Zaytoon Mediterranean

I got really severe food poisoning here, not sure if it was gluten or just most likely just unsanitary conditions (we’ve found hair in our food multiple times🤢). While I love Mediterranean I sadly will not be coming back here

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

Had the Lentil Soup and some Chicken with grilled Vegetables instead of rice. The kitchen staff changed gloves to prepare my food and I didn't get sick!

It was a little odd though that i found a piece of plastic in my soup...which is why I leave it at 3 Stars and with a "not sure".

Celiac friendly?

Yes

They are thankfully more aware of GF needs. Last year when I went, I got "glutened" twice, so I stopped coming. I decided to give it a try again this year, because they updated their awareness and have had some staff changes. I've eaten here more times than I can count and now never get sick. Just be sure to be firm about your allergies more than once and check EVERYTHING before you leave for take-out. I do get the GF rice but if you're worried, sub for veggies or salad. Delicious!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

We've eaten here twice since going GF and both times the staff has been knowledgeable. Both staff members that waited on us steered us toward the rice with lamb in it instead of the regular rice that has vermicelli. We love going to a restaurant and being able to all eat the same meal without our daughter feeling left out. The family style makes this possible.

The food is great and they have a lot of gluten free options. Celiacs should avoid their "gluten free rice." The first time I went there I ordered it and found a piece of pasta in it. Their regular rice has vermicelli pasta mixed in, so it looked like they were either sharing utensils between the two or using the same pot or something. They charge extra for the GF rice now and its safety is questionable so I just don't order it. I've been very happy with everything else, though!

Edit- I had to remove a star because I found a noodle in my chicken shawarma salad today. Luckily I didn't eat it, because the one noodle would have been enough to make me sick. After two experiences with noodles being in foods they don't belong, I'm hesitant to go back even though I do love the food.

Celiac friendly?

No

Yum!

I'm sorry you had such a bad experience Judy, as the owner I would like to invite you to try us out again. Our gluten-free rice does NOT contain verimicelli noodles that is our traditional rice. Gluten-free customers can enjoy our hashwi daily (rice mixed with ground lamb)...we have also offered three different types of rices for our gluten-free customers since we've opened, all of whom have been very happy and have complimented us for our many gluten-free options. I can tell you we are very knowledgeable when it comes to our gluten-free and vegan customers, who make up a large part of our business!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Order from the gluten free menu. Their "gluten free" rice contained vermicelli (contains wheat), and they packed pita bread in my take-out bag. Clearly clueless. I couldn't figure out how to give them zero stars.

Celiac friendly?

No