The Willow Bistro

Really happy to have a very good mediterranean restaurant in the area. My wife and I ordered some…read morethings for take-out. Arriving, the staff was very friendly and said that we should be sure to come and dine in person next time, and I think we will. The restaurant is small, and nicely decorated. We ordered Hummus & Pita and Baba Ghanoush & Pita. We kinda treat these as simple tests of a Middle Eastern restaurant. And Mediterranean Grill did not disappoint. While our preference is for the Hummus to be a bit thicker, this had very good flavor. The Baba has the taste of being made with grilled / smoked eggplant, which we really like as it adds a great depth of flavor. And the Pita was quite good. (We'd ordered enough that we had another meal that included these, and the Pita was still great a day or two later. I like it toasted, BTW.) My wife ordered the Gyro Sandwich and really enjoyed it. I thought that the meat had a great flavor and just the right amount of juiciness and tenderness. I ordered the Falafel Platter, and they were beautifully seasoned and fried to a great crispy texture without becoming dried out. Eating them along with the Hummus (that comes with the platter) made for quite a treat. And I also had a Mediterranean Slushy (minty lemonade) that was outstanding. The staff and I spoke a bit about dessert and how they made it themselves (rather than buying them in) and changed them each week. I thought I'd ordered a baklava, but got home and found that it was not in the bag nor on the receipt, so I must not have been clear. I'll sure be so next time. (Of course, if we're eating in, it will be pretty obvious!) Anyway, we're looking forward to our next meal from these folks.

I have driven by this restaurant every week for months, but I normally do so in the mornings when…read morethey are closed. Today, I had a chance to stop in. I love the atmosphere of the restaurant part: small, cozy, and ethnic music videos playing behind the bar. I have read other reviews, which weren't favorable to the layout of this restaurant, but if you've ever been outside of the U.S. you know not all restaurants and food places look like an American example. I love this place. I ate a small, quick plate of Lamb Gyro and fries. Also, I had the Turkish coffee...absolutely amazing!! The food was cooked hot and fresh. The owner and staff are nearby but respectful and don't come by to see how you are. I hope to be a regular here, if I can be around in the afternoons.

Fattoush

See all

Sweet cheese pastry.

Athena Greek Café

4.4(38 reviews)

52.0 mi

Order the gyro plates. Don't forget a side of grape leaves and extra sauce. The food here is…read moreamazing. Excellent portions and price. Always fast and friendly service. We order here regularly and are never disappointed.

If you're looking for a fancy place, this isn't it. But, if you're looking for great food and…read morecrazy large servings, this is your spot. Place your order at the window and pick your food up when it's ready. My food was ready in 10 minutes. The man taking our order was delightful and patient- they have a large menu and everything looked really good. We ordered the gyro chicken plate and the gyro lamb plate. We also wanted to try the fries, so ordered a large order to share. We took home enough of all for another meal. The plates included delicious rice, a small Greek salad, and some fluffy warm pita bread. It all tasted amazing!

The most thoughtful thing ever.

Gyro Lamb Plate

See all

Sammies

4.2(55 reviews)

35.1 mi

I seen that it has been 2 years since someone posted. My wife and I just ate here and the food and…read moreservice was excellent, we have ate here many times and it is always good.

Took a day road trip to Martin TN to check out a coffee shop. We headed to Sammies for an infamous…read moresandwich. My sandwich was quite tasty. I ordered the chipotle chicken wrap. I only ate half of it. It was delish! I also ordered unsweetened tea and added fruit teas available. They had peach as well as raspberry and a house fruit tea that was very flavorful. The service was spot on. We were greeted when we entered and the cashier was friendly and helpful. The sandwich shop is spacious and decorated nicely. It has plenty of tables and chairs for many people. You order at the counter and the servers bring your food to you. The parking can be a tad tricky since the shop shares the lot with many businesses. If ever in Martin, TN, stop by and support this local business. We had a fun time!

Tables and chairs

Inside of the restaurant

See all

My yummy tea

Sam's Greek Cafe

4.0(91 reviews)

55.6 mi

4.5 out of 5 for me! Probably one of the best Sam's around. Haha. Veggies are fresh - tablouli…read moredelicious- the rice on point. Fair priced. They offered a wide variety of different deli foods. Fast . Friendly dudes. Clean facility . Super long line so you know it's gunna be good. Will be back!

Fast, Clean and very friendly people. Was craving Greek food since moving from NY 2 years ago…read more Past this place a few times. Tried the Gyros, not bad at all. Haven't tried the Falafels yet that will be on our next adventure

Gyro Value Combo and fries

Delicousness

See all

Tabouli! Cost extra = worth it

Philomena Egyptian

4.1(25 reviews)

52.8 mi

I stopped in looking for authentic Egyptian food instead of the typical Americanized "Mediterranean…read moregrill" experience, and this place genuinely stood out. The Alexandrian liver was the highlight of the meal. I've had liver before in traditional American-style dishes, and this was completely different. The flavor was spicy, layered, rich, and deeply savory with a lot of complexity from the seasoning. Most importantly, there was absolutely none of the metallic taste that usually comes with liver, which tells me the kitchen really knows how to prepare it properly. The bread was warmed rather than toasted, and while I personally prefer a little less bread so the flavor of the meat comes through even stronger, the bread had absorbed the juices and spices well and gave it a very authentic street-food feel. The kofta platter was also excellent and clearly not generic gyro-shop food. The seasoning profile was warmer, smokier, and more spice-forward, and the tahini paired really well with the grilled meat and rice. I also tried the Om Ali dessert, which tasted rich, homemade, and authentic. The cream, butter, coconut, and almonds gave it a rustic comfort-food quality that felt much more traditional than a polished American dessert. Overall, this restaurant feels like a real Egyptian kitchen preserving its identity instead of watering everything down for mass appeal. The Alexandrian liver alone is worth coming back for

I've never had a bad or mediocre meal here. Yesterday I tried their hummus and oh wow! Some of the…read morebest hummus I've had! I've had their beef shawarma, gyro, lamb chops. They're all amazing!! Did I mention. The lamb chops? Lol This gem here is amazing!

Dining area

Chicken Shish Kebab Lamb Chop Lamb Mix Shish Kebab

See all

Menu

Sam's Gyros Cafe

4.3(55 reviews)

49.2 mi

Always the best service and so pleasant. My daughter and I split a gyro since the portions are so…read morebig we can't finish a whole One by ourselves EVERYTIME we let them know we are splitting the combo and get 2 fountain drinks. They always bring 2 baskets with the group split and a bunch of fries on each of our baskets. This family running it is amazing.

Came in here for lunch and got the lamb Gyro combo which is a gyro with a side a fries with a drink…read morefor $9.99. The gyro is so large that it's going to be messy but it was alot of food and delicious. The employees there were super nice and friendly. They also have Mexican food there. Overall, great price foe the food and friendly customer service.

Clean restaurant!

See all

The bulgogi gyro. A must try!

Sam's Greek Cafe 3

4.6(34 reviews)

49.2 mi

I was thought I was going to the hot pita and didn't realize how Peter was on the army base so…read moreSam's Greek was literally adjacent to the base and I just stopped in and the food does hit in a lot of different ways. Only discrepancy was the rice was cold, but the flavors are there.

Today was my first time here for a large order! Everything in the order was correct, fresh and…read moretaste was 10/10!! The staff working was super friendly and kind. Will definitely come back for another meal!

See all

Chicago Gyro & Moore

4.4(71 reviews)

56.1 mi

The Very Best Of The Best The Greek Food Is Mouth Watering To Say The Least Splendid And…read moreDelicious The Friendly Atmosphere Is Just So Very Kindly Shared Amongst The Quest Whom Enter's This Restaurant

DONT EAT HERE!!! RACISTS!! DELIBERATELY SNUCK JALAPEÑOS IN MY FOOD…read more I've been eating here for around 10 years and the last two times I've attended they have been openly racist to me for being white. They forced me to pay with cash because a "white boy like me always has cash". These past two visits they have also snuck jalapeños under the gyro meat (if you know all the toppings are on top of the meat) but for some reason the jalapeños have been under the meat. The Gyro House down the street is significantly better and the customers are racist too!

Menu

See all

Authentic

Hookah 21

1.5(2 reviews)

54.0 mi

If I could rate this place a zero I would. Avoid this place…read moreat all cost. They are money hungry and do not care about you. I was over charged for hookah by double. The managers EXACT words were " we are not required by law to tell you how much we WANT to charge you". This place isn't what it use to be. It's run down and the music is absolute garbage.

Quick Look: only two brands: Al Fahker and Starbuzz, Quick Lights, and $15 for the hookah…read more I was there for two hours and arrived at happy hour, so I got a free pot of tea. Delicious tea, but sub-par smoking. The hookah was harsh even with a coal rotation. Pros: free tea during happy hour. Great seating/atmosphere, close to campus, free wifi, and friendly staff. Cons: hookah pipes are generic, QUICK LIGHT COALS, limited shisha selection.

Greek Odyssey Cafe

3.0(1 review)

48.4 mi

Not bad... Not true Greek, but the pita chips were good…read more The tyziki sauce is good, almost as good as mine Customer service is very bad if you during lunch...lots of soldiers there with one or two servers They charge extra for feta, but you get very little With my Mediterranean heritage I eat LOTS of olives feta olive oil and garlic. They offer very little of the above. Other than that we are glad we don't have to leave base for a taste of Greek, but it's not something you take the whole family to.

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

15 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Ian P.

0

82

10

5 years ago

Called in an order to save time. Was assured that we arrived in 30 minutes so please go ahead and start the order. we arrived 25 minutes later only to forward nd that the order had not been started at all. Had to wait another 20 minted which threw our entire afternoon off no one cares anymore. They obvious cared nothing about our time. never again. If they have this lack of respect for their customers time then they should go on out of business. Maybe this is why they are n bee really busy. read more

Amanda T.

0

1

0

5 years ago

The Willow Bistro in Murray, Ky is owned by a wonderful family and they have built a superb eating establishment. The service is always top notch and the menu is diverse as well as appetizing. Their homemade guacamole is one of my favorites! Murray is lucky to have this family and business in our community. read more

Maire U.

0

4

0

10 years ago

Love love love The Willow Bistro. Have been here a many times and always leave happy. Friendly and prompt service, tasty food, and welcoming atmosphere. I've had several different sandwiches, soups, and curries, and the gyros is also super tasty. One of my favorite places to go. read more

Bill L.

0

15

0

11 years ago

Food is out of this world. Service is great. You can tell the ingredients used are very fresh and high quality. How lucky Murray, Kentucky is! One last comment the Mexican food is not Tex-Mex, it is real southern Mexican food! Fresh made desserts are over the top. read more

Jennifer W.

0

1

0

5 years ago

I highly recommend stopping at the Willow Bistro. Warm, inviting atmosphere and the service and staff are always amazing and willing to make you feel welcome. And of course the food is authentic and super fresh, considering so much produce they grow themselves read more

Lee-Ellen F.

0

2

0

11 years ago

Tried something new and I was not disappointed! Staff was very kind and explained the menu perfectly! Got a slice of peanut butter pie and it was heavenly! Plus, they had various hot teas so I was in love. Definitely plan on going back! read more

David R.

0

4

8

11 years ago

Excellent food, good prices, and gluten free friendly!! Great with kids and the variety of Mediterranean choices are just enough to not overwhelm you when ordering. I'll be back during our next visit. read more

Richard T.

0

1

0

11 years ago

Visited on Saturday; February 20th, for the 1st time. Got a take out order. The food was great at a great value. And the cheesecake is the best I have had in the last 10 years ! read more

Daisy F.

0

2

0

6 years ago

This place is right next to my college very cute little place with good menu I had soup here on side with lamb gyro. definitely worth giving a shot to this place read more

Hannah J.

0

2

0

6 months ago

I went here on Tuesday around 3pm and the staff was super friendly. The food was really good and I was very happy to see lots of vegetarian options! read more

Connie P.

0

5

0

6 years ago

Great food great staff. I ordered the curry and it was simply amazing. The spiced tea was splendid as well. We will definitely be back!!

Frank C.

0

3

0

5 years ago

i was in the willos bistro yesterday with my girlfriend i really enjoyed the food and the place totally recomended

Tyrone A.

0

5

0

7 years ago

Excellent service! Excellent food! Excellent cooks! I will be returning to the Willow Bistro in the future. read more

Ben B.

0

2

4

6 years ago

Yummy unique spot near Murray State's Campus in Murray, KY! House style vibe and great location

Charles F.

0

10

0

5 years ago

Sorry, but this great little restaurant is closed and out of business. read more

The Willow Bistro - mediterranean - Updated September 2026

People who viewed The Willow Bistro also viewed

Martha's Restaurant

3.8

(69 reviews)

Was at Martha's again today with almost the same order (a year later). However, this time around,…read morethe country fried steak was huge, but wasn't very good. The liver was really thin and overcooked. However, the macaroni and cheese, the cornbread, and the slaw were very good. We went in at 1pm and was quickly seated, our order taken, and drinks to the table. Friendly waitress took great care of us.

Friendly staff serving up tasty diner styled fare. Very reasonably priced with all dishes prepared…read moreto order. Clean place and nice staff.

Dumplin's H R H

4.2

(56 reviews)

I was in Murray on my birthday and stopped in Dumplings to get dessert to take home. Found some…read morewonderful individual cheesecakes to take home and share. The lady helping me packaged them up so I wouldn't ruin the whip cream getting them home. She took such good care. I do have it on my list to go back for lunch. The menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches looked really good with good prices.

This was a solid little lunch cafe. The food was delicious. Service was good. Inside was quaint and…read morehomey. I had the club quiche. It was delicious. Great flavor! The rolls are also amazing. I think Texas Roadhouse has a pretty good roll experience. These blow those out of the water. Dessert options were extensive. And looked delicious. But, I did not try them. Overall, great little local option with a fun menu.

Tom's Grille

3.8

(40 reviews)

This is a solid four for the area. Food is pretty solid, and a good value for the most part…read more Interior is clean and fairly spacious, and I like that the pizza oven is front and center. Staff are friendly and definitely accommodating, but it can be a little slow at times. Not a big deal. But don't expect to be in and out of here in 20 min.

The service was very good. The food was average to below. Drinks were sad honestly. Fine food…read moreprice, fast food quality. We had prime rib and salmon. Lots of better places in Murray.

Hih Burger

4.5

(20 reviews)

As always, great lunch and Chocolate Pie to go. Food,…read moreService and Atmosphere is Excellent!

Everything. Place has the best cooks, waitresses, and food. Absolutely love it. Everything…read moreis great!

Los Portales - Murray

4.1

(98 reviews)

Very clean restrooms and restaurant. The food was delicious. Everything was hot and fresh. Our…read morewaiter was awesome.

It's ok, ambiance is wonderful. Nothing special about the…read morefood and you are paying for the lovely ambiance along with your food.

Jasmine - Murray

3.7

(145 reviews)

Good food. Charming & capable staff. The venue is clean…read more I arrived alone as I was visiting Murray on a work trip. The waitress walked me to a table by the back mirror-wall. I asked for a booth and assured her I wouldn't stay long. There were several unoccupied but it was 6:00p on a Tuesday and I understood they might fill up later. I ordered an eel roll and the lettuce wraps. The lettuce wraps were delicious although their version of crispy rice noodles is more like crumbled rice noodles. Still tasted great and was hot. The lettuce boats weren't sufficient for the filling they provided (which was ample). The eel roll was fairly good and they provided wasabi & ginger. I ordered an old fashioned and found it to be well prepared. Also, their water was excellent, not soapy or skunky. Not sure when I'll be in Murray again, but this is in my top 5 to visit when I am.

Service was amazing! Super kind! Helpful with the menu and suggestions! Checked on the table…read moreregularly! I got the drunken noodles and JB tempura roll. Both were delicious and large portions! Fatboy recommended!!!

4 Little Pigs Bar-B-Que

3.6

(23 reviews)

New owners the food has gone down hill! We use to eat here weekly. We tried 3 times and tonight was…read morethe last time for me. Ashamed!

We were about to go to another restaurant but they were closed ( Said in Yelp they were open and on…read morewebsite ) It was a blessing in disguise; we came upon 4 Little Pigs. Seen some fellas sitting on a bench outside and asked where the best catfish restaurant is at. They said right here! It's a small diner type place with good sitting available in another room. We got a table for 8 and a child. We were promptly seated and waited on; we all were here yet but ordered drinks. No alcohol here but that's okay! Others arrived and we started off placing orders. After we ordered we had to opportunity to visit and discuss our day activities. Now from the time we checked in there was this trickle new customers coming in at a nice steady rate. This became a bit of a problem; we did have to wait awhile for our food to come out; so refills were being done! They did keep apologizing and finally said your food is being prepared. Finally our food came out and looked delicious. The appearance was good but it was second to the taste and decent size portions. Several of us just wanted catfish; boy this place did not disappoint. Our waitress Reese was awesome and did a nice job on taking care of us; The only hiccup was my wife didn't get her baked potato; which probably was more than she'd be able to eat but they addressed a credit for that item. Catfish was outstanding, great breading and taste. If ever in the area definitely will stop back in. There were food choices for everyone, vegan items and regular. If we were in area, probably would have come back for a breakfast This is definitely a diamond in the rough! Stop in if you're in the area. Length of wait for food was a ding, but the food and service override that so 5 it is!

Las Mulitas de Murray

5.0

(6 reviews)

Great little Authentic Mexican restaurant. Seating inside or to go. Give the Birria Ramen a try!…read moreService is good as well. Please leave a tip for your waitress...

Great little Mexican place. They don't have a large menu but you really don't need that many…read moreoptions. We tried the steak street tacos. They were authentic and the fresh corn tortillas were great. The service was excellent. Everyone was friendly and made sure you had everything you needed. The only downside from our visit was the beans came out on the colder side. They still had a good flavor. They were definitely more West Coast style. The rice was fluffy and flavorful.

The Burrito Shack

4.1

(44 reviews)

We love this place and it's our go-to restaurant whenever we go to town…read more The owners are hands on and it is reflected in the quality of the food and the ambiance. Highly recommend you will not be disappointed or hungry when you leave.

Going to murray in the fall and need a new "Go-To". The chicken burrito I got was amazing with the…read morechipotle ranch. And their chips and queso is chef's kiss. Ordering my food was quick and easy and the restaurant was clean.

Bad Bob's Barbeque

3.5

(19 reviews)