Amherst mainstay Natalie’s Mediterranean Eatery’s second, newly opened location inside the Genesee Gateway Building in Buffalo is in full swing, serving breakfast and lunch to a steady stream of downtown office workers.
The lunchtime menu offers the usual suspects—chicken and beef souvlaki, falafel, shawarma, gyro—along with an impressive range of vegetarian options. Among them are seven varieties of meatless pita wraps and stuffed pita pockets, including fried cauliflower-tahini and spinach, leek, and cracked wheat options.
Guests hungry for a trove of food should go for one of the combo plates, which come with a choice of entrée and one, two, or three sides. I opted for the potato-based vegetarian kibby, stuffed with spinach, chickpeas, and onions, which was homey—and fittingly so. I was told by the woman behind the counter that it comes from a unique family recipe, making it a dish unlike any you’ll find elsewhere.
Among my sides of Greek salad (typical), falafel (a bit dry), and hummus (lemony and homemade), hummus was the clear winner. That said, I found myself wishing I could trade it all in for my friend’s baba ghanoush and bright, fresh tabouli—a parsley, mint, tomato, and bulgur salad that beats out tired iceberg and feta any day. I should have known better. Lessoned learned.
Said friend also got bigger bang for her buck by going for the chicken shawarma wrap combo, which was mammoth and kept her (happily) fed her for two meals. My kibby didn’t go quite as far, despite being the same price.
The space, meanwhile, is simple, with no frills to speak of. It is nonetheless cheery and welcoming, thanks to a friendly staff and large picture windows that flood the restaurant with natural light. I’ll be back to try that cauliflower wrap—this time with a side of tabouli.
Natalie’s Mediterranean Eatery | 111 Genesee Street | Buffalo, NY 14203 | (716) 436-2084 | See menu