Mediterranean Imports, Deli + Gastro Goods has been Oklahoma City’s top purveyor of specialty meats and cheeses for 45 years, and unless you’re a chef or yoga mom from the upper northwest side you’ve probably never heard of it.
Mediterranean Imports is quirky and confident, with a cozy cafe and covered patio on one side, and a gourmet deli and groceries on the other.
They serve one of the best Reubens around — with the perfect balance of tender pastrami and melty Swiss and spicy mustard on grilled rye with sauerkraut or their house made spicy cabbage – and the falafel sandwich is a wild sensory adventure, equal parts mystique and nostalgia. The hummus is so perfectly creamy it’s addictive.
But hear me now: the macaroons are special. Larger than most, plum sized, with a chewy-crispy exterior and soft cloudburst center of sweet, pillowy coconut dreams, and only $1.25 each! Try one fresh from the oven.
The depth of selections at the deli counter and fresh market is truly mind-boggling. Savvy local chefs often source seasonal and hard-to-find ingredients from them. One could – and should – spend an entire afternoon sampling meats and cheeses from around the world (specifically Italy, Greece, Turkey, France, Spain, and England, as well as countries throughout the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern and Western Europe, and Central and South America), discovering exotic ingredients and unique wares, and learning from the city’s undisputed queens of charcuterie.
Hidden in plain sight since 1981, staff and customers often refer to it as a “hidden gem.” This could be due in part to its island-like location and patchwork parking options. But this works in your favor, chances are good you won’t have to wait for a table.
They’re open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. six days a week, and closed Sundays. You can order online for delivery or curbside pickup. Catering is their bread and butter, with a wide selection of buffets, box lunches, and custom charcuterie and party trays. One of their most popular carryout items is The Falafel Family Pack, six half-pita sandwiches with eggplant sauce and house made tahini on the side for $27.99.
This is a place where knowledgeable and personable staff are excited to help you create your own adventure. Uncork a bottle of wine from the shelf and enjoy a lazy late lunch on the covered patio, as the rest of the world zips by.
This article appears in America At 250.