Mediterranean food lovers all over Houston rejoice! Because not only is Island Grill a tasty and healthy alternative to fast-food, but the restaurant just opened its fourth location in Rice Village.

Owner Faysal Haddad, originally from Damascus Syria, began his career in the technology industry, but switched careers in 2000 when the dot-com bubble burst. Haddad and his wife Maria bought their original location at 5709 Woodway Drive and Island Grill made its debut. After the success of the first location, they opened a second on Bellaire and then a third at 979 Bunker Hill. This year marks their 17^th year in the business alongside the Rice Village opening.

“Our customers have become like family members throughout the years,” explains Haddad. “Supporting our local community has always been a priority for Maria and myself, and we look forward to getting to know our new neig

hbors in Rice Village. We pride ourselves in offering the highest quality food at approachable price points, and we hope that our new location is a testament to the care we put into both the dishes we serve and the relationships we strive to cultivate on a daily basis.”

Most of the dishes at Island Grill are recipes from Haddad’s mother and are made fresh daily. During my visit I tried the Mediterranean Platter which is a large serving of gyros, chicken and salad. The meat was very tasty and the salad was fresh and crisp.

Everyone who visits Island Grill should order their famous pita and garlic sauce. It is so delicious – you’ll ask for extra of both.

The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and patrons are treated to delicious and healthy options on all three menus.

The smoothie menu is large and has all kinds of ingredients from every type of fruit you can think of to non-fat yogurt and peanut butter or whey powder. There are even smoothies named after loyal customers like Lance Berkman and George H.W. Bush. If smoothies aren’t your thing, don’t worry because Island Grill also has a wine list and beer available.

Fresh healthy Mediterranean food, smoothies, pita bread with garlic sauce and wine. Like I said, Houstonians, rejoice! With four locations to choose from, now there isn’t an excuse not to make Island Grill a part of your dining repertoire.