There are certain restaurants where the moment you walk in, you feel something beyond the food. The aroma of spices hangs in the air, laughter echoes from nearby tables, and plates are constantly being passed around between friends and family. At Sufrat Mediterranean Grill, that feeling isn’t accidental, but it’s the entire point of the dining experience.
Across South Florida, the growing Mediterranean concept has built a loyal following not only for its vibrant flavors but for the sense of warmth and hospitality that comes with every meal. Founded by brothers Tamer, Ahmad, and Samer Altillawi, who hail from Jordan, Sufrat began as a passion project rooted in the food and traditions of home.
Five years after opening their first location in Pembroke Pines, the restaurant now has three thriving locations, including Miami Beach and Doral, each bringing the same spirit of generosity and celebration to the table.
That philosophy shapes everything at Sufrat, from the welcoming atmosphere to the dishes designed to be shared.
Even the restaurant’s name reflects that tradition. “Sufrat” loosely translates to “feast,” evoking the kind of abundant dining table where friends and family gather, pass plates, share stories, and linger long after the meal is over.
When I visited, it was easy to see how that spirit comes to life. The restaurant buzzed with conversation and energy; the kind of lively environment that makes a dinner out feel like a small celebration.
The kitchen is clearly the heart of the experience. Nearly everything is made from scratch, and the menu celebrates the bold, comforting flavors that make Mediterranean cuisine so memorable. Starters arrive quickly and practically beg to be shared. Crispy falafel, savory kibbeh, and delicate grape leaves set the tone, while the chargrilled octopus, tender and smoky from the grill, comes glazed with a bright Mediterranean herb sauce and served atop fries with creamy, harissa-spiced labneh.
One of the best ways to start the meal is the dip sampler, which feels like a small feast all on its own. Featuring hummus drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and za’atar sits alongside tangy labneh, smoky baba ghanoush roasted over charcoal, and muhammara made with roasted red peppers and walnuts. Fresh pita arrives warm and pillowy, perfect for scooping up every bite.
For heartier appetites, Sufrat’s platters highlight the restaurant’s love of grilled meats and generous portions. Lamb chops arrive beautifully charred and juicy, while skewers of chicken kebab and beef kebab are packed with flavor and served with basmati rice and bright Mediterranean sides. The Sufrat mixed grill is a favorite for good reason, and the Delight Mix, which is a combination of cubed ribeye, lamb, and chicken sautéed with onions and the restaurant’s signature black sauce, delivers a rich and savory punch.
Large groups or anyone looking for a true showstopper should explore Sufrat’s family-style combos, which arrive dramatically presented on large copper Persian tray stands.
The Family Combo includes a generous spread of basmati rice, Greek salad, chicken and beef kebabs, kafta skewers, and chicken shawarma, while the Sufrat Combo takes things even further with lamb chops and additional grilled favorites. It’s the kind of meal that encourages everyone at the table to share, sample, and enjoy the experience together.
Of course, no Mediterranean feast is complete without dessert. A must-try is the traditional Arabic knafeh, a warm and indulgent dish made with shredded phyllo layered with cheese, baked until golden, and finished with fragrant syrup and crushed nuts.
Baklava and Nutella walnut pie also make appearances on the dessert menu, and everything pairs beautifully with a strong, aromatic cup of Turkish coffee.
The cocktail menu adds another playful dimension to the experience, with drinks inspired by the same regions that influence the food. The Turkish Delight, Jordanian Sunrise, Lebanese Paradise, Moroccan Mojito, and Istanbul Fresh bring bright flavors and colorful flair to the table.
Beyond the menu, Sufrat has become a true destination and it’s the kind of place where every night feels like a celebration. On weekends, belly dancers light up the dining room while music fills the air and lines form outside the door. Weeknights bring happy hour crowds, themed events, and spontaneous gatherings among friends and families.
The design reflects that welcoming spirit as well. Warm lighting, rich textures, and Mediterranean-inspired décor create a space that feels stylish yet comfortable, almost like a modern seaside home built for gathering and conversation.
Today, the Altillawi brothers divide their time between the three locations, ensuring that the heart of the restaurant remains intact.
Tamer moves between stores while his brothers oversee operations in Pembroke Pines and Miami Beach, keeping the family vision alive in every kitchen. And expansion plans are underway to bring other locations to South Florida.
The classic saying might simply state that “it takes a village,” but at Sufrat Mediterranean Grill, it takes a family to bring a true Mediterranean dining experience to South Florida that’s full of joy, warmth and care.
Sufrat Mediterranean Grill is located in Pembroke Pines at 10430 Pines Blvd, Doral at 8455 NW 53rd St. and in Miami Beach at 1570 Alton Rd. For more information or reservations, visit sufratgrill.com or follow them @sufratgrill on Instagram.
