Fashionably fast dining has put on its street clothes in Miami, a place known for its people-watching, sun-basking, and trend-setting. Once all about glam and glitz, nowhere is the sign of the changing times more apparent than in South Florida’s foodscape, where casual neighborhood dining rules the city’s chicest streets.

If ever there was a food destination that embodies fast-casual dining at its best, it’s Mediterranean-focused Mr. Mandolin, where the service is fast, but the vibe is chill. 

Created by the team behind Mandolin Aegean Bistro, restaurateur Mehmet Erkaya, drew inspiration from the street food cultures of Greece and Turkey when conceptualizing his flagship location in Miami’s mid-century throwback, historically preserved MiMo neighborhood. A concept born from an emerging demand for freshly made takeout that’s satisfying, approachable, and, above all, transportable, Mr. Mandolin brings authentic Mediterranean cuisine to Miami’s doorstep. 

In a country where street food has become synonymous with greasy spoons, part of the Mr. Mandolin vision was to “remove the notion that fast food has to be unhealthy,” explained Mehmet.  With his customers’ health and eco-consciousness always at top of mind, Mr. Mandolin’s menu offerings are crafted with hormone-free, and ethically, locally, and organically sourced ingredients, whenever possible.

Featuring a selection of tasty gyros, mouthwatering kebabs, savory pies, handcrafted dips, and freshly prepared salads, this fast-casual eaterie brings the home-cooked taste and ambiance of Turkish and Grecian cafes to the beach. 

Mr. Mandolin, inside Mimo’s Vagabond Motel 

At a time when many establishments were closing, Mr. Mandolin opened its doors last summer inside the iconic Vagabond Motel. Committed to offering locals a fun, fresh, and approachable menu, Mehmet was determined to bring high-quality, street-inspired cuisine in a communal, laid-back setting to the MiMo community.

Menu Offerings

GYRO / DÖNER / SHAVED MEAT: Choice of Berkshire Heritage Pork, Grass-Fed Beef/Lamb Mix, or Free-Roam Chicken stuffed in a pita, lavash, or served platter style

STICK / KEBAB / KALAMAKI: Grass-fed beef, grass-fed lamb, free-roam chicken, Berkshire pork sausage (sheftalia), veggies, and local swordfish served on lavash bread, in a warm pita, or platter style. 

SAVORY PIES: Spinach feta, pulled lamb, and caramelized peppers and onions 

DIPS with grilled pita or crudités: Hummus, Tzatziki, Charred eggplant  

SALADS: Organic greens,  Tabouleh, Greek, and Spicy lavash wrap with hummus, bulgar, and veggies 

SWEETS: Warm tahini bun, portokalopita, and dark chocolate sorbet

Forced to think on his feet during the height of the pandemic,  Mehmet picked up on many tricks of the to-go trade, admitting that “we had to get really good at (off-premise operations) really fast.” 

Holding onto his vision of a non-pretentious neighborhood gathering spot with fast-casual Mediterranean street food at affordable prices, Mr. Mandolin’s MiMo location started out offering take-out and delivery to customers as far as 20 miles away. 

Eventually, when the time was right, dine-in service with outdoor seating was slowly incorporated, followed by the addition of  Mrs. Mandolin, a casual indoor cafe, and bakery featuring all-day breakfast, a lifestyle boutique,  and a line of epicurean staples. 

Offering locals and tourists alike a place to relax, unwind and mingle. The cafe’s stay-awhile atmosphere has a contagious warmth and casual vibe. Guests can dine on a selection of savory dishes from lavash wraps to the quiche of the day, taste sweet offerings including baklava, warm tahini buns, and portokalopita,  and sip on hot Turkish coffee, espresso drinks, matcha tea, and refreshing cold beverages. 

When asked how he consistently maintains a steady flow between on and off-premise operations,  Mehmet was quick to admit that the secret is in the timing. 

Mehmet suggests:

• Two passes in the kitchen –  one for dine-in and the other for take-out and delivery 
• Adding a dedicated food expeditor in the kitchen whose job it is to make sure the food is packaged correctly, kept warm,  and doesn’t wait
• Investing in quality packaging, and packing hot and cold food in separate containers
• Finding a delivery partner that’s reliable, safe, and always on time  
• Incorporating the newest restaurant tech with old-fashioned customer service - Mr. Mandolin guests can order at the counter or tableside, from the QR-coded menu.
  
  

Wynwood Oasis location

Mr. Mandolin’s second location recently opened in the always happening Wynwood Oasis, Miami’s ecclectic epicenter for creative expression, craft brews, and casual-chic  fare. 

Nestled in a 35,000-square-foot space, the Oasis boasts outdoor food stalls, an indoor/outdoor cocktail lounge, a large outdoor courtyard, and a stage for live performances. Like a street food oasis in the Florida sunshine, Mr. Mandolin’s Wynwood location offers a slightly scaled-down, but similar menu as its Mimo spot, sought out by concert-goers and casual food connoisseurs from all over the Miami metro area.

One of the hottest additions to enter the Miami food scene, Mr. Mandolin is bringing Mediterranean flavor and casual color to the vibrant Miami foodscape, bridging the gap between old-world street with Florida chic.