Lemon Mediterranean, Freehold, NJ:
A Restaurant Review

Lemon Mediterranean, Freehold, NJ. A restaurant review

Lemon Mediterranean Restaurant
3475 Route 9
A&M Shopping Plaza
Freehold, NJ

Lemon Mediterranean: Restaurant Highlights

Fare: Middle Eastern Mediterranean

Price: Moderate - Expensive

Food Quality: Serves well prepared dishes using healthy, fresh ingredients

Service: Welcoming, friendly, attentive

Ambiance/Decor: Dated though attractive, with a cozy vibe.

Noise Level: Moderate

Overall Rating: 2 1/2 - 3 Stars

Note: Four star Rating System from 1/2 Star = Poor to Four stars = Best in Class

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

Lemon Mediterranean Restaurant, located in a small strip mall on Rt 9 N, this is one of Freehold's best Middle Eastern Mediterranean restaurants.

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, and Ferrari's Italian Ocean Grill in Freehold.

Chef Ash serves a creative Middle Eastern Mediterranean menu influenced by cuisines from Italy, France, Spain, Morocco and Greece using. using healthy, fresh ingredients.

Lemon Mediterranean is one of the few Monmouth County restaurants that offers whole roasted Branzino, cooked whole and deboned just before serving. This preferred method of cooking preserves the fish's moisture and flavor, and presents beautifully.

Chef Ash with pride, takes the extra step and comes to your table for the deboning. To experience this treat, you must call in advance to request the whole roasted Branzino. Otherwise, while still a well-executed offering, the Branzino on the menu is prepared and cooked filleted, pan-seared.

The dining experience begins on a positive note with a complimentary serving of creamy house-made hummus and warm pita.

The decor though dated, 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.

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 Restaurant is open six days/week. For lunch and dinner. Closed on Mondays.

Offers on site, convenient parking

Updated November 2024