I haven't seen much about the new Mediterranean cafe so I am offering a short review after my girlfriend and I decided to try it out for lunch today.

For those that are unfamiliar with this new addition to the B/CS it is located in the Bermuda Triangle of eateries in town. Located in the lofts shopping center there is little parking provided and minimal signage. Fortunately we were able to park right up front during the lunch rush hour.

We walked in to find a very clean, nice cafe. There are a ton of tables but there were only two other patrons in the cafe at the time. We were greeted by the owner who was extremely nice and inviting. We both ordered and he had trouble operating the register. I ordered the "tri plate" which had chicken, beef, and lamb with pita bread and hummus. My girlfriend ordered a beef sandwich which is actually a wrap. We attempted to order grape leaves but we were informed they were not ready. The owner apologized and later brought us a different appetizer on the house.

The menu is quite small and offers about 4 sandwiches, a couple plates, multiples salads, and sides.

The food came out quick and smelled delicious. It also looked very appetizing.

I am no expert on Mediterranean cuisine but was impressed with the food and service and will go back again. If you're looking to try something new it is worth a shot.

Thanks for sharing. Nice write-up.

Glad to hear a review. I have been skeptical to go because couldn't find a menu, information, or ounce of marketing on the restaurant.

You're probably talking about Arbano's Café.

I didn't even know this place existed, but will be trying it soon!

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You're probably talking about Arbano's Café.

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He's talking about Arbano Cafe, just like the thread title says...

Outstanding, thanks for letting us know. Really like chef owned places that offer something different. Will go there and give them a try. They don't have a stage or a bar, right?

Glad to know it's open. I'll check it out soon!

I'll second Broncos's review. The chicken and beef shwarma sandwiches are great. Sandwiches seem to be about $4-$6 depending on what you get. Place is pretty big inside.

[This message has been edited by FlyRod (edited 2/25/2014 9:19a).]

bout damn time we got a meditereanean place. Fadis and Dimasis outa Houston have been talkin about the College Station market for years with no action. one thing though is that location...i'm not sure if even a great restaurant can make it in that location.

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one thing though is that location...i'm not sure if even a great restaurant can make it in that location.

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That's true. That location has a lot of negativity to overcome.

Eh. It gets more traffic now than ever, so they might do well, esp. as word seems to be getting out about it here and on other sites. I don't recall the pseudo-Italian place that was there getting much attention when it was open.

Went there at 130 today and they were closed "off property".

I kept hoping that DiMassi's out of Houston will come to BCS but I guess it won't happen any time soon.
Until then, I will definitely give this place a try. After visiting Thassos, Greece last summer I hope I can find a place to eat some good souvlaki.

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Located in the lofts shopping center there is little parking provided and minimal signage.

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THIS. That huge expanse of plaza or whatever is odd. I look at and expect it to be parking but it's not.

That said, if I go to eat there for dinner I'll just park in the lot across the street and walk. Not a big deal.

Shut down by Health department...no Brazos County food permit.

I believe the permit had been issued but had not been picked up or displayed. They should be back open soon. (A friend was eating there when it went down. )

I've seen this in large cities.

"Restaurateurs" do not know or care about rules and permits.

I was excited to try this place, but I'm not so sure now. If the owner doesn't even know he's supposed to display the permit, what else is he not doing?

HOW do you work in food service and NOT know you need a permit?!

I hope this is just a case of the left hand thought the right hand had the permit handled, and vice versa.

Arbano staff: please reopen soon! I want some Mediterranean food!

amateur hour

Drove by this morning and the "Coming Soon" signs are back up in the windows.

Are the crawling to the health dept to pick up that permit?? Wtf man.

It's a shame... I could go for a gyro. Hopefully they'll be back up and running soon.