Oasis Restaurant

• Cuisine(s): Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
  Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat 12pm-10pm
  Price: $$
  Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards
• Attire: Casual
  Features: Smoking, Patio/Sidewalk Dining, Takeout, Delivery, Catering, Wheelchair Accessible, Kid Friendly, Vegetarian Friendly
  Serving: Dinner, Lunch
  Alcohol: Beer/Wine
• Reservations: Accepted, Not Necessary
  Parking: Lot Available, Meters, Street

Description

After a eight-year hiatus, Oasis has returned to its mid-Beach location and is dishing mostly Middle Eastern fare in a friendly setting. The food remains much the same as before. Mediterranean fare is exemplified by a meze platter with glistening dollops of hummus and baba ghannouj, two neatly fried falafel patties, a pair of rice-stuffed grape leaves, a few niçoise olives, a petite cube of feta cheese, and chopped tomato-cucmber salad. Sandwiches comprise soft rounds of whole-wheat pita, but unfortunately these delicate circles crumble like cornbread on contact with, say, a hand. No complaints, however, about the pita's wholesome flavor in cahoots with a grilled turkey kefta burger assertively spiked with allspice. Chicken shwarma hit the spot, too, as did Moroccan chicken, two skinny, juicy breasts lightly grilled and smothered in a sweet, raisin-riddled "tomato-coriander chutney." Entrées are nutritionally balanced by sides of steamy brown rice and a choice of garlic-sautéed spinach or black beans. Desserts change daily because the items are prepared freshly in-house, but a signature, especially creamy crème brûlée rice pudding is always available. As is an array of rare brews, including stouts from England, classic Belgian ales, and microbrews from New York and Oregon. The wine selection is far less impressive, about a half-dozen offerings from Argentina, Uruguay, and California. Former fans of Oasis can only rejoice that this affordably priced neighborhood joint is back in business.