Daria’s Mediterranean Deli and Cafe: Apple Valley, MN

February 28th, 2006 in Apple Valley, Restaurants, Reviews, South Metro

This location is now closed.

Out with Kim at Daria’s Mediterranean Deli & Cafe in Apple Valley. This place is located right next to Rascal’s Apple Valley Bar and Grill and while passing by to eat at Rascal’s I mentioned to Kim that we were going to have to try it out sometime. On Saturday, I was reading through the most recent Apple Valley Magazine and saw a coupon for Daria’s and that cemented the idea in my mind.

The location is decorated nicely and includes some bright colors, well spaced seating, and a couch. If you ever stop by, make sure to check out the chandeliers ;) The service was fast but not overly friendly. There is very limited seating so if you’re looking to eat with a group larger than four you might want to choose another location. Two of the tables tonight were apparently “regulars” as the waitress knew them personally. One of the patrons commented to his wife that it was “crowded”. Just before we left nearly all of the tables were full.

The coupon I had cut out was for a buy one/get one free sandwich but after looking at the menu, I opted to choose items other than their sandwiches. I ordered the Baba Ganouj (eggplant blended with tahini spread, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and seasoning. It was served with warm and soft pita bread. I also ordered the Turkish Specials Sampler which came with one lahmajun, two stuffed grape leaves, two falafel, cucumber sauce, and a small house salad topped with gyro slices. Kim ordered a Cashew Chicken Crunch wrap which was filled with diced chicken, honey mustard dressing, cashews, celery, sprouts, lettuce, and tomatoes.

The Baba Ganouj had an overpowering and uneven olive flavor. Some scoops were excellently flavored while others almost made me gag over the olive taste. The Turkish Specials plate was interesting… The grape leaves were good but certainly not something Kim would have liked, the falafels were tasty especially after dipping them in the creamy cucumber sauce, the pizza was excellent, and the salad was fantastic. This was a meal I would defintly have again but only after I make a good run through the rest of their menu options first!

Kim’s sandwich was not something she seemed overly thrilled with. She said it was a little dry and I could tell she would want some dessert to make up for it ;) She left a couple bites on her plate instead of cleaning it all up. I guess you should either ask for more dressing or avoid the dish all together ;)

For dessert I ordered their Dolama which has chopped walnuts, vanilla, and cinnamon between layers of filo dough baked in a sweet syrup. Kim went with their baklava. Both deserts could be ordered with ice cream but we forgot to when the time came :( I enjoyed the dolama immensely but still let Kim sneak a piece. She preferred the baklava to my dolama while I felt exactly the opposite. Looks like we chose the right desserts… I really thought she’d like mine more!

The prices were very reasonable with appetizers priced from $2.99 to $5.85, the wraps and sandwiches going for $5.45, the salads for $5.85, and their specials ranging from $5.25 to $6.99. Our bill was $25 total and $30 with tip. Without dessert and an appetizer we could easily do a $20 (with tip) meal.

I would defintly come back again. I enjoyed the cozy atomosphere and excellent foods. Kim, on the other hand, might need some coaxing ;)

If you’re looking for a super tasty meal at very reasonable prices then check out Daria’s Mediterranean Deli and Cafe in Apple Valley!

See all the pictures from today here (mobile).