Gluten-free at Bezoria

Gluten-free at Bezoria

Located in the former home of Bakeshop in Midtown sits Bezoria, an Eastern Mediterranean fast-casual eatery. The walls are covered with what look like wavy shipping container walls painted in bright colors and adorned with messages encouraging diners to experience the journey expressed through their food.

Bezoria’s menu is full of gluten-free choices that are marked with a ‘GF’ in a circle to make ordering a breeze. Items like chicken shawarma, chicken kebab, steak shawarma, grilled vegetables, and falafel (dedicated fryer) are all gluten free and layered with flavor. They do bake their pita and laffa breads in house and do their best to limit cross contact.

Bezoria offers a true Mediterranean ‘chipotle’ experience where patrons build their own meal starting with a base (rice, hummus, or salad) and follow it down the line to add meats, sauces, and toppings like cabbage slaw, tomato-and-cucumber salad, spiced onions, pickles, and more.

Since it was my first time visiting, I ordered a Bezoria Feast, which comes with  chicken shawarma, steak shawarma, and falafel served in a bowl. I chose rice as my based and took the recommendation of the owner to sauce it with both tahini and garlic sauces, and top it with tomato and cucumber salad and spiced onions with a side of hummus. I also indulged in an almond milk sweetened with amaretto. Where else offers almond milk as a featured drink?

I was most looking forward to trying the falafel, which is usually impossible to order when dining out because it is prepared in a shared fryer. Their falafel, which is bright green inside from the fresh herbs and spices, is incredibly flavorful with a crunchy outside and soft middle. What I loved most about my lunch was the combination of textures and temperatures. The tangy cold tomato and cucumber salad added such a nice crunch when paired with zesty creamy sauces and flavorful meats. Their hummus is like none other I have ever had – smooth, nutty, and creamy and I would go back again just to have it.

The place was packed when I visited and I suspect it will continue to have a strong lunch and dinner crowd with their reasonable prices and generous portions. Their food is prepared fresh and their traditional spice blends leave you wanting more.   I will definitely be back to try more from the menu like the lentil soup and fries dipped in hummus.

Disclosure: Lunch was provided as a result of a media invitation. I received no compensation for this review. In no way did this influence my opinions and views, which are derived from my experience at Bezoria.