Roti Mediterranean Grill

I don’t know what happened to this place, but don’t go here for dinner. It was completely empty at 6:30 on a Saturday night (that should have been a warning to me). There was very little food out and it was not fresh. The Chicken Kebab meat had just come off the grill, but we later discovered that it was not cooked all the way through (Yuck!). The staff clearly did not want to be there and did not seem interested in helping us. All in all, it was a very dismal experience. It’s a shame, I used to love going there.

Visited Roti in Bethesda on Friday 12÷4÷15 for the first time. Food was ok. This post is more about the lack of customer service of one employee. The young lady that initially took my order and prepared my food was very kind, personable and customer service oriented. She explained menu choices, gave recommendations etc. She even offered to make fresh bread. (It was late afternoon). However, boy or boy did the tables turn when I got to the register to pay! The young man was rude, no eye contact and when I asked questions like– may I have a bag, where are forks? etc, all he said was «yup, and pointed» No eye contact, hurried and acted as if I interrupted his nap! Mind you, I was only customer at the time. I asked if he was the manager and if he was having a bad day He said «yup» and «nope.» I politely told him that I was a first timer and that I perceived him as rude and not customer friendly and as a manager he really should be an example of good customer service, which he clearly IS NOT! His response was a blank stare. This was my first and last time at Bethesda Roti! Mr Marshall Huff, (the name listed on my receipt) a job dealing with the public is clearly not for you. Roti needs to go back to the drawing board and give this young man customer service 101!

Slow start getting taken care of, I figured this place does a lot more lunch than dinner especially during the week but ok. It seems to be set up sort of like Chipotle, just an observation. You order and sort of walk along telling them your choices and when done you are at the cash register.
I ordered the Salmon on a wrap. This one is made to order unlike chicken or steak so it took 5 minutes to cook. When done the guy puts it on the plate and gives me three sides, so no wrap like i asked for. But that is ok because while waiting I spotted some sides that looked good. I chose cous cous, mixed veggies, and tomatoe-​cucumber salad. The serving of salmon is rather pathetic, three cubes and the stick. They put on the sauce of my choice and I was done. The cous cous was sort of bland while the other two sides were good. The salmon had little flavor of its own but since it had tzasiki sauce on it it picked up that flavor.
All in all I think this is only ok. Maybe if I went again I would choose a different protein. Also I’d like to see if the falafel is any good. But that’s only if one day I give them another shot. This strip mall has 3 other restaurants in it.

Admittedly, this review is based on one experience at this location… I really wanted Cava but it was just far enough from the office to make it impractical for quick lunch. I ordered online thinking it was going to be the easiest way to get in and out of a likely busy lunch rush. At 11:58, my order that was supposed to be a 12:00 pickup was still sitting on the printer… I asked and it was only then they realized there was an online order waiting. The place was almost empty so thankfully they were able to get working on my order right away.
There was no chicken or steak roti ready and I was told it would be 10 minutes before it would be ready so opted for chicken kabob instead of chicken roti.
If lunch had been fantastic after this initial ordering experience, I could have been swayed but the rice was cold, the chicken overcooked, the cucumber salad was empty so I got a spoonful of cucumber/​tomato liquid and a few small pieces of tomato. Just overall a very disappointing dining experience.

Coworker and I came to Roti because it was closer than a Cava which we had originally been craving. It was around noon time on a Friday, and parking was sheer madness. Literally had to shark around for a good fifteen minutes following people just to find a spot.
The employees in the food assembly line were very nice, but the food was just ok.
Next time I would rather just go to Cava.

I love Roti, definitely a hidden gem. The food quality is great, you can customize the sandwich/​wrap/​salad how you want and they are expanding their food options. Register for the rewards program.

Healthy, delicious food with generous portions. Good prices for what is offered. Have been there many times. My only disappointment is about their rewards program. You’re asked to send a photo of your receipt through their app. No problem, even kinda fun. I’ve done this multiple times and several times received a message saying they couldn’t read the receipt although there was no question that the information on the receipt was perfectly clear. The first time this happened I emailed them. A long while after my email I received a response and the situation was eventually corrected. When this happened again and again, it just wasn’t worth pursuing. Even though that’s an added perk, it’s too bad they make it difficult.

I had the chicken kabob, tomatoes and cucumbers, olives, and fresh vegetables. I also got falafel as an extra side. It was all really good. Only annoying part was repeating myself to the staff so many times, but I was given excellent service and great food :-)

You might call this a hidden gem.
«Hidden» because there’s nobody here.
«Gem» because the food is good.
So I finally decide to check out the place. It’s in the middle of a small strip mall near the more popular Corner Bakery. Looking in it’s like the world has suddenly become de-​populated and there just are no people around. It looks like a nice place that, amazingly, has no customers. Large, open spaced dining area with a bland, confusing menu board. Food is served cafeteria-​style. Wait in line and tell them what you want. In ignorance or silliness (I should know better) I walk across the space to where I think the line starts. It’s the end of the line. It’s bad design really ! When I do find the start of the line. The process begins… But not without a stop into the unisex bathroom where some soulful music piped in helps loosen the bowels. There are two workers and they’re nice people. The woman who served me helps me make my choice. Even offers me a cup of sample white and dark meat chicken. It’s really good! I want a kabob but don’t quite get one. It’s more like a sample spread on a plate: eggplant, tomatoes (salsa-​like), chickpeas and chicken.
«I’ll make you some fresh bread» she says
A PLUS
«We’ll bring the bread to you at you table» Says the other worker
PLUS TWO
I get a soda. It’s a surprisingly watered down Orange drink. Never seen anything quite like this from a soda dispenser. I sit and watch as a few more folks come in. BUT I’m OK with this. I don’t mind the peace despite the vastness that feels like a void of no customer. The seating area is open and I pretty much have the place to myself.
Nice spot. I imagine it’s part of a chain. Food is tasty and looks good… and filled me up. Plus it didn’t cost too much. Someone else here called it a «Mediterranean Chipolte». Yeah that’s about right. I’m a fan.

Looks really pretty, tastes really just OK.
I don’t know why I didn’t like it. It just doesn’t have a ton of flavor. Everything just left me with a «meh» feeling. These are all my favorite flavors but almost every flavor was super muted.
No thank you

This restaurant is perfect for a quick and healthy bite. Parking is convenient and makes the overall experience very pleasurable. All of the staff is very friendly!
I recommend trying the BPE (Best Plate Ever)

This review is totally based on the 2 catering orders we had for our office meeting and I have to say that food was good but quantity was disappointing for the cost we paid. The description said that the food was good for 14 people and we were 15 but no-​one got a second serving! The falafel/​Grilled salmon was hardly enough for 12 people. Sauces, Pita and salad were enough though. The variety is good and taste was strictly okay.

I have been driving by this place for months and after reading the reviews, decided to give it a try. I would agree with the reviews when they said it is a Mediterranean chipotle. I opted for the rice bowl, which came with a decent amount of food. It included chicken, hummus, grilled vegetables, rice, chopped tomatoes and cucumber salad and warm pita bread. It is advertised as the favorite meal. The chicken was good, but not great. The hummus was too thin for my liking. The grilled vegetables were tasty and the salad was chopped and mixed with an authentic Mediterranean flavor. You know the old adage you get what you pay for, this whole meal was $ 7.50. It was decent, but nothing to rave about. The service was pleasant. Maybe, next time I will opt for one of the other menu options. A good, but not great plate of food.

Husband, grand-​daughter and I stopped in for lunch today. The restaurant décor is fairly plain, as one would expect for a cafeteria style restaurant. It was a beautiful autumn day and a number of people opted to sit at the tables set up outside. On the patio I loved that there was a dog nibbling on his kibble while his master enjoyed his own lunch.
Husband ordered a falafel sandwich, granddaughter the rice with salmon platter, and I had a «favorites» salad with roti chicken. I was a bit overwhelmed by the choices so when I was asked if I wanted it «as described» I said yes. My salad was good with the chicken, olives, feta, a grain that I’m not familiar with, chopped tomatoes, and romaine lettuce. Everything was good, except the chicken was a little dry. Husband and grand-​daughter were happy with their meals. The staff were all extremely nice. The utensil bins needed refilling, but when I pointed it out someone came right away and found more forks. We got to Roti around 1:00 and there was a steady stream of customers the whole time we were there. The staff keeps things moving so there was never a long wait for anyone. If I’m in the area and looking for a quick meal I will go back, but maybe try the white meat chicken instead of the roti.

I love this place! Super fresh and flavorful, great for a quick lunch. It’s chipotle style — Picking your base (sandwich, rice bowl or salad) & loading on the toppings. I got half white chicken & half falafel both are soooo yummy. Added red pepper sauce & topped it off with red cabbage and tomato salad, a little feta and a side of hummus for my pita. Honestly could have gone without the hummus but I’m a sucker for it :) All for like $ 8.50 !

I loved the bowl I was able to create for a quick reasonably priced lunch stop at Roti. Mediterranean Grill All the ingredients are high quality and so flavorful. I especially liked their white meat chicken (so tender and well seasoned) and roasted vegetables, which included brightly colored carrots, broccoli, squash and snap peas. I had a lovely tomato and cucumber salad and olives and spicy S’hug sauce (like harissa) to top. Their bowl comes with a pita on the side.
You do have to limit your selections of sauces, sides and toppings (or pay extra), but, that helps make for a better combination in a bowl that remains simple and not overdone (like I’ve done and regretted at Cava Mezze).
I guess I am a sucker for brightly colored, healthy food like this that you can’t often find in fast casual! Keep it coming! Yes, please.

So good…
I got a pita pocket sandwich w/​chicken roti, roasted red pepper sauce (medium), tomato and cucumber, could-​cous, red cabbage slaw, Spanish eggplant, and fresh veggies.
I didn’t order all the available toppings since it didn’t like certain things, but nonetheless, my sandwich was filled to the top with ingredients! A little too much sauce for my liking… otherwise, everything was really fresh, flavorful and delicious! One of my favorite meals.

So I must have liked it on facebook, or done something, because a few days ago I got an e-​mail from ROTI asking me if I wanted to select a time to come try their new location by Montgomery Mall last moth and try it for free!
It is set up like Chipotle, and other fast-​casual restaurants… assembly line style.
I opted for a wrap, with the following:
–Falafel
–Roasted Veggies
–Hummus
–Red Pepper Sauce (Medium Spicy factor)
–Spicy sauce (and yes, it spicy… use sparingly!)
–Couscous
–Cabbage Salad
–Feta Cheese
So I’ve been a big fan of Cava Grill lately, which is a very similar concept… and that is kind of what I was measuring this against.
That said…
I LOVED Roti! The falafel was not over-​cooked, and very flavorful
and all the other ingredients were also yummy and fresh. As I ate my wrap i felt like i could taste each thing i put into it!
I would definitely go back and try something with Chicken.
I’d also maybe opt for a salad, or the bowl — because after using the nutritional calculator on their website… I discovered my wrap had quite the calorie count!

Delicious casual addition to the area! I agree with a previous reviewer that it’s reminiscent of Cava Mezze Grille, but much better in my opinion.
You can choose from a sandwich, Mediterranean plate, or salad and then add your choice of meat, sauces, and toppings. I went with a Mediterranean plate with chicken roti (dark meat goodness!), tahini, red pepper aioli, red cabbage slaw, mixed greens, and spanish eggplant. It also comes with warm fresh-​baked pita on the side.
Everything packed a big flavor punch. The portions are a good size and won’t leave you feeling weighed down. I’ll be back!

They’ve only been officially opened for three days now, and their lunchtime business is booming. There were a lot of upper management folks standing around, asking if you had questions and thanking you for your business — same routine as when their starter DC spot opened about three years ago.
I ordered a 3 piece order of falafel ($ 2.25). It was actually free with an email I received after entering (and losing) a contest with them. In my opinion I won, just not free Roti for a year. I love their falafel. It’s because of them I like falafel now. Theirs are crispy brown on the outside, soft on the inside, and have whole chickpeas packed inside. Splurge on a sauce; they’re not free, but only $ 0.50. I am a traditionalist, so I always get the mild Tahini sauce. The Dill, Yogurt & Cucumber is good too. Buy a piece of their puffy, warm pita bread and you’ll have a cheap lunch fix.
Staff here is exceptionally friendly!