Mediterranean Deli: Oklahoma City goes beyond the gyro.
by Tim | December 27, 2007 | 4 Comments
(votes: 14, average: 3) 
Loading ...Mediterranean Imports and Deli is located at 5620 N. May (map). For more information, you can call them at (405) 810-9494.
It seems we’ve been reviewing several Mediterranean places here lately (see recent articles on Athens and Zorba’s), so when a friend from work recommended I try one I’d never been to, I was all for it. I asked him what it was called and he said “I think it’s just called ‘Mediterranean Deli.’” He was right. Well, sort of, because it’s actually called “Mediterranean Imports and Deli.” I asked him where it was and he told me but for the life of me I couldn’t place it in my mind. However, when we drove up to it, I realized I’d driven by it probably a million times and never taken notice. I guess that’s because the simple signage doesn’t give the impression that it’s a restaurant, and the use of “imports” in the title makes me think maybe it’s more like a small grocery store.
Well, the truth is, it is a small grocery store where you can get all types of Mediterranean goods for your own cooking at home. And, it’s also true deli, with lots of prepared salads and other goodies you can purchase to take home as well. But, there are also a few tables inside and a counter where you can order a few Mediterranean delights, making it a very quaint and interesting little place to grab a lunch and expand your palette.
The thing I like most about it is that it’s different from most other Mediterranean or Greek places in Oklahoma City. Mediterranean Deli goes well beyond the standard “gyro and fries.” The menu is small, but it offers a chance to sample a great number of simple Mediterranean specialties.
When you try it, you should get one of the platters. I ordered the “combination platter.” A bunch of my friends ordered the “Mediterranean platter” but I asked the guy behind the counter whether the “combination” or the “Mediterranean” was better, and he didn’t even hesitate when he said “the combination platter is better.” So, that’s what I went with and I have to say he was right. Getting either one of these platters is definitely the way to go, especially on your first trip to the Mediterranean Deli. They also have deli sandwiches and the like on the menu, but when you get one of the platters, you get a chance to really sample what the place is all about. And at $6.50, they are both a pretty good deal.
The combination platter comes with a Greek salad, spinach pie, gyro meat (chopped), falafel, pita bread, and dipping sauce (the same type of sauce typically found on an gyro sandwich). The Mediterranean platter had a different kind of salad and a different type of meat, neither one of which looked as good. However, I will say that the Mediterranean platter did come with a type of appetizer with a meat filling wrapped in grapevine leaves which did look very good. That is the one thing from the Mediterranean platter I wish that I had, but in all other ways, I was much happier with the combination platter.
What is nice about both of these platters is that you get a small portion of a lot of different tastes. And, these are unique tastes that you just don’t usually find at standard Greek restaurants. Or, at least if they do have them other places, they don’t feature them on a platter like this so you are not as likely to try them. Don’t get me wrong, I like a nice gyro every now and then, but that’s a singular taste that I’m guessing doesn’t really represent the entirety of Mediterranean cuisine. I enjoyed the Mediterranean Deli for giving me a broader view in a decent sized portion and for a good price.
On the negative side, this place is pretty small and it does seem to get crowded at lunch. It took a little longer than I expected for our food to come out to our table. So, I guess it’s not the best place if you are in a big hurry. At the same time, it’s not a terribly long wait, it’s just a little longer than you might expect for a limited service restaurant but my impression is that the wait time is very dependent on how many other people happen to be there when you go.
All in all, I highly recommend you try this place if you haven’t already. It definitely offers something unique to the Oklahoma City restaurant landscape and for that, I am very grateful. I’d also like to go back when I have time to peruse the grocery shelves and see what types of interesting specialties are available as well.
(4.75 out of 5)
We want to hear from you!
So far, 4 people have responded to this article. Won't you join in?December 27th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
The grocery shelves are one of the best parts of this place. On the wall you can see all the cheeses they offer (written on the flag of the country of origin). They have a wheel of parmigiano reggiano that is probably worth a thousand bucks if its real. If so…very impressive. Also, if you need a little saffron for your risotto at home they have plenty here. As we all know, its one of the most expensive food products in the world, so they keep it behind the counter. Great variety of spices too, from star anise to whole nutmeg. Spices you won’t ever find in Oklahoma City’s pathetic excuses for grocery stores.
December 30th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Man, I tried to go here Saturday at 2:30pm and there were a bajillion people there. Everyone seems to be waiting and no one was eating. Wasn’t in the mood to wait, especially having read about your unusually long wait. On the upside, the food must be good for so many to wait so long.
January 4th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
I, unfortunately, tried the Mediterranean plate. And while it’s clearly evident that each food- whether salad, grape leaf wrap, or any of the other 6 or so items were created with care and authenticity, the portion size was hardly anything to write home about. I felt like I had eaten a good plate of “mouth fresheners” (and I mean that in the highest of respect– fresh herbs, fresh vegetables, zippy spices), and was ready for the Main Course. Instead, my friend Justin and I ordered some turnovers- he apple and I cheese, respectively- and left still feeling hungry.
July 12th, 2008 at 12:31 am
I call ahead for takeout so I can skip the wait, which is a problem during busy times. They incourage calling ahead. Everything is always freshly prepared so it’s worth the wait if you eat in. (you probably will have to wait!) I find the portion sizes perfect. If you eat in the combination and Mediterranean plates are really good looking, so appetizing! I love their hummus which is available in takeout containers from the cooler, they also have Baba Ganoush in the cooler. There are also standard American type deli meats and cheeses at very good prices. They have lots of imported foods, canned goods, dry goods, etc. that I can’t find anywhere else except possibly Forward Foods in Norman.(Reviewers don’t seem to be familiar with the foods offered, kibbeh, dolma, tabouleh, etc.)
Please tell us what you think.