There’s a new Mediterranean restaurant in Ames. As a chain founded in Colorado, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh has opened locations throughout the U.S. The restaurant has food for all lovers of South European cuisine. Since opening its Ames location in January, Garbanzo’s goal has been to support adventurous lifestyles with its fresh food.
The service you will receive at Garbanzo is similar to a Chipotle or Subway assembly line, where your meal is built to your liking right in front of you. Start with a pita, rice bowl, salad or plate; choose a protein, add fillings and top it off with sauce. There are endless combinations of food, so it is hard to get bored of the opportunities.
I ordered a rice bowl, one of my favorite foods, and filled it with gyro meat, greens, feta cheese and tzatziki sauce. The bowl also came with a warm piece of pita. The food was hot and fresh. Although the intense flavors I expected from authentic Mediterranean food weren’t as prevalent as I had hoped, the food was still delicious.
One customer, a self-proclaimed picky eater, was happy to report that the customization of every meal made it easy for her to find something she enjoyed. Although I didn’t try their food outside of the rice bowl, one Google reviewer said, “Don’t forget to add a side of Greek Fries because they are criminally good.”
I would recommend coming to Garbanzo hungry because you will leave very full. My rice bowl was heaping with food (Chipotle could never) and I was more than satisfied. For drink lovers, there is also an assortment of different fountain sodas and juices.
The workers I encountered were kind, accommodating and conversational. The kitchen and seating area were all very clean. The tables were wiped, and the drink station was spotless. For newcomers, many signs on the wall explain how to order and your options. If you prefer your food to be ready when you get there, they offer an online ordering option as well.
The location of Garbanzo is perfect for students attending Iowa State University. From the Target bus stop (on the blue route), it’s a two-minute walk through the parking lot. After a filling meal, browsing the local Target was the ideal way for me to end the night. Garbanzo’s hours accommodate the spontaneous college student schedule. They are open from 10 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Although they are a little pricier for the average college student, they run many deals throughout the week, such as free fry Friday, and also have a rewards program you can sign up for.
Whether you’re a Mediterranean food lover or just sick of the dining hall food, this is a great place to try.
To check out more of what is on their menu and about the restaurant, visit their website here.