It is said that good things come in small packages, and this tiny Mediterranean and Middle Eastern…read morerestaurant perfectly embodies this saying. Since it opened its doors in 2017 in Salem, Virginia, this small but very popular, family-owned restaurant by Egyptian immigrants is known for its fresh made-to-order gyros, falafel, and Greek salads, just to name a few. Today I had the opportunity to visit this restaurant and discover the qualities that make this tiny restaurant in the middle of nowhere so popular. Because of its small size, most of its customers orders are take outs. But it also has a counter inside with around 3 to 4 stools so that customers who prefer to eat their food in the restaurant can. When I arrived, I parked my Lexus in a space right in front of the restaurant and noticed that there are not that many parking spots around. That is another reason why most of its sells are take-out orders. Customers can either call in their orders and drop by to pick it up, or park for a few minutes, make their order, and watch it being made, and then take it with them to enjoy at home. In good, warm weather, they do have two picnic tables outdoors where their customers can eat. Inside, I was able to meet the husband of the family who runs the business. He was very friendly and kind, a native of Egypt with a wife and 5 siblings. He gave me a warm welcome and took my eat-in order. The menu (which had Halal food) was displayed inside a Coca-Cola stand. To drink I grabbed a Mountain Dew from their drinks display refrigerator they have with Coke products. To eat I ordered their Gyro Special: Gyro meat served with rice and a small salad. It came with a special salad dressing and a sauce to put on the meat. The kitchen and the restaurant itself were very clean and all the ingredients used were very fresh and quality products. I sat on one of the stools, in front of the counter and watched him prepare my food. After paying for it with a credit card, I began to enjoy eating it. The salad was very fresh, made right before my eyes. The meat was Broiled right then and there, and the rice had a yellow tone and tasted unbearably delicious! As I was eating, the owner/chef put up a sign on the counter that read: "Please wait. I'm praying. thank you." I then figured out he must be Muslim and as soon as he finished praying I said to him: "As-salamu alaykum." He appreciated my nice words. While I was there, two other customers came in and ordered takeout food. For dessert I ordered an in-house made Baklava. The shape didn't look so good but the flavor did taste good. He told me that I could eat it with my hands but since they didn't have a restroom to wash my hands afterwards, I asked for a plastic fork to eat it with. Their prices were very reasonable and their portions very generous. I paid for the Baklava and thanked him for the wonderful service. The food was so genuine and delicious that whenever I'm in this area next time, I will definitely stop by and dine there again.

Best gyro I've had in years. No frills. The meat shines in its simplicity: seasoning and texture…read more The ingredients in the pita were fresh and proportioned well, and the tzatziki (as another reviewer pointed out) was top notch. I also got a pita and side of hummus, and the hummus was special. I didn't ask, but I think the oil may have been grapeseed? Either way, delicious. The proprietor was kind and took pride in his specialty. I wish there was a bathroom, but you have to appreciate the intimacy of a "hole-in-the-wall" corner shop, which I say with the upmost respect.

This gem in Richmond is absolutely worth visiting! My husband and I took a chance on this Italian /…read moreGreek restaurant and everything was so delicious! We're started out by sharing the Spanakopita appetizer. The pastry was warm right out of the oven and the yogurt with spices made the dish simply mouthwatering! Our main course selections of shrimp kabob and Greek pasta were prepared to perfection. Now onto the drinks...our margaritas were the BEST! We were able to have them made with our favorite 1800 tequila which only enhanced the flavor. My husband and I felt forced to order a second round of them!! The service was excellent. Our waitress Kelsey possessed such a pleasant and effervescent personality which made our visit that much more fun! The decor was tasteful and layout of tables was such that one did not feel too crowded or confined. This restaurant may be about 45 minutes from our home but well worth the drive! We encourage everyone in the Richmond area to take a chance on a culinary adventure unlike any other at this incredible restaurant the Grape and Vine!

The dessert was delish. The food was just ok…read more My chicken piccata was just a really strange piece of chicken. Didn't seem very good quality. The inside was cozy and honesty really cute. The wait staff was great and the owner was really friendly. I will probably give this place a second chance due to that.

I underestimated the small town vibe, as this is the sort of place where the owners do everything…read moreand I had a meal freshly cooked for me in an open kitchen. It's part of the historic area of Lynchburg and has a nice brick line space that has been amply decorated. They offer a large vegetarian and vegan selection of both Indian and more Middle Eastern cuisine and because of the nature of the place, you can have a conversation about exactly what you want. I insisted that I wanted something spicy and managed to talk them into it. I got some okra that did have a significant kick to it and was otherwise fresh and aromatic. I also added a large chai which was sweetened to taste. I did not have room to really indulge on dessert, but nonetheless decided to take one small baklava to go. It was quite wondrous in texture and the flavor explodes out of it. The reason I had not been in before is that their hours are rather limited, but for anyone looking for vegan/vegetarian food in this part of the state, this place stands out.

Love the Hot and Cold cafe! They treat you like family there and the vindaloo curry is amazing!read more

First time here. New food expense for us. Could not have been more pleased with our choice!…read moreExcellent

Wow! I got the Cleopatra wrap and it was so good and flavorful!! I ate the best falafel ever! Yum!!…read moreI live right down the road from this place and I'll be back soon!!

We shared the greek salad and small white chicken pizza. We ate in and enjoyed the meal. Didnt have…read moreto wait to be seated and got turtle checheese cake to go ... really wish they had included forks.

I've eaten in but usually order take out. Pizza is good, I like the marinara sauce and get a little…read moreextra if possible. Always get ravioli for my son, he loves it. The service seems fine. Only once did they forget to put an appetizer in our order. Of course by the time you drive home it's not worth going back.