Almazar

We here for the first time last night. I had the falafel platter. Very good. I tried to get the chicken but none was available. I will definitely be back.

This place is pretty damn good. I eat here almost everyday. For the price and location, it’s the best Lebanese/​Mediterranean food around. Try their chicken platter — you won’t be disappointed.

I’ve attempted to like this place but the
Owner seems very skeptical about whether the food is really halal or not. He has a certificate stating that he serves halal food. But I’m not one to take the risk. Especially since he serves alcohol on premises. Just makes me think twice?

Not bad not great. The place is definitely authentic with the Arabic music playing and décor, the food isn’t too expensive and they now carry brown rice.
I’ve been coming here since the place opened and it’s did drop in quality a little bit.
The chicken used to be seasoned a different way and after taking a year or so break from this place I could tell right away they had a different formula.
They also hired some help and the girls are Cuban, it felt more authentic when the Lebanese dudes were working the place themselves, but the girls are definitely friendlier than the owners. Must be something in the culture but I always got a weird vibe.
They also used to have hookah and shawarma. Not anymore.
Despite all that, they have shown loyalty to me over the years, extra piece of chicken here 50 cents off there. Those little things add up
Overall an Ok spot.

One of the best falafel sandwich in the area. Tabbouleh and hummus are excellent also. They just open in the FIU food court, finally a healthier option in a sea of corporate crap. Great place to go also if you are vegetarian.

I made the mistake of going to this place again hoping, that they might improved their crappy services, but its still the same commercial none tasty food. If you like Mediterranean food like me then STAY AWAY!!!

Great food. Cute little place.

I am Lebanese. I grew up with middle eastern cuisine so it is difficult for me to find a place that beats out home-​cooking. Almazar is the best middle eastern cuisine I have had in Miami so far. I work at FIU so a few of my colleagues and I went over one day for lunch. The owner is very friendly and patient while answering all our questions. Our food came out promptly without any issues.
We enjoyed our food. Everyone got something different and everyone liked everything. The owner was kind enough to serve us coffee on the house. Very kind. I went back a few more times with my husband. He also was impressed with the food and service.
As you can imagine I was EXTREMELY pleased when they opened a location in the Graham Center here on campus. I am even more pleased to see that they are usually busy. I try to go once a week, and the owner always greets me like an old friend.
The prices are fair and you really do get a great meal. Middle eastern food is a great option for those who are on a diet or vegetarians without sacrificing flavor. I recommend Almazar to everyone!

I go to Almazar when I’m in a grab and go mood. There’s rarely any wait time in the evenings and the staff prepares everything quickly. There isn’t anything I’ve had so far that I didn’t like, but my go to item lately has been the falafel sandwich. The pickled radish they put in the sandwiches is an excellent touch. Their kafta platter is a close second, but who am I kidding? The entire menu is great.
Besides the food, they also offer hookah for those that enjoy it. I happen to have my own hookah and always buy my supplies here. They sell really great tobacco for almost nothing compared to head shops. I’m very happy to have such an awesome place so close to home.

I just happened to come across this place tonight and I could not be happier that I stopped in. Falafel and hummus are two of my guilty pleasures and I thought they did an excellent job combining the two in the falafel sandwich that I enjoyed all the way down to the last bite. The staff was very friendly and the food came out very fast! Plus, they brought the food right out to me. I ordered one to go as well and once they saw I finished my meal, they brought me the one to go right to the table. The prices are very reasonable, plus they give an FIU discount. I can’t wait to go back and try the other sandwiches!

This little gem is located in the middle of a shopping center in front of FIU. Mom and I stopped in to grab a bite before a day of shopping, and she was pleasantly surprised. I had the Shawarma sandwich, which is the equivalent of a gyro. Mom had the Falafel sandwich. We were both so pleased! The food is absolutely delicious and filling, without leaving you feeling like you just ate a tub of grease. I loved their healthier options and would definitely order from here again!

Since my last review I’ve been to Almazar several times, and my opinions have changed considerably. I dinged them on service last time (I believe the metaphor was service that «belongs in a prison cafeteria,») and now that I’ve been there a few times, I realize that that statement is flat-​out false. Culture is a funny thing, and it’s easy to judge a person’s behavior based on your own cultural norms. As a former waiter, I was taught to greet every customer with a smile and a cheery salutation. That’s the cultural norm for American waiters. The fact that Syrians do not share that cultural norm is now very apparent, but it took me several visits to recognize that the absence of cheery comportment is not hostility. In fact, now that I’ve been back several times, I’ve had many friendly conversations with the owners. Just don’t expect Southern hospitality.
As for the food, it is as delicious as usual. The fact that I kept coming back despite what I saw at the time as poor service is testament to that fact. Also, they have a delicious sour cream-​like substance in the cooler next to the counter called «Labaneh.» Can’t find it anywhere else in Miami, and it’s great for home cooking. Can’t wait until Almazar is located in GC. Great stuff.

Looking from the outside, Almazar looks like a cute little place to have some Hookah and eat some good food. I’m a BIG fan of Mediterranean food, not to mention, i know what things should taste like! It does not disappoint when it comes to the food and choices, all the seasonings [or lack there of] are perfect and even the desserts are very good!!!
I would suggest getting the Baba Ghannouj appetizer, Falafel/​Kibbe Platter and the Baklava with Pistachios [haven’t tried the walnuts because I’m allergic]. Those are all a must!
Now, when it comes to eating there, i simply wouldn’t [hence the –1 star]. Sitting arrangements are very comfortable but the tables are not at a good height, you kind of have to bend down to eat — I’m not a fan of this. Nonetheless, if i was able to smoke Hookah, i so very much would! Perfect tables for this ;p
Price wise, it’s reasonable for the portions, but service wise… i would say they are quick and dry although very nice while doing so and you NEVER have to wait!
I would still recomend it to anyone.

I wanted to try something different for lunch one day, so we decided to come to Almazar for that «something different». First impression while looking around the place — it looks half chic and trendy with the nice couches and tables, and then half cafeteria with the small tables and beverages refrigerators.
This is not a sit down restaurant where they give you menus and a waiter takes your order. You walk up to the counter to order your food, they pile on your plate from the food in the warmers, you choose your drink from the fridge, you pay for your food and then sit at a table. Simple.
The food was ok. I ordered the Chicken Kebab Platter — four pieces of chicken, salads (with tomatos, green peppers, cucumber and onions drenched in the dressing), and rice (but I substituted the rice with hummus and pita chips). The chicken was inconsistent — I had a couple of pieces that were really dry and the other pieces were cooked well. The salad had good flavor, but the lettuce was wilted down and drowing in the dressing. The hummus and pita chips were really good — I had to stop myself when I became full, otherwise I would’ve finished the whole thing and hummus would’ve been coming out my ears.
I would come back to try the falafel, kibbe and the steak kebab. Overall, the food is ok for the price, so don’t expect much.

Sometimes a restaurant gets help by the options around it. Almazar is a perfect example. Let’s face it. There are not many good choices to eat around the FIU area, especially when this place opened in late 2006.
At the time, my wife and I both worked at FIU. We thoroughly enjoyed their Shawarma sandwich and the other options they had for lunch. But one day they introduced a reduced price menu for a limited time (I think it might have been a whole summer or more). In order to compensate, the quality of the meat they used for the Shawarma was reduced to zero. After the deal was over, they kept the meat and increased the prices (I am not sure their meat is still the same since I don’t order that sandwich anymore).
However, I’ve always enjoyed their rice, salads, falafels, and the occasional baklava. The food is kept in warming pans because it’s not a sit down restaurant. You order your food from the counter and you sit and eat it. If you go with the right expectations, you’ll be satisfied with the experience.
The guys who work the counter could easily be described as the least enthusiastic owners you’ll come across (one more than the other).
Would I drive from downtown to eat here? No. Would I drive off campus everyday in order to avoid the miserable food available here. YES!
Cheers!

I had some stuffed grape leaves and a kafta kabob during my visit to Almazar. The food was good, though not amazing. The salad was fantastic, but the grape leaves and kabob were average.
The ambiance was nice, but what is with the styrofoam plates and plastic utensils?

Great food and atmosphere at reasonable prices. they serve beer and offer Hookahs. recommended, try their Chicken Platter with Humus and Almond rice!
–CR

When another local place failed me, I turned to Unilocal for help finding somewhere to grab a quick bite nearby. Almazar to the rescue! They have a counter where everything is prepared and they plate your order for you right away. It’s the prefect place if you’re in a rush but don’t want to succumb to the fast food crap nearby.
I had a chicken kebab platter served with delicious rice with sliced nuts on top and a greek salad. Every bite was delicious, I can’t wait to go back for more. I noticed another girl substituted hummus and grilled pita for the rice which I may try next time. The guys at the counter are very friendly and the interior was surprisingly nice and well kept with couches for lounging as well as tables. I would recommend a little face-​lift to the drink cooler it takes away from how nice the rest of the place looks. I have a feeling this will be my new go-​to lunch spot when I’m in the area.

I start hearing this repetitive beat and a funky clarinet sound whenever I drive by this mall heading to my class at FIU. I realize that I am wiggling around in my car like a snake. I am being charmed! I stop in for an afternoon snack. It gets me every time. I like having some Persian/​Mediterranean options in this hood. It reminds me of daily bread.
The vegetarian options are definitely better here, I mean they aren’t cooking the food when you order, just heating and I am ok with that. It is very decent and a way healthier option than the other stuff in that mall. I love the falafel or the hummus sandwich. The desserts are good too.
They have recently turned part of the restaurant into a hookah lounge. I have to say that the new furniture and look is very nice and welcoming. I am not sure if this will help or harm the establishment. I guess we will have to wait and see how that scene develops. Who doesn’t like a pipe and a pita or a shmoke and a shawarma? I mean like hey

Well, that was disappointing.
Another Unilocal review that led me astray…
After reading about how great the food was here I figured I’d try it since I was working in the area.
I ordered the Shawarma sandwhich and Pistachio Baklava.
The sandwich came alone, nothing to accompany it like most sandwiches, and at $ 7.50 that’s a little pricey for what amounts to a little bit of meat, veggies, and some tahini.
Also, the meat came straight out of a warming bin. It was pretty lame.
The food itself was ok but that’s mostly because the tahini.
Onto the Baklava. Freshly made on the premises? Nope. The fancy paper wrapping and the fact that it was still cold from thawing out from being frozen was a dead giveaway as to where it came from.
I guess one can’t expect much for a $ 1.50
What is it with most of the Middle Eastern eateries in Miami?
You really don’t get much for your money and the quality is usually sub par when compared to other cities.
I was once told by a Middle Eastern restaurant owner that he feels he had to tone down the flavor for the local clientelle.
I find that offensive. If I am to enjoy a cuisine I want it the same way they eat it. A little extra garlic and lemon won’t scare me away!
I am sure other Unilocalers and foodies would agree.