Trendy spot with ok food but great atomosphere. Indoor seating, and two outdoor seating areas (tables, and low tables/benches) with blankets for chilly nights. We stopped by for a light dinner on a Monday evening around 7:30pm w/o a reservation and were seated immediately. I will say this was before their hours were corrected on Google Maps, so be wary!! Smoky Garlic Hummus and Whipped Feta - these were plated very nicely, but nothing out of this world. Pita was provided for dipping. Crispy Chicken Thigh - best dish of the evening. Tender, juicy and crispy. The portion size was on the smaller side, but nothing a Whataburger can't fix later. The service was not great - after ordering waters, we were looking for our waiter to order food. He resurfaced after a pregnant amount of time, we dined, and were again looking for him when trying to pay the bill. Mind you, it was not busy at all that evening. Another thing to note - we sat outdoors, right in front of the bar area, and noticed a couple trying to order drinks at the bar. However, the bartender did not acknowledge them, and the couple promptly left. Our only positive encounter with staff was our hostess, who was friendly and welcoming. You're paying for the atmosphere, so if you're a foodie, I'd skip. read more

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Dinner at ABA, halibut was good, pork belly was good .... Lamb-beef Kabobs were a joke ! 4 small Hard little meatballs with very little to no Lamb in them ... no flavor ! Waiter was good .. decent vibe in the house.... Got my parking validated for a $3 discount to find out the parking cost me $59 for 3 hours... can you say "Rip Off" I don't believe they own the parking but, they certainly know what it costs... First time .... Last time !!! Sad read more

Shopping with my daughter and wanted a small bite so stopped into Aba. The ambiance was warm - like an outdoor garden at night. Our server was friendly and we were seated right away. We chose indoor seating because we had been walking outside and wanted to cool off. The outdoor seating looked comfortable with misting fans and mostly covered/shaded tables. I ordered the Passion G&T to drink and it was fresh and tasty. To share, we ordered the short rib hummus and whipped feta small plates. Both were served with warm pita and sooo good. We were full so we didn't try anything else. The food here is served tapas-style. Prepare to share plates with your table and plates are served as the kitchen finishes preparing them. I like this concept. Overall great atmosphere, good food and friendly staff. read more

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The food! The service! The atmosphere! Did I mention the food?!! All of it was fantastic. A great replica of their original location in Chicago in every aspect. HIGHLY recommend. Definitely make reservations on the weekend. Will make this a mandatory stop on our next Austin adventure -- and that's sayin' something given it's the BBQ Mecca! read more

4.5 stars - First time at Aba and looking forward to the next! Although I usually love to plan menu selections ahead, we came in completely lost since we wanted to try everything. Our waiter was so helpful in explaining the most popular dishes along with his personal favorites. I loved the romantic, cozy atmosphere inside. Didn't feel like I was in Austin for the moment! Started off with the charred eggplant - phenomenal, 10/10. Every flavor was perfectly represented - salty, umami, a citrusy tang, and the perfect foundation of the eggplant. Short rib hummus - ...fell flat for me. I think it was tough eating this immediately after the eggplant, but it was just boring. Expectations were especially high because of the price point and portion size ratio. Finally added some salt and pepper and it definitely helped. Brussels sprouts were insanely good. They were the only leftovers I insisted on taking home. Sweet and spicy and a lovely crunch. Highly recommend. Grilled halloumi plate was very good! Compared to some of the other unique dishes, I wish we would've tried something else. But everything was perfectly cooked and the flavors were great - just didn't blow me away. Chicken thighs - didn't get a picture, but this was the juiciest plate of meat I've ever had. It was such a rich dish. I was reaching the limit at this point, but kept pushing myself for one more bite. Need to come back to try the desserts!! They sounded amazing, but there was simply no room left. Overall, price point is definitely steep considering not every dish will knock your socks off. But I'm not mad about it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ read more

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Aba is officially one of my favorite Austin restaurants. The restaurant itself is gorgeous inside and out - the atmosphere is perfect for brunch with friends or a date, and they have one of the best patios I've ever seen. Absolutely stunning place. The staff was friendly and welcoming - we received a warm greeting from the hostesses, and the bartender in the waiting was very kind to check on us while we waited for our table. Making reservations on the weekend is a must, but we were seated early before our reservation time. Our server was also great and was able to answer all our questions and make some wonderful recommendations. Now, the food. THE FOOD. Hummus is one of my favorite things on the planet, and I'm exceptionally picky about it. This hummus is hands down some of the best I've ever had. It reminds me of the hummus at Shaya in New Orleans, and you can tell it's made fresh. I could've eaten it with just a spoon, but the pita bread (bottomless, by the way) took to a whole other level. Everything we had was incredible (there was some kind of cilantro sauce that came with my husband's kebabs that was to die for), but the hummus stole the show for me. I'd come back to Aba for hummus and drinks alone. 10/10, I would make the drive from Houston again just to eat here. It was exactly what I wanted for a birthday lunch. read more

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Aba is one of my favorite spots for Mediterranean-inspired dishes in Austin. My date and I sampled the hummus, falafel, and lamb and everything was fresh and flavorful. The lush greenery, warm lighting and lively bar created a great vibe, and the staff was friendly and attentive. Highly recommend for a memorable dinner! read more

everything about this place was amazing. the ambiance was beautiful and peaceful, the food was okay, i got the chicken kabob. it wasn't bad, ive just had better. the service was great! definitely need a reservation for this place. i've had better food, but i do get the hype about this place read more

We had an amazing lunch. Started with Crispy Short Rib Hummus followed Grilled Chicken Kebab. Both were outstanding!! We found open seating at the bar which was great. Servers very attentive and made great cocktails! The only downside to this place is it's absolutely packed. Hard to get a reservation without making it far in advance. If we'd waited for a table it would've been a 90 minute wait. read more

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Went with family to Aba on Friday around 2. No reservation so we were seated outside. Heaters were on so it was perfect! The patio was perfection, literally gorgeous with all of the greenery and heaters. Everything was great, although the appetizers we had were a bit saltier than I would have liked. The chicken was perfection and eaten together with the orzo and Greek salad, everything melded together deliciously. I would definitely go back and maybe the saltiness may not seem so forward. read more

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Overall food was tasty, although a bit salty. Lot of flavor inside the food. I honestly liked the hummus the most, even though that is the most basic dish. Shared chicken and braised beef with the wife and that was plenty of food. We came without a reservation for lunch and was seated outside. This was during winter so the heaters were a big plus. They have a cool bar outside that I would want to visit at night. Service friendly although intermittent since we were seated so far away. read more

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Aba is a phenomenal restaurant located in the heart of south congress. Aba is a restaurant that gets as many visitors as it does locals. The food was really impressive. We ordered the traditional hummus, muhammara, shawarma spice prime skirt steak frites, Brussels sprouts, honey pie and halva. The hummus and muhammara were a real treat. I didn't even want to eat it with the bread, just a spoon was fine with me. Steak frites was good but disappointed with how much meat came with the dish considering the price point. $39 for 4-5 pieces of skirt steak is a bit ridiculous IMO. Honey pie and halva were fantastic. I've been to Israel several times and never had halva that delicious. It's usually much more chalky. We had a reservation at 6pm. We showed up and our table was dirty and the 4 workers at the front were more concerned with chatting amongst themselves then having our table ready not showing any urgency to clean our table. We were seated 10 minutes late, for an issue that should have been resolved much faster. When you go to a restaurant and pay the money they command, the customer shouldn't be made to wait when it was an issue that could have been resolved much faster and with urgency. The front workers stopped several times while supposed to be busing the table to joke around. In general good evening, but front staff needs to tighten things up. read more

Food and environment are amazing.... for some reason most of the staff act like you're fortunate to have them serve you ‍. Not sure why they can't just be pleasant and hospitable. Been there 8 times, I come back for the food... not the arrogance read more

Went to Aba to celebrate finishing school, and the experience was amazing. Food tasted wonderful (we tried the pumpkin hummus and salmon kebab) and the mediterranean mule was even better!! Our waitress (I wish I could remember her name :( ) was one of the best servers I've ever experienced; she was very sweet, attentive, helpful, and gave a free dessert as a congratulations for finishing college. The atmosphere was beautiful- sitting outside was very comfortable with the heat lamps. Can't recommend this place enough read more

Aba - PUMPKIN HUMMUS - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

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We came for brunch on Father's Day with a reservation at 2:45. Brunch ends at 3, but they accommodated our request for the brunch menu. We were seated inside immediately. Service was knowledgeable and polite, albeit a bit slow, but it was a bit busy bc it was a holiday. The vibe was lively and the ambiance very nice. The music was a tad loud, but not distracting. We enjoyed the Kachapuri the most. We recommend! read more

- TABLESIDE PITA BREAD A delight, the table-side pita bread was nothing short of extraordinary. Warm and fluffy with a delightful chew, each bite was infused with aromatic herbs. This might just be the best complimentary bread I've had in Austin, and it's unlimited! Japanese Sweet Potato Hummus This dish offers a uniquely creamy and velvety texture combining the natural sweetness of the sweet potato with a subtle umami depth from miso. - Pros: Lusciously creamy with a subtle sweetness. - Cons: While enjoyable, it wasn't differentiated enough from traditional hummus, so I wish there was a more distinctive twist. They should push the sweet potato and miso flavors more. Short Rib Shakshuka Impeccably tender short ribs nestled in a robust tomato sauce; salty and savory notes, accented by a hint of spice. Sharp melted cheese with firm potatoes. - Pros: The beef was tender, practically melting in your mouth. - Cons: However, the overall flavor was somewhat overshadowed by saltiness, reminiscent of a basic marinara; I wished the potatoes were more tender. Presentation was amazing with each dish beautifully plated. For the food, perhaps I ordered the wrong things (?) If you have recommendations do let me know. I will go back to Aba to try other items to see if they redeem their review. Plus I want to give a proper comprehensive review and I feel that I should try at least a few more items. Service While the service was friendly, the dishes took a while to come out, particularly the hummus. To their credit, the staff did remove it from our bill due to the wait. Aba is very busy during brunch hours, so I highly recommend making a reservation to avoid the potential wait. We opted to sit at the bar, which allowed us to bypass the queue! (so that's also an option) Ambiance Aba has a tropical, refreshing ambiance that feels like a vacation getaway. The breezy, open design is like a natural setting with lush greenery, creating a calm escape from the hustle and bustle of Austin. Its modern, chic decor makes it an ideal spot for a romantic brunch, gatherings with friends, or just a nice meal. read more

The hummus was delicious! Probably the best hummus dish I have had. The falafel was good. The Muhammara was probably my favorite, and a must-try. The pita was warm and fresh tasting. Great ambience. Our waiter was amazing as well! Will go again!. read more

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Went there for a bachelorette party with a small group and the food was delicious. The menu is family style with some unique dishes read more

Aba - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Delicious food. Great service. Servers were detailed. It's always a great time and meal with the family at Aba.

The location is great, tucked off the busy street with fresh plants surrounding the restaurant and plenty of outdoor seating. The server was great and helpful with our food and drink selections I enjoyed all the flavors with the combinations we ordered. read more

I cannot say ENOUGH good things about Aba. Yes, it's expensive. BUT, we have come here 5 times altogether now and the food NEVER disappoints. On top of that, they have some of the best waitstaff I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. They seem to come by right when you need them to, and don't overwhelm you. We have gotten free dessert before because they ran out of one we wanted to try (and the date cake is pretty amazing!). The brussels sprouts are amazing, and the hummus and bread are a perfect hit every time. Meat is tender, fish is delicious. The only negative is that drinks are overpriced for what they are - but, you're here for the food. read more

Aba - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

Food was very mediocre. I ordered the orzo and my partner got the chicken kabob. My orzo was so heavy and cheesy, I could hardly eat more than a few bites before I got sick of it. My partner didn't enjoy his kebab either, it wasn't flavorful or juicy enough for the price. Ambience was very nice though, the greenery and lanterns everywhere make for a very relaxing atmosphere. read more

Aba - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

Came here for lunch and left full after ordering two small plates. "All of our favorite spreads" was a good size, bread was fresh and warm and kept coming, and each dip tasted super fresh with quality ingredients. The red pepper dip was super spicy but flavorful, roasted garlic hummus was next level, and whipped feta was our favorite. The ahi tuna was served with watermelon, cucumber, radish, and pomegranate seeds which all went well together. I had no complaints about portion size and thought $40 for these two plates was reasonable for lunch. I would be wary of ordering the black garlic shrimp scampi - two tables next to us left them on the table barely touched. read more

Aba - Ahi Tuna* and All of Our Favorite Spreads - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

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My hubby and I are from out of town, and because we have the Arab blood, we are always trying out different Arabic restaurants and all the Mediterranean food w Evan find! We came to spend the weekend in Austin and we came across this place, it was during the lunch time on Saturday so this place was packed and there was a long waiting list. We had to wait for about 30 minutes for a spot, but that was not a problem because we were able to wait in the bar nextdoor sitting on a cozy couch and enjoying the scene. We loved our food at Aba, the service was great and the guy who served was super nice and energized would definitely recommend it! read more

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3.5 Stars Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures as it was a business dinner and I didn't want to be THAT person. Absolutely beautiful crafted Interior. Food was wonderfully crafted and beautifully presented. We got lots of drinks, split lots of appetizers (short rib hummus $17.95, crispy potatoes $11.95, Muhammara $14.95, Yellowtail $22.95, Red Snapper $19.95), and had the chicken kabobs ($18.95) for an entree. Wasn't the best food I've had (authenticity or flavor wise) but going here is more for the experience and ambience. read more

Love the food and the vibe here! I highly recommend the halibut and the hummus. We'll definitely be back!

I had the smokey hummus, the almonds halibut and they were pretty deli I had the smokey hummus, the almonds halibut and they were pretty delicious. Highly recomme read more

Aba - Aloe it's me - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Can't say enough good things about Aba! The food, drinks, service, vibes are always on point! I just wish it wasn't so hard to get a reservation, I'd highly recommend planning your visit at least a month in advance if possible. I've loved every cocktail I've tried here - most recently I really enjoyed the Aloe it's me, which is made with mezcal and aloe. If you're a gin & tonic fan, definitely get the Blackberry Green Chile G&T. For apps, do yourself a favor and get the Whipped Feta dip and any of the hummus options - I've read the Spicy Lamb Ragu hummus is to die for! I've tried several of the mains as well, and loved everything I tried, some top picks are the Grilled Chicken kebabs, Grilled Halloumi kebabs for a vegetarian option, Crispy Potatoes, Red Snapper with Citrus Ponzu, and the Little Gem Salad. Every server I've ever had here has been incredibly kind and helpful, offering suggestions and if we ever bring a furry friend along, then bringing out a dog water bowl without us needing to ask. As I mentioned above, the only downside is how difficult it can be to snag a reservation here so definitely plan in advance! If you're trying to go last minute, maybe try for a non-prime time like an early dinner or a weekday, or you can also grab a seat at the outside bar. This is easily my favorite Mediterranean restaurant in Austin and I'd highly recommend it for any occasion - date night, hangout with friends or coworkers, or just a nice dinner out! read more

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This review is for their dip and spreads only. Wild mushroom hummus -- such a unique take on hummus and sooooooo freaking good. Just get it. Muhammara has a robust, citrusy and herby taste. Very fresh and also delicious. The whipped feta is one of their classic dips and a tad salty but love the crushed pistachios on top. I could order these 3 apps only and be completely satisfied because their freshly made pita bread is pretty addicting paired with them. read more

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I love this restaurant. The food, service, atmosphere.. I can't think of one complaint. Their outdoor area is just the most cozy and charming space. read more

I love this place. First, it's adorable with the way it's been decorated; just feels like such a treat. Second, every experience I've had with the staff here has been lovely. They are so nice! More importantly, delicious. There are multiple ways to order here. You can stick with the spreads and fill up on the bottomless warm pita bread. I've now had the babaganoush, whipped feta, muhammara, smoky garlic hummus, and classic hummus. All are fantastic. Whipped feta is the one I'll get every single time and then alternate between the babaganoush and hummus. And when you take leftovers to go, you'll get a to-go bag of pita too! You can also go with the more entree like plates. The brunch menu crispy short rib shakshuka was amazing (and surprisingly one of my fave parts was the crispy roasted potatoes...they were so good!) The squid steak (see pic) is beautiful - very soft and tender, love the combo with pomegranate seeds, but the portion does feel a little small. Finally, the Greek frozen yogurt was so good! There were two options that we got mixed together. So, OG with lemon meringue sauce, and olive oil+sea salt. Loved the occasional hit of sea salt to temper the sweetness. Surprisingly large portion too -- easily shared by two. read more

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I was in austin for my sisters bachelorette weekend and I made reservations for 7 girls. Honestly it hard to get reservations and I almost had to do a preset menu (which would've been fine but we just don't eat enough for it to be worth it) but when I called, the employee I spoke to was super kind and told me that reservations open up closer to the date so I was able to make a regular reservation a week before the reservation so I recommend checking a week before. I really appreciated the honest recommendation the employee provided or else I wouldn't have been able to get the reservation! The food was amazing!! I really liked the short rib hummus. It was THE BEST hummus I've ever had. Highly recommend! The meat was tender and meshed really well with the hummus and they gave us unlimited pita bread (HUGE plus). We also ordered some chicken kebab plates, falafel (so good), and baba ganoush. Everything was delicious and I wish there was an Aba in California! Lastly, the ambience was phenomenal! I loved the modern chic style. I was a little worried that we had to sit outside but even though it was 90 degrees it wasn't bad because they had huge fans and some mist which helped. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in Austin! read more

While the food is very good, it's the service and atmosphere that puts this place over the top. It makes for a very nice meal. read more

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Aba is a delicious Mediterranean restaurant nestled in a walkway of Music Lane off of South Congress. Aba's gorgeous patio/ bar area, lined with lovely plants and trees, gives you a welcoming hug as you are seated at a table. Happy Hour is from 4-6 and features several epic Mezze and special-priced cocktails. The Smoky Garlic Hummus is paired with Ceci, Aleppo & Urfa peppers, preserved lemon and spread on pita bread. The Whipped Feta Spread is paired with crushed pistachios, Aleppo, olive oil, and lemon zest and spread on pita bread. WOW, my taste buds were not expecting to be thrilled with every bite! Dinner: The Fennel and scallion-crusted Halibut are paired with blistered sungold tomato, asparagus, roasted garlic yogurt, and tomato chili water. This dish was impeccable; I am still considering when I can have this decent dish again. Dessert: For my friend's birthday dinner, our exceptional waiter treated my friend to whichever dessert she chose. Sticky Date Cake paired with Medjool dates, sumac, whiskey caramel, and whipped cream. It was DELICIOUS, A perfect way to finish a beautiful meal. I added photos of my friend's dishes, which they couldn't stop raving about. Shawarma-spiced Prime Skirt Steak and Frites pared with za'atar, feta, berbere red wine jus. Crispy Potatoes pared with mizithra, rosemary, and scallion crema. The staff is just as fabulous as the food, ensuring your every need is met. Expect to make reservations weeks in advance; the menu features Chef CJ Jacobson's modern approach to Mediterranean cuisine. Aba also showcases spirits and rare wines from lesser-known Mediterranean regions. Aba, meaning father in Hebrew, is the father of the Mediterranean cuisine in Austin. Cheer read more

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Had an incredible lunch at Aba on South Congress! Every dish was flavorful and fresh--highly recommend the Whipped Feta and Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes. The vibe was spot-on, and the service truly made the experience. Jacob was a fantastic server--attentive, kind, and knowledgeable. Also want to give a shoutout to the bartender, Nick- super talented and may I recommend the Carajillo. Will definitely be back! read more

The service, ambience, and food are all incredible here. I came by for dinner after hearing great reviews while visiting for a work trip. I did not have reservations but I was able to get a walk in spot in the patio. While we waited for our table we ordered drinks at the bar. I got the Mediterranean mule and it was refreshing and a great drink. We then ordered a few different items from the menu. It was restaurant week when I visited so we ordered one meal from there and one dish off the regular menu. To start we had the garlic hummus and it is the most delicious hummus I've ever had. The hummus was flavorful and the garlic just made it better. The house pita was warm and paired amazingly. We also had the Greek village salad and the veggies were super fresh and light and the feta was fantastic. For our mains we had the lamb and beef kabob which was super flavorful and the tzatziki was a great pairing. Off the regular menu we had the shrimp scampi, the crispy garlic on it was fantastic. We then had the sticky date cake which was a perfect ending to the evening. Our server Joseph was beyond fantastic as well. He had great food recommendations and provided amazing service throughout the night. read more

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This place has been highly recommended and a must try spot in Austin. And I definitely understand why now after dining here. The food was good, and I really liked the ambiance and drinks here. I highly recommend booking a reservation in advance because this place is really popular. We ordered the sneaky link and unplugged for drinks and both were delicious and refreshing for the hot Austin weather. For bites to eat we got the whipped feta, ahi tuna & watermelon, crispy pork belly, and garlic shrimp scampi. Everything was practically a home run except for the ahi watermelon, the ahi didn't taste very fresh and the best parts to this was the watermelon and cucumber. We should've ordered the watermelon feta salad instead. read more

Aba - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

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Aba never disappoints. I wish I could eat here everyday but that's not very sustainable for me. Let's start with the whipped feta, aka soft Heaven on a plate I love feta cheese and when you whip it and add crushed pistachios, aleppo pepper, olive oil, AND lemon zest, it's a guaranteed smile on your face. Add in some warm pita bread to all of that creamy goodness and brace yourself for the happy tears that will flow down your face from this flavor bomb of goodness. (poetic right?) The grilled chicken kabob is just a beautiful dish that makes me feel good on the inside. This is the type of meal that feels like a hug. The yogurt marinade takes it to the next level. Lastly, the frozen greek yogurt was a fun ending to the meal. It's drizzled with olive oil and sea salt so it was more on the savory side but it felt like a nice transition out of the meal (if that makes any sense). Eating this reminded me of that one scene in Princess Diaries when Mia ate the ice cream at that important dinner too fast and her mouth was freezing. read more

Aba - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

This was my second time going, but after going last night, I just had to leave a review since it outdid my first experience. Both times I had Bryant as a server, and he is what made the experience great! My first time going was late October and it was especially busy since it was such a nice day on a Sunday night. Me and my three friends all ordered the various kebabs, but before those came out, Bryant hooked us up with some smoky garlic hummus on the house! Between the ambiance, the music, and the food, I knew I'd come back. Last night I took my date and specifically asked the host to be seated in Bryant's section. Even though it was a little colder outside than in October, there's plenty of patio heaters. The smoky garlic hummus knocked my socks of per usual and the Brussels sprouts were done very well. My braised short rib was so tender that I could tear it apart with my spoon! Highly recommend for a date spot. read more

Aba - Salmon Kebab, BRUSSELS SPROUTS, SMOKY GARLIC HUMMUS, and Tamarind Braised Short Rib - Mediterranean Near Me - Austin, Texas

My best advice for this fantastic food experience is try to snag a seat at the bar. The bar service was fantastic. They have good happy hour deals and cans also be served dinner. I would go back everyday for that whipped feta if I could. The yellowtail tartare was also fantastic. It's a huge place with various bar table and patio seating. Definitely make your way here for this amazing menu and ambiance read more