Terra Mediterranean

Photo Courtesy of Terra Mediterranean 

Terra Mediterranean is a restaurant with locations in Irving and Ft. Worth that specializes in classic Mediterranean staples plus some chef-inspired dishes that stand out from the crowd. Healthy plus flavorful is a winning combination for me and apparently, it's also working for Terra, since they'll be opening a third location at The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano later this year.

The location in Irving I visited was once a location of Ali Baba, the "big sister" restaurant to Terra popular on lower Greenville since 1989, also owned by the Chanaa brothers, Adam and Jalal. They changed the name and revamped the menu to do a refresh on the concept in 2013, and Terra in Irving was born.

From buffet during the day and all day on Saturdays to menu and full-service at night, this Mediterranean feast is a favorite among locals, and I'm sure glad I got to experience it firsthand.

I visited on a Friday evening for a full-service dining experience rather than the buffet, because, let's be real, professionally plated food looks way prettier for a picture...but I have it on good authority that the buffet tastes every bit as good as these dishes, you'll just be slapping in on a plate yourself for personal consumption, no photos necessary. :) So, buffet or full-service, you're all set on flavor, k?

Hummus is a must at Terra

To begin the meal, hummus is creamy and served with a freshly baked pita for dipping. There's also an upgraded Hummus with lamb and pine nuts which I'm betting is spectacular. Other "mezza" offerings include a spiced Zattar Bread, Grilled Artichoke, Baba Ghanouj, Vegetarian Moussaka, Calamari, and something called Kibbie Naya - a steak tartare type dish I'm going to have to return for as well.

Zattar Bread (all photos © Dining With Delia Jo unless otherwise stated)

Grilled Artichoke - Photo Courtesy of Terra Mediterranean

Salads, soup, and tabouli come next on the menu, offering options with or without meat. Opt for a grilled chicken kabob for a full meal, the large salads are huge!

Grilled Chicken Kabob + Salad

On the entree menu, I was immediately drawn to the seafood. When eating healthy, I pretty much always go with fish. The Grilled Seabass in Artichoke Cream Sauce was absolutely delicious, one of the best Seabass dishes I've eaten to date. That Artichoke Cream Sauce is heavenly. The Oven Roasted Trout and Grilled Whole Branzino almost tempted me to try them instead, but the cream sauce, as usual, won my heart.

Grilled Seabass in Artichoke Cream Sauce with Saffron Rice & Sauteed Spinach

On the meatier side of things, there are loads of options, from kabobs to gyro to saffron chicken to a lamb burger and lamb chops. The lamb chops we sampled were well seasoned and prepared perfectly,  the real deal if you're a fan of lamb.

Lamb Chops with Saffron Rice and Roasted Veggies

Photo Courtesy of Terra Mediterranean

I was told the Cauliflower was a must for a side dish, it's ever-so-slightly fried and indeed addictive. They've also got a tasty falafel at Terra.

Cauliflower

The cocktail and wine menus are not to be overlooked while dining at Terra. The Ruby Bomber is made with Aviation Gin, rosemary, bitters, and grapefruit juice, and makes for a refreshing summer sipper. They offer fresh mojitos in a plethora of flavors as well.

I look forward to having a Terra location closer to home when they open at the new restaurant district at The Shops at Willow Bend later this Fall.

If you're looking for a new spot for fresh, healthy food that also tastes good, look no further than Terra Mediterranean. After all, you can't spell Mediterranean without Terra.

Terra Mediterranean - Irving 

5910 N McArthur Blvd #121

Irving, TX

Terra Mediterranean - Ft.Worth

 2973 Crockett St

Fort Worth, TX 76107

*While our meal at Terra was comped, as always all opinions remain my own.