Sandhills Sentinel recently held a contest in which a lucky reader received a $25 gift certificate to the Grape Leaf Bistro in Southern Pines. Congratulations Stephanie Bailey, and we’re sure you’ll enjoy your meal.
As a follow up to the contest, Sandhills Sentinel would like to take the opportunity to introduce readers to the Grape Leaf Bistro – which opened for business 13 months ago and has been called by many, one of the best kept culinary secrets in the Sandhills.
Located at 10574 Highway 15/501, Grape Leaf Bistro is nestled amongst a sea of franchise restaurants, right next to the Olive Garden.
Serving authentic and homemade Lebanese cuisine, Grape Leaf Bistro has been quietly gaining a steady stream of loyal patrons from both within and outside of Moore County.
Vegetarian Delight #4.
Founded by restaurant veteran Michael Alojeil, a chef who has been in the restaurant business for over 35 years, having previously owned seven restaurants in North Carolina. Grape Leaf Bistro is his eighth restaurant.
Alojeil is a seasoned culinary professional when it comes to knowing how to prepare mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine, and he also provides his customers with a welcoming and unforgettable dining experience. When not cooking, Alojeil can often be seen walking around and doting on his customers, socializing, and asking how they enjoyed their meal.
Alojeil’s fans from outside Moore County remember his previous establishments—Michael’s, which was directly across from UNCP in Pembroke, and The Mill at Puppy Creek in Raeford. His loyal followers continue their patronage of Alojeil’s authentic and fresh cuisine and travel to Southern Pines to enjoy his unique dishes.
After first-time diners discover the wide variety of ethnic dishes available, they quickly become steady customers and enjoy the many perks Grape Leaf Bistro has in place. This includes a customer loyalty program with text message updates letting you know when free appetizer samples are being served.
As a vegetarian, I find it hard to find restaurants in Moore County serving a variety of good vegetarian and vegan entrees. During my first visit to Grape Leaf Bistro a year ago, I was over the moon to see the abundance of vegetarian options available, like this dish being prepared below by Alojeil – Vegetarian Delight #4.
However, it isn’t just vegetarians and vegans that will swoon over the homemade cuisine served up at Grape Leaf Bistro.
Carnivores keep coming back for the mouthwatering kebobs – lamb, shrimp and chicken in addition to the specialty plates – chicken and beef shawarma ($11.99), falafel sandwich served with a side dish is complimented nicely with Lebanese lemon potatoes ($7.49).
Beef Shawarma.
I became a regular customer soon after their opening last year, and the best descriptive I have for Grape Leaf Bistro became the title of this article – Where Mediterranean cuisine meets Southern hospitality.
For their menu, please click here.
Hours – Mon-Thurs: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Fri-Sat: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
~ Article and pictures by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Maggie Sergio.
