Zorba’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Restaurant Schizophrenia
by Tim | December 14, 2007
(votes: 19, average: 3.84) 
Loading ...Zorba’s is located at 6014 N May Avenue in Oklahoma City (map). They are open with limited service at lunch, and full-service at dinner.
Zorba’s has recently made a big splash on the Northwest side of town by opening a new, very large location on North May. I tried out this new location and discovered that their recent move has resulted in a severe case of schizophrenia. Zorba’s can’t decide if it wants to retain the small, fast food, rough-around-the-edges feel of its roots, or morph into a modern, full service restaurant. The problem is that this indecision results in a sub-par experience all around.
Let’s start our diagnosis with their new building. The exterior is much like a square, but with a few Greek adornments. It’s almost interesting, but when you take a closer look, it’s really just a big box. I don’t get it. It lacks commitment and direction. It can’t decide what it wants to be.
Then, there’s the interior. It’s sort of modern, with relaxed neutrals, polished floors, and recessed lighting. But then there are these old-looking murals on the walls, like what you would have seen at the old location. And it’s sort of half-finished. One side of the room is quite interesting with angles in the walls and fixtures to really break things up. Then you travel to the other end of the room where it’s just a box with chairs and tables.
I went at lunch, where Zorba’s still does limited service, taking your order at the counter and bringing the food to your table after you serve your own drinks. But there’s a host stand at the front and a large waiting area, so I asked them about it and they said at night they do full service. So, at lunch, you walk past the empty waiting room, the empty host stand and the empty bar and stand in line for the counters. I can imagine that it’s equally as awkward at night as the full-service elements are in use but there are a bunch of walk-up counters that are empty. This may not seem like a big deal, but I think it does make a difference to the experience. Is it fast food, or is it a sit-down dinner? It’s really tough to be both, and this schizophrenic struggle comes through in the facility, just as it shows up in the average quality of the food.
The food is just that — average. I really don’t understand what is special about it. The gyro meat was dry. The Greek salad was little more than some iceberg lettuce with some cheese and olives on top and in an italian-type dressing (why italian?). They have all the standard Mediterranean fare, but it all just seems to be “ok,” not great. I was dining with a group of friends who all had the same impression. It’s not that it’s bad. In fact, we all really wanted it to be better than it was, but when you get honest about it, there’s nothing that really grabs you.
On balance, I will say that we tried a hummus dip that was pretty good. It was probably the most intriguing item I experienced with a smooth, creamy texture and a nice, earthy flavor. Also, if you are looking for a salad, the Persian salad outperforms the Greek. It’s a non-lettuce salad with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes and some other veggies — fresh and zippy and unique enough to hold my attention. Those were the bright spots of the food for me.
Couple the average food with the awkward atmosphere and you get this experience that really just leaves you confused. Especially confused because the place is so crowded at lunch. They obviously have a lot of fans, so hey, I can’t knock them for that. To each their own, but Zorba’s to me is just not worth the trip. There are several other Mediterranean places that offer a better experience and better food (see our recent review on Athens for one example).
Honestly, I really wish I had better things to say about Zorba’s, but I just don’t. Restaurant schizophrenia is a sad and devastating disease that leaves me a bit confused and wishing for a better experience.
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So far, 14 people have responded to this article. Won't you join in?December 14th, 2007 at 10:18 pm
Um, they moved, remember?
Try 6014 North May. 4621 is about to mutate into something else.
December 15th, 2007 at 9:23 am
Thanks, CGHill. Very sorry for the misprint. I have that all corrected now.
And, by the way, I hope to have a picture up soon. There haven’t been very many good photo days this past week!
January 7th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
We tried this on Sunday 1-6-07. I must say, I won’t be going back. My food was lukewarm and the service was very slow. They seem to have a problem with how to seat people. Not very organized. I remember this being a much better place to eat before they moved.
February 22nd, 2008 at 8:01 pm
I had Zorba’s for lunch today. I find their selections of food very good. My food was hot, I had no trouble seating myself. The time of day may be your problem. I don’t know about evening dining. I feel lunch dining is a 5.
April 5th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
What was this jerk thinking? I have been to Zorba’s on numerous occasions, at the new location. My dining experience has always been fantastic, to say the least. The staff is friendly and professional. The food is served in an appropriate timeframe, hot and fresh. The fool is delicious. The price is right. I will definately be dining at Zorba’s on a regular basis. Plus, they have won the “People’s Choice” award for the past several years . . . voted the best in Greek dining.
April 6th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Hey Jim, this article is just my opinion and I know not everyone will agree. We love to hear contrasting opinions shared on this site so thank you for sharing yours and I hope you’ll continue to read along and add your two cents to other reviews as well.
April 9th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
After driving by Zorba’s on several occasions, I hesitated to dine there, even with numerous invitations from friends. Last weekend, my husband and I were invited to join another couple for dinner at Zorba’s. We ordered Lamb, combo shish-kabob, and the “weekend special” pillea. We were greeted and served by a friendly staff who made us feel welcome. The service was fantastic. The food was delicious, being served both fresh and hot. I encourage “Tim” to give Zorba’s another try. Having done so, he may “rethink” his opinion. I give Zorba’s “thumbs up” for a great dining experience.
April 9th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
A wonderful dining experience. Attentive staff. Great food. Great prices. I’ll definately go back.
April 9th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
I haven’t been to the new location, but I remember the Kabob’s being quite tasty at the old one. I remember it being slow, but the set up there was different than the new location from the sound of things. I’m not opposed to trying Zorbas again, but it will be hard for me to pass by Zam Zam next time I need a kabob. Best in town.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:07 am
had dinner there a few weeks ago. Food was fine, but the building is so cavernous and noisy, I may not go back!
April 29th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
While I haven’t been to the new location, I thoroughly enjoy Zorba’s. Every time I go I order a chelo kebab (kubideh is good) and drink some nice dough. I am half Persian and I have to say that the ultimate place for awesome Persian food has been Travel By Taste around NW 50th and Macarthur I think. They have the best chelo kebab! Almost as good as my dad’s homemade kebab!
June 7th, 2008 at 9:10 am
I had zorba’s last night.awesome food,friendly staff,great bar.
June 7th, 2008 at 9:40 am
A great dining experience. Friendly staff. Delicious food. The pomogranite margaritta was awesome. Will definately be going back.
July 1st, 2008 at 2:13 pm
I have eaten there at lunch and on the weekend. The portions are HUGE and tasty. I have had nothing but great food at Zorba’s. Try the spinach artichoke dip–It’s delicious!!
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