- Attraction: Mediterranean Cruise Cafe
- Location: 12500 Nicollet Ave S, Burnsville, MN 55337
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://medcruisecafe.com/
Four decades of tradition come alive every night at Mediterranean Cruise Cafe, where the Ansari family has transformed a simple dining experience into a cultural journey that transports you straight to the heart of the Mediterranean.
This award-winning establishment combines authentic Middle Eastern flavors with captivating live entertainment, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a celebration than just another dinner out.
What started as a family dream in 1979 has evolved into one of the Twin Cities’ most beloved dining destinations. The Mediterranean Cruise Cafe was established in 1979 by the Ansari family from Jerusalem, bringing recipes passed down through generations to Minnesota’s dining scene.
Today, Jamal Ansari and his sons continue the tradition, creating many original delicacies from Jerusalem, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Italy, Turkey and Greece.
Signature Dishes & Mediterranean Favorites
The Famous Gyros: You’ll discover why this dish has earned legendary status among regulars. The tender lamb and beef blend gets perfectly seasoned and carved fresh throughout the day, creating that perfect balance of crispy edges and juicy interior that makes each bite memorable.
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Keep Exploring →The accompanying yogurt garlic sauce adds a creamy coolness that complements the savory meat beautifully.
Handcrafted Hummus: Pureed chickpeas, Tahini, Garlic, and Olive Oil come together in this silky-smooth dip that’s become a customer obsession.
The restaurant offers several creative variations, including traditional hummus topped with warm chickpeas and falafel, plus a special version with minced beef and shawirma that transforms this appetizer into a hearty meal.
Kabob Perfection: The skilled chefs here understand fire and flavor like few others. Whether you choose chicken, beef, or shrimp kabobs, each skewer gets grilled to perfection with a slight char that seals in the juices.
The filet mignon kabobs represent the premium end of their offerings, showcasing how elevated this cuisine can become when prepared with care.
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Discover MoreMediterranean Dinner for Two: This generous platter lets you sample the restaurant’s greatest hits in one spectacular spread. You’ll get a taste of everything from kabobs to gyros, plus sides like Greek salad, rice, and hummus that showcase the breadth of Mediterranean flavors.
Baklava Bliss: The dessert menu culminates with traditional baklava that arrives golden and flaky, with layers of phyllo dough encasing chopped nuts and honey. The finger roll version makes it easy to enjoy this sweet finale to your meal.
Live Entertainment & Cultural Experience
Belly Dancing Shows: The restaurant offers belly dance shows Thursday through Sunday evenings from 6 pm to 9 pm, and during lunch at noon on Fridays.
These performances create an authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere where skilled dancers in handmade beaded costumes express the rhythms and melodies of traditional music through their movements.
Salsa Dancing: Weekend evenings transform into Latin dance parties with live entertainment by their NEW salsa band: MINNESOTA LATIN SHOW. The spacious dining room becomes a dance floor where guests can learn new moves or show off their skills.
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Keep Exploring →Interactive Entertainment: One of the highlights of this restaurant experience is when a dancer invites both children and adults to join her on stage to learn the art of belly dancing. This participatory element makes every visit feel like a special occasion rather than just a meal.
Atmosphere & Décor
Cabaret-Style Setting: This spot has a “Cabaret” type atmosphere with a small stage for evening entertainment. The dining room feels spacious and welcoming, with imported décor that creates an authentic Mediterranean ambiance without feeling overly themed.
Outdoor Patio: Summer dining gets elevated on their large patio, which offers a perfect setting for enjoying fresh dishes like their arugula and beet salad while soaking up the warm Minnesota sunshine.
Festive Lighting: The interior design balances elegance with warmth, creating an environment that works equally well for romantic dinners, family celebrations, or nights out with friends. The moderate noise level allows for conversation while still maintaining that lively energy that makes the experience memorable.
Other Considerations
Generous Portions: The Mediterranean dinner for two provides so much food that you’ll likely bring home leftovers that taste very good the next day as well. This abundance makes the pricing feel reasonable, especially considering the quality and authenticity of the cuisine.
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Discover MoreFamily-Friendly Options: The restaurant welcomes families with a dedicated kids’ menu featuring familiar favorites like chicken strips and gyros over rice, plus the interactive entertainment keeps younger guests engaged throughout the meal.
Buffet Experience: The weekend lunch buffet offers an excellent way to sample multiple dishes without committing to single entrées. Great lunch buffet – Tues, Weds, & Thurs. Gyros, Greek salad, kebabs, soups, fish, baklava, and more. Sunday brunch (11-3).
Convenient Location: Located at the intersection of Hwy 13 and Nicollet Avenue in Burnsville, across from the Burnsville Performing Arts Center. Free parking in our lot and the ramp across the street. This accessibility makes it easy to combine dinner with other downtown Burnsville activities.
Moderate Pricing: The restaurant maintains mid-tier pricing that reflects the quality of ingredients and generous portions. Most entrées fall into the $15-25 range, making it accessible for regular dining while still feeling special enough for celebrations.
Mediterranean Cruise Cafe
📍 12500 Nicollet Ave S, Burnsville, MN 55337
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