A place we stumbled upon, completely unplanned that somehow took me straight back to Morocco…
It was Free Comic Book Day, and we were hopping between two popular comic bookstores in Seattle to grab our free copies. One of them is actually one of the oldest comic bookstores in the world (Golden Age Collectibles), while the other (Arcane Comics) is newer but has a massive collection of comics and manga.
A quick side note: Arcane Comics is closing its original store, and fans are really hoping they find a new space soon. But this story isn’t about comics.
Mediterranean Oasis: the Discovery and First Impression
While waiting for our friends outside, we noticed a Mediterranean grocery store right next door. Out of pure curiosity (and honestly, just to kill time), we decided to step in. And I’m so glad we did.
The space instantly caught our attention, it’s not just a grocery store, but also a bakery and a small restaurant. But what stood out even more was a table right at the entrance filled with samples. Generous, right? It gets better.
The owner came over, welcomed us in, and started chatting with us like we’d known him for years. When I mentioned my trip to Morocco, his face lit up, he told us he’s from a place just north of Algiers. Within minutes, he and Abhi were bonding over Raï music, and suddenly, this random stop started to feel incredibly personal.
They even serve complimentary Turkish coffee and Moroccan mint tea, which, by the way, you absolutely shouldn’t skip.
We started trying a bit of everything: baba ganoush, hummus, cheeses, deli meats soaked in fresh olive oil, and of course, Turkish delight to end on a sweet note.
Somewhere between all the sampling and conversations, we found ourselves browsing the store more seriously. Completely unplanned, but I wasn’t leaving empty-handed. I picked up couscous, harissa sauce, fig jam, and pickled black olives, and no, these are not your regular grocery store olives.
By the time we were done exploring, we knew we had to try the food too.
Food at Mediterranean Oasis
At the counter, we met Hiba, who welcomed us with the warmest smile. And somehow, we found ourselves talking about Morocco again. Turns out, she’s from there too, which made the whole experience feel even more special. I told her how much I miss msemen and baghrir pancakes, and how I’d go back in a heartbeat just to eat them again.
We ordered a lamb shawarma sandwich, and while we waited, we sipped on our mint tea, reminiscing about my Morocco trip.
And then the food arrived.
The shawarma sandwich was loaded with perfectly cooked meat, fresh veggies, and so much flavor. One bite in, and I knew, this was easily one of the best I’ve had in Seattle.
By then, our friends had arrived, and of course, we convinced them to check out the store. Ten minutes later, they walked out with a full grocery bag, some things never change!
We also nudged them to try the food (honestly, that hummus alone could convince anyone), and they ended up ordering a Chicken Shawarma plate, which was just as delicious.
The portions were generous enough for all four of us to share and still feel completely full. And what really stood out was how affordable everything was for the quality we got.
But more than anything, it was the people.
This wasn’t just a grocery store or a place to eat, it was the kind of space that makes you feel instantly welcome. The kind you don’t plan for, but end up remembering long after you leave.
And somehow, in the middle of Seattle, it felt like we had traveled again.
Location: Parkwood Plaza, Shoreline (Bus Route E)
