Key Takeaways:
- Authentic Moroccan Flavors: PALA Mediterranean Kitchen captures the richness of Moroccan cuisine with slow-cooked dishes, bold spices, and kosher integrity. Every menu item reflects cultural depth and culinary tradition.
- Signature Dishes & Appetizers: The menu features unforgettable choices like stuffed peppers, spicy fishballs, and Moroccan beef cigars. These signature dishes highlight PALA’s commitment to quality and creativity.
- Diverse Menu for Every Diner: Whether vegetarian, kosher, or craving something hearty, PALA has a dish for you. The restaurant caters to various preferences with expertly prepared meals and sandwiches.
Which local spot transports you across the globe the moment you step inside? At PALA Mediterranean Kitchen, the vibrant aroma of Moroccan spices, the hum of friendly conversation, and the warmth of hospitality come together to create more than a meal—it’s an experience rooted in culture and memory.
In a region where restaurants come and go, it is rare to find one that genuinely honors its culinary roots. PALA sets itself apart by committing to kosher standards and traditional Moroccan recipes that feel nostalgic and refreshingly new.
In this piece, we’ll examine what makes PALA Mediterranean Kitchen a standout in South Florida’s food scene. Every detail tells a story worth savoring, from its flavorful menu to its thoughtful service.
Signature Dishes You Must Try
When tradition meets creativity, a menu full of unforgettable flavors results. PALA Mediterranean Kitchen showcases the heart of Moroccan cuisine through dishes that are both comforting and bold. Here are the signature dishes you must try:
Stuffed Pepper
This classic dish showcases a tender pepper generously filled with a savory blend of seasoned rice and meat, slow-cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce. Served alongside fluffy rice and a refreshing Israeli salad, it balances hearty comfort with crisp, fresh textures. The flavors are warm and nostalgic, echoing traditional Moroccan home cooking with every bite.
Special Sweetbread Cigar
A unique twist on the Moroccan cigar, this version is filled with delicate sweetbread and brightened by the sharp tang of preserved lemon. Crisp on the outside and tender within, it’s served with a smooth tahini dip that adds earthiness and depth. This refined appetizer offers a bold blend of textures and flavors, making it elegant and adventurous.
The Best Appetizers At PALA
Appetizers set the tone for any meal; at PALA, they’re anything but ordinary. Each starter is crafted with bold Moroccan influences and layered flavors that awaken your palate from the first bite. Here are the standout appetizers you won’t want to miss:
- Moroccan Frena Bread: This traditional Tabun-style bread is warm, chewy, and perfect for dipping. It’s served with various vibrant accompaniments, including preserved lemon, tahini, babaganoush, and Moroccan olives.
- Moroccan Beef Cigars: These hand-rolled cigars are packed with spiced beef and crisped to perfection. Served with a side of Moroccan harissa and creamy tahini, they balance heat and smoothness.
- Moroccan Beef Carpaccio: Delicately thin slices of beef filet are elevated with olive oil, confit garlic, spicy chili, balsamic, and Moroccan aioli. It’s served with crunchy za’atar challah that adds texture and a burst of herbal flavor.
- Short Rib Bruschetta: Slow-cooked short rib is layered over fresh challah bruschetta, creating a rich and tender bite. Topped with Moroccan aioli, chimichurri, garlic confit, and red chili, it’s a bold appetizer with depth and complexity.
- Shuflur: This crispy fried cauliflower dish is a vegetarian favorite with a sweet and spicy twist. Paired with sweet chili tahini, it delivers satisfying crunch and a flavorful kick.
- Eggplant Carpaccio: Roasted eggplant is the star here, topped with crunchy chickpeas, pistachios, spicy red chili, and sweet silan and pomegranate. Served with za’atar pita, it’s a vibrant, balanced appetizer that’s hearty and refreshing.
Mouthwatering Main Courses
When it comes to unforgettable meals, PALA Mediterranean Kitchen delivers main courses that satisfy every craving while staying true to Moroccan culinary roots. These dishes are crafted with care, bold spices, and heartwarming tradition. Here’s a look at the mains that turn a visit into a full dining experience:
Moroccan Couscous With Vegetable Soup
This dish features traditional handmade Moroccan couscous, which is delicate in texture and full of warmth. It’s served with a hearty vegetable soup, allowing the grains to soak up layers of comforting flavor. Light yet satisfying, it’s a go-to choice for those seeking Morocco’s nourishing and authentic taste.
Traditional Moroccan Beef Stew With Garbanzo
Slow-cooked to perfection, this beef stew is rich, tender, and deeply spiced. The addition of garbanzo beans adds earthiness, while homemade couscous and a crisp Israeli salad round out the plate. It’s a deeply satisfying dish showcasing Moroccan cuisine’s soulful side.
PALA Burger
The PALA Burger is a savory stack of shredded meat layered with cilantro aioli, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, and caramelized onions. Served on a soft bun with your choice of fries, it blends comfort food with gourmet flair. It’s hearty, juicy, and packed with dynamic flavor in every bite.
Caramelized Onion Meatballs
Known as one of PALA’s signature dishes, these homemade meatballs are tender and infused with a rich caramelized onion sauce. The combination is cozy and vibrant, served over fragrant basmati rice with a side of Israeli salad. It’s a timeless favorite that feels like a home-cooked meal with elevated touches.
Fennel Carrots Chicken
This dish features a perfectly roasted chicken quarter smothered in a sweet and savory sauce of caramelized fennel, carrots, and cinnamon. The layered and aromatic flavors offer a unique Middle Eastern twist. It’s a balanced and beautifully plated entrée paired with basmati rice and Israeli salad.
Moroccan Spicy Fishballs
Made from fresh salmon, these spicy Moroccan fishballs deliver bold flavor with just the right kick. Each order includes three tender pieces, a fluffy Moroccan challah roll, and a refreshing Israeli salad. They’re a beloved choice for those looking for something light, spicy, and unmistakably Moroccan.
Delicious Desserts To End Your Meal
No Moroccan meal is complete without something sweet to finish it off. At PALA, the desserts are more than just treats—they celebrate tradition, texture, and indulgence. Here are the delightful options that bring your meal to a perfect close:
- Apple Puff Pastry Sticks: These homemade pastry sticks are filled with warm, spiced apple and wrapped in flaky, golden layers. Each order includes three pieces, perfect for sharing—or savoring solo. Light, crisp, and comforting, they offer a familiar yet elevated take on a classic dessert.
- Basbusa: A staple in Moroccan dessert culture, this semolina cake is sweetened with a light sugar glaze and topped with slivered almonds for a satisfying crunch. It’s moist, dense, and slightly chewy with hints of floral and citrus notes. Simple yet flavorful, it pairs beautifully with a cup of mint tea or espresso.
- Knafeh: This traditional dessert layers crispy shredded pastry over a gooey, sweet cheese filling, then drenches it in aromatic syrup. It’s golden and crisp on the outside while luxuriously soft inside. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of texture and sweetness that lingers on the palate.
- Malabi: Malabi is a silky milk pudding infused with rose syrup and finished with a trio of pistachios, coconut flakes, and crushed peanuts. The contrast between the smooth base and crunchy toppings creates a delightful sensory experience. It’s light, floral, and a refreshing end to a rich meal.
- Individual Jelly Hamsa: This charming Moroccan jelly cookie is shaped like the symbolic Hamsa hand and filled with a fruity, jewel-toned jelly center. It’s sweet, chewy, and a nostalgic nod to traditional holiday treats. With its playful look and delicate flavor, it’s as enjoyable to admire as it is to eat.
Savory Sandwiches At PALA
When it comes to handheld flavor, PALA Mediterranean Kitchen knows how to deliver. Each sandwich celebrates Moroccan ingredients, layered thoughtfully into fresh bread for the perfect bite every time. Here are the savory sandwich options that customers can’t get enough of:
PALA Challah Schnitzel Sandwich “Shel Shishi”
This sandwich combines crispy schnitzel with layers of fried eggplant, spicy matbucha, and crunchy purple cabbage inside soft Moroccan challah. A drizzle of mayo adds creaminess, while a jalapeño on the side brings optional heat. It’s bold, filling, and full of contrasting textures that make every bite interesting.
PALA Challah Meatballs Sandwich
Tender caramelized meatballs are the star of this sandwich, nestled inside fluffy Moroccan challah. Paired with fried eggplant and spicy matbucha, it’s a savory, comforting mix of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes. A jalapeño on the side adds a customizable kick to round out the flavors.
PALA Challah Fishballs Sandwich
This sandwich features spicy salmon fishballs served in warm Moroccan challah with house-made matbucha. The rich, bold seasoning of the fishballs is complemented by the smokiness of the tomato-pepper spread. It’s a satisfying and slightly spicy option for seafood lovers.
Pala Arais
A crispy, smoky pita is stuffed with juicy ground beef seasoned to perfection, making this a standout dish with big flavor. It’s a full meal packed into one hearty plate, served with tahini, harissa, Israeli salad, and fries. The Arais perfectly balances crunch, spice, and savory richness.
PALA Pita Sabich
This vegetarian sandwich layers hummus, tahini, fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, and Israeli salad into a Moroccan pita. Red onion and parsley add freshness and brightness to every bite. It’s a flavorful, traditional option that delivers both comfort and complexity.
Frena Shel-Hamelech
A regal take on Moroccan street food, this sandwich features Frena bread stuffed with beef stew, garbanzo beans, fried eggplant, and spicy matbucha. The bread soaks in the stew’s rich flavors while holding everything together in a hearty embrace. It’s robust, satisfying, and ideal for anyone craving bold, slow-cooked flavor in sandwich form.
Final Thoughts
In wrapping up our exploration of the top picks at PALA Mediterranean Kitchen, it’s clear that this Hollywood gem offers more than just a meal—it’s an experience. From the vibrant flavors of their Kosher Moroccan dishes to the warm, welcoming atmosphere, PALA Mediterranean Kitchen embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or settling in for a full meal, the commitment to quality and fresh ingredients shines through in every dish. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the care and dedication that goes into crafting each plate, reflecting a deep respect for tradition and community. So next time you’re in Hollywood, FL, swing by 3317 Sheridan St and immerse yourself in PALA Mediterranean Kitchen’s rich, authentic tastes. Whether you choose delivery or pickup, you’re in for a treat that promises to satisfy your cravings and leave you eager for your next visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About PALA Mediterranean Kitchen
What type of cuisine does PALA Mediterranean Kitchen specialize in?
PALA Mediterranean Kitchen focuses on authentic Moroccan cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. The restaurant blends traditional recipes with modern presentation while adhering to kosher standards, making it ideal for those who seek both authenticity and dietary mindfulness.
Is PALA Mediterranean Kitchen a kosher-certified restaurant?
Yes, PALA adheres to kosher dietary laws and prepares its dishes following strict kosher guidelines. This commitment ensures quality, cleanliness, and respect for traditional Jewish food practices. It appeals to both observant diners and foodies who value high standards.
Where is PALA Mediterranean Kitchen located?
PALA Mediterranean Kitchen is located at 3317 Sheridan St in Hollywood, Florida. It’s conveniently situated for locals and visitors exploring the South Florida food scene. The central location is a top pick for weekday lunches or weekend dining.
What makes PALA Mediterranean Kitchen different from other Mediterranean spots?
PALA offers a deeply rooted Moroccan menu emphasizing slow cooking, bold spices, and artisanal presentation. Their commitment to kosher standards and consistent quality also sets them apart. It’s a place where cultural heritage and culinary precision meet.
Can I order online for pickup or delivery?
Yes, PALA offers convenient online ordering options for both pickup and delivery. This allows guests to enjoy their favorite Moroccan dishes from the comfort of their home. It’s a great way to treat yourself to flavorful cuisine without dining in.
Does PALA offer traditional Moroccan dishes?
Yes, the menu includes staples like Moroccan couscous, beef stew, spicy fishballs, and sweet desserts like Malabi and Knafeh. These dishes stay true to their Moroccan origins while using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each bite reflects heritage and home-style cooking.
What is the dining atmosphere like at PALA Mediterranean Kitchen?
The atmosphere at PALA is welcoming, warm, and infused with Moroccan charm. Guests enjoy a casual yet refined setting where family-style dining is encouraged. It’s perfect for both intimate meals and group gatherings.
Are there options for children or picky eaters?
Yes, PALA includes simple yet delicious offerings that appeal to kids and selective eaters. Items like the PALA Burger and schnitzel sandwiches are flavorful but approachable. These options ensure everyone at the table finds something satisfying.
Does PALA offer catering for events?
While the article doesn’t mention it specifically, many patrons inquire about catering due to its diverse and shareable menu. Contacting the restaurant directly is recommended for current catering options and custom packages. It’s an ideal choice for events seeking bold, memorable flavors.
Can I make a reservation at PALA Mediterranean Kitchen?
Yes, guests are encouraged to make reservations, especially during weekends or holidays. Booking ahead helps ensure a smooth and timely dining experience. You can typically reserve by phone or through online platforms.