Tahini Mediterranean Grill

This place is terrible! There’s absolutely no reason why anyone should wait 30 minutes for a simple wrap. There were 3 people who were also waiting and seemed disappointed as well. If you are looking for quick and delicious middle eastern cuisine there are several options a few blocks down.

There used to be a counter guy named Bahaa. He was absolutely AMAZING. He left and after he left, Tahini is NOT what it used to be.
I used to buy lunch at Tahini about 4 times a week. Every time I went in Bahaa was so friendly and nice! He ALWAYS has grape leaves and always had seafood soup. He had a variety of ingredients to put on your shawarma and wraps I always had a difficult time choosing.
After Bahaa left I go once a month, and they still do not have what I go for. They never have grape leaves, or seafood soup. They open at 1PM now. I was the first customer of the day and took about 30 minutes to make my gyro wrap and falafel appetizer.
Point is, that Tahini is not great anymore after Bahaa left. It’s such a pity because it was so delicious and now they don’t have much… I hate to say it but I will not go back there

This place has really slipped in the last two months…
Maybe they recently changed owners or something?
I used to eat here every week and loved it a few months ago,
Very Consistent Until Last handful of weeks…
Now its all New Staff who dont know they menu,
They dont even have ½ of the items listed for sale !!!
Asked for a simple Gyro 4 times, the guy kept looking at me as if I was polka-​dotted
Went back the next week to try again,
This time Fountain Soda Machine and Phone Line are bothbroken.
Also this means Only Cash, (said it may be fixed soon… right) …
I am no longer a supporter of this place,
Go see for yourself the lack of respect they have for the customers

Disappointing. Came on a Friday for lunch — no ice, flat soda, we had to wait for pita chips and falafel to be made and they gave me lunch partner a lot less meat than that should put in a gyro pita because its all they had left. Then the woman said the food was fresh exactly three beats before the owner walked by with a giant can of grape leaves. C’mon, now.

I’m not sure anyone behind the counter had actually ever made the food they were serving before… Food was good but took way too long and was such a confusing time ordering. Didn’t accept credit cards and no sign at the register. Grilled my wrap with the paper on so i think I ate equal parts falafel and paper.

I live on the beach and was hoping to find a good gyro. I only went here because of the high reviews on Unilocal.I won’t go back again. The only good thing I found about this place was that it is only about 5 blocks from my condo.
1) I was about to purchase the $ 10 for $ 15 coupon, but for some reason I waited until I got to there. I asked them about it and they said «we don’t take coupons anymore». I was about to tell them about Unilocal and that they may want to take off their advertisement on Unilocal,but I didn’t.
2) When I asked for a gyro and a chicken pita, I was given the option of either whole wheat or white bread. It’s more like thin pita bread, slightly thicker than a tortilla. They keep them in the bags they buy them in and are kept under a heating lamp.
3) The meat (both chicken and lamb) came out in a plastic container, similar to what they microwave meat in at Burger King or McDonalds. Instead of it being freshly cooked, my guess was that it was microwaved, more on that in a minute.
4) Sharon — Unilocaler who reviewed below — is correct that they do some crazy stuff with your bill. I ordered a chicken pita, a gyro and a side of hummus — $ 7.75, $ 7.50 and $ 1.50 respectively. When added up, any second grader can tell you that it is $ 16.75. with the 9% sales tax that Miami Beach has it should come to $ 18.25, but I was quoted $ 19.75 for my total. I asked the worker for a receipt but of course their receipts only give you a credit card receipt showing the total and not the breakdown of your purchase. I asked her how it added up and she quoted the prices I have above, then said «with tax it comes to $ 19.75. I didn’t want to argue because I could tell she had no clue what she was talking about. I figured I should get home before the food got cold.
I was home within 5 minutes and eating the food in under 10 minutes. Any fresh cooked meat would have held the heat, but now my pita and my wife’s gyro was very cold. My hunch about the use of the microwave was right. I won’t visit this place again. Rice House is better to visit when you want your food fast, and if you have time to sit down and eat, I would visit Maria’s on Coral Way.

A Middle Eastern «Subway»! Basically, you get to customize your shawarmas, or pita wraps. And the ingredients used are the freshest around (except for the pita bread which isn’t baked in-​house — but is from the most popular local purveyor of pita breads).
One thing you should be aware of though — the menu is currently undergoing changes, possibly to make it more authentically Arabic. Before I came, I had a lamb kabob wrap in mind, but I saw that lamb was nowhere to be found in the menu. Upon request though, they were able to make me a lamb kabob pita wrap which was exactly what I was craving for. They cooked it perfectly (lamb kabobs can’t be well-​done), and combined with the Middle Eastern options (tahini, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, roasted eggplant/​veggies, and hummus) to put into the wrap, it was by far the best wrap I’ve had in a long time.
And there’s another thing to be said about the way they wrap their pitas — they do it the traditional Levantine way of slicing the pitas into two circular halves, spreading it a bit, and then rolling the stuffings up — kinda similar to making a burrito. I like this method far better than the pita «pockets» that are more typical of Israeli and Turkish establishments because the stuffings are more balanced throughout, it’s more manageable to eat, and also you won’t have any «doughy» bites when you bite the edges.
On another note, their grape leaves are good, although I think the beef one has too much meat. To me, this is funny since I normally complain about it having too little in other establishments.
While I think the price is a teeny little too much, unless if they add maybe a piece more of meat, I was still full and pleased. Locals can take advantage of coupon offerings to get more of a fair pricing.
Here’s to hoping their business becomes a success and expands.

I thought this place was OK.
Looks like they’ve had a new change of ownership. Some changes to the menu, signage, etc.
Pretty good lunch special… a lot of food. All homemade and pretty tasty…

Grass fed beef. Organic produce … Gluten-​free wraps available … This place was made for me.
And the food is super tasty.
The only single complaint I have is that the staff is sometimes a bit distant. I want a nice warm feeling from the people touching my food, don’t you? With a little bit of customer service standardization and thoughtful marketing this place could make a well-​deserved national showing. We need more healthy fast food. Desperately.
Tahini owners, if you’re listening …
1. Standardize the ordering process. (think the simple assembly line you get at Chipotle)
2. Train your staff in being present and in being friendly.
3. Market the hell out of yourself. You have a great shot at the big time if you do this right.

Sorry, Tahini, have to adjust my review down… I made a return visit today and was very disappointed. I asked for my grape leaves wrap to be toasted. The gal prepared the sandwich and wrapped it in paper before putting it in the sandwich press. I thought that was odd, but whatever.
I paid and didn’t quite get how the total was $ 10.50, when the sandwich costs $ 7.95 but again, whatever.
When I got back to work, the sandwich was ICE COLD and missing the advertised feta cheese. Oh, and the wrap was stale, too.

Absolutely delicious.
I’d just returned from being out of town and was doing my usual aimless, sad sad walk down Washington in search of sustenance when I happened upon a lighted window. ‘Tahini? I like that stuff. I wonder what’s going on.’ So, I walked in and everything changed.
I met the owners — incredibly nice guys with a clear vision for the type of food they want to serve and a determination to give the kind of service that’s usually lacking in these parts. My one caveat to the review is that I only stop in when I see one of the fellows behind the counter. Unfortunately, when they’re not there, Bön Qui Qui and her crew are in the house. And that’s not at all fair to what the owners have created. No one should have to spend 24 hours at his restaurant and it’s reasonable to expect employees to act like they have some sense. This, however, is South Beach. Reason isn’t always around. Caveat over. Let’s talk food.
As far as I understand, Tahini offers an Assyrian twist to Mediterranean fare. Miami isn’t known for stellar Mideast eats (how I miss you Albany Park & Chicago Lawn) so I was a bit dubious at first and that was entirely my mistake. This is the real deal. From the lightly fried and super fresh falafel (served with that trademark tahini sauce) to my usual order (beautifully-​grilled organic chicken flatbread with spicy hummus, tzatziki, pickles, onions, olives, chili oil, tomato, and feta), every bite is a delight. I have a healthy appetite and I’ve found that each time I pick up an order, I’m stuffed. This is the flavor profile I’d been missing since moving out of Chicago. In addition to the traditional eats, Tahini offers up a tasty variety of smoothie options and is an extremely smart-​phone friendly establishment, with check-​in offers and a members club. And beyond the food, it’s nice to be able to support a local business helmed by genuinely nice people. I wish them all the success in the world and after you taste their food, you will as well.

It’s like Chipotle but mediterranean style. My friend and I got the falafel so those were good like everyone else says. I think the Tahini sauce is their signature one. You can also get as many toppings as you’d like on your sandwich. Their menu also includes some side dishes like stuffed grape leaves (no meat inside), which I had. They were okay, could have used more acidity.
The owner was really friendly. There are about three tables to sit at, so somewhat limited but I think most people take it to go.
There’s a machine to buy or load up on phone minutes… at least that’s what I noticed in particular.
They’re open till 2am on Friday & Saturday!

I’m a little late to post this review but I have to help out my fellow vegans in the Miami area.
I dropped in one day after walking down Washington Avenue and not finding anything too appealing. I had gone to Maoz (vegetarian falafel place) a few days prior and was underwhelmed so I decided to give this less-​known place a chance and I am so glad I did.
First of all, I have to say the staff is great, namely Yazan, who was very inviting, helpful and funny.
I ordered the falafel combo, which was served on a salad (you pick the ingredients and sides) with hummus and quinoa tabouli. I added sun-​dried tomatoes to my salad and it was a perfect pairing with the falafels (five of them). I wasn’t crazy about the quinoa tabouli because the quinoa wasn’t cooked. I’m not sure if that’s the style but I’ve never had it this way. Anyway, the rest of my meal was great and very, very filling and all for $ 7.50! If you go, go hungry because the portions are huge.
I think this was probably the best meal I had while visiting Miami and definitely the best bargain… I almost felt like I robbed the place!
Also, the place was very clean (and awesome people watching). :)

After the good reviews I was excited to try a new place in south beach. I came for lunch on the weekend, and ordered a Gyro on wheat. The gyro came from a hot cafeteria storage container, which was in water of some type. It was the slices processed type of meat, I should have known that I should have aborted my mission. I know everyone speaks about the falafel, but with Maoz in the area there shouldn’t be competition there. It was nice to be able to customize my sandwich and they grilled it after which was a good touch.
The staff here are very nice.
The portions and food are very small, I had 4 small strips of gyro in it, which is not even close to a normal portion, the other condiments were put on lightly as well. I was pretty much hungry in 2 hours, it was a good snack. At $ 7.50 or so, I should have gotten more better quality food.
I would avoid this and go elsewhere in the neighborhood for better quality food.

Gluten-​friendly and vegan-​friendly! Boom! A lethal combination for the strictest of diets, which my wife and I have! Lol! Ok I promise no more exclamation points.
This place makes wraps filled with gooey goodness with sides of awesomeness. Tahini sauce, sliced beets, falafel, oh my.
Fast Eddie truly is a genius when it comes to making authentic Mediterranean food. Two thumbs up here.
Also if you’re local, ask to get on the text messaging VIP list which will give you 10% off and the occasional mega deal. I will definitely be coming back! —snuck it in
Toodles.

What a pleasing discovery while walking home from my workout. Walking inside I found a large selection of falafel, meats, fish, and fresh salads. All Organic.
Friendly service and great prices.
I ordered the falafel salad platter with hummus & babaanoush. Delicious & oh so filling.
Chef Yazan at counter so personable and even gave me some freshly cooked meat for my dog. She loved it too.

So friendly, so so so delicious, everything was fresh even it was already late. The shop is more than clean, and the stuff is really helpful. Its has a lot of vegetariam and vegan options, which is great, the vegetable patty was the best I ever had! Also their desserts are fantastic and delicious. We will be back!!!

My new favorite place! Falafel was the best I ever had anywhere! Stuffed grape leafs amazing. Guy behind me was raving about the freshness of his chicken and how great it was spiced. Hidden gem for sure. I will be back again and again.

Organic and you can tell by everything you taste! Great food and such hospitable service by the owner Eddie! I love this place. I agree with the posts, the falafel was the best I have ever had!
Make sure you stop by if you are in South Beach! It’s a great way to eat healthy, be full, and not spend an arm and a leg.

Delicious sandwiches — try the falafel and the Gyros are to die for. Smoothies are fresh and rich in flavor. Very friendly staff and most importantly clean food. You Must try if you are close to south beach.