Semra’s Mediterranean Grill

Semra and John Tekmen have a long history here at the beach. John owned and operated several hotels and motels in Dewey Beach and Fenwick Island, while Semra, in John's words, was a “professional housewife for 19 years. Her cooking,” he continues, “she learned from her mother, who is very organized and precise.” Sounds like a good foundation for a restaurateur! Semra's Turkish/Middle Eastern cooking was known far and wide, and they thought it might be the perfect addition to the ocean block of Rehoboth Avenue. People have discovered this place, and they are  busy most every evening.

Several remodels have brought a much more cozy atmosphere to Semra's. GONE are the fluorescent lights — replaced with attractive Middle-Eastern-flavored chandeliers. GONE are the old Seaside Thai booths — replaced with a classy design that invites you to plop yourself down and order some babaghanouj with warm pita and a Turkish tea. This place is a hidden gem if there ever was one.

The traditional gyro sandwich starts with either seasoned chicken or a seasoned beef/lamb combination that slowly rotates on a vertical spit. The meat bastes itself, browning on the outside as it rotates. When it comes time to make a gyro, a special tool is used to cut long strips of the meat into a specially designed skillet. The meat is then either sautéed/seared or transferred directly to a fluffy pita round with lettuce, tomato, onions (optional) and creamy tzatziki.

Though there are some good gyro places here in Rehoboth, Semra's is one of two that use the vertical spit (the other one is Gus & Gus' Place). They have two machines up by the front window, one with the beef/lamb and the other with the chicken.

Tzatziki is the other critical element of the gyro (when you see it in the gallery, it's messy because I ordered extra tzatziki). There are just a few places here in Rehoboth Beach that make their own tzatziki. They are all good, and each one is different. I like Semra's because it's loaded with tiny chunks of cool cucumber — AND, Semra makes her own yogurt there in-house. It's tart and fresh tasting. I always ask for extra, of course….

The gyro meat is also available as a platter with pita and  two sides of your choice. Get the Iskender Platter! It's gyro meat kicked up to new heights with a light, spicy marinara.

Semra also whips up a delicious, and yes again, mild, hummus and also occasionally makes a red pepper hummus. It tastes like the regular thing with a little pimiento-ish kick.

A Greek salad tops the list of light bites, along with Spanakopita (they call it spinach pie) and a Feta Pie: Kind of a Greek/Turkish pizza with feta and parsley. The average price of the mains is around $9, with appetizers averaging $4.75.

Another of Semra's veggie sides reminded me of a dish my mother used to make when I was but a tiny Foodlette. It was called kousa; basically yellow squash stuffed with rice, spices and sometimes ground lamb in a tomato base. Semra's version is deconstructed, and eggplant is subbed for squash. It is lightly spiced and delicious.

Semra's Mediterranean Grill also features lots of authentic Middle-Eastern desserts, including freshly made-right-before-your-eyes Loukoumades. Don't be intimidated. They are wonderful little donuts.

Cheesesteak wraps and shish-kabobs round out the menu.

UPDATE: As Semra's continues to enjoy more and more popularity, they now feature belly dancing shows there at the restaurant, held approximately once a month, and they are lots of fun. At first, it was a prix fixe single dish, but I think that you can now order from the regular menu. Now that they have their liquor license, it makes for a wonderful evening of fun. Semra's husband John continues to upgrade the decidedly carryout look of the place with new booths, lighting, wall hangings, etc. New items on the menu include traditional Turkish comfort food for the winter, plus such special goodies as that cheesesteak wrap with a Turkish accent. It's delicious, by the way….

Y'know, just because you're in Rehoboth Beach doesn't mean it always has to be about pizza and hot dogs (not that there's anything wrong with that!). Break out of your rut and give Semra's Mediterranean Grill a try. I suggest a gyro sandwich (both the chicken and the beef/lamb are tasty — or sub chicken souvlaki for the gyro meat) with a side of red pepper salad and maybe some red pepper hummus. And don't miss their homemade babaghanouj. It's perfect with warm pita triangles.

For dessert? Get one of each. Eat the baklava there, and take the rest home to nibble during Mad Men reruns.

By the way, they sell fresh lemonade and funnel cakes. Just sayin'….

Check out their menu here.

Semra's is at 19 Rehoboth Avenue, where Seaside Thai used to be (and if you are of a certain age, you might remember the Country Squire). They are open 7 days in-season. Call them for more details (or carryout) at 302-226-GYRO (4976). They are open for breakfast too. (B., L., D.) Price range: Inexpensive -.

Off-season Specials & Hours