If you’ve ever worked Downtown, you already know — and if you haven’t, consider this your introduction to one of the best-kept, not-so-secret secrets in all of Fresno. Mediterranean Grill is tucked into a small strip mall on Tulare and U Street, right across from Office Depot and Starbucks , just off the 41. It’s unassuming from the outside, the kind of place you might drive by without a second glance. But step inside, and you’ll find a considerably sized, casual dining room with comfortable chairs, plenty of tables, the nostalgic red plastic drink cups, and a whole lot of happy people on their lunch breaks. I’ve had the privilege of working Downtown twice in my life, in two completely different roles, spanning nearly a decade combined. Once fresh out of college (over 20 years ago, gulp!) and once more recently. And here’s what I can tell you with complete confidence: it didn’t matter the decade — Mediterranean Grill is always, always hopping at lunchtime. That kind of consistency is rare, and it tells you everything you need to know. Here’s the thing, though, you have to play by the rules if you want the full experience. Mediterranean Grill is only open on weekdays, and only for lunch, from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Those who are in the know will tell you: get there at least 10 minutes before noon, or wait until after the lunch rush dies down at 1pm. Show up right at noon unprepared, and you may find yourself waiting for a table, and one more heads up while we’re at it: parking can get a little tricky at peak lunch hour. Carpool if you can, and don’t be surprised if you need to look across the street for a spot. It’s worth the short walk, I promise. A rare shot of the dining room not bustling (I had to come right before closing to get this photo) Now, let’s talk about what you came for. The menu has plenty of options, but there is one dish that practically everyone orders, and for very good reason. The Lebanese Chicken and Rice is the dish here. You get flavorful, marinated grilled chicken breast, tasty buttery pilaf, a generous serving of salad, and the best garlic sauce you will ever eat in your life. It comes with your choice of a green salad or their signature Fattoush salad, and I’m just going to say it: order the Fattoush. It’s the move. Order it like a regular, because it absolutely elevates the whole plate. One pro tip? Bring some take out with some of that garlic sauce back for whoever you’ll be spending the rest of your afternoon with, so you’re all equally happy and equally fragrant. Trust me on this one. (Shared garlic breath cancels out, right?) Not able to sit down and eat? No problem. Mediterranean Grill also offers to-go orders at the counter, and you can even place your order in advance online, which is a smart move if you’re on a tight lunch schedule. They also do catering orders, so if you want to be the hero of your next office lunch, you know who to call. Mediterranean Grill is the kind of place that earns loyalty effortlessly, because the food is simply that good, and it has been for a long time. If you work Downtown and haven’t made it a regular lunch stop yet, that needs to change. And if you don’t work Downtown, it’s still worth the drive. ...read more read less