Nawal's Mediterranean Grille

Nawal's Mediterranean Grille sits in the Bulldog Crossing shopping area of Big Rapids, a short drive from the Ferris State University campus, and has grown since opening as a cupcake and dessert shop in 2013 into a full Mediterranean kitchen with a full service bar. Owner Nawal greets many tables herself and walks first time visitors through a menu built on scratch cooking, from stuffed grape leaves and hummus to a lamb gyro that regulars single out as one of the best they've had anywhere. Her Moroccan chicken has become the dish she's best known for, stewed with vegetables and a warm blend of spices. Regulars come back for the baklava and bread pudding, and the case still holds more than thirty rotating cupcake flavors, a holdover from the shop's dessert only days. The dining room seats more than 75 and doubles as event space, with live music and dancers on select evenings. Families visiting a student at Ferris State often end up here for dinner, and more than one traveler passing through on a longer drive has mentioned planning a return trip around the food. Vegetarian and vegan diners are well covered too, with dishes like mujadara and koshary alongside the meat forward menu.