Lemon Mediterranean, Freehold, NJ:
A Restaurant Review
3475 Route 9
A&M Shopping Plaza
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-761-0900
Website
Restaurant Highlights
Fare: Mediterranean
Price: Moderate - Expensive
Food Quality: 2 Stars
Service: 2 1/2 Stars
Decor: 2 Stars
Overall Rating: 2 Stars
Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = Poor to Four stars = Best in Class
One of Freehold's top BYOB restaurants
On site, convenient parking
On nights with live entertainment, music can get loud enough to disturb quiet conversation
Value: Excellent
Noise Level: Moderate - High
Dress: Casual
Recommended For: Diners who enjoy creative, well prepared food in an attractive setting with good service
Not Recommended For: Diners who prefer basic food with a more traditional American menu.
Recommended dishes: When available, The Lamb Shank with Roasted Potatoes & Lemon Relish with Greek Yogurt Sauce; The New Zealand Rack of Lamb in a port wine reduction with Cranberry Polenta; and The Branzino Mediterranean Sea Bass filleted, pan-seared and served with Grape Tomatoes, Garlic, grilled Lemon and Risotto
Liquor: BYOB
Restaurant Review
Lemon Mediterranean Restaurant, located in a small strip mall on Rt 9 N, this is perhaps one of Freehold's best kept dining secrets.
Owned and operated by Chef Ash Elmenshawy, originally a lawyer from Egypt, he emigrated to the USA and proceeded to become a self-taught chef, He learned the restaurant trade by working in a variety of restaurants, starting at the bottom in virtually all positions, working his way up Chef. Prior to opening the Lemon Mediterranean Restaurant he was the Executive Chef at La Cipollina in Freehold.
Chef Ash is very creative in putting out a well prepared Mediterranean menu influenced by cuisines from Italy, France, Spain, Morocco and Greece using. using healthy, fresh ingredients.
The decor is attractively done up with earth tone walls adorned with replicas of violins, copper pots and mirrors. Candle-lit tables are beautifully set with linen cloths and napkins.
The service was attended to by a well trained, young wait staff working together as a team. They are friendly, attentive , and knowledgeable.
Chef Ash is hands-on and often can be found out in the dining area overseeing the wait staff and talking to diners to ensure their dining experience is a pleasurable one.
The dining experience begins on a positive note with a complimentary serving of creamy house-made hummus and warm pita.
Chef Ash also hosts monthly cooking classes in the restaurant. A great way to gain some insight and in acquiring some new kitchen skills.
Lemon Mediterranean features live entertainment every Friday evening.
Lemon Mediterranean Restaurant is open six days/week.
for Lunch Tuesday through Friday, 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm
Dinner Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm; Friday 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Lunch & Dinner, Saturday 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm & Sunday 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
(updated December, 2016)
