Chef/owner showcasing his fine creations
We recently had an opportunity to try this delicious Santa Maria staple in the heart of middle Broadway! Upon entering you are greeted with a lovely outdoor seating area in a lush tropical garden complete with water features and an open bar – very tropical vibe. Instantly the mood is set – like you are on vacation in a Mediterranean coastal city about to enjoy a memory-making meal with loved ones.
Given that it was a Tuesday night, we didn’t have to wait to be seated – and the atmosphere was great for catching up with our friends and perusing the menu – the variety of options was amazing and so we needed a minute to decide!
If you are a vegetarian, the Garden’s menu provides a ton of options. If you are a meat lover like me, you are also at the right place – with a wide range of dishes including chicken, lamb, and beef.
We ordered the Garden Set Menu for 4, $40 per person – which allows you to try a little bit of everything. It includes Hummus, Baba ghanoush, labneh, tabbouleh, fattoush, falafel, meat sambusa and cheese borak served with kebabs followed by an exquisite baklava dessert and coffee.
The labneh dip was probably my favorite, as it was rich and creamy and paired perfectly with the handmade pita — yum! The fattoush salad was very fresh and light, topped with fried crispy pita bread strips – a great take on the standard dish. And the kebabs! They marinated the meat with their special house sauce and grilled them perfectly. I normally don’t like chicken that much (I’m more of a beef person) but even I ate a whole strip of chicken. What can I say, they are just that good! I live in Santa Maria and I can’t believe I’ve never tried this restaurant before. It’s now a great addition to our restaurant options — with a delicious and diverse menu. Plus, the outside area provides a nice ambiance for a date night, birthday party, or just a gathering of friends. Stop in and try it – if you have never had Mediterranean fare or if it is your favorite, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Stop by and give them a try! The Garden Mediterranean Restaurant & Cafe, 122 East Boone Street, Santa Maria, CA 93454. https://www.thegardenmediterranean.com