LALE MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE

521 S. Park Avenue
Winter Park, FL 
Tel: 407-333-0033

It was a busy Saturday on Park Avenue and I had a craving for a good Lebanese or Greek lunch.  As luck would have it, I found a rare parking space directly in front of Lale Mediterranean Cuisine. 

Lale Front Entrance

I believe in omens, so I walked inside and found a nice cozy and very small little open dining room.

A sign on the kitchen counter said the restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine with a strong Turkish influence. 

The décor is modest but clean and friendly feeling.  Even though it was late lunchtime, the tables were draped with white table cloths.

There’s also outdoor seating along Park Avenue, which gives a pleasant sense of being part of the local Winter Park dining stroll.

Lale Seating on Park Avenue

The lighting is warm and the tables are close enough to feel lively yet still private.

One unique feature: the restaurant is smaller than many on Park Avenue which gives the place a little "hidden gem" vibration. 

Lale Dining Room

My server greeted me with a friendly smile, and although the place was busy inside and out he was prompt in taking my order. I only saw two people working: the server and a chef.

I ordered lamb kofte - ground lamb - well done.  It was served with jasmine rice and a salad of pickled red cabbage and shredded carrots.

The lamb was well done, as I requested, very tasty and not overcooked.  The rice was well prepared and the pickled cabbage vegetable mix gave a bright color contrast to my platter.

Lamb Kofte Platter

I really enjoyed this little place and will come back for sure.

Since it is located on trendy Park Avenue, you can be sure their rent is outrageous.  This and its great food make the higher prices worth it.

My tab was $28.70 and I left a nice tip on top of that for the great service.

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