Wandering down Giralda Avenue looking for a lunch that won’t have you crashing by 2 PM? Rice Mediterranean Kitchen, a hidden gem in Coral Gables, is the answer. It’s not every day you find a fast-casual gem that feels this grounded, but that’s the clear benefit of a family-owned operation that treats its ancestral recipes with genuine respect. Here, you’re experiencing a thoughtful fusion of two distinct culinary worlds: Persian cuisine and the Mediterranean “real food” philosophy. It blends the sophisticated, aromatic spices of Iran with the fresh, produce-heavy staples of the Mediterranean diet, resulting in dishes that are both traditional and modern. By allowing diners to customize their bowls, Rice Mediterranean Kitchen gives you the freedom to create a meal that feels uniquely “yours.” You choose a base, start building with dips and spreads, complement them with dressings, and finish with a protein that can be either animal or vegetable. We tested their "build-your-own" philosophy, and honestly, it’s a sound strategy. We grabbed two Value Bowls ($11.95) over a fluffy basmati rice base. One, with braised lamb (add $4.50), was the clear winner: tender, rich, and complemented by the earthy, sweet depth of the charred carrot tahini dip. But if you’re playing the "health-conscious warrior" card, the veggie bowl paired with their bright lemon tahini sauce is crisp and vibrant; you won’t even miss the protein. One downside: ordering the simple Value Bowl online without adding extras can be tricky, as the customization options are limited. Other dishes worth mentioning: the Sirloin Kubideh Salad ($17.95). The ground sirloin comes char-boiled and is served over a crisp Greek salad; it looks crunchy and refreshing all at once. Even the $7.50 Dolmeh (stuffed grape leaves) outperform expectations — tight, spiced, and genuinely fresh. The secret weapon here is undeniably their signature sauces and dips. They’re the thread that pulls every dish together. What began as a single, visionary kitchen in South Beach has grown into a South Florida favorite, all while staying true to its family-owned roots.
Rice Mediterranean Kitchen
Excerpts
Wandering down Giralda Avenue looking for a lunch that won’t have you crashing by 2 PM? Rice Mediterranean Kitchen, a hidden gem in Coral Gables, is the answer. It’s not every day you find a fast-casual gem that feels this grounded, but that’s the clear benefit of a family-owned operation that treats its ancestral recipes with genuine respect. Here, you’re experiencing a thoughtful fusion of two distinct culinary worlds: Persian cuisine and the Mediterranean “real food” philosophy. It blends the sophisticated, aromatic spices of Iran with the fresh, produce-heavy staples of the Mediterranean diet, resulting in dishes that are both traditional and modern. By allowing diners to customize their bowls, Rice Mediterranean Kitchen gives you the freedom to create a meal that feels uniquely “yours.” You choose a base, start building with dips and spreads, complement them with dressings, and finish with a protein that can be either animal or vegetable. We tested their "build-your-own" philosophy, and honestly, it’s a sound strategy. We grabbed two Value Bowls ($11.95) over a fluffy basmati rice base. One, with braised lamb (add $4.50), was the clear winner: tender, rich, and complemented by the earthy, sweet depth of the charred carrot tahini dip. But if you’re playing the "health-conscious warrior" card, the veggie bowl paired with their bright lemon tahini sauce is crisp and vibrant; you won’t even miss the protein. One downside: ordering the simple Value Bowl online without adding extras can be tricky, as the customization options are limited. Other dishes worth mentioning: the Sirloin Kubideh Salad ($17.95). The ground sirloin comes char-boiled and is served over a crisp Greek salad; it looks crunchy and refreshing all at once. Even the $7.50 Dolmeh (stuffed grape leaves) outperform expectations — tight, spiced, and genuinely fresh. The secret weapon here is undeniably their signature sauces and dips. They’re the thread that pulls every dish together. What began as a single, visionary kitchen in South Beach has grown into a South Florida favorite, all while staying true to its family-owned roots.
This Mediterranean restaurant is very good, the portions are generous, and the food is flavorful and high quality. I ordered a chicken kabob, and it was juicy and full of flavor, not to mention the rice. The service was good and fast, and it was good value for money!
This Mediterranean restaurant is very good, the portions are generous, and the food is flavorful and high quality. I ordered a chicken kabob, and it was juicy and full of flavor, not to mention the rice. The service was good and fast, and it was good value for money!
It was better than expected! Portions are generous and everything was really good. I recommend this place for a quick and affordable bite.