For years I've heard my sister rave about her absolute favorite restaurant and in Columbia. And after years of never being able to catch the Mediterranean Tea Room during its open hours the day finally came to see if the hype was worth it. And update: it totally was. We came in a bit later in their dinner service and had no issue being sat and were even able to park in their small adjoined parking lot rather than hunting for street parking. I went with the grilled chicken kebabplate and subbed the Greek Salad for a small side of pita and hummus instead. I also wanted to try the kofta so was able to order one piece à la carte to try. It didn't take long for the generously portioned meal to come out....and it also didn't take long for my plate to be scraped clean. Everything was fresh, tasted excellence and seasoned to perfection. I preferred the chicken to the kofta but was glad I tried both. Pro tip - make sure to ask for a side of the yummy salad dressing to mix into your rice to really lake the flavor over the board with the chicken! Between the great food and service I see what the hype is a about for this little Columbia long-time staple. read more

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Wow, this is my new favorite Mediterranean spot! Went on a Friday night, and the parking lot was packed, so had to find street parking. There was a slight wait, but everyone was very friendly. Started with the baba ganoush and tried the kofta medallion entree. Absolutely loved everything. Tasted fresh made. Kofta was super juicy and had a nice chargrilled scent. The yellow rice sopped up the seasoned meat juices. Salad was crisp and plenty. Best part was how affordable everything was! Bang for your buck! Definitely a hidden gem. read more

Mediterranean Tea Room - Middle Eastern Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

An obvious Columbia staple that just by driving by you wouldn't think much of, but once you step inside you feel it. The connection, community, and comfort. You feel the local love and familiar faces of those who frequent. Being off Devine, so parking, although not as bad as other areas, still is a little challenging, but it's so worth it. I went at lunch, and it was busy; however, the service was welcoming. Again, it was a feeling of comfort and nostalgia. The menu looked like it had a lot of good options. We ordered the salmon special, which came with rice and a green salad. The food didn't take too long at all. Everything looked fresh. It almost took me on a mental trip back to Greece and how fresh those ingredients were. I should have captured the after picture of the plate. I ate every drop. Everything was so delicious, from the salad to the rice with the juices and sauce from the salmon seeping throughout. The salmon was so delicious. It was like grilled yet cooked to perfection and full of flavor and extremely tasty. Even my lunch partner enjoyed every last drop of their food. Needless to say, I'll be back to enjoy more. Also, the prices were pretty decent for the portion. I was very pleased. read more

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Order was ready quickly and everything was as requested. The food was very good and everything was hot and well spiced. The parking seems like it could be a nightmare if you're not just popping in and out, but for the location to have been there for so long it's quite understandable (and also in a very walkable shopping area, so probably a moot point most times). I was only there for a pickup order, but for such a small building it looked to have plenty of comfortable seating and actually seemed bigger on the inside somehow... read more

A tiny Columbia landmark that unassumingly sits off Devine ST. While you won't be glamoured by the decor you will quickly come to feel as though you are dining at the table of a friend. Service is always top notch with staff not only knowledgeable of menu items but also accommodating to any dietary concerns or requests. Whether you go for lunch or dinner you will find portions to be large and food consistently delicious. Every dish I've tried has been delicious including the hummus, chicken salad, Tabouli, eggplant pizza, muduras rice and salmon and chicken pita. Caution though to any non-garlic lovers as dishes are a bit heavy on the garlic and moistly christened with butter. read more

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The food here is fantastic! We loved the chicken and lamb kabobs they were both cooked perfectly, I just had to add a bit more salt but it was delicious! Probably the best Mediterranean food in Columbia! Interior is nicely decorated and the service was really friendly! read more

I ordered the mijadarah with a side of grilled chicken breast. But the mijadarah dish was sooo wonderful. This a hug from grandma and a sense of coming home where your safe, and welcome, and loved. I can't even begin to describe how yummy the grilled onions were on top of this dish. The grilled chicken breast was also delicious, tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. The salad that comes on the dish was also fresh and tasty. I didn't take a picture of my glass of wine, but it's a generous pour. I will DEFINITELY eat here again. I also ordered the lamb kabobs to go and chose tabouli as my side over yellow rice. I'll have to update you later in regards to the deliciousness, because I'm super confident I'm going to love it. read more

Mediterranean Tea Room - Grilled 6oz chicken breast - Middle Eastern Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Unassuming spot on Devine that is churning out delicious food. I had the Tea Room Gyro which was decent. However, my wife got the spinach feta pita pockets...my god, they were worth it. When I come back, I'll definitely get the pita pockets read more

Mediterranean Tea Room - Tea Room Gyro with Greek Salad - Middle Eastern Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

I went to this place because of the reviews. I had a gyro and my mum had a Greek salad with grilled shrimp. The tomatoes were the cheap Walmart Roma tomatoes that need at least a week of ripening before they are good to eat. The lettuce was clean and fresh but that was it, it barely had any seasoning or dressing. Horrible. We had to wait quite a bit which would not matter if the food was good. The pita bread was probably store bought or just made cheaply. I know it is Columbia, and I have given up expecting great quality restaurants, I know the standards are pretty low here, but this placemos bad. Service was really good and the waitress was nice and polite. read more

Love Mediterranean Tea Room. We visit at least once weekly, usually more. Food is seasoned perfectly!

What a great little find on Devine for date night. My husband wanted some Greek for dinner and we had never tried the Tea Room. What a gem of a place. It stayed busy the entire time we were there and after trying the food, we know why. I had the Kofta medallions platter and my husband had the Grilled Chicken platter. Everything was so fresh and both meats tasted as if they came fresh off the grill. We will definitely be back to try other items. read more

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Delicious every time. My mom and I visited one day years ago from a recommendation from one of her work friends. We've been hooked ever since, and that was back in 2010! Chicken is always moist and grilled to perfection, salmon is delicious, but let me tell yall. IDK what they do to their feta cheese to make it so amazing, but we always ask for extra to put it on our yellow rice and the salad, as well as the dressing! Keep doing great yall! Service is always great and everyone is always very welcoming. read more

Only problem it is so loud. The food is delicious. The service is very good especially considering the restaurant is always crowded.

Good food very healthy and delicious. A little crowded and not the greatest ambience but overall enjoyed it. Thank you.

Great food. Local place. Authentic. A little overpriced in my opinion, but doesn't stop me from buying it! Hard to find parking. read more

Mediterranean Tea Room - Updated menu 12/5/23 - Middle Eastern Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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My absolute favorite Mediterranean/Greek place I've ever found in the US . I've been a fan of the tea room since my college days at USC and now anytime I am in Columbia , it's a must stop . I even request an order if a friend or family member is driving through Columbia. I love their food that much . I can barely remember what I did five minutes ago but I still remember my first visit to the tea room more than a decade ago. This quaint & modest eatery serves up popular Mediterranean fare like gyros, falafel, hummus & kebabs. These are all good but my favorite entree is the kofta medallions. It's a must try! The kofta is beef and lamb (ground and seasoned on site) served over yellow rice with a Greek salad. It is amazing!! The salad dressing is awesome and I also pour a little over the medallions....delicious! No matter what you order, you will not leave disappointed. One thing to note , they keep limited business hours so make sure you keep this in mind if you are planning a visit . Lunch is 11:30-2:30 and they have separate evening hours . Make sure you confirm they are open before you go. They have a small parking lot but you can also park on the street. I am already daydreaming about my next visit to the tea room ! read more

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The best salmon dish in Columbia! This place a must go spot if you want fresh Mediterranean food!

Favorite place to eat in Columbia. Always stop in for a salmon special when I'm back home.

So I hate salmon. Like hate it. But their grilled salmon is like crack and taste better than any salmon I've ever tired. The food is consistent and yummy. I usually get it to go, but the in house dinner is cozy and quaint. Nothing fancy but a great neighborhood go to that feels tasty and healthy. read more

I have loved this restaurant for its entire life (decades). It is a middle eastern/Greek restaurant, not a tea room. Wide selection of wines, broad menu with appetizers, gyros, or giant dinners. Grilled salmon, the amazing shrimp dish, sampler plate appetizer, real Turkish coffee, Baklava and other gorgeous desserts. Side salads, tzaziki, garlic wilted spinach, mijadarah, etc. I've never been disappointed except that as a local business they go on vacation and close down, and the parking is odd. Just park on King St off Devine and you're fine. read more

I usually go for lunch and get the special salmon salad with rice, it's always spot on and delicious. Everyone I bring always loves the food and quality. The waitresses are always very nice and quick! Can't go wrong coming here for lunch!! read more

! If you're looking for high quality ingredients this restaurant delivers. The staff is helpful, friendly and efficient. The Greek salad, Tabbouli & Spinach with Feta Pita Pocket were all delicious. Do not be fooled by the exterior of the building because you will be missing a true Mediterranean dining experience. We will be back. read more

It's SO good. It's authentic food. The food is the best food I've ever tasted in the whole wide universe of the planet world. I know. That didn't make sense, but im just trying to say this is SO GOOD! Gotta warn you though. Very VERY packed on Friday and Thursday nights. So sometimes you gotta wait for seats. But it's small, but amazing food. And I really really recommend it. read more

Used to eat here 20 years ago. Wasn't nearly as good as I remembered. Chicken was dry. Server was good though. Very friendly and helpful.

Absolutely delicious! I had the lamb kebab with hummus, rice and tabbouleh. The lamb was tender and succulent; rich in flavor and perfectly cooked and seasoned. The pita was fluffy and melted in my mouth! The hummus was perfect and the tabbouleh was a nice little treat as well. Yummy pickles! Server was friendly and the prices are decent. Will be back! Thanks! read more

Mediterranean Tea Room - Kofta Kebob - Middle Eastern Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Excellent food, friendly service and good location. Parking is okay, but likely you'll need to park in the street with just a brief walk. Definitely a local favorite. Tried the salmon Greek salad lunch special and it was terrific. read more

I've been here a couple of times for dine in or take out and the food is ALWAYS delicious!

One of my favorite places in the downtown area. Definitely in the usual rotation. Simple but delicious. Generous servings. Hummus is my favorite in town. read more

This is an amazing place to get I love the stuff spinach chicken breast .. the food is great and the service is super fast... I love this place a must try .. you want be disappointed I promise ... read more

Always great food dine in or take out. I typically order a salad with shrimp when I get food to go. Never disappoints!

A friend and I came here for lunch and I didn't even know that this was a restaurant. I used to work by here and have passed this time and time again. I was so glad to have stopped in. We seated ourselves when we walked in, as we were instructed. We were immediately greeted and our drink orders were taken. After scanning the menu, I ordered the gyro (since I didn't try too hard at branching out) I was pleased with my selection and them fries! Oh my goodness were they good. I will be returning to try out a few more items, since I looked at her plate and it looked great and scanning the restaurant, I saw other items that looked just as great. read more

Lunch is slow disorganized and so loud. There is zero rugs, carpet or even wall decor to reduce the echo chamber of intense noise in that place. Good ok but find better Greek at Pontiac house of pizza. I want to support this place because it's local but shouting to your lunch mate it's too much. Old white people love though read more

Great little Med place right on Devine Street. While it is a little expensive, it is a locally owned place so it is easily justified. Before I discovered them I was not the biggest Mediterranean food fan, but they have completely flipped me. Open for both lunch and dinner, but I recommend it for lunch! read more

Everything I've had has been fresh and delicious. The kabobs are especially great. Kofta steak as well! Good to-go portions if you can't eat in. read more

I took my friend shannon here for the first time and she loved it! She didn't have much to take home! She kept saying "we have to come back here" bc between the service and the food she was really impressed! Parking is terrible ‍ read more

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Went here last Friday night with the neighbors on a recommendation from someone. We were immediately seated at a table and the waitress took our drink orders. My friend and I both decided on the Gyro and our wives ordered the Broiled Shrimp and a Salmon entree. Our Gyros were different than most gyros in that the lamb meat was rather thick bites of lamb rather than the thin sliced lamb meat that you normally get with gyros. They also don't come with tzaziki sauce unless you ask for it, which we did. The Gyros were good but I'd rather have the traditional thin sliced meat. My wife's broiled shrimp were excellent. They were cooked in a wine sauce with garlic, feta cheese and really had a great taste. The salmon entree was huge and our friend liked it a lot. My wife had a bite of it and said it was very good. The meals also came with a greek salad which was very good. Nice atmosphere, good service, and the food was good. read more

Always delicious! One of my favorite restaurants in Columbia. Authentic Mediterranean food, fresh and tastes homemade. Service is good. Ambiance is lively! read more

A local staple for years and years, this really and truly is the best Mediterranean-style food in Columbia. Typically go with the chicken kebobs, hummus appetizer, and some baklava. No, it's not particularly fancy, but the lemon grilled chicken is some of the best you'll find. What it lacks in pizzazz is more than matched by the flavor of the chicken - same goes for the kofta and lambo entrees. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Service is great, as everyone is very friendly. Takeout is also super fast. Med Team Room forever! read more

Wonderful customer service! Food was pretty good. The Baklava was delicious (not dry), and they were really easy to find. read more

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Many good choices for those with dietary restrictions. I have celiac and split the salmon and the tuna, along with a green salad. Both Salmon and Tuna were prepared well and seasoned nicely. Service was good and the atmosphere was nice. We will be back! read more