Restaurant Mediterranean

(Originally posted 6/6/06)

Yesterday, we stopped at the Restaurant Mediterranean for lunch. This restaurant occupies a space at the old Ship on Route 1, next to the Christmas Tree Shop. It has only been open for about 2 weeks and advertises itself as Greek and American Cuisine.

It is rather plain-looking inside though the bar area is very nice, with two large screened TVs. The menu contains numerous typical Greek dishes, as well as some standard American fare. There are appetizers, soups, salads, pizza, seafood, poultry, lamb and beef dishes. It is fairly extensive and should cater to almost anyone's preferences.

The wine list though is very skimpy on Greek wines, and they only have a few Anastasi wines available by the glass. I would have liked to see more Greek wines available. The other wines on their list range from all over the world, such as US, Italian and Argentinian wines.

We decided to order just appetizers, to taste a variety of items. We had the Pikilia Meat Sampler for Two which contains roasted lamb, meatballs, chicken souvlaki, gyro and tzatziki. This was a good sized plate and most of the meats were tasty though could have been a bit hotter (which was a common complaint for all of our food.) We also had the saganaki (one of my usual Greek favorites). This came as a little skillet of melted Greek cheese with pita slices. It was tasty enough though not as good as the saganakis I have had before. We also had the broiled lokanico, a spicy Greek sausage. This was very good, and the hottest of the appetizers. The sausage was juicy, a bit spicy and quite large. Finally, my wife ate the spanakopita, spinach pie which she enjoyed. (I don't do spinach.)

Overall the meal was good, though not exceptional. But, it is not intended to be fine cuisine. Based on its location, it is likely meant to be a more family friendly place, one that caters to almost all tastes. And in that respect, it does well. The prices are very reasonable and you do get good portions of food. As a casual dining place, it is a good choice. It is just not on the same level as a place like Meze.