Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen

Mediterranean restaurant · Northeast San Leandro

Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen

Mediterranean restaurant · Northeast San Leandro

1

599 Dutton Ave, San Leandro, CA 94577

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Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen by null

Highlights

Nestled in San Leandro, this family-run gem offers vibrant Mediterranean dishes, including stellar vegetarian options, in a cozy, bohemian vibe.  

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599 Dutton Ave, San Leandro, CA 94577 Get directions

moussakakitchen.com
@moussakakitchen

$20–30 · Menu

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599 Dutton Ave, San Leandro, CA 94577 Get directions

+1 510 850 5020
moussakakitchen.com
@moussakakitchen

$20–30 · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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"At Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen there is “an immediate, international flair,” writes East Bay Express critic Janelle Bitker. Chef Nilgun Boyar, a former sous at Quince, has created a place with “an air of sophistication you don’t find too often” in San Leandro. The menu reflects Boyar’s upbringing in Turkey and Greece with Bay Area produce, resulting in a few standouts like the namesake moussaka, the Turkish manti dumplings and the lamb and beef beyti kebabs. At other times, Boyar can be trying to do too much with the five-page menu, and dishes like veal scallopini or duck bacon sliders feel like a stretch. (Even if the “combination of flavors was lovely” on the duck bacon.) On the other hand, the not-particularly Mediterranean chia seed-crusted salmon was “flawless,” “like something you’d find at an upscale American restaurant.”" - Andrew Dalton

If You’re Looking for Michael Bauer, He’s at MerSea With His Dog - Eater SF
View Postcard for Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen

SC

Google
Hospitality! Hospitality! Turkish hospitality! Absolutely loved Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen in San Leandro here! From the moment I stepped in, the authentic design of the restaurant transported us straight to Turkey. The chairs in the middle of the dining area were especially unique and added such a charming touch to the atmosphere. The live views of Bancroft, providing a perfect backdrop to an already mouthwatering, desserts. The menu was a delightful mix of Turkish and American sweets, each more flavorful than the last. The baklava cheesecake were a true highlight – delicious and beautifully presented on the half round dish. But what really made this place shine - hospitality. Niles and wife went above and beyond to ensure we had an unforgettable dining experience. 5 stars all the way and wait to we get back!

V W

Google
Every dish was tasty and fresh. The moussaka eggplant meat dish was fantastic. Salad was fresh and crunchy with lovely seasoning. Grilled shrimp skew was mouthwatering with the yogurt dip. Our eyes all popped out after tasting the dip. Falafel balls were crispy and light. The mint dumplings were spoonful of yummy tiny things. Staff was so friendly and the chef explained to us how the dumplings were made in every household in Turkey.

Michael Osur

Google
We had the pleasure of hosting our cousin Jill’s (and Kisa’s) pre-wedding welcome dinner for 25 of us on Friday, April 25, 2925. We worked with Nile (owner and head chef) on the menu. The food was super tasty, service outstanding and the desserts! Desserts to die for !! The price was super reasonable and all of us went home singing Moussaka’s praises . We love this place and highly recommend it for any meal at any time of day !

Vance Y

Google
My wife and I had a wonderful lunch together. The food was amazing and very authentic. All of the staff were wonderful and very helpful with choosing the most flavorful food options. For those who need it, there are plenty of options for anyone who is vegetarian or gluten-free. There is also a large assortment of desserts that are handmade at the restaurant. We had the best cheesecake we’ve ever had, homemade baklava cheesecake We will absolutely be coming again.

Jaci Smith

Google
Cute little place. My expectations were set to high. We went on a Friday night, it was barely busy but there was only one waiter for the whole 15 or so tables, that same waiter was the hostess and busboy. We were seated right away but it took the person almost 20 minutes to take our order and we were never offered water until he took our order. The food was not amazing… not bad but I honestly was disappointed. The place redeemed it self with dessert.

Renée CS

Google
Delicious Turkish food and great service! The lamb skewers, lemon potatoes, garlic fries, and Greek salad are especially good.

ShanielD569

Google
A cozy spot good for date night, family or the solo diner. Good views of the intersection. Inside gave me a boho Mediterranean vibe. Love the seats they twist! Now to the food. We had the Santorini burger, Greek fries and prawns skewers with a side salad. Burger was juicy with a nice sear that really brings out the beef flavor. Good quality of beef with just a hint of spice. Nice skinny fires with a soft fluffy middle. Side salad was delicious and what you'd expect in a Mediterranean salad. Greek fires, I'll pass next time. Basically fires popped in broiler with feta cheese ontop. I was underwhelmed. The shrimp was grilled beautiful with a nice flavor. Came with orzo rice, just rice with a few orzo pasta pieces here and there. It wasn't bad but I don't care for my rice to stick together like mushed a little. Good service, waiter was on point working 6-7 tables alone. Food wait times are good. Appetizer didn't come out prior but with entrée. Can't belive they have been there 8 years. Oh desserts section is worth a shot. At first glance you may think Julia Child's era. The Limon marscapone cake was delicious. Some one in my party ordered the Turkish coffee. Definitely will put some hair on your chest. Parking is good and has wheelchair access. Clean restroom. Hope this help you.

Ebvardh Boss

Google
Their Orange Mixed Berry Medley cake was heavenly. The desserts here are really special. They’re doing something very right.

Jean K.

Yelp
Owner/chef Nilgun B. has been producing some excellent Turkish/Mediterranean food and a number of delicious desserts (she's a very creative pastry chef, too). The DR has been recently remodeled for a cleaner and more comfortable look. Do note for those who are unfamiliar with Turkish food, although it does use hot chilis in a few dishes, overall it is NOT a "hot spice" cuisine. Do not expect chili flakes or flamin' hot sauces here; Turkish home cooking (we have several Turkish friends) does not use them. They use many spices, but not the jalapeno/serrano/habanero kind! The pastry case, which used to be on the side near the entry, is now at the back of the restaurant, on the left. Don't miss taking a look; most of her desserts are NOT listed on the regular dessert menu as she changes them often. Tip: if the baklava cheesecake is there, DO NOT MISS IT. Lovers of Philly-style cheesecake will flip over this tall, but exquisitely light and creamy beauty! We came once with friends and all four of us gave this dessert 5-stars. It takes several days to make so it's not always available; just ask the waitstaff. Those looking for keto, diabetic, vegetarian or vegan dishes will find plenty here to enjoy. Meat lovers are well-accommodated too, with hearty skewers, excellent fish, and wonderful lamb dishes. The Hunkar Begendi (pureed eggplant, braised lamb with gravy, soft tasty rice/orzo pilaf) is outstanding; we also love the Meat Moussaka with its Bechamel topping and flavorful tomato sauce. Cheese lovers will adore the flaming Saganaki: halloumi cheese deep-fried and set aflame in brandy. Soft fresh pita wedges help make it the best toasted-cheese snack ever, LOL. Relatively easy parking; residential streets are free but Bancroft Ave. and side streets running west for 1 block are metered.

Darin T.

Yelp
Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen is a fantastic spot for quality Mediterranean food--my family and I have loved every dish we've tried. The doner kebab is a standout, tender, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. Their rice side is fluffy and seasoned just right--definitely not one of those bland afterthoughts. The BBQ aroma you smell from outside, and the food absolutely delivers on that promise. One of the highlights for us is the bread with za'atar dip--served warm and tasting fresh out of the oven. It's a crowd pleaser every time. That said, the pricing keeps us from coming here as often as we'd like. Most items are in the $23+ range, aside from the wraps, which are more reasonably priced at $16-17. A lunch special could make a huge difference for locals like us--I'd happily pay $11-$12 for a smaller portion to enjoy their food more regularly. Right now, it feels like more of a "special occasion" spot for us, which is a shame since we live in the neighborhood. Customer service is consistently friendly and welcoming. We've never had to wait in the three times we've visited, which is a nice plus. One menu item that's on my radar is their burger. A burger at a Mediterranean place might seem strange, but with how delicious and charbroiled their meats are, I'm confident it would be excellent. It's on the premium side price-wise, but based on the photos, it looks worth trying at least once. Overall, Moussaka is a solid choice for flavorful Mediterranean dishes and great service. It's not as pricey as Paradiso next door, but it's definitely on the higher side compared to fast-casual options, say in Alameda a quick drive over. While it's not marketed as fast-casual, a lunch special could be a game-changer for folks like me who want to stop by more often. For now, it's a place we enjoy occasionally, but not as much as we'd like!

Kathleen W.

Yelp
Delicious and flavorful food~~ We celebrated my birthday here and have had several meals throughout the year because the food keeps bringing us back. The garlic fries, appetizer combo platter with all the baba ghanoush and hummus are so fresh! The Iskender is good and my SO likes to get the Turkish Coffee and Turkish teas.

Kathleen K.

Yelp
Absolutely delicious from the dolmas, hummus falafel! Desserts were delicious! Can't wait to get back again

Jessica H.

Yelp
I really appreciate the decor, the good service and the delicious food. We had a lamb and beed shawarma wrap, kabobs, falafel and salmon. I wasn't a fan of their falafel, they're different from the falafel flavor I'm used to, unique though.

Jenny J.

Yelp
I had this bookmarked for some time now and finally had the chance to try it. The service here is phenomenal. We got greeted, seated, and helped in a fast pace! We ordered lamb shank, kebabs combo, pistachios salad, and pistachio ricotta as dessert plus wine as drink. The lamb shank is really tender and slightly sweet but savory. The kebab wasn't what we expected, we thought there would be more meat in a skewers but it was thinly sliced meat. Maybe we didn't read the menu well enough. We still enjoyed it. We got the salad to have some greens in our system lol. Overall on the food itself was a bit bland because we eat a lot of flavorful foods in general so it might be why we feel like it is on the lighter side. Since there was pepper and salt on the table so it helps. Also, from my assumption there is a decent amount of elderly customers or they are regulars and they usually don't eat super salty food. I also see families with their kids that eat there. I will say, I feel healthy and clean eating here. I will still come back here to eat and bring my parents. I really love the vibe while I was eating here. It can also feel cozy and homey while it is an edgy looking spot at the same time.

Irena S.

Yelp
Have been here a couple times, either with a party of 4 or 6, and it's been pretty good and I didn't mind being back when people chose it as a meeting spot. My order was the Alexander (Iskender) chef special, which is beef and lamb over warm pita bread, with marinara and yogurt. Costs $23. Pros: - reliably delicious food, with pretty unique and nicer upscale Mediterranean (not your typical Nick the Greek or Pita Pit type of vibe). - Really cute ambiance! I especially love the colorful chairs that you can spin on like an office chair - The servers were extremely friendly and kind - HUGE portions - I used to think it was an expensive place, but for the amount of food you get with each dish it really is like 2 meals. Reasonably priced when you order the things that are under $25. - Wide variety of dish options on if you want to do family style or if everyone wants to order their own meat plate. - I consider this a very San Leandro vibe restaurant, unique and local Cons: - sometimes parking can be tricky on weekends or busier nights. I usually park in the residential area near Oakes Blvd and walk over - for some reason both times I've been here the air circulation wasn't great and I felt very hot and sweaty inside, only to feel much relief after stepping into the colder night air. Not sure if it's just the seats to the right of the entryway?

Scott H.

Yelp
Very good avgolomono soup. Excellent fried cheese. Very tasty souvlaki lavash. Service was good. Dining room was clean and well-appointed. All around a good dining experience. I'm sure I'll be back.

Sabine M.

Yelp
This place is nice, cute little place with prompt service. The food was really good and a really big portion. I had the half chicken half gyro plate and we also had the chicken skewers which were great. It's nice that they give you bread before hand as well and they have a nice drink selection too. I tried their sangria was it was good! Would definitely come back!

Diane N.

Yelp
Met a friend after work and was craving some Mediterranean food so I found this place on Yelp. The staff was super attentive and would come around every now and then to see if we needed a refills or anything else. The food was delicious I got the chicken kabob plate and my friend ordered a beef and lamb gyro plate. He is a picky eater and he absolutely loved it! We also ordered garlic fries which were perfectly seasoned. We couldn't resist and took a look at the dessert case which had a wide variety of yummy delights. From baklava to tiramisu..which we ended up ordering tiramisu and a lemon tart? I can't remember but all I know is that we did not leave any left on the plates!

Erica T.

Yelp
Once again I'm here because the food is good and healthy , the tea is creamy and the desserts are delicious. Tonight I chatted with the owner who also doubles as the dessert chef who has an ironclad memory. She remembers everyone who patronizes her restaurant how sweet is that?

Aaron F.

Yelp
This restaurant is such a great neighborhood find in San Leandro. My wife and I went there for dinner and were so happy we picked this restaurant. From the moment we sat down, our waiter was already bringing us water and pita to start off with. He had suggested the small combo appetizer to us, which was a great choice. We then both ordered our entrees which both were flavorful and delicious. The restaurants staff were so accommodating and nice throughout our entire meal. The restaurants small but intimate dinning room was just perfect. We felt like we were eating at someone's home. Overall I would recommend this restaurant if you are anywhere near San Leandro and looking for good Mediterranean food.

Rosita L.

Yelp
Cane here to meet a buddy from Canada. We ordered combo kebab plate, Sultan's favorite, and lamb kebab. We also ordered large combo plate for appetizer and Efes beer for drinks. 1. Lamb kebab: dry, overcooked, bland, and tough. Good portion for one person. 2 skewers per portion. 2. Combo kebab: a lot of meat, maybe good, but I tried the chicken and it's ok. Nothing remarkable. 3. Sultan's favorite: better lamb than the skewers. If you like lamb, I'll suggest this dish. Keep in mind this dish is HUGE and extremely hot. Be careful. It was ok, nothing great either. 4. Combo plate: baba ghanoush was so bland, tzatziki was ok, and hummus was better than the rest. Pita bread was hot, so it's great. Service was ok, she lets us sit for a long time before actually taking our order. But always nice and kind. Ambience was good, not too crowded or loud, comfortable space too.

Poiuytrewq A.

Yelp
We came here to enjoy time with friends visiting from Switzerland as one of our last meals together before they returned. The restaurant is medium-sized with minimalist style. It's casual, but a little higher-end-casual. The surrounding area is a mix of commercial and residential property. On a weeknight we were easily able to find parking. Also nearby is a coffee shop that looked nice to visit after dinner. The food was very tasty with nice presentation. The appetizer combo plate "Combo dips" was nice, because we were able to try out the different dips. I liked the tirakafteri best. There was also a special menu and I ordered "Turkish ravioli", which was mini dumplings with a teeny bit of meat in the middle. It looked like a lot of effort to make. I wish there was more meat inside. The sauce was yogurt based and because the yogurt is sour or more neutral, the dish overall was not as flavorful, but a dash of salt helped improved the dish. My friend ordered saganaki which was fun. The chef came out and delivered it to us and that was fun. My favorite part of our experience (other than enjoying time catching up with our friends) was the dessert display which had many different types of cakes and Turkish delights. I got some of the "mochi" , coconut, and double pomegranate Turkish delights. The "mochi" ones are different colored and have different flavors. I liked them because they were small and bite size. The green was a mint flavor. The service was excellent and the interaction with the chef was pleasant and welcoming. I highly recommend coming out here and I can easily see this place being a regular place to meet up if we only lived nearby.

Preet P.

Yelp
Tried this place for the first time. It's on the corner of well lit street. Getting in the restaurant was bit challenging because their front door handle has to be twisted to open the door. We were seated immediately. We didn't mention about our reservation neither they asked because tables were empty on Friday evening. We ordered stella and iron skillet garlic prawns appetizer first. We decided to share our entree Combo Kebap (lamb and chicken skewers, kofte kebap, beef and lamb doner) considering it as a very large portion for us. Both our appetizer and entree were very good. Their chicken skewers and rice are delicious. By this time, they had forgotten our stella and never came back to check on us and we did not want to ask since we were almost done eating. I was very excited to try their deserts. I ordered the last one on the menu which was provided to us. It was some kind of gelato with chocolate and pistachio. I saw my server bring out a cake from their glass display. I was given a cake and without realizing it has no chocolate, I started to eat . Then realized they gave me a wrong desert, I told my server who was surprised and thought I ordered some kind of pistachio cake. I asked her which desert she brought me on the menu which she was not able to find anywhere on the menu. However she apologized for both- missing our drink and for a wrong desert. We asked to take out the charge for the desert which she reluctantly did, we paid and left. We met a couple outside who asked us " were they trying to give you a wrong desert too?". They shared a similar story of being given a desert which they never ordered and was asked to take it anyways because they accidentally packed it. They said they paid for a desert which they actually didn't order. Long story short, not sure if this confusion of deserts were deliberately caused or it was a mere coincidence. I will be back for their skewers one day but most likely will take food to go.

James H. L.

Yelp
They're trying hard to show they care greatly about you in this warm place in the little village of San Leandro. The Mediterranean menu has quite a few different options, such as the Hunkar Begendi, which is a very homespun spoon-tender braised lamb in a nice eggplant sauce. Their orzo pilaf is quite a nice alternative to the standard plain versions, showing they slightly toast their orzo pasta before combining it with their very fluffy rice. I ordered their Saganaki from their special menu and wasn't disappointed. It has a really crispy exterior with creamy halloumi inside and is soaked with a splash of flaming Ouzo - many other restaurants stopped doing this dish because of the fire hazard, but I'm happy. Still, this place keeps the tradition alive and kicking. The desserts are all on display as you walk in - and you should peruse them on a filled stomach, or else risk over-ordering everything in front of you. We sampled the chocolate baklava, a Milky baklava, a pistachio mousse tarte, and a black forest tarte, which fully satisfied our expectations.

Molly L.

Yelp
Logistically a nightmare for pickups. I came here a few minutes early to pick up my food and ended up waiting 25 minutes with my food just sitting there. When I got there and said I was here for a pickup, the waiter told the cooking stars to make it. There were 2 other staff just standing there not checking in with me or the orders. I only asked about my order when someone else came to pick up their order and saw another bag. When we got our food, the fries were not fresh despite me waiting a long time for them to make the food. The fries even tasted like they were fried twice. There was a lot of liquid in our chicken gyros which means it would be difficult to save due to the soggy pitas. They got my soda order wrong and also the sides -- I asked for a side salad but they gave me only soup. The flavors were good and had potential, but the logistics of picking up the food made this a bad experience. I might give them a try again but only if I were dining in. Even then I wouldn't dine in on a weekend evening. The restaurant was packed with people upset about the slow service. With over 12 tables and only one active waiter, I'm not sure this restaurant is functioning efficiently.

Karin R.

Yelp
This is a hidden gem. The array of delicious desserts is incredible, the food was all delicious and very well priced, great service, ambiance is very modern but with fun, Turkish flair! Fun for brunch or a date. Happy to go back any time. The Biscorf cheesecake was the winner Brussel sprouts were a runner up. Everything was delicious

Kezia S.

Yelp
Very pretty place, food was very tasty My fam was super indecisive about what to get so I am sure we were being confusing for the server but he took it all in stride and was very accommodating and made sure he understood what we wanted, so huge shoutout for dealing with a difficult family haha Food was super tasty, nothing tasted bad at all The kebab in the wrap was a little dry, but in general everything was super tasty We were super hungry so we literally finished every last bite on our plates

Gandalf W.

Yelp
I saw them give five stars but based on freshness quality and delicious this place deserves five stars. I ordered the chicken kebab meal through GrubHub. The meal was still warm when I got it and absolutely delicious. I highly recommend this place Give them a try you will be glad you did Bon appétit

Angela L.

Yelp
Everything is so beautiful and all the employees are super sweet. We started off buying from Nile and their wife's bakery. We thought it was time to try the actual restaurant itself. My personal favorites 1. Lamb Shank with eggplant bottom. It just melts in your mouth and has a lot of flavor to it! 2. Falafel balls- crunchy on the outside but soft on the inside 3. Blueberry Ube cheesecake and Biscoff cheesecake- My two must have flavors for dessert

Jasmine T.

Yelp
I visited Moussaka with a party of 4 on a Sunday around lunch time. There was a good amount of people inside but we were able to get seated immediately without reservations. I decided to get the Combo Kebab. The rice and salad wasn't anything special. The salad tasted fresh. The star of the meal was the lamb. It was flavorful & tasted so good with the tzatziki sauce. Their service is amazing. Our waitress was covering so many tables and everything came out fairly quick. She definitely went above and beyond. Parking: There's some metered street parking but also there's a free parking lot across the street by Safeway. PSA: they don't do anything special for birthdays!

Michelle Z.

Yelp
I've ordered doordash from moussaka a couple times but the food here really benefits significantly from being eaten fresh. Great flavoring, meats and doughs are cooked well, generous portions. Interesting beers on tap. I didn't have room for dessert today but they looked amazing and I'll be getting some next time I come for sure

David K.

Yelp
Moussaka Mediterranean is an elegant restaurant with a menu of dishes inspired by flavors from across the Mediterranean. We started with the Moussaka Meze platter, which came with 3 dolmas, 3 falafels, spanakopita, hummus, tzatziki, and pita bread. My favorite components were the crispy spanakopita and falafels, which went nicely with the tzatziki and hummus. Next, the Grilled Cheese Salad came with a mixture of romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and bell peppers, all tossed in a light pomegranate vinaigrette and topped with crispy slices of saganaki. The highlight of the salad was definitely the crispy cheese, whose saltiness paired perfectly with the fresh, crunchy vegetables underneath. And then came the mains. The Bouillabaisse was a hearty saffron tomato stew with lots of different kinds of seafood including clams, mussels, grilled salmon, prawns, calamari, and scallops, served with garlic pita bread on the side. The Lamb Shank Tagine featured a whole lamb shank braised with chickpeas in a red wine tomato sauce, served with sautéed vegetables (Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower) over Israeli couscous; and the Sumac Chicken Tagine came with two chicken thighs cooked in a sumac cream sauce, also served with vegetables and couscous. Both of the tagines were hearty and came in generous portions, though my favorite dishes here were simply the appetizers!

Tammy R.

Yelp
Excellent!!! My friends and I visited here on a Sat afternoon. The service was superb! Nildal has exceptional customer service and will have you dying to come back! We ordered the salmon, two chicken shawarma wraps, and the beef & lamb wrap. The food was exquisite and the portion sizes were very generous. Everyone needed to-go boxes. We topped off the day with Nildal's amazing desserts. OMG! They were some of the best cheesecakes that I've ever tasted. And very unique! The Baklava Cheesecake... OMG again! Scrumptious and delicious. Very unique. And the Biscotti Cheesecake... was sooooo delicious. We also had the mango cheesecake and key lime pie which melted in our mouths! So incredibly tasty! I highly recommend this restaurant. Besides the amazing food, the ambiance is awesome and the staff is super exceptional.

John C.

Yelp
Found this little gem by accident. Searched for a dessert place and Dessertchu (amazing desserts and will write a separate review) came up. It turned out that Dessertchu is housed inside Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen. We opted to dine at Moussaka and loved it! On the surface the restaurant serves a recognizable and typical Mediterranean staple such as skewers (or kebabs), humus, pita, falafel, gyros and shawarma. But in looking at the chef special menu we discovered traditional Greek dishes like Moussaka and several Turkish selections including Sultan's Delight (Hunkar Begendi), Alexander (Iskender), and Manti. Being a total foodie, I couldn't resist and tried Hunkar Begendi, Manti and pan fried/grilled cheese with cherry tomatoes (don't remember the actual name). My friends, however, opted for the can't go wrong gyros, shawarma and skewers. At the end of the meal, we all agreed the food was very, very good and would definitely come back! In fact, I showed photos (included here) to my Turk friends. They all said I made the right choices, and the photos made them crave their traditional cuisine.

Juliana T.

Yelp
I happened to walk past this restaurant around 2:30pm on a leisurely Saturday afternoon. I was thinking about dinner. Take out was about to happen so I decided to stop into this lovely restaurant on the corner. The person who took my order was friendly and made me feel comfortable as I decided and then waited for my order. It was the middle of the afternoon so almost no one was dining. There was only 1 party so I didn't feel what I anticipate is a normal busyness this restaurant might have. I ordered two items; Hünkar Beğendi (The Sultan's Delight) and Turkish dumplings. I haven't had either. But they packed my dishes well. When I got home, they were still "plated" well. The Sultan's Delight was DELICIOUS! I REALLY enjoyed the texture and flavors of the eggplant under the lamb. Now I want to cook it myself. And the Turkish dumplings were cute! All these little meat filled dumplings topped with some saucy spices. I don't often eat Turkish food but when I do, I really enjoy it!

Jacqueline V.

Yelp
Came here for some dessert. Service was great! The ambiance of the place was super melo, cute, and unique. Dessert and coffee was fresh and satisfying. Definitely will come back

Karla M.

Yelp
Very friendly and good customer service. The food was delicious everything we tried. The desserts especially the baclava tres leches was my favorite

Lynn T.

Yelp
Excellent food and service. Must have Moussaka (eggplant with cheese and ground beef), pistachio baklava, and cream puffs!

Kysha L.

Yelp
Have only had this fantastic Mediterranean food delivered at work through catering, but then passing by the restaurant, realizing that they were closed, but open to purchase baked items, I had to stop. They had everything from cheesecake, tiramisu, Macarons, to Turkish delight, and so much more. Definitely worth going back to enjoy a meal in this quaint little restaurant, and then following up with some more of their yummy dessert.

Aliyah S.

Yelp
Food was fresh and excellent. Service was considerate of my allergies and offered simple adjustments. And the setting is beautiful and peaceful. I will return.

Devon S.

Yelp
We had dinner here and it was the best Mediterranean food we've found since moving to California last year! We ordered a glass of wine which was exceptional, the hunkar beyendi was so tender and the dumplings were very good as well. They seemed a little understaffed, but the owner was friendly and helpful. We'll be back!

Veronica P.

Yelp
I wish I would have discovered this place sooner! YOU MUST try them!!! The food is absolutely delicious, especially when compared to their more than reasonable prices. The restaurant is very romantic and cozy inside, with amazing, friendly, most caring service. They have a separate "desserts counter" with lots of Turkish sweets that you can purchase by weight. I HIGHLY RECOMEND Moussaka!

Alejandro C.

Yelp
There was no wait to be seated which was great , the food was okay for the price . My biggest con was that it took almost 45 minutes to receive the plate after ordering only for my food to be cold . I would have asked if they can reheat it or something but I didn't want to wait another 45 minutes . My server was great , super friendly . The portion of the food was also great. I don't know if I'll be back but it was okay for my first time.

Emma S.

Yelp
We LOVE this quiet spot. The food is AMAZING, the owner is the sweetest, and the ambiance is lovely. We've been here for date nights and family dinners. Recent updating inside- new tables and chairs, plus they've rearranged the dessert case giving the restaurant more of an open concept. But the space still doesn't get overly loud like other open concept restaurants. We love: Tzatziki appetizer The falafels are super crispy on the outside, but soft and pillowy inside Alexander (Iskander) is true perfection. The new menu item "Wet Burger"- with slow cooked, pulled lamb was everything. In the past I've also gotten the chicken shawarma plate- YUM! The orzo/rice is pillowy and delicious- great flavor. Last night we got the Boston Crème Pie from the dessert case. Oh my! They make it in house and put an extra layer of fudge over the top. To. Die. For. Please run to Moussaka, I promise you will NOT be disappointed.

Rena W.

Yelp
Went here with a friend for a catch-up lunch and the food, service, and environment was all amazing! the food came really fast and the interior was really cute and cozy. we weren't extremely hungry but definitely craving, so we shared everything we ordered. i do wish the chicken had just a little bit more flavor but it was soft and juicy. my favorites were the tzatziki w/ pita and the lemon potatoes (we wish they gave more!!). not shown is a side of rice we ordered. local gem in sl!

Basil S.

Yelp
Service was outstanding! Very nice and personable waiters and waitresses. Had children in our party and the staff treated them like they were their uncles and aunties, it was nice. Food was terrific and the lamb kabob was the best lamb I had in a long time! Their desserts were fantastic! The crème brûlée cheesecake was my favorite! Definitely check his place out! Parking is only street.

Raajna N.

Yelp
while the experience had some highlights, it also left me disappointed in a few areas. First, the service. There was only one server handling a very busy night, which made the service extremely slow. I want to emphasize that this wasn't the server's fault--they were clearly doing their best under the circumstances. The real issue lies with the management. For a night this busy, the owners should have had more staff on hand. It's unfair to both the customers and the server to operate this way. As for the food, it was decent but lacked the bold flavors I expected. As a person of color who loves spice, I was really disappointed they didn't have chili flakes. Their "hot sauce" was essentially a watered-down version of chili, with no real heat to it. This left the food feeling bland and one-dimensional, which was a shame because the quality of the ingredients seemed good. The one redeeming factor was the ambiance. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, making it a pleasant place to dine, despite the flaws. Overall, the restaurant has potential, but they need to step up their game--both in staffing and in bringing more flavor to the table. Would I come back? Maybe, but not on a busy night and definitely not without bringing my own chili flakes!

Dawn T.

Yelp
Love this place. Good food. Good service. The staff are also really friendly. The schwarma is good so is the skewers.

Jason M.

Yelp
Went recently and noticed changes to the dining room and menu. The owners were super sweet! Everything we tried was a hit. Also the desserts were the best I have had in a long time. Worth a diet cheat day!

Soumen B.

Yelp
An exceptional treat to the taste buds! Moussaka is authentic with a great variety of flavors on the menu. I was impressed with the preparation of the Hunkar Beyendi, a tasteful combination of eggplant, lamb, and cheese. The shashlik was our pick between the two chicken entrees and they probably have the best crispy falafel in Bay Area. Our group enjoyed our dinning experience and were happy with the hospitality and warmth of this restaurant. Five stars for going above and beyond!!

Dan F.

Yelp
Moussaka is a great place to dine because the food is just really nicely done. Nile, the owner, works both the kitchen and front of the house. She's just a ball of energy and makes it a point to say hello to every customer and make their dining experience more enjoyable. The food is really good too. Tried some of the menu items like Kofte, stuffed eggplant, kebabs, roasted cauliflower, etc. and every item had been delicious. I hate to focus on only one thing but I think the french fries are pretty spectacular. Their thin, seasoned nicely, and crispy all the way around. On my last visit as I was leaving, I jokingly gestured to grab a french fry that was under the heat lamp, and the owner saw me. I thought I was in trouble but she actually came running out of the kitchen with a mixing bowl of fresh french fries offering me to take a couple for the road. This place is really more like a friend's house than a restaurant. Always looking forward to coming back when I'm in the area ... even if it's just for some french fries. Highly recommend this place. Give Moussaka a try and you won't be disappointed.

Gary B.

Yelp
What a delight it was to dine here! The ambiance is really why you'd want to dine at a non-chain restaurant like "Moussaka Mediterranean" I would describe it as stylish and even perhaps romantic...it's obvious someone thought how they wanted to present themselves as a restaurant and executed that vision. Service with a smile is always noted and appreciated (I believe my server was Leila)...otherwise it was efficient without being over bearing. The food was good and satisfying. I also ordered the Turkish coffee which I found very smooth and flavorful along with 2 different kinds of desserts (baklava and a parfait like mousse) both inundated with pistachios...I'd comeback for the parfait thing alone! So good! Overall great dining experience wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone wanting a good dining experience with equally good (Greek inspired) food.

Pamela R.

Yelp
We love this place. We come here frequently. We wish they still had couscous on the menu, but otherwise we love their appetizers and tangines and the staff is very friendly.

Nan B.

Yelp
First, I gotta say, the recent remodel is delightful! Cozy, comfortable mid-century modern works perfectly. The incredible dessert display case has been moved to one end which has opened the space considerably -- HOWEVER one must pay the desserts a visit; have one after your meal plus take a couple home with you. Irresistibly delicious! The main menu offers generous portions of each carefully crafted dish. the baba ghanoush is to die for and the avgolemono soup is heavenly. Gluten-free lavash as well as GF desserts are available. Really. Each dish was tasty and a very good value. Service was excellent

Jodi H.

Yelp
I've been enjoying this place for years and figured I'd share the love with all searching for GREAT food EVERY time I go here. It's delicious and consistently so. Enjoy!

Donna W.

Yelp
Just ate at Moussaka Mediterranean Kitchen in San Leandro. The restaurant is clean and comfortable, and staff is friendly and family like. The food is always delicious and fresh. I didn't get a chance to take pictures of the food because my family and I inhaled it. I'm posting a picture of the Blueberry Cheesecake which was decadent tasting but light in texture. If I had been home eating this cheesecake, I would have licked my plate. What I love about this restaurant is not only is the food delicious and staff outstanding, but the Chef cooks all the food and makes all the desserts herself. You have to try it!

Francisco F.

Yelp
2nd time here, food is great! Service Sucks!!! Service sucks service sucks service sucks