At Table
Zorba The Greek
By M.B.T. Gastronome
Zorba The Greek may be one of the lesser known eating establishments in Mobile; however, it is an excellent little restaurant. Located at 1222 Hillcrest Road, just north of Grelot, Zorba the Greek offers quite an interesting and varied selection of Middle Eastern food, all of which is prepared quite well by a most pleasant and gracious Greek lady. The owner is Tunisian. He once worked at the Jericho Café on Old Shell, and ventured out to establish his own restaurant a couple of years ago. Good decision for Mobile.
A small restaurant, Zorba the Greek is rather nondescript in a small strip shopping center. The interior is quite plain. If you seek a charming ambience, don’t go to Zorba the Greek. If you seek very good food, then head to Zorba’s and choose a delicious dish from the many menu offerings.
Somewhat hungry, but not starving, I ordered the Beef Shawarmah sandwich. Absolutely delicious. Perhaps one of the best sandwiches in Mobile. It is perfectly prepared and seasoned oh so well. The taste is magnificent. I have had a Beef Shawarmah at other Middle Eastern restaurants in west Mobile and downtown. Zorba’s is the best.
Friday and Saturday nights feature lamb shank. It is my understanding that some local professionals often drop in at Zorba’s on the weekend for the lamb. While I have not been there for the lamb shank, I have had a special lamb dish with Greek style potatoes prepared at my request. Fabulous! Zorba the Greek uses only Australian lamb which the owner says is the absolute best quality lamb on the market. Don’t know the origin of his chicken and other offerings, but it is all good.
When you try Zorba the Greek, don’t forget the Hummus and Baba Ghanouj. Very good appetizers. Also, don’t forget to check out the conspicuously posted health rating. It was an impressive 97 on this visit.
Zorba the Greek is not the type of restaurant that appeals to the typical Mobilian’s quest for mediocre table fare, with a misguided focus on quantity rather than quality. Those who worship at the shrine of the tiny over-rated place on Halls Mill or drop in at the equally over-rated place on Old Shell won’t like it. They will most likely end up at the Waffle House across the street from Zorba. Folks who love good food which is adequately and appropriately seasoned will love Zorba the Greek.
Where next? All depends on what strikes my fancy at the time. Could be barbecue, could be steak, could be seafood, might even be fried chicken. Wherever, I’ll let you know what I find.
(Editor's note: Our pseudonymous gourmand dines at his own expense; remains anonymous to all; reports only on those restaurants he frequents in the regular course of life, primarily reasonably priced places. However, he does splurge on occasion.)
