The menu at Gazali’s includes Mediterranean dishes like lamb chops and sides inspired by the owner’s travels throughout the region.
Writer: Karla Walsh
Middle East meets Mediterranean at Gazali’s. Now located in Clive (15700 Hickman Road; No. 110) as of July 2021 after spending 18 years in the Drake neighborhood, owner MJ Gazali is expanding his following and his offerings at his larger, bright and airy west-side location.
Order ahead online or by phone at 515-309-9167 for a lunch or dinner of well-balanced fan favorites such as falafel rice bowls, shawarma wraps and Greek salads any day. Then definitely mark your calendar for Saturday, April 30—and after that, Saturdays once per month or so—for “A Night on the Mediterranean.” The inspiration arose from the nearly six years that Gazali was a flight attendant for Emirates airline and, when he wasn’t on board, traveled throughout the Mediterranean eating and exploring.
Gazali describes the special dinners as an opportunity to “learn about the culture and history along the Mediterranean through food. We showcase our lamb chops and another option from somewhere along the sea,” he says, adding he hopes to host the dinners every four to six weeks.
Beyond his current restaurant staff, Gazali brings in his “A Team” of partners for the special dinners, including chef Easton Wade from Delirium Gallery in Winterset and sommelier Dana Swasand, who competed in Winefest’s recent Iron Somm event.
The price is right, too. It’s $59.95 for a cocktail, starter, main course with five small sides, dessert and coffee or tea. (Wine and other cocktails as well as tax and tip are additional.) Reservations via phone are suggested for seatings at 5 p.m. or 7 p.m., but a limited number of walk-in spots are also available.
Watch facebook.com/gazalisdsm for more details about future events, or dine in or take out food any time Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m., or Sunday noon-3 p.m.
