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Anatolia Cafe
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
50 reviews for Anatolia Cafe
Review Highlights
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"I love the sour cherry juice." In 3 reviews -
"All the doner dishes are delightful." In 6 reviews -
"I had the lamb adana here, which was very good." In 2 reviews
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50 reviews in English
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Review from Andrew Z.
Cleveland, OH
2/25/2012
Stars: 4
We ordered 2 dishes: skender (Shavarma with yogurt) and Sigara Böregi (served with any small salad). The iskender is thinly cut/marinaded lamb over a bed of fried tofu. The sauce they use is really good. Light and brings out the flavor of the lamb. Unfortunately, they did not give you a lot of meat. Im guessing probably 1/4 lb of lamb.
The Sigara somewhat reminded me of crab rangoons, haha. They are eggroll-shaped-fried-with-cheese-filled-wraps.... Yea, it tasted good, and if you order this dish, you will probably agree that the description above is as close as you are going to get with this dish. Oh, the salad they serve with it is generous in quantity and NO spinach or lettuce (which really just takes up room and makes the salad look big). The salad is cucumber and tomato based.
Service was excellent. Some reviews suggest otherwise, but we had no problem here.
Why is this rated so high? you HAVE to try this dessert: Kunefe, which is "baked shredded phyllo doguh with white sweet cheese and butter honey syrup." SO GOOD. so good. Crunchy on the outside and sweet in the inside.
NOTE: This takes 15 minutes to make. Just tell them that you plan on ordering this for dessert as you order the main course.
Very spacious restaurant. -
Review from Joyce P.
2/6/2012
3.5-4!
I can't believe it's taken me years to get to Anatolia Cafe when it's practically down the street from me. I came here for lunch with a friend, and we were really pleased with the $10 lunch deal!
I had the red lentil soup (deeeelicious) and the vegetarian stew. I thought both were very tasty (though the vegetarian stew was on the salty side). My friend had the baba ghanouj, which was made with REAL roasted eggplant. We devoured that one really quickly. I'd have to say that out of all the dishes, that the baba was crave-worthy and by far the best. I'll have to try some of other vegetarian fare at another time.
It's rather spacious inside with very relaxing decor.
The service was prompt, though we were somewhat startled by 2 waiters who were simultaneously working our table. They looked eerily similar, which caused us some confusion. Haha.Listed in: The Yelp 100 Challenge!
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Review from Shawn Paul G.
Cleveland, OH
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Here's the situation... this place is located right down the road from my house which means I walk past it non-stop and the smell of the freshly baking pita lures me in and commands me to order one of the many Turkish delights that they offer. This wouldn't be a problem if I had any self control, but I don't. I can not get enough of their fried feta (no clue what the true menu name is) or the absolutely delicious Peasant Salad. The dressing on the salad is house made and wickedly scrumptious.
This is also the place I tend to frequent when I am on a bit of a diet or trying to avoid eating meat. There is always a healthy vegetarian option on the menu that is going to be filling and flavorful. That being said, the meats here are so perfectly seasoned and served! The chicken is always juicy and he filet is the right temperature.
The dining room is gorgeous and the wine bar within is a great spot to chill. The prices can get a bit high, but the quality and freshness out way the expense. If you are seeking a meal that is a bit on the extraordinary side, this is a great spot. The servers are always friendly and the service is always efficient.
Overall great place! -
Review from Bryan S.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
3/20/2012
Disgusting just had a bloody band-aid in my food, and the manager won't come out to talk to me he sends out a busboy. Stay away calling the health dept right now!!!
So the sackless manager is hiding out won't talk to me but offers me 25% off my bill. Realy, no im sorry or any apology I have never been so insulted or grossed out in my life!!! -
Review from R. M.
Brooklyn, NY
4/23/2012
This place is great. The food and service is good. I recommend the platter of appetizers and the apple tea.
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Review from Kristen S.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
3/20/2012
Absolute WORST dining experience I have ever had. My poor husband mid way through his dinner found himself chewing on something with an odd texture. What does he spit our but a used band aid! I wanted to throw up right there at the table. Upon informing the wait staff of the situation they offered to give his meal for free...... Are they kidding???? We were in a party of 6 people and they actually expected us to pay for this horrifying experience. They then gave us a $40 gift card, as if we would EVER return to this place again. If someone has a cut on their hand and is handling food in a kitchen, shouldn't they be required to wear gloves? The health department will be notified first thing in the morning. Bad situation, and even worse was the pitiful way the management handled the situation.
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Review from Alessandro S.
Shaker Heights, OH
2/3/2012
Love Anatolia. We often go after a 7:00 film down the road, sit at the high tables by the
bar and order a few drinks, baba and wonderful lamb kebabs.The rice and seasonal vegetables are always deceptively flavorful. Reasonably priced wine by the glass is a much appreciated rarity -
Review from Adil S.
Lyndhurst, OH
3/19/2012
Good restaurant and good food. The place is busy on weekends. The food is good and semi-authentic. E service vary from one visit to another.
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Review from Amanda K.
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
eating here made me think only one thing: WHAT DIDN'T I COME HERE SOONER?!?!??!! I came for lunch, and we all got the lunch combos, amazing deals. and I mean amazing. Soup or salad and an entree for like $10? Can't beat that. I had the chicken soup which was wonderful, and my mom had the lentil soup, which was phenomenal. Best lentil soup I've ever had (except for my bf's moms!). My boyfriend and I split the stuffed cabbage (which I am literally drooling over just thinking about) and the chicken shish, which was juicy, flavorful, and came with a great yogurt sauce. if you haven't been here yet, get to steppin!
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Review from Summer L.
Cleveland, OH
Excellent food, I'm haunted by the sigara boregi (in part because I don't remember how it is spelled.)
because the bar has such a great range of drinks available, there are some grownup-worthy nonalcoholic drinks as well. (I love the sour cherry juice.)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/25/2011
Very satisfying. The food is terrific, the service ... well, not really all that memorable, which… Read more »
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Review from Sam H.
Cleveland, OH
10/21/2011
I came in on a rainy night, 10/20/2011 to be specific at about 6. I asked if the combos came with the rice and vegetables, and the hostess confirmed they were. I then asked for a table and was soon seated. I had picked out a combo of the turkish equivalent of shwarma, and the ground lamb that had onions.
I then waited for 15 minutes while the rest of the staff played a game of pretend Sam H. Doesn't exist.
They won, after 15 minutes of not being asked if I wanted anything to drink, or to know what the specials were I left. I had my menu closed, in front of me for 14 of those minutes. I made eye contact with different members of the wait staff, to no avail.
I would recommend not going to Anatolia Cafe, probably ever. On a night where 3 other tables had occupants, I was paid no mind. The food may be tasty, but it's not worth being treated poorly, as I was last night, this is a fact. Across the street is the much more affordable Stone Oven. Try them instead! -
Review from Wendy H.
Cleveland, OH
5/16/2011
This is some of the freshest food I have ever eaten. It absolutely sparkles. I agree that this is one of the best values for mediterranean food that I can recall having had: just truly top notch, from the apricot juice through the perfectly-balanced entrees (the sauces are particularly good). Simple dishes you thought you knew, like baba ganoush, are so delicious that they are redefined. In fact, two of us often get a large appetizer plate as an "entree," supplementing with a soup and more (fresh! so fresh!) feta.
Atmosphere is warm (gorgeous kilim, beautiful rich colors) indoors, delightful outdoors (well, except for the unavoidable traffic) and the service is perfect.
I have to force myself not to go to this place every week! -
Review from Doug W.
Akron, OH
6/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
My first time in a Turkish restaurant. Worth the trip.
I had a very good beef and lamb dish.
Reasonably priced. -
Review from Jay S.
Alexandria, VA
8/2/2011
I had the lamb adana here, which was very good. The sides weren't very creative (white rice and cabbage salad), but the lamb was well seasoned and tender. Good baklava and Turkish tea finish off the experience. I would recommend!
It seems to be in a trendy neighborhood and has a trendy feel. It has also done the very wise move of offering the baked goods at the front of the restaurant/cafe so you can just stop in for a desert or snack to take home. -
Review from Megan S.
Cleveland, OH
4/16/2011
Visit there the first time yesterday. I ordered the lamb adana. It was delicious! The presentation was not extravagant. My fiancé ordered the chicken sautée and really liked it. I tried a bite, it actually tasted a lot like pizza topping. Probably because of the onions and peppers.
The waiter was not very attentive to us. Not sure if it was a one time thing or the time of the day? We walked their from home 5 PM on a Friday.
In any case, this is a restaurant that I will visit again. -
Review from Ferrett S.
Rocky River, OH
1/15/2011
A really nice little Turkish/Mediterranean place by the Cedar Lee theater - so after you're done seeing the latest snooty art flick, you can wash it down with some kebabs.
The food here isn't fancy, but it is eminently satisfying. Their yogurt kebabs are absolutely amazing, full of tasty chicken in a moist yogurt-based sauce that's zingy and beautiful. Their baba ghanoush is a little grainy, but tastes good. In fact, everything here tastes good - it's the kind of restaurant that's never exceptional, but literally anything you can point to on the menu is going to satisfy.
Plus, the atmosphere is very relaxing. The staff are friendly, the tables cozy, and they'll let you talk for hours. Never had a problem here.
It's not the kind of top-shelf place where I'd take my family when I wanted to impress them, but it IS the kind of place I keep going back to with my friends when I want to chat over some food. It's homey, in all the best ways. Recommended. -
Review from Joanna L.
Beachwood, OH
7/25/2011
Having just moved from Chicago, we are a little nervous about finding food that matches what we're used to. We were lucky to find Anatolia as I think they come pretty close.
The prices were a little on the high end, but the food was delicious. Our waiter was a bit surly, but he provided some recommendations and we were glad we listed to him as they were very good.
Tip: Ask your waiter for recommendations, even if you're familiar with Turkish food because you may be pleasantly surprised. -
Review from Camilla G.
Cleveland, OH
4/28/2011
This is one of my favorite neighborhood places. And I love it that a Turkish place counts as a neighborhood place in my neighborhood. (Redundant, I know).
Service is impeccable, and the food is pretty amazing. All the doner dishes are delightful.
Try a can of the sour cherry juice. Yum. -
Review from Nicole M.
Cleveland, OH
6/16/2011
For the first time in six years of faithfully eating at, recommending, and otherwise championing this establishment, I asked to speak with the manager/ owner after an evening of comically, egregiously poor service. Upon hearing of my party's discontent, he got up in my face, pointing at me, argued with me about the root of our displeasure, and ultimately added the glass of wine back on that had (accidentally?) been left off our check.
Is it surprising I will never return to Anatolia?
Of course, I prefer Istanbul in Tremont now; the staff is so much nicer and the food is even a step up, and it is less expensive. -
Review from Pisted O.
Cleveland, OH
6/24/2011
Had dinner here last week. We left the restaurant and was assaulted by a gang of thugs. I ended up in the hospital. Lee road is unsafe. I contacted the cafe owner he never returned my call. I even stopped by and he would not see me. I dont think you want to give your money to a guy like this. The assault occurred very close to his restaurant.
Avoid this place and know there are lots of robberies on lee road. -
Review from Jessi N.
Cleveland, OH
7/11/2011
I've been hearing about Anatolia from a bunch of friends and finally got to try it last Saturday for dinner. We were able to get a patio table for our small group of 5. The patio was pretty packed since it was such a nice day out.
First off, the food was great. We shared the Mixed appetizer so we could try everything. The hummus and tabouleh were reaaaally good. I got the Beef Saute which was tasty and a pretty large portion. I tried someones Chicken Shish which was also good, the chicken was moist and not overcooked.
As much as we liked the food, the service was lacking that night. When we first got there, our waiter was telling us drink specials for happy hour and then said "Actually, if it's after 7 there are no more specials." It was close to 9 already. Whoops. After looking at the drink menu we also noticed that happy hour drink specials are only Mon-Thurs...and it was a Saturday. Another whoops. He didn't seem too familiar with the menu when he asked him about the appetizers. He was also not very attentive and we had to wave him down whenever we wanted something. At this point we asked if he was new and he said "Yes fairly new, about 1 month." Okay, we decide to cut him some slack. We finally ask for the check and some boxes. After giving him our cards and cash, another waiter came by asking us again what we wanted to do and was confused about the concept of charging the cards with X amount first and using the cash second. My friend mentioned they may have been worried we weren't going to tip but they shouldn't presume. Sadly it didn't end there, the next day when I excitedly went to the fridge to get my leftovers I found that he gave me the wrong leftovers. Not only did he give me the extra appetizers but he had put the pita bread to go with it in another bag that I presume was my leftovers. :(
If I could give 3.5 stars I would because I liked the food, but the service was pretty terrible. I'll probably go back and cross my fingers the bad service was just a one time thing... I'll keep you updated. -
Review from Amanda S.
Sunbury, OH
9/26/2010
My mom and I were in Cleveland on business and were staying in Beachwood for the night. I got on Yelp to find somewhere local and "ethnic" for dinner and Anatolia's reviews were great, so we decided to check it out.
The food was FANTASTIC! The doner kebab was probably the best I've ever had, and the dish I had (it was ground lamb inside of egg plant) was wonderful. We had baba ghanoush for an appetizer and it was so amazing I could have just eaten that. We were stuffed, but couldn't resist some desert, so we took some back the hotel, and it was also great. I drank rosehips tea which was unlike any other tea I'd ever had.
The interior was very nice and cozy, and the staff was helpful and quite pleasant. I thought for the price it was definitely a good deal!
The next time I'm in Cleveland, I'm definitely going back! -
Review from Jeff E.
11/12/2010
Dinner was a delight at this spiffy little Turkish place. As expected, you'll get Mediterranean delights with the Turkish slant, but the atmosphere, service, and food are spot-on, and the prices are way more than fair.
Be aware that parking here in this area at night is very difficult and though they have a lot behind the building it only has room for a few cars.
Tip: Order a shot of the Raki before getting started. It's a Turkish equivalent to Ouzo and has a similar flavor. But importantly, only well-heeled travelers know about Raki and you'll get bonus points from your server for getting it.
They'll serve it with a dish of ice on the side...drop in a couple of cubes as this is how they drink it...watered down just a tad. The water reacts to the Raki and turns it from crystal clear to milky white. The science experiment alone is worth it! -
Review from Teenie K.
Cleveland, OH
8/24/2009
I showed up at this place with higher expectations I suppose, which might explain my 3-star rating.
So being that the Cleveland area lacks diversity in the ethnic-food scene, I was looking forward to some good authentic Turkish grub for a change. I forgot the name of the dish I ordered, but the mental image remains fresh in my brain: cubes of grilled lamb, an ice-cream scoop of white rice, and a small, almost like a garnish of carrots, green peppers, and onions. Despite the simple presentation, I mercifully held off yelp-judgement until my first bite. The lamb wasn't bland or dry, that's good. White rice is well, white rice - any asian can tell you that. And they didn't mess up salting and peppering their sauteed veggies. So the meal was okay, but my mom can make that. What made it Turkish???????? And why did I pay $17 for that? Forget Whole Foods, I'll go to Giant Eagle and make it myself. I'll even call it Moroccan. -
Review from Ferdinand H.
Cleveland, OH
7/9/2009
Is it Turkish, or Russian? I have no idea, but they have both Russian and Turkish beers on the menu.
The food was solid; babbaganoush, Schawarma, Grape Leaf rolls all made for a mean meal, served promptly out in a cool Cleveland summer night.
A good place to relax in the summer, this place is right down the street for me. Makes me quite happy, trying out my broken Russian. -
Review from Habby H.
5/10/2010
In getting ready for my trip to Turkey, I figured I'd check out some Turkish food at Anatolia. If you like grilled meat, you will love this place. Turkish food consists of a lot of kebabs, dips and soft warm pita. Good stuff.
For an appetizer, I had the Ezme, which is minced tomatoes, walnuts, onions, parsley, garlic, spices and a lemon olive oil dressing. It was excellent on the homemade pita. I highly recommend this. For my entree, I opted for the Doner, which is a shaved lamb and beef mixture. Unfortunately, it was basically gyro meat... I would have liked to try something more out of the ordinary, but it was my own fault. I ordered it. It was really good though. The meat was served sliced with a side of rice pilaf and some (mushy and unnecessary) veggies. Also on the side, some cucumber yogurt sauce and warm pita. I made mini gyros with it.
The decor is great. Lots of pretty Turkish rugs and various wall hangings. The outdoor patio is huge and really nice as well.
If you like Aladdin's, you will love Anatolia.
I will definitely be back! -
Review from Stephanie S.
Scottsdale, AZ
7/13/2008
Wow. Baby boomers were here in full effect on Saturday night. I felt like I was crashing everyone's parents' date night.
The main dining room was a bit noisy but the excellent decor, service, and food more than made up for it. The mixed cold appetizer included just about everything you can spread on a pita. The spicy diced vegetables were easily my favorite item on the platter, followed by the stuffed grape leaves. The baba ganoush was not especially garlicky or eggplanty tasting and didn't wow me.
For entrees, the menu is very meat-heavy. I had the Chicken Adana Kebab, which consisted of ground chicken in a tomato-butter sauce with yogurt on top of pita "croutons" which looked like pieces of pita bread. I would recommend this dish if you're looking for something different but not too out-there.
Others at the table ordered the Chicken Shish and Chicken Kebab which didn't look too exciting, as they consisted of chicken hunks with rice and chicken hunks with sauce, respectively.
For dessert we split the baklavah. It was incredibly sweet and rich, and was just the right amount for each of us to have a few bites. -
Review from Mike B.
Cleveland, OH
5/21/2008
I got a taste for doner kebabs after living in Germany where doner stands are located like every 10 feet through out the country These things are for real tasty.
Anatolia has the doner on lock down in Cleveland being that as far as I know, you can't get this Turkish delight anywhere else in town. That said, I'm a little let down by their service after they moved to their new location on Lee road, but they seem to be really busy, so maybe it's just a new staff acclimating thing. -
Review from Frans S.
Omaha, NE
11/9/2011
The place has a great ambiance but that's about it! Our waiter was a pompous, rude jerk. The food is mediocre at best & they don't even serve real Turkish bread which is some of the best in the world! Compared to the Turkish places in Chicago, in Andersonville, that I've eaten at, it's a bad culinary joke. Just another greedy smuck owner praying on the inquisitive mid-western public!! It's very sad because Turkish cuisine is some of the best in the world also, if it's done right! The owner should be ashamed of himself for being such a bad ambassador to his country!
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Review from Scott H.
Cleveland, OH
1/25/2009
Anatolia recently moved from Cedar Center to the Cedar Lee neighborhood. It's a whole new ballgame at the new location! The restaurant is spacious, sunlight flows in, and the décor is comfortable and designed in very good taste.
We split the Mixed Appetizer which we all enjoyed - the eggplant being the favorite. We loved the Lamb Shish Kebab but weren't too crazy about the Chicken Saute. The rice pudding dessert was awesome.
Service was solid - our server was personable, sincere, and seemed to be enjoying himself! Anatolia is a great bet for reasonably priced and well-prepared food. I'll probably come quite often for takeout ... -
Review from Scott R.
Westminster, MD
7/18/2011
Lots of interesting choices. I had an eggplant appetizer with a theoretically spicy tomato sauce; and doner (gyro meat) on croutons with a fresh yogurt. Everything was very pleasant, but just a bit bland to my taste. I also had a Turkish wine (from Anatoly?) for the first time, and thought the same thing - pleasant enough, just not standout. I have no hesitation recommending you try it too.
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Review from H R.
Cleveland, OH
7/4/2008
First off I loved my server. She was a very pleasant girl from Russia that was a pleasure to talk to about coming to Cleveland.
Second off the owner (I assume) was on hand at all times to make sure dishes were out on time, people were seated, and very involved. From a servers standpoint this could be intimidating but from the customer's point of view it was good to feel taken care of.
We ate outside and loved the space. Lee Road is a great location and this is important! I saw the old location and it just seemed less appealing. This was far from the case on Lee.
The food was wonderfully spiced and featured veggies like okra. I never knew I was such an okra fan. Well I tell you...yumm! I like the feeling of a light yet fulfilling and healthy dish for especially the summer. On the flip side the warmth of the spices and the heartiness of the sauces make the food pleasurable for even the cooler months.
I have already recommended this new location to my friends and as a lover of Yelp friendship I am recommending it to you as well. Eat on! -
Review from Michael S.
Cleveland, OH
7/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great atmosphere with great (Americanized-ish) Turkish cuisine. Their wraps with a bowl of soup is the perfect lunch. Anatolia's felafel is probably my favorite in Cleveland. When I go there for dinner, I have to start off with their lentil soup, falafel and hummus (yes, all three). By the time I get to their entree i am normally stuffed, but I still manage to thoroughly enjoy their Kofta.
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Review from Lisa C.
Cleveland, OH
1/22/2011
Fresh ingredients, well made, great service, wonderful ambiance. Just had lunch, can't wait to go back for dinner!
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Review from Funglin W.
Cleveland, OH
12/25/2010
I've been to this restaurant twice and loved it both times. The service is great and the food is delicious with just the right portion. I loved the Beef stir fry dish they have. Also, if you get their hummus, drip some olive oil on it! And, be sure to get a cup of Turkish Coffee without sugar or cream..absolutely fantastic!
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Review from Kristin F.
Los Gatos, CA
6/20/2008
Anatolia recently moved from the little shopping center on Cedar to new space on Lee. The new space is large but warm and it's good to see they are doing so well. It can be busy at times, but I have never had trouble getting a table or had the service suffer.
The food is great! I tend to gravitate towards the Iskender (doner kebabs over croutons with a tomato and yogurt sauce-mmmmm soo good) But everything else I have had there is delicious as well. And it is hard for me to resist finishing the meal without some of their Baklava.
Everything is tasty and I really enjoy going here. -
Review from Indrany D.
Cleveland, OH
10/29/2010
Pretty standard (or a little above), I think. Didn't knock my socks off, and I've been a few times. But certainly not bad, and I keep going back. I like the music too.
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Review from Vince M.
Chagrin Falls, OH
10/21/2010
I love the Anatolia Cafe. Never go wrong here!! Great Baba Ganoush and atmosphere is always fun. Lamb is always good and i never miss their turkish tea. Just wish it was closer so I could go more often. Out door seating in the summer is great.
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Review from Jennifer S.
Seattle, WA
1/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
So glad we were able to check out their spacious and beautifully decorated new location on our recent trip to Cleveland. Food as good as ever!
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Review from John P.
Cleveland, OH
11/15/2008
I can't understand why people like the food here so much. I've been there twice and it was very bland. I asked for my food spicy and it was less than mild. I've had better Kebabs a sixth of the price of theirs. The ambience is nice but other than that......
