Munjeds
Let me introduce you to your new favorite restaurant – Munjed’s Mediterranean Restaurant & Lounge located in the heart of Westcott (between SU and LeMoyne) at 505 Westcott Street in Syracuse. 
Okay, Okay, maybe they aren’t “new,” considering this family owned and operated restaurant has been introducing and satisfying Central New Yorkers’ curiosity and need for scrumptious Middle Eastern cuisine since 1984. Even with approaching 40 years in business at Munjed’s they always seem to keep it fresh, new, and sophisticated. I guess what I am saying is that if they aren’t already, prepare for Munjed’s to be YOUR new favorite! They are open the following hours: Tuesday 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and 5 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and 5 pm to 8:30 pm, Saturday from 4 pm to 8:30 pm and Sunday from 4 pm to 8 pm. At Munjed’s walk-ins are always welcome but feel free to call ahead to make reservations or order take out at 315-425-0366. Orders can also be placed for delivery through both DoorDash and GrubHub. For more information or to place your order check out their website at www.munjeds.net. 
I love when I get to share new things with you all and Munjed’s has something you absolutely don’t want to miss! I am, of course, talking about the Hommus Shake-GARBANZO GLACIER! This one of a kind, won’t find it anywhere else in town, shake is REALLY cool (see what I did there?). This hummus shake is vegan, no added sugar, no dairy, no nut, high in fiber and protein AND gluten-free. You can even get it in a variety of flavors such as chocolate, strawberry, pistachio, peanut butter, or hazelnut! Whether you love Middle Eastern and Greek cuisine or you have never tried it, Munjed’s has something everyone will enjoy. Every dish is made from scratch so dietary needs are absolutely considered; they have gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, and Halal options. In other words, everything is always fresh, delicious, and prepared with only the highest quality ingredients. One of my absolute favorite things about Munjed’s is that they offer a variety of combination plates so you don’t have to just pick one thing on the menu!
The family and I arrived at Munjed’s on a warm fall evening. The area was a buzz and as a LeMoyne Alum I could feel in the air that very soon these streets would be filled with meandering co-eds in full halloween mode and a nostalgic smile appeared on my face. Of course many years have passed since those days and this evening I was arriving with my husband and children to enjoy an awesome mood with food that frankly, I just can’t make anywhere near as well as the authentic recipes and years of practice one finds at Munjeds. I am always taken aback at how chic and stylish it feels inside without the least bit of pretentious or stuffiness. It certainly felt like a place that was “too cool” to take toddlers for dinner but here is the great part: It’s not! At Munjed’s they have a motto of “good food, good people, always.” Which means they will gladly serve toddlers who can eat their weight in falafel (like mine!) Once we settled in we knew right away what to order – thanks to the combo plates – my food adhd is always happy to delight in variety!
For an appetizer we began our meal with the full Mazza – a stunningly beautiful arrangement of all of your favorite middle eastern/Greek snackies if you will! This dish was loaded with all of the good stuff: Hommus, Garden Salad, Feta Cheese & Olives (drizzled with a balsamic reduction), Babaganouj, Falafels, Tabouli Salad, Grape Leaves, Tzatziki, pita and Greek Salad. Everything was delicious, seriously, everything. For an entree I decided on Sotiri’s Greek Fest – a massive combination plate including a wedge of spanakopita and slices of savory gyro meat, served with Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, grape leaves, and pita. Kyle couldn’t pass up Munjed’s Beef combo plate which includes a bed of hommus topped with sirloin shawirma alongside falafel patties, grape leaves, tabouli salad, grilled beef kabobs, and pita. I honestly don’t know what sorcery they have going on in that kitchen but my family has never left a restaurant with more satisfied, full bellies (with leftovers for lunch) before! That being said, we didn’t actually save room for dessert but couldn’t pass it up so we split a slice of Baklava Cheesecake, vanilla based cheesecake topped with walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon that is then drizzled with a sugar and rose water syrup and a classic Baklava, with Filo layered with walnuts and drizzled with a sugar and rose water syrup. Both were phenomenal and worth the trip on their own.
Whatever you are looking for, Munjed’s has the perfect plate and the perfect atmosphere to meet your needs. Somehow they have managed to create an atmosphere where you could bring a date, a girl’s night out, or even a family dinner to introducing little ones to international cuisine. This atmosphere seems to have been cultivated by their trademark of “good food, good people, always.” Munjed’s is the perfect spot for any occasion. They also offer off-site catering so you can impress your guests in the upcoming holiday season! Be sure to check them out at www.munjeds.net and head over there today!
