Mediterranean Restaurant Opens on Main Street

A new Mediterranean restaurant is set to open its doors Friday on Main Street in Madison.

Biladi Grill, next to Rob's Bistro in space that formerly housed Resto, is owned by the same family that opened Kebab Fusion in Morristown about 2 years ago.

Many of their customers in Morristown who lived in Madison suggested they open a restaurant in the borough. When they sold Kebab Fusion, they found their location for Biladi Grill in Madison, owner Mike Douban said.

Douban, a Lincoln Park resident, described Biladi Grill as a little more upscale than Kebab Fusion, with more of a focus on ethnic cuisine.

Falafel, shish kebab, shawarma, grape leaves, lamb chops, rosemary chicken and artichoke hearts are among the dishes on the menu.

Douban's family is Egyptian and Turkish, and he wanted a restaurant that served the food his family eats.

"We love to cook," he said. "We strive for nothing but the best" and "treat customers like family," he said.

The chef is his father, Moe Douban, who immigrated to the U.S. from Egypt at 16 and has been working in kitchens since, his son said.

The restaurant (which has no connection to a different Turkish restaurant that eyed opening on Park Avenue) was painted and tiles and trim were added. A wall was moved to expand the kitchen.

Biladi Grill, 77 Main Street, is open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. It delivers in Madison and surrounding towns and offers catering. Phone: 973-966-8735.