Cedar’s Cafe – Melbourne, FL
Brian LeGros | April 13th, 2008 | foodWhen Mediterranean food comes to mind, we are fortunate enough in Suntree to have quite a few places within a few minutes drive. There’s Niki’s, Grecian Garden, Yanni’s Deli, and my new favorite Cedar’s Cafe. Cedar’s advertises itself as a Mediterranean and Lebanese restaurant, but for those who are more familiar with Greek cuisine you should still feel comfortable. Cedar’s is about a 10 table restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating and a great local vibe. The first thing that I noticed when looking at the menu (because I’m cheap) was that they are very reasonably priced. This of course leads to the question, how’s the food and the service? Well no worries, Cedar’s does not disappoint.
A large group of us went out to lunch and called ahead to be safe. Without any problems, we were accommodated and there were no questions when we asked to split the check. I started with a small order of the vegetable grape leaves (~$3) and then ordered the gyro wrap (~$6) for my lunch. The grape leaves came out very quickly, there were 3 in the small order, and were delicious. The grape leaves themselves were nice and thin and the taste wasn’t overpowering at all. They were stuffed with rice and bigger than I expected, so I was starting to fill up by the time my sandwich arrived. Recently I’ve been ordering gyro’s at bars or local sandwich shops, but all you get is the “out of the bag onto the grill” experience. Cedar’s helped to remind me what a gyro should taste like. The gyro wrap came with lettuce, tomato, onion and tzatziki sauce with thin slices of meat. The meat tasted like a mixture of pork and lamb meat prepared on the traditional roasting spit. I would have liked to have shredded cabbage instead lettuce, but the sandwich was great none the less. When the time for dessert came, we were all pretty stuffed, but once we saw the baklava we loosened our belts. There are about 4-5 variations that they make fresh daily and, wow, I will be stopping by more often just for the dessert. I got the roll as well as the pistachio stuffed pieces (~$1.50) and it was some of the best baklava I’ve ever eaten. If you just want to stop by for something sweet, the baklava is definitely worth the trip.
Overall the experience at Cedar’s was great and I feel like I finally have a reliable Mediterranean restaurant to put into the rotation. Did I mention the baklava?
Cedar’s Cafe is located in the Publix Plaza at the corner of Post Road and Wickham Road at 4100 North Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32935.
NOTE: If you enjoyed this restaurant, you may want to read my review for Niki’s Rainbow Restaurant beachside for another great option.
Tags: food, greek, lebanese, mediterranean, melbourne, review
Discussion
February 28th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
I heartily concur! Skewers used to be my favorite restaurant but Cedar’s Cafe blew them out of the water. I went there last Tuesday evening and started with the baba ghannouj, which was wonderful; then ordered the lamb skewers, which came with basmati rice covered in the most amazing garlic sauce and homemade hummus on the side. (I want to be smothered in that sauce when I die – that’s how awesome it is!) The lamb was also perfect, by the way. The dinner came with your choice of salads, but I paid the $1.50 extra to get the best tabouli I’ve ever had.
Lastly, I cannot impress enough upon your readers how incredible is the baklava at Cedar’s Cafe. It bears repeating again and again.
Great review!
February 28th, 2009 at 11:03 pm
@Karen – Thanks for stopping by. If you like Cedar’s, you should really try Niki’s Rainbow Cafe on A1A in Satellite Beach. I enjoy the food there more, but still dig the baklava at Cedar’s more.
July 20th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
The company I work for orders take from Cedar’s almost once a week. I keep trying new things and I am loving every moment. I hope to go there for dinner this weekend.
March 31st, 2010 at 10:00 am
Cedars by far is the BEST restauarant is south Brevard county! I’ve eaten there many times and the food and service is phenominal!! When you dine at Cedar’s Cafe you truly feel like you’re a welcomed guest in their home.
Nick – your owner or manager has great taste. Where do you work and are there any job openings!
December 5th, 2010 at 8:28 pm
I am lebanese and I can say for sure that this is so far the best best I ever tried in the USA, we were at vero beach this summer and drove from PA, I was in NY, PA, NJ and Detroit and this is the BEST!, we are coming in may 2011 and can’t wait to visit back for a whole week! thanks for the owner and their hard work!
December 8th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
I visited cedars many times in the past,one place is worth giving a try & that would PETRAS @ 192 & babcock,then you will decide for yourself
January 9th, 2013 at 9:56 pm
There’s a reason why this place has been around for 11 years.
Not that I was in trouble myself, but if you ever are, take her to Cedar’s Cafe and all will be forgiven.
But seriously, this is a place like no other, that I’ve been to in Brevard. The place is small making it very personal and cozy. The food is outstanstanding and so are the desserts. But do yourself and other patrons a huge favor. If you’re unable to control your small children, either get a sitter, or sit outside on the patio where the service is equally superb.
Planning Valentine’s Day dinner already.
Stan & Judy
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