It’s no secret that I have a fondness for Mediterranean food. Hummus is one of the true loves of my life, and you could wrap almost anything in fresh pita, top it with tzatziki sauce, and call it delicious.

Keifer’s in Jackson, MS has some of the best Greek and Mediterranean food around. Mark and I have only eaten there twice with his parents, but each time was nearly magical.

I’ve read some Yelp and Urban Spoon reviews where critics found the food too American Greek. While some may not find the selections to be traditional, the food is extremely fresh, well-seasoned, and a far cry from standard American fare.

This time, we began with appetizers of hummus and pita and a plate of kalamata olives, marinated vegetables, and peperoncini.

The hummus is delectably creamy and reminds me most of the version served at Mobile’s Jerusalem Café. Per the website, they keep the hummus simple and omit the cumin. Though I adore cumin in hummus and a variety of dishes, I could eat buckets full of this smooth, lemony hummus. The pita, which is made exclusively for Keifer’s by a Chicago bakery, was both light and perfectly toasted.

I’m not a huge fan of peperoncini, but I did try one and found it mildly spicy. The kalamata olives were fantastic, and though I’m not certain, they must be a high-quality import. The marinated vegetables were pretty delicious, too. I loved the cauliflower and think it would make a nice addition to a pasta salad.

Previously I enjoyed the traditional lamb and beef gyro, but I opted for the falafel sandwich this time around.

I had mixed feelings about my sandwich. The falafel was incredibly flavorful, but I found it a bit too mushy. Maybe it needed to have cooked a bit longer—or perhaps that’s just how they serve it—but I would have enjoyed a crisper, firmer consistency. Still, I thought it was perfectly seasoned. The lettuce and onion were fresh, as was the pita, but there was too much tzatziki, which I found a bit too creamy and lacking in the cucumber/dill flavor.

Mark enjoyed his gyro (which I recall being nearly perfect the last time we ate here); when I asked if it was better than yet another hometown favorites, Mediterranean Sandwich Co., he said it didn’t quite measure up (it was probably the tzatziki—or just our own bias).

One thing I really love about Keifer’s is the restaurant itself. Though most of the menu is no-fuss street food, the dining area is more upscale. The building is just a few years old, and the stained glass windows are quite pretty. Also, like most Mediterranean restaurants, the prices are incredible. It’s hard to beat a $7.00 sandwich that leaves you completely satiated.

If you’re ever in Jackson, MS, give Keifer’s a try. Though some may argue it’s not the most authentic Greek (I haven’t been to Greece, so how can I know?),  you won’t be let down by the quality, atmosphere, or price.