ASLI Mediterranean Grill

We have a thing for restaurants that are in strip malls. They are usually independently owned and/or family-run. In November, 2023, ASLI opened in a spot in a strip mall we used to frequent when it was a Mexican restaurant/nightclub years and years ago. So, we were interested in what it had morphed into most recently. ASLI was founded by Denver-based restauranteur Nadav Abergel who is behind I Scream Gelato which we’re fans of. Recently, one of our writers had the opportunity to check it out and tells us some things we should know before we go. 

A new casual eatery in southeast Denver offers a taste of the eastern Mediterranean cultures from Tel Aviv to Istanbul; ASLI Mediterranean Grill. A mural inside the restaurant explains ASLI is Hebrew slang for “the original, real-deal, authentic, no joke”; this guides their food.

At a pre-grand opening event, we sampled their menu and learned some tips to help you enjoy the array of freshly prepared foods:

• The food is created in partnership with renowned Israeli chef, Ziv Gerti and is inspired by mom-and-pop shops from Tel-Aviv to Mykonos.
• All offerings are Kosher.
• Vegan options available (the ASLI website warns that vegan dishes may be prepared with kitchen equipment also used for meat preparation).
• Some dishes may be scaled to your appetite: order the pita for a light meal; the 10-inch-long baguette is for hearty eaters and could even be shared; the plate option offers a generous portion of meat as well as a choice of side and two salads (enough for two or for leftovers to take away).
• Fried Chicken is served schnitzel style – thin, breaded, and fried ’til crispy.
• Sabich (saa-Beek) is thinly sliced eggplant deep fried with a simple, straightforward preparation.
• Chicken Skewers – Pargiot: this refers to the chicken being young and tender- no tough hens served here!

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Highlights of our menu tasting at ASLI included:

• ASLI’s hummus is smooth and creamy, topped with flavorful olive oil and a light sprinkle of paprika.
• Pillowy pitas with a nice “tug” mouthfeel – ideal for swabbing every last bit of that dreamy hummus!
• Veal Shawarma is freshly shaved with a satisfying blend of crispy bits and tender, robustly flavored meat.
• Chicken Shawarma (Pargiot), also freshly shaved, is tender, juicy, gently seasoned.
• Falafel, served in a golf ball size shape, crispy outside with fluffy interior. Nicely seasoned flavor.
• When ordering your plate, there is a small refrigerator case of 5-6 salads to choose from – ask the server for a description of what is available on your visit. We enjoyed two salads: one composed of cabbage, carrots, and spices; the other was simple chopped cucumber.

ASLI’s atmosphere is minimal and bright, with counter service; have a seat to wait, food is freshly prepared to order. A unique array of bottled fruit sodas is available; no alcohol served. For a taste of authentic mediterranean, check out ASLI.

ASLI Mediterranean Grill is located at 970 S. Oneida Street, Unit 5, in Denver, just off of Leetsdale. Visit their website and check out the menu (including to-go items), here.

-Story by Jimmy McDonough

Please note: as is often the case, we were hosted for a meal at this restaurant to help facilitate this article. However that does not influence our opinions which remain our own, for the benefit of our readers.