Related Resources • Dining

From Other Guides • Greek Food/Drink

Gilbert's Mediterranean Cafe is a wonderful neighborhood restaurant, with excellent food and reasonable prices. Located just past the intersection of 10th and Piedmont in Midtown, parking can be a challenge, especially on the weekends. There is now additional parking across the street, or take a tip from a resident-park on one of the many residential side streets near the restaurant. This is a minor inconvenience for such a great little restaurant.

Gilbert's original incarnation was that of an international gourmet market, with take-out food service. That business was successful enough for the owners to transform the small space into an even more successful restaurant, with full bar. The decor is very stylish, yet still very warm and inviting, with lots of reds and eclectic light fixtures. While the dining area is small, it's not particularly claustrophobic. The owner and staff are extremely friendly and professional.

Now to the important part-the food. Gilbert's offers both a lunch and dinner menu, a Sunday brunch, as well as a late night international entertainment experience every Wednesday. For lunch, one can choose from sandwiches such as the house specialty lemon garlic grilled chicken, or the vegetarian TMB(Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil), garnished with pine nuts. They also offer soups, and salads, which can be combined with a sandwich for a meal. Check out the lunch house specialties as well, including delicious shish kebabs.

For dinner, Gilbert's offers meze, the mediterranean form of appetizers, including such delicacies as dolma, stuffed grape leaves; kalamarakia, fried baby squid; as well as more traditional fare such as falafel, tabbouleh, and hummus. There are several sampler platters to choose from, including one of cheeses, and one of smoked salmon. Heartier appetites will want an entree, and there are some real gems here, including the trout with almond butter, the salmon in bay leaf vapor, and the seasoned filet mignon. All entrees come with a choice of side dishes, including rosemary potatoes, rice pilaf, and pasta salad.

In case you have any room for dessert, or want to take some home with you, Gilbert's offers the traditional baklava, and sinful delights such as the colossal chocolate chunk cheesecake, tiramisu, and creme brulee.

Their wine list has grown since their opening, and does include some Greek wines that you won't find on too many other wine lists in Atlanta. Recently, a specialty martini list has been added.

Gilbert's is one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants. A dinner for two with a glass of wine each can be had for under $50, which is quite a feat for intown dining. If you or someone you know is squeamish about international food, perhaps thinking it will be too spicy for their palate, Gilbert's cuisine is mildly seasoned, allowing the true flavors of the meat and vegetables to come out. I like to think of Gilbert's as "international comfort food," simple but yet very satisfying.