09/03/08

Thumbs up

by gen4u

I truly enjoy dining at Zaitoon Mediterranean Grill.

The ambiance is styled in the contemporary/modern look.

The food is varied and lots to choose from the menu with a kid's menu too.

The servers and hostess are pleasant and take care of you well.

I personally know the Owners and have known them for at least 9 years and find that they are passionate about their restaurant in maintaining the best reputation for the food, cleanliness and service. I would highly recommend anyone who wants to try different types of foods to go to Zaitoon Mediterranean Grill and see for themselves. Great all around....thumbs up.

• Pros: Ambiance & Cleanliness

05/24/08

Great Mediterranean Food and Wine are only the beginning...

by mtbz3

If first impressions are lasting, be prepared to be impressed; tucked into the quiet eastern corner of the upscale Harbour Village shopping center, the decor is immediately pleasing upon entering. With rich finishes and materials, dark but elegantly stained wood millwork and tastefully selected accent art and fixtures, Zaitoons sets the mood for a great experience before you are even greeted.

Greeted you are, by a welcoming staff that meets you in a small foyer that has a big friendly sofa; indicating that you are part of someones idea of home away from home.

The bar, dining area, and outside covered deck are all conveniently layed out and accessible from the entry. Once seated, the menu is a delight for those who are seeking something special. My wife and children have always enjoyed variety in our dining, and like Thai, Chinese, French, Italian, American and Arabic...we like food! But we have previously not found a Mediterranean-based menu that lives up to the quality of presentation, portion and flavor-fullness that you hope to find in any ethnic preparation. Zaitoons is it! Eureka, we found Jacksonville's highest quality falafel, hummus, kebabs, baclava, spanikopita, fresh fish, lamb dishes, salads, soups and specials...as my wife says, there is something for everybody!

I ate at Zaitoons twice before I accidentally discovered I knew the Owner, Bill Haddad. I finally know somebody in the restaurant business! Bill and his wife Mary are gracious and seem genuinely happy to say hello to the patrons; as if they are receiving a friend in their home.

We love the food, the desserts, the wine, and, oh yes, the fresh-baked breads and pita's (delicious start of the meal) are served with a blend of olives and fresh olive oil that gets the taste buds whetted for action..

Overall, for us, a Five-Star experience. Ambience, location, staff, food, wine, appetizers (or tapa's) and desserts, not a weak note in the composition. Go, you will love it.

05/12/08

Truly Amazing!! The best Mediterranean restaurant in Jacksonville!!

by drjbjax

Zaitoon was recommended to me by two people a few months ago. I can't even count the number of times that my wife and I have dined there since learning about this upscale Mediterranean restaurant which is tucked behind the Fresh Market (in the Harbor Village shopping center). Zaitoon has a large variety of tapas that are reasonably priced. Try the "tasting plate" to sample several popular appetizers. For dinner entrees, I would recommend the seafood paella, moussaka, kebabs, and curried snapper. Everything is delicious, the presentation is beautiful, and the quality of the food is consistent! Be sure to save room for dessert - the raspberry baklava is our favorite. Zaitoon also has an impressive wine list and the sangria is very tasty! The wait staff is prompt, attentive, and personable. The setting is classy but casual and the atmosphere is wonderful. In addition to bar seating, Zaitoon also has a large covered patio. If you go to Zaitoon for dinner on a Friday or Saturday, call ahead to make a reservation in order to avoid a wait.

• Pros: Fabulous Food, Exceptional Service, Nice Ambience

Editorial Review

by Contributor

Zaitoon Mediterranean Grill in Jacksonville serves up Mediterranean cuisine accompanied by an extensive wine list.