Now Open: Raving Med, a Fast-Casual Middle Eastern Concept in Playhouse Square

It’s been nearly four years since Acapella restaurant closed in Playhouse Square, but the lights are back on, there are employees in the house, and food is being prepared for sale.

This week, Raving Med (1621 Euclid Ave., 216-350-6050) opened its doors in the 1,500-square-foot space. The casual eatery specializes in Israeli street food staples like falafel and shawarma. The concept comes from local restaurateur Seth Bromberg, who also operates the nearby District (1350 Euclid Ave., 216-858-1000).

“This is true, authentic Israeli street food that you would find in any small city throughout the country,” Bromberg says.

The fast-casual operation focuses on simple, fresh, healthy and delicious foods from throughout the Eastern Mediterranean. In addition to fried-to-order falafel and sliced-to-order shawarma, the eatery stocks a wide array of Middle Eastern-style salads and garnishes to add to any pita sandwich of bowl. Items range from hummus, tabouli  and baba ganoush to sweet and sour eggplant, pickled cauliflower and roasted red peppers.

Hot and salty hand-cut french fries, a common addition in Israel, also make their way into the falafel sandwiches if desired.

Two shawarmas, chicken and turkey, join herb-breaded chicken schnitzel on the concise menu. Like the falafel and the shawarma, the schnitzel goes into a fresh baked pita with any number of sauces or toppings.

With any meat, customers also can ditch the pita and go straight into a bowl or salad.

Soon, a small display cooler will be stocked with grab-and-go foods.