Food quality and taste 5 of 5. Been coming to Monterey for 10 years and this place never disappoints.

Well today, May 5, their website says OPEN at 11am, it's now 11:21 and they're not open. That drives me crazy around here: web says one thing but in reality it's ain't the right thing. read more

Excellent fries and gyro, amazing service. Love the guy that works here. Can't recommend enough

My wife and I came here for a casual dinner the first long day of the seminar in Monterey. We had reservations at a fancy place, But we were both tired and this place was close to our hotel. It's a small place with a Mediterranean color scheme. Their menu includes enough variety where you can find something you like. They serve beer and wine, though I didn't see a menu or price list for them. The guy that takes your order brings the food. He was fine. My wife ordered a bowl of lentil soup and a side of hummus. She really liked the hummus. I tasted it and it was creamy and rich. She didn't have enough pita to finish the hummus, but we got her a to go container to bring the rest back to the fridge in the hotel. She thought the soup was fine. It was a bit under seasoned for her and needed salt and pepper. I had a Greek salad topped with gyro meat. The gyro meat appeared to not be the preformed frozen type. It had pieces of different shapes and thicknesses. The meat was tender. It wasn't as strongly flavored as most gyro I've had. But it tasted good. The tzatziki served with it was mostly yogurt, again a little under seasoned. The salad was ok. There was one sliver of red pepper and one of green, some thick red onion partial slices, a few cherry tomatoes, and some feta. The feta tasted pretty good. The dressing was very vinegar forward with few other seasonings. The lettuce was romaine, and 80% were the ribs with attached leaves. The salad was not a great choice. At more than $20 with gyro, was not worth it. It's not about the money. It just wasn't that good. When I saw the small salad was $11 and was served on a 6" diameter plate, I should have reconsidered my choice. The real reason this gets no more than a 3 is that it was freezing inside. It was about 50 outside and inside. The order/server guy was bundled up. The temperature was not pleasant. So the food was mostly just ok (except the hummus), it was freezing inside, and the service was fine. How is that more than a 3? read more

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I've walked by this place many times and kind of wanted to try it, so I finally did. The place seemed very dingy, but I wanted to give it a chance. I had high hopes, but I was really disappointed. I ordered the chicken shawarma bowl , and for $20 I was shocked at how small the portion was -- maybe six small pieces of chicken in a tiny bowl. The chicken was horribly seasoned and super dry, and the rice wasn't much better. I honestly don't even know what to call it. I left still hungry and feeling like I completely wasted my money. The best thing I had was the Dr. Pepper -- because they didn't make it. I would walk a block down the street and go to Nick the Greek instead. This place is not worth it. Save your money. read more

Petra Cafe - Chicken Shawarma bowl - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

A great Mediterranean spot for casual eats that's located in a busy downtown street with many other shops! The Petra combination is a great way to try two different meats. The tzatziki was delicious and complemented the meats well, and the kafta kabab was seasoned well. The cashier was also very friendly and help clean out our plates after we finished eating. Overall I'd recommend it! read more

Petra Cafe - kafta kabab combination & petra combination - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

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The food is excellent! From the salad to the fries and everything in between it's fresh and full of flavor and if you have room the desserts are hard to stay away! You will not be disappointed! read more

The prices of what we were charged did not match the menu prices and the guy had some weird justification for it. The woman who ordered after us had the same issue. The food was fine but not remarkable. Unfortunately, this place did not shine, and I would not be eager to eat here again. read more

I was pretty disappointed by this meal. Staff are kind but there was so little chicken gyro in this as you can see in the picture. I was completely shocked. The ingredients were fresh but I couldn't see why they would add maybe just 3 thin slices of meat. Very disappointing. read more

Nice service, but this chicken Shawarma was disappointing. Not even 1 ounce of meat, and it was cold, mealy, AND burned and no tatziki sauce or anything else so super dry! The vegetables were fresh. read more

for the tzatziki alone, 5 stars. it was soooo delicious!! i thought I didn't like tzatziki sauce but thanks to Petra cafe, i think i love it the meats were also pretty delicious, esp when paired with both the hummus and tzatziki. the salads are also great for adding some fiber to ur diet~ we were craving something light for dinner and this was the perfect spot. the pita bread was a little bit dry and thin, not what I'm used to but still does the job nonetheless. i would come back solely for the tzatziki :) service is order at the counter and they'll bring out the food to you if you choose to dine in. the inside is pretty small! just a handful of tables. its right in the middle of downtown Monterey so theres much to explore after you're done eating read more

Petra Cafe - Petra combination and kafta kabob combo - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

I love this place and it is open very late on weekends. I usually get the gyro wrap with salad combo. Just a very satisfying meal that covers all my cravings; fresh & delicious. The falafels are fantastic. I once asked the chef why they were so much better than the other middle eastern food places. "The others use a mix, we make em from scratch." They are far better than any falafels I have tried and they come with tahini sauce. I have also had the kefta meatball plate . .delicious. Their rice is wonderful, too. I have tried all the greek/middle eastern restaurants. Petra, both Pacific Grove & Monterey Petra Cafe, are by far the best. Many locals come once or twice a week, some for 25 years. Nothing flashy, just very very good food with humble & caring service by a loving local family. read more

This is a nice place. The food cost is high, and I was surprised it was about $50 for two meals and rice. Especially because it's a small place. I was also surprised that my receipt for each item was higher than what is listed on the menu. In addition, $7 for a side of rice seems excessive. The cashier was polite and the food came out fairly quickly. For a Thursday evening at 7pm there weren't any other patrons and I wonder if it was the chilly evening or the high prices. Over all the vegetarian combo was good. The fish and chips were ok - not great like a fish place but ok. The pita bread was from a store and a bit stale. The stuffed grape leaves were ok. The hummus was really good. I wonder if the y lowered the prices a little and maybe had some specials, people might be willing to go there for a meal. But with the high price I probably won't be going again. read more

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Was looking for a quick healthyish bite in the area and decided to stop by here. Ordered a Falafael sandwich combo with fries, Petra combination platter and a small baba ghanouj (comes with pita). The gyro was a bit on the salty side and wasn't a big fan of their grape leaf. The falafel and baba ghanouj were solid and their pita has a nice texture. Overall, flavors were fine, but nothing special. It's not a bad place to pop by for a quick bite, but wouldn't seek it out. read more

Petra Cafe - a man ordering food at the counter - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

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Friendly and welcoming staff. Small business front on a busy street. Ordered gyro with side salad. Salad was fresh and delish, the gyro did not have much flavor and the meat was more chunks than slices off the spit. read more

Perfect place for mediterranean food! My family and I couldn't find somewhere to eat and everything started closing around 9, so nobody would let us in. Thankfully, we settled on some mediterranean food. The placed closed at 9, but we walked in and the guy at the front was SUPER friendly, didn't say anything about closing. We ordered 4 canned sodas and he offered to take them to the table, was super helpful on what to order. Fresh everything. Loved it here! It was quiet and a nice place and well decorated for a family business, definitely recommend this place! read more

Great little spot in downtown Monterey. The Mediterranean food was excellent. The Gyro combo plate was spot on with a soda for a bit $15. I think this is my favorite in downtown Monterey for lunch/dinner. It is simple and very good. read more

Petra Cafe - Gyro combo plate - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

Cozy Greek restaurant w a couple tables outside and indoor seating. Chicken gyro platter was fun to eat as we made our own gyros with the tasty thin strips of gyros. Note: the chicken gyros can sell out. Lemon Turkish Delights- refreshing Baklava- pretty good read more

Petra Cafe - Chicken gyro platter Baklava Lemon Turkish delight - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

The meat was deliciously juicy and crispy on the inside and outside. Best gyros I've had in a while! The only negative thing is the paper plates got a little soggy near the end. read more

Been here a few times and the food has always been very average at best. This past time I went, their prices were not accurate according to the menu. A shawarma wrap is listed at 12.50, but if you pay with a credit card, it's actually 14, just a tiny sign in the counter top explaining that. When I paid in cash it came out at 12.95 not 12.50, that's before tax. The guy at the counter said the prices haven't been updated yet. It may only be 45 cents, but if every dime matters to them, it also matters to me as well. I ordered two shawarmas but they were not traditional Shawarma. Just seasoned and grilled chicken. I'm surprised by how average and mediocre the food is here, as the Petra Restaurant in PG is excellent. If you're on Alvarado Ave and craving a gyro or shawarma, go to Nicks up the street. It's better food and the same price despite what Petras false menu prices indicate. read more

Hole in wall but very friendly staff and excellent food with good portions and fair price. I am not a shawarma connoisseur so I can't comment too extensively other than to say it was extremely tasty and the grilled chicken was just as good. Same for the rice, pita, and hummus. Stop by for some fresh, delicious food if you're craving something a little lighter in Monterey. read more

I was excited to have Mediterranean food after a long day of driving around. Sadly, the food is just not that good. Falafel was better than the chicken. read more

MAGICAL and DELICIOUS all in one ! Greek and Mediterranean food that will astound your taste buds and make you want to come back for more ! We came here after a long day of exploring Point Lobos Natural Reserve in Carmel! We ordered take out and got two vegetarians platters, Greek fries and Chicken Shwarma! Food was ready in 15 mins. We received the warmest welcome like we were family. The gentleman gave me extra forks, paper plates, juice, peach nectar juice and compliementary baklava! The food was SOOO GOOD! The dolmas was delicious. Falafel was superb flavorful the fries were moist and crunchy. Mmmmmouth watering ! Baba ghanoush and hummus was fresh as well as the pita bread . Gentleman was the best and I really look forward to coming back here soon ! Street vibes are great as well. read more

Petra Cafe - Outside - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

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Solid food. I know there is another Mediterranean place on Alvarado, I have been there to. However Petra is a local spot and never misses. I am in a rut and always get the Gyro. However they have plenty of other options. Service is straightforward, efficient. The ambiance is pretty minimal. I usually take my Gyro to go and eat it in my car. I have also eaten at their location in Pacific Grove (sit down) it was excellent. read more

This is the best Mediterranean meal we've ever experienced! We visit Pacific Grove monthly from the Bay Area and usually dine in Carmel. We will stop doing that now that we have found Petra! The best food we've had in the Monterey bay. Food is fresh, flavor is full, and service is impeccable. We got the Petra combo plate, you get a little of everything- including a starter salad for around $28. Delicious. We will be back many times! read more

BLECHHHH WHAT KIND OF DOG FOOD DID I JUST EAT EEWWWWWW!!!! Easily the WORST Greek food I've ever eaten in my life. I just needed something quick before the concert at the Golden Gate but I'd rather have just starved. Sooooo bad!!! It tastes like cafeteria food! What a disgrace! Completely bland, overcooked grilled chicken. No amount of sauce could rescue it. Flavorless clumped up dry tasteless rice pilaf. Hockey puck strips of "gyros" with texture of beef jerky. Tabouleh was like frozen or something. Everything here was completely bland, try, and off-putting. I forced myself to swallow. I can't believe I paid $20 for dog . read more

Petra Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

I bought a gyro wrap as a late dinner. I was the only customer in the store and they rung me up very quickly ... but the cook was nowhere to be found for at least 10 minutes. The ambiance was cramped with very little sitting space - def a to-go spot. When the cook returned, they had to turn the rotisserie back on?! The gyro was eventually cut (in large chunks) from it and the first bite had me wondering - did that gyro just tasted sour? I still finished it and didn't get sick, but I wouldn't recommend it. read more

Great place to grab a bite if you're in the area. The gyros were quite tasty and not dry or salty. Good amount of sauce and veggies given. My family and I enjoyed it. It's a small space with no bathrooms, so not great for large groups - more of a take out or quick bite. Service was friendly. I'll come back when in town and craving Mediterranean! read more

The family came here to enjoy some Mediterranean/Arabic food. It's a small restaurant/cafe with some outdoor seating. They do have one high-chair and order to get to the bathroom, you have to walk through the kitchen. It wasn't clean. As for the food itself, we had the vegetarian platter, extra falafel, rice and Full (fava beans). For what we got, the price didn't match. We paid over $50 for this. I think it's overpriced. I do recommend the Full. It was probably the most expensive bowl of beans ($10.95) I've ever had. read more

My son and I had a very nice quick dinner. Reasonably priced. Everything was perfectly cooked and very fresh. This was actually much better food than their flagship restaurant in Pacific Grove. An older (Greek?) woman was cooking, and I suspect she was responsible for the excellent food. read more

THE BEST gyro sandwich i've ever had in California. Tender meat, perfectly seasoned, stellar tzatziki, and I cannot wait to come back. The place is small and understated compared to other eateries downtown, but I guarantee it's better tasting and better priced. read more

Petra Cafe - gyro sandwich (left) and chicken gyro sandwich (right) - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

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Since The Peacock closed I've been hoping another late night eatery would pop up locally that'd give one an option from the Ol' Usuals , Denny's & Jack-in-the-Box . Enter Petra Cafe , a late night hole in the wall commandeered by pleasant & welcoming Sam who was more than happy to remain open last weekend past 12:30 to cook up a very reasonably priced & quite delicious mediterranean style Burger & Fries . In fact , as I was finishing a couple approached asking if he was still serving . Sam didn't bat an eye . He sat them down & appeared delighted to feed his hungry new comers . I can't remember the # on Alvarado where the cafe is located , tho it is on the same side as the State Theater , & just a few doors back up the street . So , if you're going to a show at the State , or just need to replenish from too much dancing , seek out Petra Cafe for a tasty , affordable night owl's bite to eat . You'll be glad you did . read more

came here for a quick bite to eat after a long day at the beach. ordered the combo plate and it came with grape leaves, kofta, gyro, hummus, tabbouleh, rice, pita, and a dollop of tzaziki. all the food was tasty and fresh. the place is tiny and very unassuming but if you need a quick and filling bite to eat around monterey this is the place! read more

Petra Cafe - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

Very good Greek/Mediterranean food here. The inside is pretty small but there are some tables outside the restaurant. They did accept credit cards just fine as of this writing. I got the combination platter and they gave me a lot of meats. Kafta kebab plus gyro meat slices. I thought all the meats were very flavorful and not that dry. I liked that it went with the rice. The white sauce was tasty and went well with the meat. I also liked the salad on the side - I think it was tabbouleh since it tasted like parsley, lemon, mint and tomatoes and cucumbers. My husband really liked this. I thought the hummus and pita bread were not bad either. The gyro sandwich tasted good. I liked the white sauce and the tomatoes. My friend also said the clam chowder was good, had some different spices in it. The owner (?) seemed really nice too. Great value here. Prices were generally reasonable and they give you a lot of food. My platter was $17 but very filling! read more

This is Monterey's little kept secret hole in the wall Mediterranean cuisine that is a must if you're visiting the city and need to find a quick bite to eat. The Greek salad is my favorite as is the falafel and gyros. Come by and support this establishment--you won't regret it. read more

Small, no frills cafe along Alvarado street. The young order taker/server was pleasant. But the lady in the back cooking was not. Bathroom, not desirable but better than a porta potty. The gyro was good. Clam chowder was not; mostly potatoes. read more

Has a very good side cucumber dish very refreshing will be going back. Visited the area and wanted some fast Greek food dish and this was the spot read more

Delicious food. Quick service even though we showed up 10 minutes to closing time for take out. Lentil soup had broth full of lentils and veggies. Hummus And Babaganoush rounded out our order. Plenty of pita. We'll be back. read more

This is an adorable little restaurant in the middle of a bustling city. I'm in California visiting family and there's not an overwhelming amount of options when it comes to Mediterranean cuisine. My party of 4 arrived late in the evening and the restaurant was empty. My Mother-in-law and I were saving seats at our table for our respective companions and a party of 10 comes in who the owner clearly knows and who are even possibly regulars. They begin rearranging the restaurant to fit the party of 10 and even have to go to the Chinese place next door to borrow more chairs... now it became pretty tight in this tiny restaurant and at the point where no one is wearing masks and we're borrowing chairs from neighboring restaurants, it seems like perhaps some outdoor dining could be thought about. In addition to all of that, 2 more people took the high table, so in about 150 square feet, we had 16 people eating and scooting and trying to figure out how to move about in their chairs -- I was pinned against the wall between a lovely gentleman and my husband. All of that would have been fine if the food had been outstanding -- it wasn't. I ordered the Chicken Shawarma sandwich, my husband ordered the Kafka sandwich and we had an order of baklava. The Shawarma isn't made low and slow in-house. It's one of those multi-hour marinated chicken thigh that's been cooked on high heat deals -- the seasoning was okay, but it wasn't the fall apart tender charred shawarma I get back in Dearborn (Michigan). The Kafka was nicely seasoned with pungent herbs. Both sandwiches were on store-bought day old pita and plain hummus. No pickled turnips. No garlic sauce. The owner never said a word to our table, he focused on his table of regulars. The only time he acknowledged us was when he grabbed the ketchup (my mother-in-law used it for her fries) from our table and gave it to the party of 10. We ordered and paid with a young lady at the counter, who also waited the tables. She took great care to set our table and bring people lots of napkins and make sure people were happy -- you could tell she was trying to do the very best job she could do. All the plates were paper served with plastic (non-compostable) plastic utensils. All-in-all disappointing, but I appreciated the young girl and that they were open later than many of the other restaurants and that they had reasonable prices. read more

Petra Cafe - Kafka Sandwich - Mediterranean Near Me - Monterey, California

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Visited Monterey on Saturday around 5:30pm. We passed by this place on our way to the ice cream shop. So, we decided we will get it for dinner after ice cream. We got the gyro sandwich and chicken gyro platter. The gyro sandwich was really sad-looking. I should have taken a picture. There were about 5 pieces of chopped lettuce. The lettuce was yellow and about to go bad. No cucumber. One slice of tomato and one slice of red onion. Lots of gyro, but all I tasted was saltiness. Disappointing gyro sandwich. Chicken gyro platter...lots of yellow lettuce, thinly sliced chicken gyro, feta cheese, tomato, onion, one pickle, and one banana pepper. The chicken gyro has more flavor. We were given two big pita bread. Maybe we ordered the wrong food items or came at the wrong time...won't come back. read more