Mardini's Deli Cafe - Menlo Park

My husband and I were in Menlo Park for a few days and decided to try Mardinis based on recommendations online. He ordered the Pastrami cheese sandwich and was pleasantly surprised by the addition of pickles, lettuce, and tomatoes. I opted for the lamb kebabs with rice, hummus, and salad, and was impressed by the perfectly cooked and diced lamb. The owner warmly welcomed us with a big smile and it was clear that this restaurant is a local favorite, as he greeted familiar faces by name and asked about their families. We will definitely return to Mardinis if we find ourselves back in the area.

Beware of hidden fees when dining at this restaurant. There is a $2 fee that is not clearly displayed on the card reader but is added to your bill. The staff may also fail to provide a receipt unless asked multiple times, and then blame any issues on the credit card. Be cautious when paying with your card at this establishment.

I only visited this restaurant because I knew they served beer. The prices at this Mediterranean café were a bit high, but I had always wanted to give it a try. However, every time I had passed by, it had been empty. Generally, an empty restaurant indicates a problem, so I was hesitant to go in. Despite this, the Google reviews were surprisingly good. I ordered a meteor chicken wrap with tahini sauce, which I love. However, I was disappointed to find that the beer was not very cold. The wrap itself seemed to have been reheated in the microwave, as I could hear the door being crimped shut. The sauce was watery, making it difficult to taste, and the chicken was overcooked and dry. Overall, my experience was disappointing.

So good! fresh food and affordable. looks like being a family business. I'll be back in a moment.

Oh my. I showed up famished after a mini race and two hours of bumper-to-bumper traffic and I remembered an old roommate's recommendation: Mardini's.I'm so glad I went and ate in the dining room. The owners are friendly. They took really good care of me. And for the first time in a gazillion years I didn't even finish my plate: there was so much food I took some to go!The chicken was perfectly grilled, tender and juicy. The salad was crisp and fresh. The rice perfect. The hummus fluffy and flavorful. The pita warm and soft.All of this for $15+tx? On the peninsula?!? You must be kidding.And then the mushroom soup was rich and thick and delicious.How are they not flooded with customers?!?! I may become a regular.Thank you for such great food and care and pride in what you are doing.