Measuring under 5 square miles in area, it is amazing at the array of ethnic restaurants and foods one can find in Cranford.  There’s Irish fare at Kilkenny House, Asian fusion at Avenue East, Spanish tappas at Cervantes of Spain, Cuban at Lidia’s, French Cuisine at Café Paris, too many Italian places to possibly list here . . . . . . and now delicious Mediterranean food at Old City Café & Grill.

Old City Cafe & Grill is located right in the heart of downtown Cranford, at 20 North Union Avenue. Their menu is one of a large variety of traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare, including  lots of things most of us can’t pronounce correctly but LOVE to eat!  Owners Emanuel and Raffi Nimrud serve many authentic Mediterranean dishes, many of which are based on old family recipes, and many of which involve kebabs, (and who doesn’t love to eat anything on a stick), chick peas, grape leaves, lemon, and olive oil – yum!!!!  They try to adhere as much as possible to a farm-to-table mentality, using fresh ingredients.

The interior of the restaurant is charming, with brick giving the feel of an intimate urban bistro.  In nicer weather, you might choose to enjoy their outdoor seating, and say hello to friends and neighbors as they pass.  Either way, you’ll enjoy the same attentive, friendly, knowledgeable service, and the same wonderful food.  The restaurant, in fact, was recently named one of the top 10 restaurants in Cranford by Yelp.com.  And they even offer a limited children’s menu.

Check out their website at oldcitycafeandgrill.  Even better, take a walk over and try it out for yourself.  Maybe you and your family can start a “Falafel Friday” tradition! Or . . . . Shish Kebab Shaturday?