Cafe X2O La Verne

Thankfully, after a 1-star experience...we get the 5-star treatment.

I found this spot when I got my haircut in the same strip mall it's a part of. There was another restaurant there before that didn't seem too successful as I never saw a bevy of cars in the area. Enter Cafe X2O...that I didn't even realize was a hookah/Mediterranean spot until the wife and I were looking up new places to go.

The first time we went, the service was great and the food was the same. We've frequented a few Mediterranean places in the area...Babylon, Eden Garden, The Patio...and we agreed that this was at the top of the heap.

They had just opened, though, and usually new businesses are enthusiastic and nice until they get comfy with the clientele and the quality of the place gets to where, say Eden Garden is now.

Last night we went for the second time and brought a couple of friends...couldn't have been better.

What separates X20 from other places we've been is the consistency of top-notch service, food, ease of parking, casual but classy ambiance..................and did I mention the service?

While we had one waitress, multiple servers passed by on rotation to ensure that all was well, our bellies were full and the hookah was hot. They were pleasant and had great personalities...but they didn't try to over-do it and become irritating.

I had lamb chops, my wife and our friend both had salmon. The lamb chops are superb and give Babylon's a serious run for their money. Meanwhile...the salmon was the exact opposite of Walter's: seasoned with a lemony butter sauce and was succulent to the taste.

We called Joey, the owner/manager, over and let him know how great the place is (especially considering our recent Walter's experience) Joey was cool, as to be expected, and it feels as if they will serve up quality for a good amount of time to come.

If I can nit-pick..I'd love for them to have some more beers available.

Yeah, that's my only complaint.

Deliciously good Mediterranean food!

Got the beef kebab $11, wild salmon $15, and a house salad $7. We ended the meal with the Baklava. Each dish was savory, well balanced, and flavorful.

Place itself is interesting.

It's a restaurant with a glass wall separating the patio and hookah smoking area. The inside area has enough tables but it felt like you were either close to the front door, the smoking area, or the restrooms.

Overall, great experience and delicious food.

Delicious foods, good vibe, friendly staff, and great selection of beers/wines for a casual night. Love coming here after a long day of work.

The only thing that I think they should change is the 2 person rule per hookah set. It's a bummer coming in a group of 3 and having to order 2 sets. Other than that, this is definitely now my new usual!