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Mediterranean Market
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Mediterranean Market
7.8
Mediterranean Market is a newer stall at the Original Farmers Market focusing on olives, cheeses, and sweets from across the region, plus simple plates and dips to eat on-site. It feels more like a specialty counter than a full restaurant, but locals detour for bulk hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and baklava before wandering the rest of the market.
Must-Try Dishes:
House hummus with warm pita and olive bar toppings, Stuffed grape leaves with lemon and herbs, Pistachio baklava and date-filled pastries
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Farmers Market stall specializing in Mediterranean pantry goods, dips, and sweets you can snack on immediately.
Who should go: Market wanderers wanting casual mezze, olives, and desserts to nibble.
When to visit: Afternoons when the market is lively but seating still turns over.
What to order: Hummus with pita, stuffed grape leaves, pistachio baklava assortment.
Insider tip: Ask staff to build a small mixed box from the olive and dessert cases for an instant picnic.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Use the Original Farmers Market parking lot; the first 90 minutes are free with merchant validation. Street parking on Fairfax is possible but fills quickly, especially weekends.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—most people are in market attire like shorts, tees, and sandals.
Noise level: Moderate-to-busy depending on the hour; outdoor market chatter is constant, but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: No formal wait since it’s a stall, but seating can be scarce during peak market crowds.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait for ordering; seating turnover is steady.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection—most mezze, salads, and sweets are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Good options including hummus, olives, grape leaves, and some salads; verify ingredients on cooked items.
Gluten-free options: Several options like dips, olives, and stuffed grape leaves; sweets and pita-based items mostly contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something extremely casual and low-pressure. It’s a market stall with shared seating, not a sit-down environment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations here. Grab any open communal table in the Farmers Market; turnover is fairly quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. The market setting is relaxed, with easy stroller access and plenty of quick bites suited for younger eaters.
Best For
Better for: Quick grab-and-go mezze, olives, and sweets without committing to a full meal—ideal for grazing while exploring the market.
Skip if: You want a proper sit-down Mediterranean dinner, table service, or a quieter setting for longer conversations.
Mediterranean Market
7.6
Mediterranean Market at the Original Farmers Market is a grocery-style stall focused on Middle Eastern pantry goods, cheeses, dips, and sweets with some ready-to-eat items. It’s less a full restaurant and more a provisions counter, but it works well for assembling casual mezze, grabbing hummus and stuffed grape leaves, or finishing a market visit with baklava.
Must-Try Dishes:
House hummus with pita, Stuffed grape leaves, Baklava and assorted sweets
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Middle Eastern market stall with imported products plus ready-to-eat dips and sweets.
Who should go: Home cooks and snackers stocking up on Middle Eastern staples.
When to visit: Afternoons when market energy is high but not packed.
What to order: Hummus with pita, stuffed grape leaves, mixed baklava.
Insider tip: Pair a small mezze haul here with hot items from neighboring stalls to build your own picnic-style meal at the Farmers Market.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Use the Original Farmers Market structure or The Grove’s large garage; validation reduces the hourly rate and spots are typically available outside peak weekend afternoons.
Dress code: Completely casual; come as you are for a market stroll.
Noise level: Moderate market buzz with open-air chatter; easy enough for conversation but not quiet.
Weekend wait: No traditional wait—this is a counter stall, but nearby seating can be limited during peak weekend evenings.
Weekday lunch: No wait for ordering; seating turnover is steady.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong vegetarian options including dips, salads, olives, stuffed grape leaves, and pastries.
Vegan options: Moderate—hummus, olives, some salads, and a few pantry items qualify, but sweets are not typically vegan.
Gluten-free options: Limited but workable—many dips and olive selections are gluten-free; check labels on packaged goods.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal date—it’s more of a grab-and-go stall—but it works for a casual Farmers Market walk with shared mezze.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations here. Seating is communal within the Farmers Market and first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes; the market setting is easy for families, and kids can snack on olives, dips, and sweets while exploring nearby stalls.
Best For
Better for: Quick mezze essentials, house-made dips, imported cheeses, and sweets you can mix and match before exploring the rest of the market.
Skip if: You want a full sit-down Middle Eastern meal with hot entrées—other nearby restaurants are better for full-service dining.