The best Mediterranean food in Austin is served at Sarah’s Mediterranean. The food there is not only healthy and full of flavor, but the atmosphere of this family-owned business is extraordinarily welcoming.
While the food is very tasty and healthy, the majority of dishes are low fat and contain lots of protein, and the meals are the perfect size to satiate hunger. They make their own hummus that tastes better than any hummus I’ve ever tasted. Their chicken is succulent and goes amazingly with their yellow rice. Their salads have delicious vinaigrette dressing: they contain mostly fresh iceberg lettuce, but also onions and radishes.And that’s all contained in only one meal, the chicken kebab plate, And this is just of many delicious meals offered at Sarah’s Mediterranean Diner and Market.
This small restaurant is located on Burnet Road (5222 Burnet Road, Suite 500, to be exact). It is owned by a large Middle Eastern family and sells not only meals but all kinds of authentic Middle Eastern treats and ingredients in the attached market. The family atmosphere of the restaurant is evident already in the name: “Sarah” is the daughter of the owners, and several of the people present when you walk in are members of the family owning it.
All the employees are so charming that they feel like familiar faces after only one visit. Food is either offered “for here” or “to go”. If one chooses to-go food, they can wait and look at the tranquil wall mural of an ocean view or wander around the market and explore foods that aren’t usually seen in American grocery stores. Eating at the restaurant is nice as well; it’s a casual, family-friendly restaurant, with cheerful yellow wall paint and multicolored Christmas lights strung around the windows. There is also one low-volume TV playing in the background (often with foreign language shows or obscure game shows or even, once, a show about domesticated exotic birds), which can serve as a distraction from boredom but isn’t so loud and in your face to distract from concentration or conversation.
The prices range from around $8-$12 for meals, depending on the complexity. This deal rivals many restaurants’ offers, especially considering the amount of food offered at those prices.
There are a number of Asian, Middle-Eastern, and Mediterranean places offered around Austin, many of whom probably have equally low prices, but it’s guaranteed that those places, owned by chains or indifferent owners, lack the personality and care put into the atmosphere of the restaurant and each dish they serve. Beyond satisfying hunger, this place also offers a glimpse into exploring new kinds of food, in both their meals and especially in the market.
The market is one of the most unique and captivating parts of this place. There are a variety of things sold, from food to hookahs, and a person can get lost in between the shelves. They sell more than just candy or premade food; one big appeal of the market is that they sell unusual ingredients.
This restaurant is owned by great people and captivating in many ways, and the food has never, ever disappointed; this local business deserves to be supported.