WALNUT CREEK, CA — A new fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant has officially opened at the edge of Broadway Plaza, bringing build-your-own bowls, wraps, pita pockets, falafel, lamb, chicken, hummus, harissa, tahini, and fresh lemonade to one of downtown Walnut Creek’s busiest restaurant corridors.
We covered this one before, but at the time, it was a total mystery. We had a name, but we didn’t know much beyond the fact that the new place would serve Mediterranean food. Now, it’s open!
The new spot is Sala Mediterranean Grill, located at 1348 Broadway Plaza. That is the former Lemonade space near the far end of Broadway Plaza, across from Original Joe’s and next to The Cooperage.
Lots has been happening there lately. Original Joes coming in was a huge deal, of course, and the Cooperage famous relocated from Lafayette.
So what is Sala? It looks essentially like a Chipotle-style restaurant, but for Mediterranean food.
According to Sala’s website, the restaurant is built around customizable bowls, wraps and pita pockets, with build-your-own options starting at $13.45 for bowls and wraps and $12.45 for pita pockets.
Guests can choose bases like saffron rice, ancient grain farro, romaine, arugula or power kale, then add proteins, toppings and sauces.
That format gives Walnut Creek something it has been missing a bit lately: an easy, fast-casual downtown option that is not another burger, pizza or sandwich place.
What’s on the Menu
What, specifically, do these bowls entail?
Again, you can build your own. But the “Chef’s Curated” options give a sense of what to expect.
The Santorini Spread, with chopped romaine, cucumber, tomato, beef, pickled red onion, feta, olive oil, tzatziki and Greek dressing.
Falafel Souk, with saffron rice, arugula, hummus, falafel, tomato cucumber salad, tabbouleh, pickled onion, pickled cucumber and tahini dressing.
The Cauli Collective, with baby kale, romaine, roasted cauliflower, roasted chickpeas, tahini drizzle and pomegranate vinaigrette.
The Marrakesh Glow, with kale, harissa lamb, cucumber tomato salad, pickled red onions, feta, spicy harissa and harissa vinaigrette.
The Mezze Market, with saffron rice, romaine, chicken, cucumber tomato salad, pickled red onions, kalamata olives, feta, balila, classic tahini and Greek vinaigrette.
Sides include pita bread, falafel, rice, pita chips and Turkish delight. Dessert options include baklava and soft serve (though it seems like the ice cream machine may not be ready yet.)
Drinks include classic fresh lemonade, strawberry lemonade, mint lemonade, iced tea, fountain drinks, Poppi, Spindrift and Pellegrino.
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Sala describes itself as a “fine-casual Mediterranean concept” (contrasting with the restaurant industry term “fast casual” for places like Chipotle) built around chef-curated ingredients and quick service.
On its website, the restaurant says the name “Sala” refers to “a room for gathering” and describes the business as a small, family-owned team trying to create a place where people can grab something fresh quickly, but also stay and gather.
We’ll definitely stop by to try Sala out. Make sure to join our free 925 News newsletter so we can keep you updated with a full review!
