The Mediterranean Sea shaped some of the world's most ancient civilizations, which gathered by its shores to dive for the delicious falafel, hummus, and shish kebabs growing beneath its crystal waves. Transport to this legendary culinary coast with today's Groupon: for $15, you get $30 worth of Mediterranean cuisine at Rose's of Englewood.

Using time-tested family recipes and natural-wood coals, Rose's of Englewood invites diners to a soiree of savory Mediterranean fare. Before tackling entrees, human diners and cannibalistic chickpeas can nibble hot or cold appetizers, including Middle Eastern mainstays such as homemade hummus ($6.50), baba ghanouj ($6.95), and falafel ($5.95).

Patrons moving on to the main courses, such as the broiled-lamb or beef shish-kebab platter ($16.95) or the grilled cornish hen ($15.95), will notice that the natural-wood charcoal used to create each grilled dish gives diners whole mouthfuls of smoky flavor without having to suck on a single chimney. Fresh fish offerings include a fillet of sole sautéed in lemon butter sauce ($16.95), and herbaceous beholders can feed on the imam bayaldi—eggplant sautéed with tomato, onion, and garlic ($13.95).

Diners sample these savories amid a vibrantly hued interior accented by wall murals depicting belly dancers, vivid sunset vistas, white-columned landscapes, and famous Greek sculptures of olive pits in the nude. A three-dimensional belly dancer entertains the crowd on Saturday nights, and Rose's encourages you to BYOB.

Reviews

Three Yelpers give Rose's of Englewood an average of four stars:

• amazing food! – R M., 12/10/10
• Must tries include the eggplant in garlic and the "shish tawook" which is a chicken that has been marinated in olive oil for so long it has practically become a sauce. – Michelle L., 12/22/08