Cilantro is a Mediterranean grill master on South Street - Review - Philadelphia - The Infatuation

"Cilantro, a Middle Eastern restaurant with an Egyptian focus, has been a South Street classic since it opened in 2019. The casual spot serves puffy homemade pita, showstopping lamb chops, and the best hummus within a five-mile radius. If you come in the summer, they have a crispy eggplant wrap and a frozen mango drink to cool you off. If you come in the winter, or really anytime you need to warm up, there’s the tender beef shwarma that comes with two or more sides. It’s also a BYOB, so if you’re like us and think a glass of wine should accompany every dish, come prepared. video credit: Nicole Guglielmo photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo video credit: Nicole Guglielmo Pause Unmute Food Rundown Juice The mango, lemon with mint, or strawberry drinks aren't so much juices as they are the refreshing feeling of jumping into a pool in a cup. They’re freshly squeezed and an essential sidekick to any meal here. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo Hummus If you think we’d ever get over writing about silky hummus, you’d be wrong. Served with warm, golden pita as the perfect vehicle for dipping, it’s the best starter here. But beware: it’s a little heavy on the olives. photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO Falafel Wrap Falafel wraps are meant to be shovelled into your mouth. It’s just the rules of etiquette. At least, that's what this wrap makes us do. The soft sleeve—packed with savory falafel, tomatoes, and creamy tahini sauce—is long enough to be a mini bat. But we’re not advocates for playing with your food, especially when it tastes so good. photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO Chicken Kebab A feast of peppery, smoky chicken, fluffy rice, fries, salad, and toasty pita. No, we didn’t just describe a buffet. It’s simply one $30 entrée here that feeds around three people. This spread will have you debating its best features: the intricate spice, tender meat, or fragrance. We think it’s all of the above. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo Lamb Chops What can we say about nicely seasoned lamb chops that are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand? Not much, apart from it’s not a main dish that’s essential to have on the table. photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo Om Ali This is a bedtime story read by Barry White kind of comforting dessert. What does that entail? A warm and rich bread pudding that is sweet, creamy, and topped with pistachios to give it a nutty flavor and crunch. photo credit: NICOLE GUGLIELMO" - Candis R. McLean