Rice Mediterranean Kitchen on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a popular spot known for its fresh, flavorful, and health-conscious Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, including Persian kabobs and signature rice bowls.
What Makes It Unique
- Focus on Freshness and Health: The restaurant is centered around the belief that diners deserve “real food made from the freshest ingredients,” with a menu designed to cater to wellness. They offer a diverse selection of healthy, flavorful Mediterranean dishes with an emphasis on top-notch grains and greens.
- Diverse Dietary Options: It stands out for its extensive options accommodating various dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, keto-friendly, and gluten-free choices, making it a go-to for health-conscious diners.
- Signature Sauces and Flavor: Their cuisine often incorporates unique Middle Eastern spices and is particularly celebrated for their homemade sumac sauce and flavorful rice dishes.
History
- The Rice Mediterranean Kitchen concept was developed by Chef Ali Shabani, who spent years in a South Miami test kitchen drawing from a family catalog of traditional Mediterranean recipes and modernizing them.
- The Fort Lauderdale location on Las Olas Boulevard followed in the footsteps of the former Beehive Kitchen in the same location. The opening of this location was anticipated to bring its signature rice bowls and kabobs to the Fort Lauderdale area.
Customer Feedback
- Customers consistently praise the fresh ingredients, healthy meal options, and generous portions at reasonable prices.
- The Chicken Joojeh Platter and the signature bowls (like the Chicken & Pollo Bowl and Braised Brisket Bowl) are frequently highlighted as favorites.
- The overall dining experience is often described as pleasant due to a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional, friendly, and quick service.
- A noted minor drawback is the common challenge of finding paid parking in the busy Las Olas area.
Highlight Menu Items
The menu is built around customizable bowls, kabob platters, and salads. Standout items include:
- Kabob Platters: Served with Basmati rice, Greek salad, pita, hummus, and their signature sumac sauce. Popular choices are the Chicken Joojeh Platter (marinated chicken breast) and Sirloin Kubideh Platter (ground sirloin steak).
- Rice Signature Bowls: These include curated options like the Vegan Bowl, Keto Bowl, Braised Brisket Bowl, and the Chicken & Pollo Bowl (1/2 mesclun greens, 1/2 Basmati rice, various dips, and a mix of spicy roasted and slow-cooked chicken).
- Dips and Sides: Their homemade hummus and the signature Sumac Sauce are highly regarded.
- Other Proteins: They also offer Braised Lamb, Spicy Roasted Chicken, and Wild Caught Snapper.
Significant Events
While specific, large-scale public events held at this particular branch are not widely publicized, Rice Mediterranean Kitchen is actively involved in catering for corporate lunches and special events, and they promote a Rice Loyalty Program for exclusive rewards and offers, which suggests internal promotions and events for their customer base.
Location and Contact Information
Please note that business information is subject to change, and it’s always best to check the restaurant’s website for the most current details.
