Yalla Mediterranean is healthy, filling, and fun food in Seal Beach, California

Mediterranean cuisine is on the rise with movies like The Avengers when Tony Stark a.k.a. Iron Man says, “Have you ever tried shawarma? There’s a shawarma joint about two blocks from here. I don’t know what it is, but I want to try it.” It is a cuisine that incorporates multiple cultures, ingredients, and spices for a healthy and fulfilling diet.

 

Yalla Mediterranean takes away any intimidation you might have with its friendly atmosphere. Their line is set up assembly-line style. The sides are all out calling to you with their fresh vibrant colors.

 

The meats are freshly grilled to order on skewers.

 

The dining room is Mediterranean in hue with the azure blue counters and chairs paired with a reclaimed look and feel.

 

Step 1 is to choose your style. Your choices are Wrap (choice of traditional toppings, spreads, and sauces), Chopped Greek Salad (romaine, tomato cucumber salad, feta, Kalamata olives, and Mediterranean vinaigrette), Power Greens Salad (kale, balsamic apricots, toasted almonds, feta cheese, and lemon vinaigrette) or Plate (basmati rice, choice of seasonal vegetables or spiced lentils, up to three sides, and pita.

 

Step 2 is pick your favorite. Your choices are Falafel (house made, GMO free chickpea fritters), Chicken Skewers (all natural chicken breast with fresh herbs and spices), Chicken Shawarma (slow roasted with Lebanese spices), Steak Shawarma (slow roasted with Lebanese spices), Shalafel (half Chicken Shawarma and half Falafel), Salmon Skewers (wild caught with fresh herbs and spices), or Kefta Skewers (Turkish spiced ground lamb and beef).

 

For the plates or if you want to order extra sides, you can choose from: Baba Ganoush (eggplant, parsley, lemon juice, garlic, tahini, and olive oil), Hummus (GMO-free chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil), White Bean (celery, red bell pepper, parsley, cilantro, scallion, dill, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar), Fire Feta (spicy blend of peppers, feta cheese, and secret seasonings), Beet & Kale (roasted beets, feta, and Mediterranean vinaigrette), Greek Potato (scallions, olive oil, and red wine vinegar), Turkish Slaw (red cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, honey, and olive oil), Tabouli (parsley, dill, tomato, cucumber, bulgur wheat, lemon juice, and olive oil), Moroccan Carrot (cumin, dill, golden raisin, honey, olive oil, and Mediterranean vinaigrette), Basmati Rice (cardamom, turmeric, lemon juice, and olive oil), Lentils (warm spiced lentils), and/or Grilled Vegetables (seasonal produce)

Sauce choices are Chermoula (cilantro, green onions, peppers, olive oil, mint, ginger, and sea salt), Harissa (tomatoes, paprika, brown sugar, chermoula, onions, garlic, sea salt, and spicy red chili peppers), Tzatziki (yogurt, cucumbers, dill, garlic, kosher salt, and olive oil), and/or Tahini (sesame paste, lime juice, Mediterranean vinaigrette, olive oil, and kosher salt)

Here are some combination plates you might like to try:

Plate ($14.00) served with Salmon and Kefta Skewers with Basmati Rice, Lentils, Beets & Kale, Hummus, Baba Ganoush, and Chermoula & Tzatziki sauces. The salmon is perfectly grilled with buttery, succulent flavor. It pairs well with the Chermoula sauce. I love kefta and it tastes exactly how I like it with bold beef and lamb flavor. It pairs well with the Tzatziki sauce. The basmati rice is good with cumin flavor notes. The lentils are cooked perfectly to a hearty stew/chili-like consistency. The Beets & Kale are sweet with tender beets and a little bitterness from the kale. Hummus has a creamy consistency and is not too lemony. Baba Ganoush is creamy and sweet from the eggplant with herbaceous flavor. Rating: 5/5

Plate ($14.00) served with Steak and Chicken Shawarma, Fire Feta, Greek Potato, Tabouli, Grilled Vegetables, Basmati Rice, Lentils, and Harissa & Tahini sauces. The steak shawarma is tender and juicy. It pairs well with the harissa sauce. The chicken shawarma is very flavorful. It pairs well with the tahini sauce but doesn’t need it since the chicken is quite flavorful on its own. Greek Potato is similar to German potato salad with a vinegar/oil base instead of mayonnaise. It is very light. The tabouli has a refreshing, clean flavor but needs some salt. The grilled vegetables add a nice contrast to the rice and lentils. Rating: 4.8/5

If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, Yalla Mediterranean is ready to spice up your next meal.

Atmosphere: 5 out of 5 stars

Décor: 5 out of 5 stars

Service: 5 out of 5 stars

Food: 5 out of 5 stars

Sustainability: 5 out of 5 stars (100% compostable packaging, napkins, straws, utensils, and cups; Uses reclaimed wood in the décor.)

For more information:
Yalla Mediterranean

12420 Seal Beach Blvd.

Seal Beach, CA 90740

+1.562.596.4801

Hours: Daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Parking: Free shopping center parking