It is hard to believe that Mandaloun was once a Friendly's - best known for family-friendly inexpensive, American comfort food like burgers, sandwiches, and ice cream. The new owners have completely reimagined the space into a moderately upscale, but still family-friendly, Mediterranean oasis with a contemporary aesthetic that's also a huge culinary step up from its predecessor. The staff was friendly and super attentive without ever being overbearing and went the extra mile to ensure we had a great meal and a great experience. My dining companion and I started with the special Trio Dip ($20), a fantastic, delicious starter with shareable portions of traditional hummus, a unique avocado hummus, and perfectly smoky baba ghanoush with crunchy walnuts alongside with a basket of warmly toasted pita bread. For our entree, we decided to share the Mandaloun Mix Grill ($40) and split the three kebabs -- filet mignon shish, ground beef kofta, and grilled chicken. This platter is a masterclass in grilling with three juicy and flavorful kebabs. Mandaloun also pays attention to small details that make the dining experience so memorable. We were both huge fans of the dipping dish with a concoction of olive oil, za'atar seasoning, and sesame seeds served with the pita and the toum -- an emulsion of garlic, oil, lemon juice, and salt which creates a thick, mayonnaise-like condiment that is 100% vegan and dairy-free -- served alongside our entree that's a perfect zesty pairing for the grilled chicken. One of the staff noticed how much I enjoyed both and brought over a small 'to go' container of each for us to take home. There was also a brief "if you know, you know" moment during dinner that I am sure was entirely unintentional. Our Mandaloun Mix Grill entree came with a tasty green salad topped with crispy pita strips, which felt like a very sophisticated homage to the Friendly's Crispy Chicken Salad entree that was topped with tortilla strips. PRO TIP #1: Bring a bottle of wine or beer from home to enjoy with your meal. Mandaloun is a BYOB establishment and does not serve alcohol. PRO TIP #2: Bring cash. Mandaloun has added a small surcharge for using credit cards to pay for your meal. read more

Looking for a new place in a different town for our Saturday nite date/ dinner n stumbled upon Mandaloun in west Caldwell w great reviews on yelp n thought we'd try it. Lovely modern restaurant on Bloomfield and w plenty of parking. Friendly welcoming staff. Tastefully decorated. I forgot it was BYOB. But the mint lemonade was so good. The strawberry lemonade ok. The owner of the restaurant was friendly n walking around n checking to make sure everyone was well taken care of. The warm house bread w a diff kind of filling was v good. We had the lentil soup n muhammara- a dip w roasted red peppers walnuts . Tasted good w the bread. Soup was good too. Had the scallops n jumbo shrimp w cous cous. Tasted really really w generous amount of shrimp. The branzino w a squash mashed potaton zucchini crisp n a garlic butter sage sauce wax to die for. Perfectly cooked n was so delicious. We topped if off w Syrian ice cream - never heard of tried it so had it and was good. Also had the desert a layered kinda cake w pistachios n cream. That was good. Thanks for a great dinner before the mamma jamma snow storm. read more

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Mandaloun is truly a hidden gem, by far one of the best restaurants we've been to. From beginning to end, this place absolutely deserves 5 stars. Actually I give it a 10 out of 10! My husband was craving Mediterranean food and while researching options, we stumbled across Mandaloun. I have no doubt that sooner or later, getting a table here will be impossible because the food is that delicious. We didn't have a reservation but they still accommodated us with genuine hospitality. Our waiter, Marcelo, was exceptional, super attentive, warm, and went the extra mile without ever being overbearing. He gave us the perfect recommendations and took his time pointing them out. I started with the babaghanoush, and let me tell you... it was the best I've ever had. And we just visited the Mediterranean recently, nothing compared to this. It was savory, smoky, and downright addictive. I only wish I had more pita chips to scoop it all up. The hummus sampler was also delicious. We asked Marcelo for more bread and he delivered. For our mains, we ordered the mixed platter of meats and the short rib. Every morsel was perfection, so tender and flavorful it was unreal. Every bite melted like butter. Talk about comfort food at its best. The chef even came out to greet us, and I told him, "Sir... your food is amazing." I cannot wait to go back! This is money well spent, and I already told my husband I want to bring all my friends here. Also, important tip: It's BYOB, so don't forget to bring your favorite wine. I wish I knew beforehand, but we'll definitely come prepared next time. Mandaloun has earned two new loyal customers. Highly, highly recommend. Wow!!! SIMPLY AMAZING! The place is pretty inside too. Just wish they dimmed the lights a little, but overall exceptional experience. read more

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Enjoyed a fantastic Mother's Day dinner at Mandaloun. The food was delicious, the service impeccable. Our waiter, Marcello, was attentive, hospitable and very friendly. Even though Mandaloun's is a bit far from our home, we will definitely go back again. I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Wonderful new Mediterranean in West Caldwell. The Chicken Shawarma Wrap was delicious as was the Baba Ghanoush, very filling, excellent fries too! Very couthy staff. We will be back! read more

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We were so lucky to be referred to this amazing restaurant. We drove from the city hoping for an amazing Lebanese Mediterranean experience. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed. A very elegant and open restaurant with music that takes you to the Mediterranean. With an incredibly enticing menu you will not be disappointed! We enjoyed the cold and hot appetizers, tabouli, kibbi balls, calamari, baba ganoush and the hummus trio just to name a few. With amazing flavor you feel you're in a Lebanese home. The staff also were so attentive and helpful with suggestions. For the main course we had the chicken shawarma and it was absolutely delicious, with garlic sauce and a side of fries. The short ribs with mashed potatoes melted in your mouth. We also enjoyed the Branzino was cooked to perfection. To top it off was an amazing desert made in house, a Syrian ice cream with rosewater and pistachios. It was Perfection!! This restaurant is on my repeat list! I Highly recommend Mandaloun! This would be the best place to have a private function as well because it's so open and decorated so beautifully and you won't leave hungry! read more

Mandaloun - Menu - Mediterranean Near Me - West Caldwell, New Jersey

Had the most wonderful meal with our friends today!! Beautiful restaurant, lovely server and the food was outstanding. We've eaten it several Mediterranean restaurants, and this is one of the best. Several of us had the chicken kebab and the chicken was so juicy and flavorful really enjoyed it. My husband had lentil soup as an appetizer and said it was outstanding. The restaurant itself is very cool. Even the bathroom is nice... highly recommend this place oh an easy parking too! read more

It was our first time here. It is bright and tastefully decorated. We had a very early dinner so it was not crowded. The tables are very close together which isn't my favorite seating arrangement but it was not busy at all at that time. The warm table pita bread came with a dip that was an excellent mix of spices. I tasted a faint mint and citrus in there that was excellent. I overheard a 'to go' order and the staff saying there was pumpkin soup, so I asked for that when the waitress came. It was good, not the usual thick and creamy version which I enjoyed. The fried calamari and shrimp appetizer was crispy and light. We asked what they were known for and our waitress pointed us to the mandaloun mixed grill. The meat was nicely seasoned and pretty tender. I did not care for the yellow rice flavor, but it wasn'twhy I ordered the dish. We also had the grilled shrimp and scallops with a wonderfully prepared couscous with vegetables. As we finished our dinner another table was seated next to us and they gave them a specials menu in addition to the regular menu. Some of the specials they discussed sounded good and we would probably have ordered something from that as well. When asked we got several different reasons from multiple staff as to why we did not get that menu. I would definitely ask if there are specials if you want some more of what sounded like delicious options to try. read more

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Tastefully decorated dining area. Very clean with good light. Super attentive and friendly wait staff that work as a team. We started with a couple apps. The labneh appetizer may have been the best I have ever had. Served with sliced artichoke hearts and roasted garlic. Outstanding! We also shared an order of grape leaves which had a unique and savory flavor profile. Truly delicious. For the main course I ordered the chicken kebab. Chunks of perfectly seasoned chicken breast served with yellow rice, roasted peppers and onions. Good portion size. Excellent! My wife ordered the kafta kebab which was equally excellent. The preparation of our meal was spot on overall. Just the right amount of seasoning. Not too salty. Not too oily. I look forward to our next meal at Mandaloun. Definitely worth a try. I think you'll like it. read more

This is by far the best Mediterranean cuisine around. staff is friendly and the food is always fresh. A restaurant is beautifully designed on the inside. It is BYOB. read more

We recently had dinner here on a Saturday night for my husband's birthday. The restaurant is BYOB, so make sure to bring your wine. The food was amazing and the service was excellent. This restaurant is good for the whole family or for those who want to enjoy great food with select company. We tried the short rib, hummus trio, falafel appetizer and filet mignon kebabs. We closed with Syrian ice cream. All were delicious. There is live music after 9 pm on Saturday. We are already planning to return. read more

All of the food was absolutely delicious! We ordered the labneh with garlic confit, fried calamari, and the mixed grill platter. Often times I find that beef kabobs have a smell but the meat was fresh here. Delicious, juicy, and tender. The restaurant itself is also clean and beautiful. Kind staff. They brought out dessert on the house at the end with the best baklava! Will definitely be back read more

A beautiful space, very nice decor, very attentive service and amazing food! We had the calamari which came with shrimp, such a nice touch, we had the hummus trio which was delicious, we also ordered the mixed grill platter and kebabs. All the meats were tender, juicy and perfectly cooked. The owner Al was so hospitable! We had a great evening and will definitely be back. Well done to Al and his team! read more

Following the house pita with fresh Zaatar oil we had a savory Haloumi salad and the Salmon with crispy skin and basil pesto. We finished an open sparkler from him along with a red which the staff handled expertly. Lots of other things on the menu looked good. The room is attractive, adulseating and spacing comfortable, and they were playing my favorite music by Jesse Cook. Also, quite family friendly. Our salad, water and salmon came to $65. read more

This new Mediterranean restaurant is such a vibe. Had the pleasure of dining during opening week and Chef Anaas even welcomed us at the table. Such an unexpected and nice touch! Tremendous value for price paid with quality of food, plate presentation and generous portions. We wish the Chef and the team much luck on their new venture. We will return soon! read more

Mandaloun - Chicken Shawarma - Mediterranean Near Me - West Caldwell, New Jersey

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So glad we took a chance and tried a new place to celebrate 3 birthdays in our family! We had an incredible lunch! The chicken kebab, steak and shrimp were all so juicy and very delicious. Their desserts are also incredible! We were so full given the large entree portions but glad we got to try the Oreo mousse, baklava, and pistachio dessert! The ambiance and decor of the place is also really modern and nice and the service was great! We will def be back! If you enjoy Mediterranean food you should def check this place out! read more

It is certainly better than the Turkish restaurant it replaced. But it is expensive. Borak appetizer was very good, perhaps the highlight. Roasted red pepper and avocado salad was standard fare. Grilled shrimp and fried sea scallops were good -- but 36 dollars good? Probably not. Syrian ice cream, which should be smooth and creamy, was hard and icy. We called this to their attention but received no response. Overall, the bill came to $122 before tip, and I don't think we received $122 worth of food. Hopefully they will bring their prices more in line with other Mediterranean restaurants in the area. Service is cordial and prompt. BYOB. read more

Have been here several times. One of our favorite local restaurants. Food is always delicious and love the big, full moon on the wall that greets you upon entry and makes the ambiance. As a BYO, prices are always reasonable for a lovely night out. read more

I can't wait to go back! Food was absolutely delicious, beautiful ambiance, very welcoming and accommodating service.

This is one of the best new restaurants to come to New Jersey. Food is DELICIOUS. Ambiance is fantastic. Customer service is excellent. The manager/owner, AL, is a stand up guy and will ensure that you have an amazing experience. I suggest trying the lamb chops, salmon, or the filet mignon. Enjoy!! read more

Just came here with my family for dinner and was blown away! We had the hummus trio for an appetizer and the shrimp kebab and filet mignon kebab for our mains. We also had the pistachio ricotta cake for dessert. ALL of the food was incredible! The service was also amazing and our waitress (I forget her name) was attentive and answered all of our questions. We will DEFINITELY be returning :) read more

I've been lucky enough to have eaten delicious Middle Eastern food my entire life and I can confidently tell you that every single dish served was authentic and delicious. This is absolutely our new go to place for Middle Eastern food. Service was top notch the ambiance was relaxed yet classy. We loved everything about this place up to and including the owner who came by to ensure all our needs were met. Beautiful place with delicious authentic food. read more

Very pretty inside. Service was excellent. Staff very helpful when it comes to helping to understand the menu. We had falafel and another appetizer.Both very good. I had scallop dish and my friend had branzino and loved it. The scallops were perfectly cooked. read more

The food and service were amazing! I grew up eating middle eastern food and the food at this restaurant is authentic.

Excellent menu and the food was great. Large portions and delicious. Service was great and met the owners and they were so welcoming. Thanks you so much for a great evening. Best wishes on your new establishment. read more

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The food was amazing with real authentic flavor And great presentation. The service was excellent, the staff was very attentive. The decor was elegant , tasteful with great vibe read more

A beautiful, warm and earthy atmosphere. There was live entertainment when we visited, which enhanced the experience. The food was so good and we look forward to going back! read more

Food was amazing! Service and hospitality was even better. Amazing people and amazing food. 10/10 recommend

Everything we ate was absolutely delicious. The hummus was creamy and just perfect--the best I have ever had! And the amazing filet mignon kebabs were cooked perfectly. Overall a great experience--highly recommended! read more

LITERALLY SO BOMB!!!!!! the food was so so so good PLEASE COME SUPPORT!!! the place was beautiful i loved all the small details they had! the plants on the walls, the moon, and the beautiful chandeliers! also, our server was so so nice (cant remember her name) but she was so attentive and beyond willing to answer any questions. AMAZING PLACE! go support local businesses! read more

This place was outstanding. I highly recommend it, especially if you're looking for some authentic Mediterranean plates. The Chicken Shawarma Wrap on Saj was one of the best wraps I have ever had. Ordered it as a side and it was perfect for my wife and myself. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. It was greatly appreciated. We are definitely looking forward to returning and trying the Braised Short Ribs. The table next to us ordered and it looked amazing. Until next time... read more

The chicken kebab was one of the best we've ever had. The meat was so tender and moist. I couldn't stop eating the garlic aioli that came with it. Restaurant was beautiful. This is not a cheap restaurant and they calculate tip off the total after tax. read more