealing and it can get very noisy.
(3)Alejandro B.
MedDeli can be hit-or-miss. Their selection is overwhelming, especially for a fan of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern food like myself. One of their ordering options allows you to select 2, 3 or 4 deli items. Mediterreanean Deli is a good introduction to the region's cuisine, but some of its things leave much to be desired. Go for the hummus. They have several varieties, including harrisa (spicy), chive, sun-dried tomato and olives. Smooth and creamy. Not the best hummus I've ever had but a good accompaniment to their fresh pita. If you're a fan of yogurt, order the labaneh. Rich and dense, it's by far one of the best yogurts I've had. During my last visit I also ordered a cabbage roll stuffed with ground beef and rice, as well as a tomato stuffed with flank steak. Wasn't impressed. They were a bit bland, and I was dissapointed considering all the other items I considered getting. As I mentioned in my previous review, MedDeli's sauce bar is great and offers tzaziki, parsley, tahini, spicy pepper sauce, jalapeño/cilantro sauce or garlic sauce (all complementary too).
(4)W L.
Oh. My. Vegan. Are you kidding me? I appreciate Neomonde but this is on a whole other level. I read about this place before we even moved here from SF and finally tracked it down. In the warmer months, I literally made a weekly pilgrimage here to stock the fridge with vegan prepared foods...rices, stews, roasted vegetables, ten types of creamy hummus, muhammara, fresh pitas...my only sadness was in discovering all baklava and similar pastries are made with butter, so they're off limits. They have a *free!* condiment bar with delicious tahini vinaigrette, spicy salsa-like pepper sauces, fresh olives, pickles, olive oil and seed/spice mixes. It takes a little practice to maneuver the space and I'm still an amateur. One piece of advice is to bring a little pad of paper and pen because you pass a long line of goodies and by the time you reach the register you'll have trouble remembering what caught your eye. They're not really set up to allow taste sampling, either. I've asked only when they weren't too busy, but could tell it wasn't really done. Street parking is a little challenging and costs $2.50 but that just goes with the Franklin Street territory.
(5)Stephanie R.
Love this place! Everything on the menu is awesome.
(5)Chris W.
We tend to wind up here, either to eat in or order out, every time we're in Chapel Hill. The food has been consistently good, although on this most recent visit there was something up with the hummus, almost a freezer burned or plastic flavor. To be clear that was a one-time occurrence, and the staff immediately addressed it. Every other time I've been there the hummus, and everything else, has been very good so I'm sure this was a fluke. The atmosphere is not terribly wonderful. It's a bit like a cafeteria set up, where you order at the counter, grab a number and some empty glasses, hit the beverage dispensers, and take a seat. It's fine if you're not looking for a quiet, intimate, well lit experience. If you are, order out. But the food is good, with all the Middle Eastern regulars: very nice hummus and babaganoush, fresh baked pita and zaatar bread, tasty stuffed grape leaves, kibbe and shawarma, tabouleh, etc. If you like Middle Eastern food, you'll find everything you're looking for and you won't be disappointed.
(3)Rod O.
If you want Turkish Coffee order the Greek...If you want Lebanese Coffee order the Turkish! Order the Turkish it has Cardamom! Or (yes I just started a sentence with the word Or! Or I could say... Yes you could order the Greek to get Turkish! The Coffee was Good, not great! Everything we had gets about four yelp stars! Donner was good! Better than some, just a little "gamier" than I like! Pita Bread, very nice! They make it here in their Bakery five stars Tabbouleh, better flavor than most 4 stars Hummus, fresh, though I thought it needed more Garlic 3.84 stars Muhammara 3.75 stars Tzatziki 3.75 stars Deli Cases and Cases of Displayed food - Impressive looking! Variety! They have everything I look for in a "Mediterranean Market/Restaurant! Most White people should feel just fine coming in here and ordering or pointing as I would do (I'm White) though I have always heard Tabbouleh is better made to order (like let me ruin it with some extra Garlic) please do not throw me out yet. This place is HUGE! Large Dinning Room indoors and several tables outside! Large Storefront Windows are wonderful! The Service was GREAT!
(4)Bethany A.
Reasonable prices for some serious delicious Mediterranean food. The gyros here are delicious and the pita bread is top-notch. They don't skimp on veggies or sauce either. It's a fairly large restaurant and I like how service is really laid back and there's an outdoors seating area for warmer days. I haven't tried their falafel yet but I've heard great things. Cool place, definitely worth checking out if you even remotely like Med food.
(4)Grant D.
This place is amazing! It's one of my favorite restaurants in the downtown Carborro / Chapel Hill area. I highly recommend their Fatayers The overall atmosphere is great, and the play traditional mediterranean music as you eat your food. Theres a deli and bakery, so you can choose whether you want something quick from the deli, or if you have more time to spare, you can order off the main menu from the bakery.
(5)Jamie T.
Pita is really great and soft, and comes with all the samplers. All the salads/samplers look awesome. I got 2 of them, both of which tasted great
(5)Lida F.
This is as good as it gets. Park across the street in the public lot and relax and enjoy the amazing flavors of the Med Deli. I like to suggest the 2 or 3 sampler plate for all new guest. You can have meat dishes or non-meat. Huge portions. Dairy FREEEEE
(5)Mike S.
You know the place is good when it's always packed. Med Deli is one of our favorites, so much to choose from and pints of Carolina Brew to boot. I tend toward the falafel with eggplant and loads of the green hot sauce, don't know what it is, but it's great.
(5)Tim C.
Med Deli is my favorite restaurant to go to in Chapel Hill! The Moroccan Chicken Special is absolutely delicious - it's a generous portion of food at a reasonable price - always my go-to meal if I can't decide what to get. Their fatayers (turkish pizzas) are also good - freshly made to order. From the deli case, I like the red pepper hummus, grilled vegetables, cous cous, heart of palm, and the orzo. Their pita is also freshly made from a special pita machine, which makes the whole restaurant smell warm and homey. Another wonderful thing about Med Deli is they provide an unlimited amount of free sauces, such as tzatziki sauce, garlic sauce, chili sauces, tahini, feta cheese, peppers, etc. They also catered an event for me, and I was very pleased with how it all turned out. The food was (of course) good, the owner was super helpful, and the service was excellent. Bottom line - go here for great mediterranean food at a very reasonable price.
(5)Calvin Y.
You know, I understand the appeal of Mediterranean Deli. There's a lot of food options at reasonable prices. I got the Mixed Plate Grill at $11, which came with gyro, chicken souvlaki, hummus, grilled pineapple, and loads of tabouli salad. For the most part, the items were alright, I wasn't blown away by any of the items. The only thing I truly didn't care for was the tabouli salad as it was very cilantro heavy. On the plus side, they serve Sky Blue Golden Ale.
(3)Dana Z.
Fantastic Greek deli with a wide range of food to choose from and plenty of seating! I had the grilled chicken panini and it was so delicious. It also came with a side Greek salad. The portion was so big I couldn't even finish it. The prices were reasonable too! Great find in Chapel Hill.
(4)Marin J.
Triple Yum. While the atmosphere is more like a VFW dining hall, the food is most certainly not. There is a wonderful authenticity, and simple goodness to the menu. I enjoyed everything I ordered, and what my dining companion ordered. It is a shame that the huge space lends some awkwardness to understanding how to order for the first time. To the left is one menu, the center is the order takers and the left are GIANT cases of salads, hummous and other delights. But for the first-timer it is awfully confusing and you risk drawing the ire of the hungry hordes of regulars if you dally.
(4)Jennifer H.
Med deli is great for two reasons: the food & owner Jamal, who has a true sense of social responsibility of a global nature. But it's the quality of his food that has people returning here over the years. I've enjoyed everything I've ever ordered (and that's a lot over the years-esp. Since we had them cater our wedding reception). But the thing I love THE MOST is the hummus!!! And the only reason I'm giving them 4 rather than 5 stars is that my pita bread wasn't grilled in my gyro last night and the meat was not very hot-an aberration I'm sure-so I'll update to 5 stars when I next go back.
(4)Prashant P.
Hands down the best mediterranean eatery in the area. It is great for lunch. Not your fine dining evening place, but if you want your lebanese fix then this is it.
(5)Luis A.
Fresh pita!! Lamb shank over Moroccan couscous!! Need I say more...? This place is awesome, maybe a little intimidating when you come in your first time. Find the yellow menus and get in line. Send a scout for the vegetarian side items. I tried kafta kabob, hummus, cucumber salad, pita bread, eggplant and they were all delicious. I wish I would have known about this place earlier.
(5)Fido D.
Came here with my husband and in-laws and wow, what an awesome place for those of us on budget! Wide variety of food and not expensive. My husband and I are thinking of biking down here from where we live in Durham every so often. This place is as good as it gets for Middle Easter/ Mediterranean food!
(5)stacy W.
As i was walking buy, there was a guy inside that looked like Steven Spielberg so i decided this was going to be my lunch stop right then and there. I had a Falafel platter which was MEH. not the best falafel I've had, not even close. But I knew what to expect when the guy at the counter asked me 4 times what I ordered. ehhh really? it's Wednesday, pay attention! i swear he had the memory capacity of a goldfish. i was actually surprised when i got the correct order. Aside from the falafel, everything else was pretty good. I can't give this place any more than three stars though. The main feature of my meal was mediocre. The pita bread was SO fresh and the hummus was some of the best I've had in a restaurant, but the falafel... well i didn't even finish it. i'm willing to give this place another try. why? because it's a cheap lunch stop and the side items were pretty darn good. I'll just have to go with another main dish feature.
(3)B R.
Ate here on this past saturday. This is one of our favorite repeat restaurants in Chapel Hill as the food is high quality, fresh, good tasting, and relatively inexpensive. It can get quite noisy inside but that tells you it is popular. I recommend it to everyone.
(4)Katie M.
Super delicious greek food! It has SO MANY deli options. I've only been once and I had the gyro with beef & lamb. It was DEEELISH, and the baklava is also quite good. I can't wait to go again and try more dishes!
(4)Jimmy R.
This place is no joke. I was bummed at first given the Singaporean restaurant we wanted to visit was CLOSED. We came hear instead and boy was it a good find. I have never been to the mecca of Mediterranean food it appears in this area. So much baked good inside and so much warm and pita like foods abound the counters of this place. This was my first experience with what appeared to be like a Mediterranean pizza. The Turkish sausage flavor is what i got. the combination platter with hummus was great. All kinds of baklava. The servings are large here. We ate outside. I could see how it would be a superb place to cater from. I really wasn't expecting much from Chapel Hill, NC but so far the good in NC has been great!
(5)Jon L.
Solid food. They make their own pita fresh. The fatayer is like heavan...freshly baked goodnes right out of the oven. It has a nice kid friendly atmosphere. Its on the list for one of the steady favorites.
(4)Liwei Y.
Reasonably priced mediterranean food. There are looots of options. You can pay to get pre-made food by weight. Or you can order from a variety of things on their menu. I think the food here is legit and good. You can also order meat by the pound here, like gyro meat, if you can't find it at the grocery store.
(4)Dan W.
I stopped going to this place two or three years ago b/c food was never reliably fresh or good. That has changed big time. Since their renovation and addition of a bakery and more dining room space, this restaurant has experienced a rebirth. Went for dinner last night and was very impressed with how delicious and fresh everything (greek salad, baba ganoush, heart of palm salad, pita bread, tatziki, etc.). Med Deli used to trail Neomonde Deli of Raleigh, which remains the Triangle's best. Med Deli is now a very close second.
(4)Gian J.
Lamb lamb lamb! The gyros were great. The hummus was excellent. A casual seating area and counter service make for good conversation and encourages lingering with your group
(4)Johnathan V.
This was my little date night place once a week for a few months during the summer 2 years ago. Good food at a low cost! Refreshing Rose Tea!
(4)Will C.
Very tasty especially getting the vegetarian platter of 4 foods for $8. The bigger space and serving beer helps alot.
(4)Molly R.
I have lived all over the country, and never have I found a Mediterranean restaurant as wonderful as Med Deli. I love (and miss) this place! The variety of vegetarian deli selections is astonishing. You will be hard pressed to find many of these dishes in other Mediterranean restaurants. My favorites are the carrot walnut salad, the orzo salad, and the baba ganoush, but you literally cannot go wrong no matter what you order.
(5)Paige T.
We were out walking the dog the other night down Franklin St. and decided to try out one of the many places to eat that we haven't tried yet--there are so many! We were looking for something on the lighter side, like sandwiches, or something to that persuasion. There is a shiny new sandwich place that just opened that I thought might be fun to try, but after reading their menu and the prices, we thought, another time. Right across the street, though, was Mediterranean Deli and Catering and it was bustling with activity. I sat at one of the outside tables with the dog while my husband grabbed a menu. What a great selection they have. Rob ordered a chicken gyro and I ordered a falafel and hummus wrap, both very reasonably priced and just what we were looking for. The wait was mere minutes, but to stave off the hunger pangs while we waited, we took advantage of a free hummus sampling inside. There is also an all-you-can-eat olive bar and boy do I love me some olives, but I can only realistically enjoy about five at a time. Anyhow, Rob enjoyed his gyro and I thoroughly enjoyed my wrap. This is a place I'd like to venture back to some day, because their options seem colorful and delicious--watermelon-feta skewers anyone? Neat! The interior (which boasts a giant flat screen tv smack in the middle of one of the walls) leaves a lot to be desired--like a cafeteria. I am not a big fan of watching television anyways, let alone in eating establishments (sports bars are an obvious exception). Needless to say, I am not holding their flatscreen against them. I'll maybe just reserve this place for summer outings and sit outside with my dog :)
(4)Jason R.
Med Deli is absolutely delicious. I have had about half the menu since living in chapel hill for three years, and have yet to be even slightly disappointed. My favorite so far is the lamb shank.
(5)Saskia S.
Oh the power of yelp... Visiting a friend in Chapel Hill, and she had to attend a seminar for most of Saturday. So I wandered around Franklin St. And then I got hungry. Thank goodness for yelping from my fancy phone. Found this place, walked a little farther down Franklin than I might have otherwise. And then got to enjoy a gyro plate that made my day. Delicious! Sadly, too full for dessert.
(4)Oliver Wendell H.
The food here is outstanding. Everything is fresh, prices are super reasonable and the portions are huge. They have wonderful hummus (try the scallion hummus) and plenty of other fantastic vegetable dishes in their case.
(5)Hoa N.
I'm so glad I went here for lunch! The food was delicious! I love their chick shawarma hummus! Their hummus is so tasty. The bread is delicious. The atmosphere was great. The decor was very minimal so if you want a romantic date I wouldn't recommend it. But to just have a good time hanging out with friends and enjoy good delicious food, I would totally recommend it. I would definitely come back because they have a large selection that I would love to try all of them! Even their desserts are good. So you couldn't go wrong by coming here for a satisfying meal :). The price is not super low but reasonable for good food. If no drink or dessert is concerned, it can be well under 10 but if you order something extra, it can be over 10 easily. :) Hope it helps!
(5)Big B.
I seriously feel cheated in the fact that I just went here for the first time, after living in the area for over 1.5 years. I had the GYRO and it was the best I've had since being in the Greek Islands several years back. This place rocks.
(5)Mei Lin H.
Came here over 6 times. Everything is great. Per person blew $10~12. The best Mediterranean food in Chapel Hill, NC.
(5)Lou L.
Best Hummus I've ever had. The Gyro Platter was amazing and made me regret not trying one of the 5 different Falafel variations on the menu. It almost makes me not miss the Greek Philly street vendors I'm used to.
(5)Richard H.
Awesome...you won't be sorry. Be adventurous. Try something new. It all very good.
(5)Irving A.
Well we finally made it to the Med. Grill and it was well worth the journey. Ever since leaving Milwaukee via Cambridge, MA we have been searching for a real, off the turn-spit, Gyro (and yes there are wonderful, authentic gyro spots in Milwaukee). Thank the heavens for this place. Not only did we find truly wonderfully tasting Souvlaki, we found an abundance of other delicious delights. My four year old daughter had the chicken souvlaki skewer and loved it. She even finally agreed to let me try it and it was perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection. If you find yourself there and need something tart and refreshing you must try the pomegranate grapefruit juice. I should have brought some home. I did grab a bunch of bags of their homemade pita to go. I knew that their pita was super tasty from discovering it for the first time at Southern Seasons in Chapel Hill. I had a gyro platter that came with tabbouleh and hummus. Everything was so fresh it just hummed and zinged off the plate. I have to agree with other reviewers when it comes to making a choice from all the wonderful looking dishes featured in their glass cases. Next time it might not be as easy for us trying to decide what to eat, but we will definitely be heading back to give it a go!
(5)Laura K.
Fantastic fresh food! I love this place!
(5)Ike B.
Excellent food, great service, friendly staff! It's difficult to fine a place like this that serves authentic Greek/Mediterranean food. If you have friends from out of town, bring them to this Chapel Hill hot spot. The energy coming from this place reminds me of being back in NYC. The restaurant owner can be found cleaning tables and mixing with the customers. One of the best places to eat on Franklin Street!
(5)lisa p.
I completely agree with Kevin A. Yes, the place is aggravating. Yes, their ordering system does not work... Yes, there are lots of people standing around staring at the counter waiting for their food all stressed about when/how they will get their food and if they might miss their number. Yes, either get a new pa system or ditch it altogether (haven't you figured out a system after being in business in the same location for so many years??). Yes, the food is pretty plain. And YES YES YES: don't go there if you consider yourself to be remotely intelligent and/or desire a satisfying meal. When I was a first year grad student at UNC - I ate here a few times when classmates wanted to have lunch there but I never really enjoyed their food. Being from California originally, I've had my share of excellent ethnic food, including good Mediterranean food in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. I judge a Mediterranean place by it's hummus and falafal - and this place is a failure when it comes to both! So I swore to myself I would not return as it was unsatisfying every time! I held my word and never entered the place again the whole time I was at UNC... So, after not entering this establishment for five years even though I still live in the Chapel Hill area, I entered tonight with a couple friends who were craving falafal. I thought - what the heck? Let me give them a chance. Maybe they have changed....Well I entered the madhouse, waited in line, and my two friends and I ordered one after the other. As I waited for my friends to complete their order, I think....wow...they have gotten new tables and gotten rid of the unsanitary mess of a place it used to be.....but, it's the same people working behind the counters all these years later.... After placing our orders, we headed over to wait in the stressful area with all the other customers receipts in hand....and we wait 15 minutes and one member of our party gets their food....then we wait 10 more minutes and another member of the party gets their order....then we wait.....and we wait.....and then we wait some more.....we notice that several people who ordered after us had gotten their food....we ask the guy making the food what is going on with our third order.....he says don't worry, it's coming up......the third order is never made....I go upto the cashier twice to make sure the order has been given to the guys making the food and he confirms that he has given it to them....so we wait....5 more minutes....10 more minutes....15 more minutes...40 minutes have passed since we first placed our order....but still no third order....by then two of the cashiers have been notified, but none of them are able to communicate that one of our orders needs to be made!! And when we made the owner/manager guy aware of what was going on, instead of listening to us, he tells us to be patient in a patronizing, rude manner!! So the two friends and I decide.....enough is enough.....and leave the place!! We had yummy dinner in Carrboro instead! This is the worst customer service I have seen in my life anywhere in the world (including countries that don't pride themselves on customer service)!! I am so thankful that I didn't give them my business the rest of my years as a student at UNC! I don't think the UNC departments that give them catering orders should continue to do so either. The owner/manager has forgotten what good customer service means! If you care about being respected as a customer, do not enter this establishment! If you want authentic, real, and tasty Mediterranean food...drive to Morrisville or Raleigh and go the Neomondes! That is what I call yummmmmmmmmmmmm!
(1)Greg D.
Solid Mediterranean food. Sampled the beef shawarma, which was well done with noticeable cardamom, which I enjoy. Busy lunch crowd location with an excellent selection of salads if you choose to skip the fixed plates. It will satisfy a hankering for Greek or Eastern Mediterranean food, accepting that certain ingredients are limited in the US. I will note that having lived in Greece, my standards are fairly high yet I would not hesitate to drop in for a quick meal.
(3)Shane M.
I wanna go back right now, the food is very good, large portions and the olive and pickle bar is awesome.
(5)Anna W.
Med Deli is one of my favorite Chapel Hill restaurants. The deli-style set up makes it a fun experience. I always tell myself I am going to try something new, but the Gyros and Fatayers are just too good. The Tabouli and Hummus (variety of flavors) are also great.
(5)J G.
So good. This place is a great deli that has a ton of different food options, and all of them are reasonably priced. You can get a diverse set of veggie dishes, dips, and meats. If you want to try something new, try the Pide, which is kind of like a Turkish Pizza. I recommend this place to anyone who likes mediterranean food.
(5)Emma S.
Great Mediterranean food at great prices, you can't go wrong. The only reason they didn't get 5 stars is for the nasty manager picking food out of the display case with his fingers and eating it right there, health code anyone? Obviously the food is good if I'm giving four stars regardless of that incident.
(4)Ben M.
You know how good Mediterranean Deli is? You can go there with me making all kinds of awful "jy-ro/gee-ro" jokes and, because you actually ate the gyro that caused the jokes at the Med Deli, you'll think it's totally worth putting up with. If gyros aren't your thing, they have a pretty excellent selection of wraps and other Greek/Mid Eastern options - all of which will make your head spin from goodness (well, I mean, I don't like the baba ghannouj pita if you're really going to ask me to call something out...but I don't like baba ghannouj on principle so I'm bad to ask about that). They have excellent hummus (making the hummus and gyro my surprisingly cheap favorite on the menu) as well as some panini options that will set you pretty straight. It's not much to look at on the inside, but then again, most of the best places for food aren't.
(5)Violet T.
I have only met one person who said anything negative about the Med Deli. He had the kebabs and said they were "boring." It's meat on a stick, dude; you're the one who picked it over the 12 billion more interesting things on the menu! Med Deli's foods (and of course, Lime&Basil's) are the only things from keeping my ethnic-food-loving palate from forcibly dragging me back to Chicago. When I can't muster up the motivation to walk all the way down Franklin Street for my Med fix, I find their wraps in the coffee shops on campus. Sure, it's not the same, but Jasmine Chicken Wrap = PERFECT LUNCH.
(5)Zoe L.
There was a little mix up with my togo order and they were really struggling to figure it out but the food was delicious and made up for it! I love the condiment bar--I must have left with 10 little plastic containers of different sauces and you can snack on olives while you're waiting. There is outdoor and indoor seating available. I can't wait to revisit when I'm in Chapel Hill again.
(4)Barton C.
A delight! Line up at the counter while looking at the menu. Pick what you want, order & pay at the cashier, given a little stand with a number that you carry to and put on your table and then they bring your order to you. Enormous choice, tasty tasty food, free bar with sauces, hot pepperonici, olives. Vegetarian and meat. Hummus excellent, veggie platters great. In downtown CH and full of students. Take out (great prepared dishes), great desserts. Top score.
(5)Gloria L.
I love Med Deli. They have a wide selection of Mediterranean foods and it brings me back to my trip to Greece when I order the tzatziki. I always get one of their sweet potato selections as well as the tzatziki; the workers are always attentive and nice and go the extra mile for long-time customers. A branch was just opened in the UNC food court, too. There's always a wide variety of customers here, from little kids to students to adults. They don't seem to mind studyers during the school year like some other places do, either.
(5)Picky E.
Think high-end, home made Whole Foods deli counter gone Mediterranean and that is what you get here. If you like that kind of thing (I don't), then this place is going to be perfect for you. It has an olive and feta bar and the deli counter is truly amazing. They make their own pita from local flour. So, if you just wanted cold things, I would be a regular. But, I don't like my hot food prepared in advanced and then re-heated, at least not when I am at a restaurant, so this place was just okay for me.
(3)Ellie G.
This place is amazing! The deli is like a Middle Eastern version of Whole Foods' deli, only a lot more bang for your buck. Tons of variety, delicious entrees, lots of sides, and tempting desserts. If I had the monetary means, I'd patronize Med Deli every single day!
(5)Tina W.
I had the small greek salad which is the best salad I 've ever eaten. (Maybe its just that i am too hungry at that moment) I do not like the spanich seafood quiche but since the salad/pita are way too amazing, I think I still go for a 4 stars
(4)Faiza Q.
A must go for anyone who loves Mediterranean food. Loved the hummus especially the one with Harissa. Can't beat the fresh pittas and choices of salads.
(4)Andrew D.
Downgrade alert: "They F--- you at the drive-thru!" Two times in a row now for take-out/delivery, they have charged us for pita bread and not given it to us. (Once I wasn't paying, so the old "fool me once" rule doesn't yet apply.) Having a vat of hummus with no pita to dip into it is a real f'ing drag.
(4)John H.
In a word, INCREDIBLE! There is almost too much food to recommend here. Plenty of Veggie and Meat options. I've taken people here in the past who don't normally like Mediterranean food and they always fall in love with Med Deli. I highly recommend their falafel. It's so good. Their kabobs are also great. All sides are excellent. Service rocks. ZERO COMPLAINTS! GO HERE! Since it is Franklin Street, parking can be a bit messy, but nothing impossible. It's worth it in the end, especially if you are just visiting campus or doing a tour.
(5)Adrienne A.
This place is by far the best Mediterranean restaurant in the area. Huge selection, great food. And I do mean great. I could eat here every day.
(5)Chris J.
Yes I would be a regular if I lived in CH. Enjoyed the environment and food, friendly staff and fair value.
(4)R M.
Kabobs are the authentic and deserts are awesome.
(5)Barbara V.
Great smell when you walk in letting you know yummy goodness is close at hand. Ordered the kibbi, it was good only missing pine nuts in the middle, just meat inside. My mate gott the chicken salad pita and reported it very good. I had the artichoke muosaka which was good and sat on a velvety layer of hummus. Lots of items to choose from here that can please most. Several gluten free and vegetarian items. We left with some baklava and Turkish delight (I love) to sample later. A must go staple!
(5)Tess M.
The lamb shank special for $12 is AMAZING!! Lamb falls off the bone- and comes with Mediterranean Cous Cous and Greek salad; and pita of course. And I love their olives/sauce bar- pickles vegetables and dressings to your liking. What a great deal. I will be sad when they move on from the lamb shank special to something else.
(5)E S.
Med Deli is casual. You order at the counter, and a server brings your food. The menu is quite extensive. Lots of different options. We get the gyro platter and falafel pita. Both are great. Love the pickle/olive/sauce bar. The garlicky sauce is my favorite. Nice selection of beverages, including beer. Good portion sizes. Affordable prices.
(4)Christina G.
140+ reviews. 4.5 star rating. Can it be true? As made evident in a recent Talk thread, Medi food has never really been my 'thing': yelp.com/topic/durham-he… The overwhelming praise for Med Deli, and suggestions of dishes I ought to try, got me off my butt and out to Chapel Hill for lunch on a recent afternoon. True story: I went to school at UNC and never set foot in this place. Regret. I had the most AMAZING lunch last weekend! I followed Romin B's recommendation and ordered the falafel and hummus pita. Two pita halves stuffed to literally bursting with mushed falafel spread with the smoothest creamiest hummus goodness. I went to the toppings bar, and filled up ramekins of tzatziki and jalapeno garlic sauce (there were lots of other awesome choices too!). My pita, from the bread to the filling to the sauces, was fresh and full of flavor. (Bland food is something I've begun to associate this cuisine with, and I was so happy to be proven completely wrong today.) If I wasn't on a quasi-diet, I would have absolutely ordered some baklava. And probably taken home a tub of hummus with me -- the display cases of different flavors were gorgeous, and if the original is mouth-wateringly good, I know the others have to be even better... The only thing I didn't like about my visit was how super-crowded and loud the space was (hard to fault them for being popular though!) and the Turkish coffee. Though the presentation of saucer and espresso cup alongside steaming long-handled pot was adorable, I thought the coffee tasted like hot water with the oddity of ground sediment at bottom.
(5)Marie-Angela D.
This is the best Mediterranean in the area, that is for certain, so if you are looking for this type of fare, I do recommend this place. It can get really busy, but its worth it for the best pita and hummus in the area...and they are one of the only places around that have kibbee! If you have had access to really, really, good Mediterranean food all your life, you might think this place is just a-okay, but seriously, its the best we got around here, so I'll take it! Unfortunately, the service is pretty terrible nearly every time I go. I have only been there once when my order has actually made it to the table without me having to wait a long time, then chase the lost order down. There are nice people that have been friendly, but just overall, I never expect to have a good service experience there. The things we will do for good pita!
(3)TJ W.
Always consistent, quick, and good! Go here consistently for lunch meetings and office outings. They have great hummus, gyros, and gluten free pitas. The chicken Shawerma and Gyros are the best. The atmosphere and clientele are always comfortable.
(5)Kimberly C.
Absolutely wonderful. Generous portions of quality, fresh, delicious food, much of it vegetarian and gluten-free friendly, at super reasonable prices. What more could you want? Even my parents, the pickiest restaurant patrons on the planet, enjoyed this place. Writing this review is making me think about looking for an excuse to go to Chapel Hill this week just to go eat at this place.
(5)GT W.
"Med Del" is probably the best value in Chapel Hill for food. No waiters, no tips required, order ultra fresh Greek, Lebanese, Arabic food that is freshly prepared. Free olive and pickled veggies bar. Now they serve Carolina Brewery's beers on tap, the brewpub next door. But instead of having to eat the food at Carolina Brewery, you can eat here and have the highest quality lunch and dinner in the area by value. Everything is amazing, the menu extensive, but I usually just go vegetarian sampler from the deli. A must try is the pomegranate muhammara, an amazing savory and sour hummus like dip. If you are in CH, you can get beer at wonderful places like Sandwhich and Med Del across the street rather than wasting your time at Carolina Brewery or Top of the Hill. This is a local hangout, and one of the most popular in town. Parking is on Rosemary St behind the restaurant. Walk up the brick sidewalk to get to Med Del or Sandwhich. Do not miss this. Freshest, healthiest food at UNC.
(5)Kelsey P.
I was visiting my sister in Chapel Hill for the week and this one of the places she was RAVING about, so I decided to give it a try! I'm usually an adventurous eater and love Mediterranean food, but this puts all my previous "medi" experiences to shame! This is authentic, delicious, and super inexpensive food! I was in heaven! I ordered the chicken & hummus plate and it was pretty inexpensive, so I was expecting a smaller portion, but when they brought out this HUGE plate of food, I was absolutely thrilled! I couldn't eat all of it and ended up taking the second half of my portion on the plane with me the next day. Even the people on my flight had eyes of envy for my delicious non-airplane food! I totally wish we had a "Med Deli" out in Phoenix, but I have absolutely no problem flying across the country for this awesomeness! The only downside: We ordered some food from the actual deli "to-go" and it took them quite some time to get it all together, but in the end, it was worth the wait!
(4)Anne W.
Love, love, love! We eat here probably every couple of weeks, as this is one of our very favorite restaurants in all of Chapel Hill. HUGE selection of really enticing dishes, all arrayed in a giant class case so you can see exactly what you're likely to be getting. Labneh, hummus, tabouli, the hot chicken dish they always have, orzo & apples dish, the oranges & dates, yum, yum! The pita is made in-house and is also wonderful. Even our kids--who when young were not the most adventurous eaters--have always enjoyed this restaurant, I think because they can see what they are getting. Service is quick, and there's lots of seating, including outdoors--a plus now that it's getting warm (we sat outside when there earlier this week). Prices are reasonable. Truly a gem!
(5)Susan Z.
This place is fantastic. 1. On Fri, Sat, and Sun they have a lamb shank special for like $12 some dollars. But I've had them run out of it by Sunday. 2. Their lamb kabobs are amazing. 3. They are extremely flexible with substitutions. I hate rice and always sub it out for couscous, they are cool with it. 4. Lots of space & seating 5. Great value for generous portions. Only downside is that it's in Chapel Hill; I have to brave horrible parking and the horrible realization I'm getting older while surrounded by perky, attractive undergrads of both genders. Lemme tell you, that baklava goes straight to the gut fat. Oy vey!
(5)Andrew K.
I like the Meditteranean Deli. It's lively, cheap, fast, and it's good food. The Mediterranean Deli is located on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, so there's almost always a crowd there of happy little UNC kids, professors, and townies. One of my favorite things about the Deli is that there is so much available to try fairly cheaply. You can spend $10 to have a hummus dish, a Spinach Fatayer, and a Lady Finger. They have a lot of their food on display, so you can see what it looks like before you order some dish that you've never heard of before. For my picky Vegetarian wife, this is a big deal, because she can see if it looks suitable for her or not prior to ordering. My favorite entree is the Fatayer. The Hummus is excellent. I don't like Babaganoush, but friends of mine who do assure me that the Mediterranean Deli has excellent quality. My picky vegetarian wife can always find food to eat there, without it costing us a fortune. Ambiance isn't the focus of this deli, it's crowded, bustling, and not always completely logical. This probalby isn't the place to go on a hot date. Rather, it's the place to bring your parents if they aren't very wordly to try some new foods. There isn't service to speak of. You order, pay, take a number, and they drop off the food. Pretty simple. I reccomend the deli for a cheap, casual dining experience. It's not the best food on Franklin Street, but it's decent, and it scratches an itch for some people.
(4)Karman K.
Med Deli = mad deliciousness Their selection and flavorful dishes are to die for. I send any visitors looking for a great spot there. At work we cater a good 90% of our meals with them as it's always a big hit among college kids.
(5)chelsea l.
I love Med Deli!! LOVE LOVE LOVE! Everything is delicious!
(5)Ian W.
Great food, fast service, consistent, and won't break the bank! The pita is positively the best I've ever had, and I've tried it from the middle east, to downtown NYC. Every time I eat here I leave with one or two bags of pita under my arm.
(5)Kristen J.
The Med Deli is always a great choice for lunch or a casual dinner. When we can't decide where to go or agree, this is sure to break the log jam. I like the HUGE selection of salads, different types of hummus, vegetarian choices, fresh baked, soft pita bread and fatayers. Some of my favorite salads are the hearts of palm, the curried cabbage, the Mediterranean chicken and the grilled chicken. I'm not a big baklava person (don't get me wrong, I love my sweets, but prefer my desserts to be chocolate), but a couple people in my family are crazy about it and like all of the different types to choose from.
(5)Michael N.
We have eaten there before when we lived in Chapel Hill. Just recently went back. Had it brought to our hotel room via Tarheel Takeout. It was just as good as we had remembered. It's so nice to have a place that is consistent! My wife had the gyro platter and I the keftah kebob. The tabouleh, hummus, grape leaves and baba ganoush are all dreamy! The rice under the kebob had toasted almonds for a nice crunch /texture. You must have a meal here when you visit Chapel Hill!
(4)Georgia O.
I love Greek and Mediterranean food but finding a good place to get it can be tough. I was excited to try Mediterranean Deli & Catering. As we walked in I was disappointed to see so many of the items pre-made and sitting behind the deli counter. So as we looked over the menu I was careful to select items that were made fresh. I could not resist the spanakopita and the Turkish burek even though these were reheated items. I wish I had not chosen them they were no where near as good as fresh versions I have had elsewhere. For my main course I selected the falafel and hummus. The pita bread was soft and warm and the falafel were crispy on the outside and soft and flavorful on the inside. The hummus had a perfect balance of seasoning and was just delicious. My husband ordered the chicken shawerma. The chicken was moist and flavorful and came wrapped in a thin pita with a refreshing tabouli. It was accompanied by a crisp fresh Greek salad. For dessert I ordered the tiramisu. The ladyfingers had soaked up just enough espresso and the cream was light and had just the right amount of sweetness. It was hands down the best tiramisu I have ever had. My husband ordered the chocolate halva which we have never tried before. It had a strange grainy texture and was more savory than sweet. Neither of us cared for it. We both ordered the Turkish coffee which is like a smoother less bitter version of espresso. It was perfection. Even though the deli case items are not that good and one of the desserts was a flop I still had to give this place five stars because if you stick with the items that are made fresh and finish the meal with the tiramisu and Turkish coffee it will be a five+ star meal.
(5)n k.
Absolutely our favorite place in Chapel Hill and probably in the Triangle area for that matter. My wife and I both love Mediterranean food, and Med Deli is our go-to place for a guaranteed good meal. We first found this place several years ago during a trip to scope out the Triangle area, and we've gone here about once every 1-2 months since then. We usually go with the mixed grill platter, gyro, lamb shank (weekends), or the fatayers. The food here is for the most part our gold standard that we compare other Mediterranean places to. Things can get quite busy there at times, but it's always been worth the wait. My kid loves eating the pickles from the salad bar area and will eat heaps of them, I have no idea how he does it, since they're pretty sour. I took my parents here a few months ago, and each time they come to visit us now, they ask me to take them there for at least one meal during their stay.
(5)Charlene G.
So, why only 3 for a venerable, well loved institution? Because of one critical element- the pita was terrible. Like gross, rawish, bland, and yucky awfulness. I would like to think I just got a bad piece- or perhaps a bad batch (because my husband's was the same), but the fact that even one batch in a med deli is this bad really warrants a 1 star. The rest of our food was great, pretty terrific even. Good and hearty- chicken schwerma, gyro, backlava, hummus, and a lovely almond dessert. They saved the day- and bumped up to 3 stars. I know I'm spoiled by the pita at Bosphorus, but I'm still boggled at how I was even served the piece I got.
(3)Tara S.
I order the same thing every single time I come to Med Deli-because why mess with perfection? 1) The "grape leaves" sandwich is the best. Literally, of all the veggie options (and I've tried a bunch, including the shawarma, the veggie pita, falafel, pick your own stuff, and more) it is the perfect combination of all that is yummy at Med Deli. Sounds not-so-great, but trust me, it is. 2) The pomegranate grapefruit juice is super if you like "sour." Kind of overpriced, yes, but it's so delicious. 3) Get 1 billion condiments. You must. Labneh, olives, peppers, you name it. 1 billion. Put them all over pita. Pita should explode. Labneh should run everywhere. But it's SO awesome.
(4)Kathryn E.
Whoa. This place is unreal. I had fairly high expectations of the food since Mediterranean is my FAVorite cuisine...but this meal blew me out of the water. I ordered the mixed grill platter which came with chicken souvlaki and gyro meat and 2 sides...the gyro meat was the most *amazing* that I have ever tasted, either here or abroad. Tender, Flavorful, Perfect. I could have eaten 2 pounds of it. Phenomenal. The hummus was delicious and predictable as expected and the eggplant saute was wicked delicious. Wait, did I mention they have a self-serve olive and condiment bar? Pile on the sauces, por favor. Neat! This was really amazing food. I don't out 5-stars too freely but this far exceeded my expectations. They have about 6 million other things that I want to try so I'll be back ASAP.
(5)Meredith D.
I.love.Med.Deli. I only get the Baba Ghannoug pita, but I've seen the Grilled Chicken Greek Salad my brother always gets, and it looks to die for. I've tried a piece of my mom's Fatayer (kind of like a pita pizza), and that is super delish as well. But I cannot stray from my Baba Ghannoug. Sometimes you get your food wayyy (I'm talking 15 minutes once and 5 minutes another) before the rest of your party depending on what you all order. It can be a little awkward if you want to eat at the same time. I'd give this place five stars except the first time I ate here when I was an undergrad years ago at UNC, there was a staple in my food! They gave me some free baklava. Obviously, that did not stop be from coming...
(4)Jerry H.
The Best Mediterranean I've ever had. It is incumbent on Hummus eaters to find Mediterranean Deli and throwdown on this Hummus. The Veggie Spread and the Falafel were amazing. The freshly baked organic Pita is worth coming here for alone. as mentioned the pickle and sauces bar is fantastic and unreal. I'm not kidding best Mediterranean I've ever had.
(5)Sue J.
Mediterranean Deli is by far the best place to go for falafel, baba ghannouj, kebab, fattoush, tabouli and above all that, PITA! So fresh, so soft. I think I'm in love.
(5)Omeed Z.
A truly authentic place. The food is great & usually doesn't take to long to receive your food. Would definitely recommend.
(5)Mich S.
This is easily one of my favorite places to eat, on or off campus. While I can enjoy this on campus at the bottom of Lenoir, I prefer the experience of eating in the actual restaurant. That, and the little complimentary mini-bar of condiments. The pickles are amazing. I usually eat dinner at the restaurant on Franklin and it can prove to be difficult to find a place to sit, especially on a weekend, but it proves to be worthwhile because I love the ambiance of a bustling restaurant with the various smells of spices and lively chatter. The food is awesome. I looked at the menu only once and it was when I was a total novice at Med Deli, but I quickly realized looking at the assortment of trays near the counter were much more worthwhile in terms of helping me picking my selection of food. I usually go for the curry chicken with rice and split a salad with an accompanying friend. We usually eat off of one another's plate's as well and we -still- have leftovers. It's a great place if you want a lively atmosphere, relatively inexpensive, large-portions of food.
(5)M B.
The food is amazing - phenomenal selection, fresh and balanced, and they saved my backside on catering. They came though like all-stars when another local deli let me know at 7 pm the night before a lunch meeting with 15 attendees that they couldn't fulfill my order. Mediterranean Deli is now my Chapell Hill go-to, no question.
(5)Kyle L.
Plus:: Gyros are on point! This place is a legit Greek restaurant. Negatives:: The hummus was ok, I'm picky. It needed to be spicier, but the pita bread was good. I do agree w others, that it's a bit over-priced for what you get. They could at least include a side, even if it's a small portion.
(4)Anish T.
This place is out of control delicious. Navigating it properly will lead you to a 4.5 star review (which is what this is) - navigating it poorly will lead you to a measly 3 stars. I have eaten here over 20 times, and have spent a GREAT amount of time and energy demystifying their menu. I have concluded that the kebab or gyro platter is by far the best, because they allow you to substitute the vegetarian side dishes that you may not want. For example, you can sub out rice for greek salad (which I do). However, it goes past that, as evidenced by my all-time favorite order: Shish Kebab Platter: -Fresh-baked pita bread -Greek salad (instead of rice) -Baba ghannoush (instead of hummus) -Grilled eggplant (vegetable) -Tatziki sauce (free) -Green chili sauce (free) -Red chili sauce (free) This is the right time to mention the fact that their pita bread is made in-house, and is absolutely delicious. It may also be the right time to point out that they have an island of fresh condiments, ranging from sauces to olives to banana peppers. This place is awesome; play it right and you will not be disappointed!
(4)Nate A.
Not much left to say that hasn't already been said. So many of the dishes here are great, I can't imagine you wouldn't be able to find at least 2-3 that you like. The carrot walnut salad is amazing. Also,I think this is my baby's favorite restaurant. He gets so mad whenever I stop giving him tzatziki!
(5)Bob B.
This was my first visit to this establishment and I went based on all the good reviews. I didn't like it. Everything on my plate tasted the same as everything else. You order at the counter and you are presented with your bill for payment, including tip! I don't like this approach and it was an automatic negative! Of course you are going to give a tip, right? Wrong! I wish I hadn't considering I did most of the waiting! You have to get your own drink, silverware, napkins and anything else you will need. I ordered a grilled chicken kabab with 2 sides. Total with tip and a drink, $16.50!! The chicken was dry and tasted just like the Jasmine Rice and the Hummus and the Potato Salad!! The waitress brought me the meal but that was it. She never came back to check on us or for anything at all for that matter. The kicker was you have to clear your own table when you are done!!! This place is for students and hippies with no taste buds. If you are a grown up and enjoy your meals, DON'T GO HERE! And for god sake, give yourself the tip!!! Terrible!
(1)Arie S.
This may be may favorite casual place to eat in Chapel Hill. Good food, good prices, good vibe. I usually get a half lb of warm Lebanese grape leaves and chicken Mediterranean and it always hits the spot. I also love that they have an assortment of peppers and sauces you can try. After your meal you can never go wrong with some hot tea or Turkish coffee. Overall, great spot
(5)Adam J.
Their lamb & beef gyro is EVERYTHING! YASSSSSSSSS! But seriously, I don't think you can go wrong with any entree. Everything looks delicious, the prices are good (especially for Franklin St), and my food never takes too long to come out. Eat here. You won't be disappointed.
(5)J V.
One of my favorite places to grab a bite in chapel hill!! Great selection of meat and veg dishes, honestly haven't tried anything I didn't like! Reasonable prices, good for take out or for dining in with a casual atmosphere, fun decor, works well for groups or a solo meal.
(5)Trudy L.
Three words: Moroccan Chicken Platter. The portions are huge. I usually split the platter with someone and we both end up stuffed. The couscous here is also excellent with a curry flavor and sweet raisins. Gyros are also yummy, as are their salads. The garlic paste at their condiments bar is mind-blowing. Put it on everything.
(5)Carrie N.
One of the best greek salads I've ever had!! All the greens & veggies were fresh, the grilled chicken was tender & juicy, and the dressing was not overwhelming and oily! I'm not a bread fan, but they serve warm homemade pita bread with the salad. Definitely a good deal for the price! My boyfriend enjoyed his gyro as well. In addition to tasty food, they have outdoor seating, which creates the perfect dining out experience.
(5)Dara L.
WOW! Loved this place! Parking can be an issue due to the college, but if you try to go on an off time it makes it easier. The deli case is full of beautiful vibrantly colored food which all looks very fresh. There were so many choices and since we were first timers we played it safe and ordered chicken souvlaki . They have a toppings bar with wonderful olives and sauces on it. I can't wait to try some more items next time. Every plate we saw pass by our table looked absolutely delicious. I doubt you can go wrong with anything on their menu.
(5)Rachael N.
Hmmm. 3.5 stars. Relatively good Mediterranean food. Tried this place on my most recent trip to Chapel Hill. It was pretty good. Don't get me wrong- there's lots of choices and it has pretty authentic choices of selection.. I tried the grape leaves (meh, they were ok), the hummus, and the chicken kebobs. The chicken was a tad dry, and the rest were okay. The desserts were good though. The baklava, the egg roll looking thing were excellent. I tried the chocolate halva....ummmm....not my thing. haha. But with some of their turkish coffee, it's worth it. The line is rather long, but if you have a craving for mediterranean food, try it out.....
(3)Mike O.
Wow, people seem to love this place, but it isn't knocking my socks off. Perhaps I need to go more often and try more things. I had the grilled veggie pita. The bread was truly delicious, but everything else about the meal was just fine, nothing spectacular.
(3)Robert K.
On a scale of one to five stars, I give this place 50. This is simply one of the greatest restaurants I have ever been to in my life- and probably the best place I have ever been to in North Carolina, where I have lived for several years now. I was fortunate enough to have some friends tell me about this place on a trip home from Raleigh. I was completely unprepared for the amazing experience that would follow. It is a fairly unassuming place from the outside, with a very unassuming name. But when I walked in and saw the amazing display case, with so many incredible looking items, I saw that I was in chow hound heaven. Everything looked fresh and inviting and delicious. I could have easily blown my entire paycheck on this place, which would have been a problem but at least I would have eaten extremely well for two weeks. I had a chicken souvlaki platter, and it was served with pita, a small salad and some hummus. I also had a grilled tomato on the side. And they have a complimentary 'fixins' bar if you will, with olives, peppers, marinated veggies, sauces and condiments. Magnificent. Everything I had for lunch was incredibly delicious. You can get what I had at any greek diner, but it won't be as good. This was the best I've ever had. Remarkably fresh, perfectly cooked and seasoned. I could have eaten a gallon of the hummus :) It was fantastic. You must eat here if you are in Chapel Hill. Bring your appetite and if possible, bring plenty of money. You're welcome.
(5)Julia T.
Love this place!!! Have to go every time I'm back in chapel hill. Had the sampler plate with kalamata olive hummus, baba ganoush, hearts of palm salad, and Mediterranean chicken salad! The pita is so warm and soft and the olive bar is clutch! Great tzatziki!!!
(5)Elizabeth F.
I was blown away by the selection of freshly prepared foods in the case. I could hardly make up my mind because it all looked delicious. I finally settled on the Moroccan Chicken platter. It was beautifully prepared and tasty. I look forward to going back soon!
(5)Kyle P.
I was very excited to try this place, as I love Mediterranean food. With the Yelp hype and fairly crowded dining area, I figured I was in for a treat. The service is deli style, you order at the counter and they bring it out to you. There's a lot of dining area including outside seating, which is always nice. Stickin' to the basics, I ordered some hummus and a lamb/beef gyro. Our food arrived lightning fast. Suddenly, disappointment! The hummus was bland and forgettable. The tzatziki sauce had absolutely no flavor as well, which in turn made for a bad gyro. The rest of the food was just average. Not sure if I came on an off day or if Chapel Hill has collective taste amnesia, either way, it seems like just another mediocre Mediterranean deli to me.
(2)Katie E.
This place is awesome... I'm just upset it took me so long to walk through the door! I tried the hummus, falafel, baba ganoush (know I'm spelling that wrong) and israeli couscous. The cost is very reasonable for what you get... it really is delicious.
(5)Anna W.
This food was great! I've been a student for going on 4 years at UNC and had yet to make it to Med Deli until last night. It was just as good as everyone has been saying all these years. I had a chicken kabob, rice, goat cheese bruschetta, some kinda of orange salad, pita bread, and sweet tea. The waitress had recommended the food I ending up ordering, and she did not steer me wrong; it was absolutely delicious. There was more than enough food. I left stuffed and had entire box of food to take home for lunch today. My only complaint was that the sweet tea was far from sweet.
(4)Michael R.
Not only is the food great, but it's a wonderful place to get some Turkish or Greek coffee. I recommend the lamb fatayer.
(5)Steve B.
This is my favorite place to eat in Chapel Hill, it's complicated. They have menu's; I feel it's cheating to use them. What you have to do is check out all the food and order individual items by the pound. It's difficult to remember all the names and turn them into quantities that are appropriate for 2 or 3 people. Always buy a bag of the fresh pita bread and half a pound of one of several hummus. Then, sardines, moussaka, eggplant stew (great), stuffed grape leaves, lentils, cauliflower - it's all good! You order at the counter, take a number and wait for it. Nothing fancy, just good. Finally, if you have room choose a dessert. I think it's the halva that I like.
(5)Groovy S.
I love Med Deli! Their food is fresh, flavorful and in abundance. I have never had a bad dish and I swear that there are so many options that even the pickiest eater will find something they like.
(4)The S.
Delicious and reasonably-priced, authentic-tasting Mediterranean food. We are planning to return tomorrow...
(4)Erin W.
While out shopping for 80's prom (GO Time After Time!) when Susan Z. suggested we go for dinner at Mediterranean Deli. I'm a fan of all things falafel so in we went! I'm glad Susan ran back towards the registers and grabbed a menu because otherwise I would have just gawked at the fresh food cases till closing time! We decided to each get lamb/onion stuffed savory pastries and split the 4-item sampler. Everything we got was a hit. The tabbouleh is packed with parsley and really flavorful, the cucumber salad was refreshing and the pastries were hot and meaty! My favorite item though, was the orzo salad. OMG, y'all! It was sweet with white grapes, yellow curry, almonds and bits of apple. I could've eaten a whole bucket! I've been back with my boyfriend and had another great experience. So, if you're milling around Franklin with an empty tummy and are down for some cheap exotic deliciousness, just head over to Mediterranean Deli. They got it covered.
(5)Ashley S.
I love Mediterranean food so I was very excited to try this place. I ordered a lamb gyro and hummus. The pita bread was bland, dry and tasted like cardboard, and the tzatziki sauce was very watered down. The hummus was ok, but nothing special. The only thing I really liked was the rosewater sweet tea. I also liked how they had a condiments bar stocked with olives, sauces, etc. I don't think that's enough to make me come back though.
(2)Lauralee M.
One of the best places to eat in CH! Price is reasonable. Love how all of the food is displayed so you can choose what you want. Never been disappointed in all of the MANY times I've been here. This is my first review on Yelp and I wanted to give my inaugural one to The Mediterranean Deli - 5 stars well earned!
(5)Cyrus T.
Wow! An enormous selection of tasty Mediterranean deli items and a great menu with a variety of hot dishes and salads. And the place is huge. For an appatizer, I got 1/4 pound each of 4 different things (jasmine chicken salad, sundried tomato hummus, labneh, and dolmeh) with bread. For an entree I ate lamb kabob with rice and salad. Rosewater sweet tea was terrific. Altogether a great experience. I hadn't been here in 5+ years and was stunned to see what they have done to the place. Very spacious now and a great place to bring a group.
(5)Samathryn C.
We haven't had a dish we didn't like. Excellent hummus, love the chicken kebab platter and the fatayer. Hubs always orders the vegetarian platter and chooses from the many amazing salads in the deli case. Fresh baked pita, rosewater sweet tea, various baklava, awesome condiment bar with pickles and olives and tasty sauces. All around delicious! This is probably our favorite spot for casual dining in the Triangle area!
(5)Kristen T.
Soooo good. No matter what I have tried its all been yummy!!
(5)Susan P.
Fantastic food, freshly made bread, superb selection of vegetarian options. Everything is excellent- the fatayers, the baba ghannouj, the different types of hummos. And the best tabbouleh anywhere. Their prices are very fair. Friendly and fast service too. Wonderful all around,
(5)Charles D.
I've eaten Med Deli's fare from the UNC student store nearly three times a week for three years, but somehow never bothered to stop by their actual restaurant. Needless to say, the fresh falafel was significantly better than the sandwiches I get from the cooler on campus. The wait was significant, but definitely worth it. Very reasonably priced, excellent food, absolutely no complaints--the free olives and feta cheese are nice as well.
(4)Kun P.
I don't know if people have been following the current trend in the fate of Franklin St. restaurants as of late, but they have all been going out of business. There's a reason why Med-Deli is still alive. They make fantastic food, and they cater to the masses/events around Chapel Hill. I'm definitely not a fan of their catered fare/outsources plates to be found at local cafes/cafeterias, but it's truly one of my favorite, fail-proof, bang-for the-buck joints on Franklin. Ok, if I had to nitpick, I'm not a fan of their disposal system. It's got hummus streaked on the plastic disposal, and flies are always hanging out and about during the warmer days. But their lackluster attention towards disposal can find a blind eye, especially focusing on the fresh bar consisting of olives, pepperocini, hot sauce, etc. I love their foul madamas, hearts of palm salad, and artichoke salad. Pretty much anything off of their a-la-carte list is fair game, and have yet to disappoint. My usual fare consists of the spicy chicken wrap (excellent value for money, plus you don't have to necessarily get the two sides that are offered with the meal; you can choose your own), or any of their kebab platters are delightful as well. They have increased their prices recently, but who hasn't? I'd go here over Baba Ghannouj, anyday. As for picking up their pre-fixed items dispersed throughout campus....well, why don't you take the initiative and take a visit to the mainframe.
(4)Kianna M.
Med deli has some amazing items to choose from (just a short list): Falafels Chicken and Beef Shwirma Lamb and Beef gyro Salad with feta & tomatoes Chicken salad Carrot salad Hummus Baklava and Turkish Delights I love a lamb and beef gyro with the yogurt sauce on the side and baklava for dessert. You can have more sauces and olives at the condiments station. I also like to get a little ramican of olives too. Some people hate olives-- at least one of my friend's does anyway-- that's ok more for the rest of us olive loving peeps. It's a pretty large space with outdoor seating just there on the sidewalk to eat and check out the passersby. It's pretty much right in the center of the Franklin Street hustle.
(5)Sandy P.
I want to make a comment on Mediterranean Deli's "Pita Bread" .... They have a pita oven out front... the pita bread is made fresh daily.. If I want Pita Bread, I drop by the Mediterranean Deli and pick it up fresh... It is delicious and fresh, why buy pita bread in the grocery stores that have been sitting on the shelf ????? Mmmm Good !!!
(5)Chris T.
Med Deli is completely underrated -- it's one of the best restaurants in the Triangle, and also one of the cheapest. I'm partial to the chicken souvlaki, but honestly most everything on the menu is great. I frequently just go in and order pitas and hummus with friends -- their hummus with some nammora (best dessert ever) is a meal unto itself. Turn off your computer and go get lunch! You won't regret it.
(5)jennifer s.
I've been going to the Med Deli since I was in college and it's always good. Recently, I stopped in to buy a jar of tahini and picked up some hummus to go. It's always hard to order just a few things from the deli case because it's all so delicious. Plus, I love all the free olives and condiments.
(4)M.J. S.
One of the many pleasures of living in CH. They are masters are seasoning everything authentically -- hummos, baba, tabouli, kebabs, even the rice. What a great value and a city atmosphere. Beer and wine are available and perfect with the food here. Franchise this place in college towns all over the country. Nah, just keep on doing what you're doing in CH.
(5)Ann D.
I didn't have a single bad meal for the entire 2 days I was in Chapel Hill, and this place definitely stood out. At dinnertime on a Friday it was packed with students, and with good reason. They have a HUGE selection, and everything looked wonderful. I wound up with a very flavorful falafel eggplant pita, enhanced by extra tahini and various spicy sauces from the condiment bar (which also kept us going back again and again for more yummy kalamata olives and feta). The fatayers and zaatar bread that my dining companions ordered looked quite delicious as well (and are big enough that you can take half home for another meal or snack); if I'm in the area again I'll definitely try the veggie fatayer and maybe pick up some other dishes to go. One of the people I was there with had lived in the Middle East for several years, and comes here for products that she can't get anywhere else in the area. The pastry selection is excellent as well; I tried the plain nammora and it was a lovely coconut-honey treat for those who get tired of ordering baklava at every Mediterranean place ever. Would definitely come here again, because I want to try everything.
(5)Michael P.
Best gyro in Chapel Hill. Their tzatziki sauce is mad good, and one of their gyros for lunch guarantees a satisfying meal. Great any time of day.
(5)Dennis S.
Yes the ordering system blows. Yes, people tend to linger long past their meals and don't seem to care much about others, but that's not the Med Deli's fault. Most other inexpensive places in CH are populated with the same self-absorbed university employee crowd (have you tried to get a table in buns during lunch!?!). The food, however, is good for the very low price point(s). Their is a case full of salads and cooked dishes that present the opportunity to sample mid- Mediterranean dishes. There is one caveat, however. Although most dishes are prepared fresh daily, some 'age' better than others. Choose your dishes wisely toward the end of the day. For those that don' t want to experiment, their are a few stand-outs that are consistently good. Trust me, I'd eaten there at least a couple of dozen times before I made this observation. The fatayers are VERY good. Try the spinach, great veg and sesame flavors in a crisply baked package. I happen to like gyros, and find theirs to be more than adequate. If just interested in some meat, pita, and hummus, you can just order that. You may want to add another piece of pita for a whopping 65 cents. Get some tsadziki and other sauces from the condiments bar and you're set for less than $9. They've just added a new hummus as of this writing, flavored with hot peppers and tomato that I thought was far better than their plain hummus. I wonder if I can get that on my next gyro dish.. The pita is baked on premises and as good as it gets, take some home after your meal. The desserts are good, but nothing remarkable. I may have only given them 3 stars, but in context with how inexpensive, I think they're a great place to eat.
(3)Lenka B.
Yum, yum, and more yum. This place never lets me down. I always leave with more for later and completely satisfied.
(5)Jessica G.
Med Deli is great. I'm a vegetarian, and there are tons of options for me. They have a menu of gyros and such, but they also have a huge deli case full of salads, hummus, etc. I usually choose from the deli case. There is also a small buffet of free toppings in the middle of the store, which has tzatziki, olives, feta, and more. Highlights: Hearts of Palm Salad, Kalamata Hummus, Walnut Baklava, Cheese Tortellini salad, and Tzatziki.
(5)Debra S.
I usually like this place, however on my visit tonight I ordered a baba /tabbouleh sandwich (it's on the menu). The bread, usually delicious, was a soggy mess. Seriously? The kitchen staff cannot figure out that you drain the tabbouleh before putting it on the pita? What a disappointment, and not what I expected of this establishment.
(2)Adrienne E.
I cannot believe I've overlooked the review thread for Mediterranean Deli for so long. This place is less expensive, more casual, and infinitely better than most of the other Greek/Middle Eastern restaurants in the Triangle. My favorites are the chicken souvlaki and the baba ghannouj pita, but really everything on the menu is fantastic. The dining area is a little uninspired and it can be rather messy when the place is busy, but the take-out orders are prepared very quickly so I always get my food to go. The staff can be a little brusque at times, but they're extremely efficient. The prices are beyond reasonable - I'd probably be willing to pay much more for food this yummy.
(4)Ben R.
Delicious, casual and great value.
(5)Teresa P.
Excellent food, good size portions, and a very generous owner. I honestly cannot name another business in the area who contributes as much as Med Deli to both local and global causes.
(5)tegen d.
Good, affordable, authentic food. Have eaten here dozens of times, and have always been happy, sometimes more. The weekend lamb special is wonderful. They could work harder at basic tidiness in the restaurant, but otherwise this is one of Chapel Hill's better dinner stops.
(4)Lina B.
Quite possibly my favorite place in the area for baba gannnoush. It's spectacular. They have two types of pita. One is sorta plain and unappetizing, the other is amazing when warmed up a bit in the oven (it's the round, non-pockety-kind). I also like their falafel. And they have such unique salads -- stuff I haven't seen in other mid-eastern places. Okra salad is delicious, so is eggplant stew. They also have havlah and baklava. And even sweet tea to cater to the NC crowd. Very affordable, and they just renovated the whole place so it's' great inside. Friendly service!
(5)Roll T.
I wish they had Mediterranean like this in Washington, DC. I ordered quite a few items here, and I found most of them spectacular. The gyro was among the best I have had in the nation; the actual meat, in my experience, sets a high bar for competitors. Another culinary sensation was the sauteed eggplant which wasn't too stringy and had a nice soft finish without breaking the texture of the vegetable. The hummus (scallion version) was better than average. I would pass on the spanakopita. I also highly recommend their sauces (we liked their tahini, red pepper sauce, and jalapeno sauce). The complimentary kalamata olives and feta cheese was also a nice touch. Food was super cheap (we fed 5 people for less than $45). I would also suggest sitting outside and people watching while you are here. Very nice spot on Franklin Street. Highly recommended.
(5)Chris and Tami T.
wait. i need a moment. i love this place. is that a help-your-self-to-a-variety-of-sauces(even some labnah!?!?!)-and-a-few-thoughtful-choices-of-Âolives-and-oiled-parsley-bar? stop. shut up. hold on. that display behind the glass...shut. your. stupid. face, world. i feel like i'm watching pornoshows. this food is hubba hubba and posing all sexy at me like it's winking. i want every last piece of food in this gorgeous display case put in my mouth. stuffed cabbage YES 2 different types of dolmas YES fluffy tabbouleh YES farro YES o my god pinch me is that keftedes?!? give me all your kibbe, all your roasted eggplant, feed me the lamb, feed me your lamb, i am your lamb. whatever i don't care who heard me. whatever i don't care what my hair looks like.
(5)Charlotte V.
I've developed a thing for mediterranean food over the years, having a good friend who is lebanese and always has delicious authentic home-made food has probably aided in that. I went here while visiting a friend at school and enjoyed my experience. True to a good deli, the restraunt has lots of seating and a very happening atmosphere, but was totally a place that we could sit and talk and enjoy the scenery. Both of us got the 4 item plate, with different items from the counter. Overall this was 8.50 each, and too much food, I would recommend the 2 or 3 item plates (6.50 and 7.50) unless you are very hungry or want leftovers. The pita is some of the best I've had, and all of my items- baba ganoush, hummus, greek grape leaves, and then the sweet potato salad were delicious and heavenly. The servers were very helpful and friendly. I will definitely return if I happen to find myself in Chapel Hill again. Really good food for a decent price in a quality setting? All here.
(5)sandy c.
We wandered in here on a sunday because 'Sandwich' was closed and we are glad that we did. The food here is really good and is affordable too. I had the gyro plate which was really good and a big portion. My husband had the chicken sharma and I thought that the grill flavor of the chicken was great but my husband thought that my gyro plate was better. The pastichio baklava was really good, with the right amount of sweetness and nice texture.
(5)Ovidiu C.
The food is excelent and cheap.
(5)Brenda K.
I've been here twice and each time it gets better. The first time I didn't know what to expect, but when I saw the condiments bar I knew I was in for a good time. We started out with a falafel sandwich, which was ok, but the falafel was not spiced enough, and fell apart as I was eating it. However, the pita was really fresh (they bake it there!) and after I added some tahini sauce, olives and feta cheese from the condiments bar, I was in foodie heaven. Frankly, the falefel is better at the Neomonde Bakery. OK, so the falefel is the reason I didn't give it 5 stars. The second time I went with my Dad and my son, and we ordered the chicken shawarma sandwiches. I think this is their specialty, because it was so tasty. My Dad ordered something that looked like a mediterranean burrito (forgive me, I lived in California too long!) with ground lamb which he loved. All in all, a wonderful dining experience.
(4)Brian O.
The setup in this restaurant is a little odd, it's not quite clear where to order your food at. But once you get past their setup you move onto the food which is the important part. I really enjoyed the plate I got, chicken with hummus and baba ghanoush. I thought their pita was great and I really enjoyed having a self-serve olive bar. Although i didn't try their prepared salads they have a very large collection and they looked good.
(4)Ben B.
I really like this place. Their food is great and they have a big selections of sides available in their glass case. The only reason this place isn't 5 stars is because picking up your order can be a hectic and confusing process, especially when their busy. But all in all, delightful.
(4)Dwight S.
Agree with Kevin A - their ordering system is almost comically ridiculous sometimes.The food remains overwhelmingly mediocre, and what's decent is still a poor semblance of it's authentic counterpart. Improper seasoning (either far too much or too little) ruins many of their offerings.
(2)Henry S.
A little far down West Franklin, Mediterranean Deli is a hidden gem on Franklin St. The hummus and filaffel here are great, and they have some of the best gyros I've ever had. The service here is great, and the take out is always done in 10 minutes or less. The inside is nothing special, it's set up like a local deli might be, with tables and chairs. One tip for anyone who is in the UNC Business School, Mediterranean Deli delivers a selection of their most popular menu items down to the cafe every single day.
(4)Leah P.
Great place to go for a cheap(er) meal. Yes, the makeshift marketplace with dust-covered tahini sauce jars is a little weird, so we just order our meals or grab some goodies to take home from the deli. This is the place to go for gyros, hummus, falafel and kebobs. Oh and the baklava is SOOOO yummers.
(4)Nehal A.
The best Mediterranean deli in the Triangle Area.
(5)Sarah M.
Possibly one of the best restaurants in Chapel Hill. Consistently delicious and authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food. I've never had a bad meal there, and I go there...often. Their baba ghannoush is amazing. And their orange blossom/rosewater iced tea is seriously among the best things I've ever had in my life. I've considered taking a pitcher with me. AND they deliver!
(5)Lily P.
YUM! its like a mix of amer's (in ann arbor) but a lot better! different hummus, tabouli, salads, olive bar, pita, and desserts. The prices aren't bad with 4 samples for $8.50. The drinks were standard fountain drinks and tons of different sweet teas. There is gyro combos and such. You make the order and then wait for your number to be called. The line wasn't very long and there was tons of cafeteria style seating. Situated in the middle of UNC main road you can escape the heat and parallel park near by. This is a place I def will be going back to and try!!
(5)Tori H.
Really good. The meat seems to be of good quality. The sides are delicious. The staff seem friendly and they are quick. There's plenty of seating. It gets very crowded, but it's worth the wait.
(4)Monica M.
The second I saw the words "Mediterranean Deli," I had to go in and try the blamb. That is, gyro. See, I've had a long standing love affair with the blamb gyro. Its not as gamey as straight up lamb, and not as boring as spiced up beef. Its delicious! However, there are a few places who manage to screw it up, so I tend to use this as my benchmark for the Mediterranean places I try out. The meat was done very well, the tzaziki sauce was straight up delightful, and the pita bread... ohhh the pita bread. They really have a good thing going with that pita bread made from scratch in the store, much like how Mexican restaurants with the lady making tortillas in the back always has the best ones. It was really well done! My parents both ordered the chicken salad trio - and I thoroughly enjoyed theirs as well! I got to taste all of the different dishes, and will definitely be ordering that the next time I go in. Yum.
(4)Lawrence S.
It's a good place for me to take my kids. We all walk away feeling satisfied with the service and the quality of the food. This is the best spot in Orange County for Mediterranean food. Not a date night spot for wifey and I, but a great choice when we are out and about with the kids.
(4)Samantha E.
Tied as my favorite restaurant in Chapel HIll. It has been great watching it grow and evolve since my first year at Chapel Hill when it was still a tiny little place. They have really become an institution and everything they make is absolutely perfect. Gyros and lam bi ajeen are my favorite but anything on the menu is guaranteed to be great.
(5)Tom C.
Recently hired Med Deli to cater our wedding. Not only was the food fabulous and very affordable, but the service was absolutely five-star. Our guests raved about the food and the staff, and now I'm doing the same. Unqualifiedly recommended for any event you're planning.
(5)Lorenzo G.
The food here is out of this world i was told about this place from a coworker me and my girlfriend was very impressed. This place is a MUST try if you have a chance the food is fresh and it's by far the best Mediterranean food I've had between Raleigh-Durham and Chapel Hill. I recommend the grilled chicken, sauteed cauliflower, quinoa and the tabbouleh very fresh.
(5)Kate H.
I am no longer a Fatayer virgin. Walking down Franklin street on a Saturday afternoon, you really cannot miss all the people surrounding the Mediterranean Deli. I was a bit hesitant when we first walked in-the place was not just packed but also rather chaotic. I was afraid we'd wait forever and be rewarded with sub-par food. Alas, it was quite the opposite! While we briefly waited for our food, we were able to pick from a variety of ice teas and then hit up the condiment buffet and stock up on olives and pickles for the meal. Now, back to my losing my Fatayer virginity. I pretty much had no idea what I was ordering but was excited with the description of veggies, fresh cheese and homemade dough using local flour. I really wasn't prepared for the delicious dough that encased a pluthera of veggies, feta and mozzerella. I was shocked at how large the portion was and enjoyed every bite! In all seriousness, if I lived in Chapel Hill I would probably visit this place often. And, I'd probably get the Fatayer again and again!
(5)John L.
According to Kevin A's logic, I am a moron... well, I am in grad school, so I'm not too sure what that says about me (Oh wait, I do: youtube.com/watch?v=XViC… ). What I do know is that Med Deli's food and catering is outstanding. I was in here last week and got the chicken souvlaki platter, complete with hummus, tabouli, and pita bread. I ordered, and I waited a little bit. The sound system they have isn't perfect (though it is very clear outside). It's all a matter of checking the slips. If they match up with your #, it's your food. Now, onto the food: the souvlaki was spiced well and delicious, and the hummus, tabouli, and pita were all very good. I think I may have received a little too much hummus and tabouli for how much pita I got, but I assume that I would complain more if I didn't receive enough. Seating was quick and easy, even at lunch time (we found seats relatively quickly, and in the middle of the restaurant, too). Their catering is also excellent, and the food travels well from the restaurant to wherever it needs to go. Overall, I'm impressed. I may not be the brightest bulb, but I like their food. :)
(5)Victoria H.
Food is fresh. Jasmine chicken salad is always a fav. The seasonal fruits and vegs are used beautifully. Try the beets, both in the case and on the pickle bar. It's a bit busy and quite noisy but a great way to experience chapel hill.
(4)Melissa A.
As a lover of sauce, they had my heart the second I strolled by the condiment bar. They after I tasted their hummus, I was dazzled. Between my bf and I we had a way more food than the two of us could handle, with a gyro, chicken schwarma, and 1/2 lbs of sundried tomato hummus. I was full in the happiest way possible. One annoying thing (likely b/c we were incredibly hungover) was the beeping the occurred every time a new customer walked through the door.
(4)Michelle K.
this is my public vow that I will continue to go to mediterranean deli until I've tried everything behind their glass. purple, green, orange, red food galore! this is going to take a very long time. but i'm up to this delicious challenge!
(5)Jasi B.
I'm ready to chose my grad school off of this experience. I went to visit UNC and my first night there they took me out to Medi Deli. It looks quite unassuming and I wasn't expecting much. I don't even remember what I had. I was given free reign to order whatever I want and the tab was on the school. So I just ordered a whole lot of everything. I have no witty words or creative expressions to describe food that was just plain good. Like I've been dreaming about it for the past three months. Like ahhh I need to find something like this in NYC (without having to travel to Queens) and be just as good, FRESH and cheap. I bodied all the goodness that was on my plate. Overstuffed my face and then some. And I didn't feel all that much like an oompa loompa after. It's not heavy food, it's the food of the gods.
(4)Joe G.
We had an interesting experience in finding Med Deli while visiting d.t. Chapel Hill. The number of selections were overwhelming to someone unaccustomed to choices in our small town back in Calif. Colorful displays of bewildering arrangements, all seemingly freshly prepared and tantalizing. Okay, I'm glad I did not physically drool on anything or anyone- we were both rather hungry by then. Imagine my relief. We had good meals- not spectacular, as another reviewer had also observed, but very good. The ambiance was lively and animated, even though the restaurant was less than half capacity during the visit. Service was within 10 minutes for my order, and 15 or so for the baked dish my gf ordered. Nothing out fo the ordinary in the preparation there, either, but perhaps my expectations were set on WAY high, after my brother had talked the place up. SPOILER ALERT The reason for taking off two stars is that, while cleaning up in the restroom, my gf observed one of the cooks bee-line from the toilet to the door without so much as a wink to the sink. My gf didn't mention it 'til later so as to not spoil my lunch, but hey, this is a big deal, isn't it? I don't expect perfection, but at least a modicum of hygiene if you're going to touch something going into my mouth. The unnamed female employee was one of the cooks in the back. Not going back; there are far too many other good candidates for my money!
(3)Charlie T.
Great value (and accordingly crowded). Some of the best mediterranean in the area. The tables out front are very nice in the Spring and Fall. I like the Mixed Grill. My wife usually gets the salad combination. Very good baba ghannouj and hummus. The kibbe is also very nice.
(4)Andrea C.
such a nice place ! they have really good food from all the mediterranean countries. their tiramisu is probably the best dessert they make. it can take some time to be served and the place is very noisy when crowded sometimes. it's also quite pricy, to be honest, but it's definitely worth it. the potato salad is really good, the stuffed tomatoes too, it's very unlikely to be disappointed when you go there !
(4)Jeff H.
Huge selection, reasonably priced, and delicious. Their hummus is fresh, great veggies. All around a wonderful experience.
(4)Tori T.
Growing up half Arab-American in the ethnically and culturally diverse neighborhoods of Washington, DC, I was surrounded by incredible Middle Eastern food. Ever since, I have sought tirelessly a decent alternative in cities across the United States. Everyone... I have found it! Med Deli is my go-to spot on Franklin for three reasons: 1. The food is absolutely, unequivocally, indubitably incredible 2. The portions are huge and the prices are low. Med Deli's price-to-happiness ratio is fantastic. 3. Despite its location on Franklin, it's totally unpretentious. You won't feel at all out-of-place in sweatpants. On the other hand, though, you probably won't feel at all out-of-place when dressed to the nines. It's just that kind of place. Last time I was in, I had the chicken kebab platter with lentil rice and the Israeli cous-cous salad. All parts of the meal were executed perfectly. Bravo, Med Deli!
(5)Erik R.
Let's get one thing clear: Mediterranean Deli is decent, but not amazing Mediterranean food. I find it odd that so many people rave about their food when it is simply average. While the restaurant has a wide variety and a great selection, as far as options go, most of the food is rather bland for Mediterranean food. It is not as savory, spicy, or complex as real Mediterranean food. In particular, the lamb and beef and chicken gyros are okay. The pitas the meat are wrapped in are delicious and homemade, but the seasonings for the meat and sauces are seriously lacking. It tastes like eating day old meatloaf. There simply isn't enough flavor. Additionally, their service is nothing to write home about. At lunch they are incredibly packed and busy, which would seem good, except that it means that they are slow with getting your food to your table. It also means that they are rude at the counter and as they move through the floor to deliver food. When I was there on Friday with two friends, they took 15 minutes to deliver my Gyro platter, which consists of fresh pita triangles, avout five strips of lamb/beef, some vegetables, some hummus, and taboli (in other words, items mostly prepared already). It was cold and, again, only decent. During the rest of my lunch there, they moved wildly around our table, once even pushing my chair from behind, when there clearly wasn't walking room to do so, just to avoid walking around one of the columns on the floor. The server didn't even apologize. If you have a Mediterranean food craving, it will fix it; however, you would do well finding a place with better service and more flavorful dishes.
(2)Annie M.
YUM!!!! seriously amazing, fresh food. I never get sick of it. I'm going tonight and have been looking forward to it since I woke up this morning:)
(5)V M.
The chicken pita salad was amazing! Comes with a side of fruit which is very fresh. Yum!
(5)Mary Beth W.
This place was confusing upon entering as I didn't see any listings of sandwiches they make, but my local sister set me straight by handing me a menu. I went with her recommendation of the chicken gyro platter with sides of tabbouleh and hummus. It was DELICIOUS!! It was not a traditional gyro all wrapped up in paper, it was laid out on a plate like fajitas would be and the pita bread was quartered. lMy 2 year old niece took half my pita bread as she loved dipping it into the creamy sauce but we went back inside and bought a whole pack of the soft, delicious pita bread. We were visiting colleges and I hope my daughter decides to attend UNC so I can come back to try all their salads as everything tasted great! Nice place to sit outside and watch the world go by as well! Excellent bookstore a few doors down with gently used books too so you can have a book to read while eating!
(5)Jennie R.
I LOVE this place. The food is always fantastic and the prices are too. I've had a variety of the sandwiches and have tried almost all of the deli case choices and nothing has disappointed me. Definitely get anything with the pita bread. Try a chicken souvlaki sandwich, gyro, any of the pasta salads and baklava for dessert. I love the free condiment bar also! When I lived in Chapel Hill I went here so often that the cooks recognized me - they're all so friendly!
(5)Jesse P.
Great establishment and I enjoy going every time, the constant line is always a good indicator of the great business and fan base that Med Delis has acquired. Such a broad variety of food, cant go wrong with some pitas and med. Grilled chicken salad, the Morraccon chicken dish is always solid. If you're into spices, make sure to get the red chili sauce they have, and compliment it with the cilantro sauce.
(5)David W.
Came here during a weeknight and if you're looking for this type of food, you probably won't find better in Chapel Hill. It's a pretty simple place, you walk up to the counter, place your order, and then they call you when it's ready. We got the vegetable entree which lets you choose 4 different vegetable sides out of their deli case for about $10, which was a pretty good value when you see the size of the portions they end up giving you. I also got the Lamb Shank, and this was very good. The lamb was really soft and fell of the bone effortlessly, definitely worth it at only about $12. Once again, these dishes are a pretty good size considering what you pay, so it's very easy to come here and get stuffed for only $10-$15.
(5)Iris C.
This place is delish! I love the great selection of Mediterranean food. The combo platters are genius. i love getting to choose from all of the freshly prepared foods and then top it off with the free olive, peppers, and pickles. This is for sure a staple for me when I'm visiting Chapel Hill.
(4)Stacy T.
This place is kind of like a fast-food joint for Mediterranean food. You can pick up some menus by a pillar on top of a machine (its towards the back of the house), then order at one of the cashiers. You pick up a number and then you pick a seat in their quite size-able dining area. I shared a simple falafel and hummus sandwich with my beau. The ingredients are fresh and they do not skimp on the portions. It was a perfect meal for two. The tomatos were ripe and firm and the lettuce was crisp. Hummus was seasoned perfectly and the falafels weren't overly greasy or hard (crunchy). Pita was soft and wrapped up the combo nicely. For $5.99 - great deal! We also tried the pomegranate and grapefruit drink. It took a very long time for this to be made - we finished our meal before it came out. However, it is legit - real pomegranate and grapefruit juice, but it will cost you $2.99 and you don't get quite that much, maybe about 10 ounces. Yea, I would come back. =)
(4)Zach C.
The food is fantastic: delicious, fast, and fairly priced. One shortcoming: recently, it seems like every glass I've gotten has been a little dirty. I love to experiment with mixing the many different foods, but you can't go wrong with the Moroccan chicken.
(4)Leela S.
Fortunately the owners of Mediterranean Deli are a good deal more exciting and innovative in the kitchen than they are when it comes to naming restaurants. When we dropped in for lunch today, my biggest challenge was figuring out what to order from the vast menu. I eventually settled for the roasted veggie pita while Joel had a souvlaki platter. I am Scottish, therefore thrifty by nature, so this joint's complimentary olive, pickle and tzatziki bar was right up my alley. The tzatziki in particular was delicious. My pita was also very good, with perfectly roasted squash, onions and eggplant piled on a fluffy pita bread with feta crumbled over it. It may not sound special but it was very well done. Joel also enjoyed his plate, which included a pretty healthy serving of their hummus. By the end of the meal I'd already talked myself into buying some of some vine leaves and other goodies home to try at home tomorrow. Hopefully they'll live up to or even exceed the standard set by this restaurant today,
(4)Lucy D.
Wow, this place really rocks! Great food, excellent prices and service with a smile! The homemade pita bread was awesome. We will return soon and I highly recommend this place.
(5)Leen K.
When I get the cravings for a proper gyro, I always head for the Med Deli. I think this is the only place in Chapel Hill where the gyro meat is actually cooked on an upright rotisserie (the way it should be cooked). Other places use frozen chunks of gyro meat and just heat it on the grill. I've also tried their stuff from the deli case and it ranges from "wow, this is awesome!" to "yeeech, is this still edible?" But if you are adventurous or vegetarian, this place is great. Parking is a bit more of a hassle. Those meter checkers are probably the most efficient government workers in the area.
(4)Dave M.
A great place for a casual meal with really good food at very reasonable prices.
(4)Mei O.
I had dinner here last night and I already want to go back. The deli counter is *HUGE* and a great display of all of the amazing foods available to gorge on. I stood in front of the glass transfixed for a few minutes and my brain collapsed in option overload. I have problems when it comes to deciding what to eat at a restaurant. Just ask Andrew, who has had to suffer/send waiters away multiple times while I privately debated the merits of ordering one dish over another. I finally decided on the two "Sampler" plate, picking dolmas (grape leaves) and bardi (chickpeas, eggplant and green beans). I was a happy camper with every bite, and wished for a larger stomach to fit everything in. Everyone at the table got something different, and everyone was happy with their choices. The hummus? Yummy! Chicken gyro and shwarma? Yummy! The pita was also yummy, and inspired one of my lovely co-diners to purchase some at the bakery counter for later. And they have an olive/sauce bar (a la Quiznos pickle bar) so you can eat olives and yummy tzatziki to your hearts content! Which I did.
(5)Seri L.
The Mediterranean Deli has some great vegan and vegetarian options. If you ask them to leave off the feta cheese or dairy-based sauces, then many of the pitas and wraps will work. My favorite is the dolmas pita- the dolmas are warm and delicious, they will put on extra hummus when you remove the dairy sauce, and the veggies and bread taste fresh. In short: lots of great options, relatively inexpensive, and non-vegetarian/vegans will find lots to enjoy.
(4)Sarah M.
Ok. So I read all the Yelp reviews and had been told by tons of friends that this place was super awesome. I finally went on a Saturday night with my boyfriend right before closing. The spread in the cases is nothing short of amazing, and there are TONS of options for all types of eaters. I am indecisive by nature and was so overwhelmed by everything to choose from that it took me about 30 minutes to pick a meal (this is my boyfriend's favorite quality in me -- jk). Anyhoo, I was ravenous and settled for the 3-side sampler and went with some artichoke and potato lasagna thing (starts with an m), hummus with pita, and kibbi. Hands down, the best part of my meal was the pita. OMG. It was right out of the oven, fluffy, not greasy, and SO tasty. Definitely the best pita I've had in this part of the Triangle. The accompanying hummus was pretty damn good too. I dipped the pita in the fresh tzaziki sauce from the self-serve condiment bar, which was equally as deeeeeeeeelish. UGH, now for the bad stuff (sorry, you knew it was coming). My kibbi was so greasy that I had to wipe it off with a napkin, and it was definitely not as good as that of Sitti in Raleigh and of other local joints. My artichoke/potato square dilly-o was hard on top, bland, and just lackluster. I had to dip it in the tzaziki sauce to give it some "umph." The boyfriend's tomato and feta pasta was "meh" at best -- little to no feta, greasy, and pretty tasteless. I REALLY wanted to love Med Deli, but it really just didn't blow me away as I had expected. Of our collective 4 sides, only the hummus with pita did the trick. Maybe we just caught the place at the end of a busy or off day. I'll definitely give it another whirl though and try out one of the other 5,353,223,453 menu options.
(3)Chris L.
At first I wasn't a fan of this restaurant, but since my girlfriend was an addicted lover of the place, I came here enough to appreciate it. They have an extensive, very Mediterranean menu, but also have tons of by the pound foods that you can get. I prefer these because you can get lots of different flavors on your plate for the same price. They have tons of hummus choices, though I'd recommend the roasted red pepper (it's the best). Another favorite is the fattoush salad here or the standard falafel. The chickpeas are well cooked and grab some fresh-made tzatziki sauce and you got yourself a meal. In the winter I also really enjoyed the lentil soup that sometimes popped up on their menu, that's a must-try item. Tons of seating here and TVs to watch whatever college basketball game is on (most likely UNC) makes this a college town spot for many a Tar Heel student. If you're going to school here or in town for a college visit, this is a definite place to go.
(4)Melanie S.
This is the best restaurant this town has going on! Jamil is extremely personable, the food has top notch quality (and local!) ingredients, and the presentation could not be more pleasing. I can't praise this place enough. My kids and I always feel like family here, and I always love to bring friends and newcomers to Chapel Hill to this restaurant. There literally is something for everyone and all diets
(5)M M.
I've eaten at a lot of Mediterranean restaurants. Med Deli is my favorite by far. The food is decently priced and a variety of delicious foods is available. Enjoy!
(5)Liz W.
Totally awesome! Haven't tried anything I didn't like, yet! I think the atmosphere is fun, the selection vast, the flavors wonderful, and the service great! Also, their pitas are the best.
(5)Meghan B.
I'm changing my "Last Meal" status to "Anything and everything out of Med Deli's display cases." I can only imagine how awkward I looked gaping at all the beautiful food on my first visit (pretty sure I stood there with my mouth hanging for a good 3 minutes). But I think the workers there must be used to it, because it sure does have a lot of 5-star reviews! The worst thing about Med Deli is having to choose something to eat because EVERYTHING looks fantastic. I considered asking the owner if I could hop behind the counter with tasting spoons and just take a little bit of everything, but decided against it. I settled on a falafel and eggplant pita with lots of tzatziki (which is so fresh) and it was simply scrumptious! The eggplant was juicy and flavorful. What really got me, though? The pita!! So fluffy, a little garlicky, warm because it was RIGHT OUT OF THE OVEN (homemade pita...who does that?). I'm turning into one of Pavlov's dogs just thinking about the display cases again.
(5)Lauren B.
Whenever I'm on Franklin Street I make a bee line straight for Mediterranean Deli. They have an amazing selection of fresh deli selections and the homemade organic pita bread is out of this world. Being a creature of habit, I always get the same thing (sort of!) - the sampler platter. I like being able to have a little bit of everything and the portions are generous enough that I can get two meals out of it. There's also a complimentary condiment bar with olives, feta and sauces, which is nice because I get to drench my food in tzatziki - mmmmm!!! My favorite thing to eat here is the eggplant & squash stew. It's amazing. I even tried to deconstruct it and make it at home but couldn't figure it out. So it's back to Mediterranean Deli for me to get a fix! I also love their stuffed grape leaves and the Pomegranate Mohammara is nothing short of addictively delicious (I much prefer it to the hummus which is also tasty). I have yet to try their sweet selections because my meal always fills me up, but I have heard nothing but rave reviews about them. It's a pretty popular place and therefore can get crowded and loud, so if you are not a fan of noise while eating you'll want to get your food to go. Oh - and bonus! It's super-duper CHEAP! I don't think I've ever spent more than $14 including a drink and as stated above always get two meals out of it (and they'll give you a to-go cup for your drink, too). If you're in the Chapel Hill area, this place is a must!
(5)YL S.
Great food but kind of pricy for a joint like that. I need to try it again some time. Will be updated
(4)Harry P.
I love Med Deli. The range of food choices is amazing. It's almost an entire wall of their restaurant and it would be if they didn't stack it to a second row in the cases. They've got probably over 50 different items. I find this place the best when I'm trying to do a low carb diet or some other restricted diet. They've got so many choices that you could eat there all week and not get the same thing twice. My go to meals: - Beef kebabs, eggplant stew, hearts of palm salad, falafel salad instead of rice (dairy free, low carb) - Moroccan chicken with saffron rice- this is usually available for lunch. Man it's good. - 4 veggie sides - Eggplant stew, hummus, lebanese grape leaves, rice College students can eat pretty cheap here. Just order something small and then load up at the olive bar. I can get full just eating a plate of green olives. They've started baking their own bread inside the store. It's pretty cool to see the pitas come rolling out. They've gotten really good too. They'll make pizzas for you too in the bakery. I haven't tried them, but they look tasty too. The atmosphere is like a relaxed cafeteria. There's plenty of tables you can pull together to seat a crowd. People are nice there. It's a great place to eat outside at when the weather is nice. A piece of baklava and some tea, plus great Chapel Hill weather is always welcome.
(4)John C.
Actually, 4.5 * As close to perfect as you're going to find in the South...
(4)Adeline C.
I really don't think there is anything bad I can say about Med Deli. I absolutely love it there. The food is deliciously satisfying. I ALWAYS get the moroccan chicken platter. I get it every time I go b/c it's my ultimate comfort food (especially after exams, a long day etc.) It's warm and hardy with a homecooked kind of taste. I've had their hummus, potato salad, and gyros. It's all quite good. However I wish that their desserts were better and also better stocked. The good ones are always sold out, and the bad ones are dissapointing simply b/c you know they're not fresh. I also think it gets really crowded. Which is another downer. With all this aside though I still give it 5 stars. It's an old favorite that I'll always be loyal to even if I'm not in Chapel Hill anymore.
(5)Ellie L.
I always get overwhelmed trying to figure out what to eat. I want to try everything but I'm not quite there yet! I've tried their gyros, kabobs, shawerma; absolutely love their hummus, baklava; and I could live off their tzatziki sauce and fresh baked warm and soft pita bread. Their baked goods are cherished prizes to buy and bring home for later after that you stuff your stomach. I love the variety and freshness Med Deli brings to Chapel Hill. Lots of good memories of casual lunches or dinners with friends here.
(5)Saliha B.
Truthfully this is definitely my favorite casual Med. restaurant in the Triangle. Unfortunately now that I am no longer a student at UNC I rarely get a chance to eat here. If it was closer I would probably end up going here more than I go to Baba Ghannouj or Aladdin's, but alas Med Deli is just one location and they never have (and probably never will) make another one in the Raleigh/Cary area. What makes Med Deli so great? The food is fresh, delicious, seasoned well, and it's not too pricey either. Also, they now have a bakery section where you can get pizzas and fresh bread. Nothing beats a warm pita bread fresh out of the oven with some hummos, olives and/or feta cheese. I love watching the pitas come off the oven on the conveyor belt while I wait for my food. Another yummy and fun detail at Med Deli is the olive bar where you can go back as much as you want to get different olives and other pickled items to munch on with your food. The workers here are also really nice, down to earth folks so that's another really good reason I can't wait for an excuse to go to Chapel Hill to eat here. My ideal of a lovely Chapel Hill outing is food here and then a stroll to Yogurt Pump to walk off some of my food and get some fro yo to end the food expedition. Note for all you UNC hospital employees (which I used to be): you can get Med Deli food at both hospital cafeterias in the fridge sections. Med Deli also has food at UNC cafeterias on campus, which is nice when you have only a small amount of time between classes and want Med Deli goodness but can't make it out to the store.
(5)