I needed a restaurant for a business meeting and chose one that I had not already reviewed. Za’atar serves Iranian and Iraqi cuisine. “OK,” I thought, “that could be interesting.”
Moreover, Za’atar is on North Country Club in mid-town, so it would be convenient for the two others I was to meet with.
Ambiance
I arrived at 11:30am as is my lunch habit. I prefer to dine before the lunch crowd. But the place was not what I expected. Whomever owns Za’ atar built it on the cheap. The shack in which it is housed is not nearly as nice as your typical taco truck. The interior is minimal in the extreme. Only a few small, plain tables. Diners have to stand in line to order … something I despise. So there is no such thing as service.
Given the Nightly News these past two decades, when I think of Iraq, I think of bombed out rubble. Za’ atar would not stand out in a war zone.
Handwritten on a chalk board was the word Gyros with a couple of options ($6). Also lintel soup and few other items, such as falafel: deep-fried vegetarian patties made of ground chickpeas served with lettuce, tomato, onion and tahini. One can order French fries and a small drink for an extra $2.50.
Our Order
- Catt asked for the marinated chicken kabob plate with pita, hummus, and tzatziki sauce. $9.
- Brent ordered beef shawarma plate with hummus and garlic sauce. $10.
- I ordered the beef kabob plate with pita, hummus, and tzatziki sauce. $10.
We picked up our own napkins, plastic forks and knives. Here, dishwashing is kept to a minimum.
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Beef Kabob at Za’atar, Tucson AZ
Catt’s lunch order came up. Brent’s order came up. My order … never came up. Finally, I made inquiries. The young man at the counter who had taken my order looked incredulous when I politely mentioned that my dining companions got their food, but I never did.
“What did you order?” he asked. “Beef Kabob,” I answered. “Did you pay for it?” he asked. “Yes, I paid you.” I answered.
He was good looking, in a Middle Eastern fashion. Short black hair on his head. Dense black hair on his chest. Hair aside, there was clearly a language barrier. After several attempts, he finally found the receipt with my order and took it back to the older guy working the grille.
I sat down with my companions and we continued our business meeting while they ate. In passing, Brent observed that he could see through the wall to the outside where cars were parked on the adjacent vacant lot. Neither Catt nor I doubted him.
By the time they had finished their meal, my beef kabob plate arrived with something that sounded vaguely like an apology. To which I replied, “No problem” as I tried not to roll my eyes.
So How Was The Food?
Chicken Kabob Plate at Za’atar in Tucson AZ.
So, Jim. How was the food? Actually, very good. We all thought our meal was quite tasty. Certainly the side salad was very fresh, as was the pita bread. Drinks here are minimal. For example, I ordered iced tea. The herbal mint tea was fine, but no ice was offered. Oh well … I understand that the baklava is quite delicious here, as is the strong Middle Eastern coffee. Perhaps next time.
Recommendations
Do I recommend Za’atar? Sure, but with reservations. Expect tastes that are going to seem strange to most Tucsonans. Expect no service. If you are an English or Spanish speaker, double then triple check to make sure your order is properly understood. And keep your receipt. I have no idea what the restrooms are like, but I was not about to find out. Oh, and don’t bother to dress up.
Za’ atar Mediterranean Restaurant
2825 N Country Club Rd, Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 323-4074