Makkah Sweets & Groceries

Introduction / Overview

For residents across the Tampa Bay area, particularly those in Temple Terrace and the surrounding communities, Makkah Sweets & Groceries stands as a true culinary landmark. More than just a local bakery, this establishment operates as a vibrant dual-purpose destination: a specialty Middle Eastern bakery celebrated for its fresh, authentic Arabic sweets, and a well-stocked grocery store providing hard-to-find ingredients, spices, and specialty products from the region. It is a genuine piece of the Middle East right here in Central Florida.

The core mission of Makkah Sweets & Groceries is to offer an authentic taste of its heritage. This commitment is evident in its meticulously crafted dessert menu. The display cases are filled with traditional, rich, and flavorful sweets, prepared daily using high-quality ingredients, creating a sensory experience that instantly transports customers. Items like the famous *Baklava*, the creamy *Warbat*, and the decadent *Kunafeh Nabulsia* are not simply baked goods; they are authentic cultural staples.

For the Florida user seeking specialty items—whether it's the perfect cut of spice, a specific imported tea, or the genuine flavor of a homemade dessert—Makkah Sweets & Groceries offers an invaluable resource. Patrons consistently highlight the "impressive selection of fresh groceries, spices, and specialty items that you can’t easily find elsewhere." This unique blend of bakery and grocery makes it an essential stop for both the local Middle Eastern community and any adventurous food lover in the region looking for the freshest and most authentic flavors available. The atmosphere is frequently praised as "warm and welcoming," making the shopping and dessert selection experience enjoyable and highly recommended.

Location and Accessibility

Makkah Sweets & Groceries is conveniently situated in the heart of the Temple Terrace area, making it easily accessible for a wide segment of the Tampa population. The physical address is 10660 N 56th St, Temple Terrace, FL 33617, USA, a key location that ensures convenience whether you are heading north or south through the Tampa suburbs.

Accessibility has been a clear consideration for this local business, ensuring that all community members can easily access the wide array of goods. The location features a Free parking lot, eliminating the stress of street parking and allowing for a quick and easy visit. Furthermore, the establishment is equipped with a Wheelchair accessible entrance and a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, demonstrating a commitment to serving all customers comfortably and safely.

The service options reflect a business designed for the modern Florida lifestyle. Customers can opt for Takeout to grab their sweets and groceries on the go, or utilize the Delivery option for convenience. The operation is structured to accommodate a "Quick visit," allowing patrons to swiftly pick up their items, whether it's a piece of fresh *Basbousa* or a bag of specialty spices. Additionally, for the benefit of the local community, Makkah Sweets & Groceries accepts a wide range of payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, and notably, also accepts SNAP/EBT payments, providing valuable support and access to authentic goods for all shoppers.

Services Offered

Makkah Sweets & Groceries expertly combines the service of a high-end specialty bakery with the utility of a traditional neighborhood market.

• Takeout and Delivery: Providing flexible service options for customers to enjoy their fresh sweets and groceries at home.
• Onsite Services: The store maintains a clean, well-organized, and professional environment for in-store shopping.
• Specialty Groceries and Spices: Offering an impressive selection of authentic Middle Eastern and international grocery items that are often unavailable in mainstream Florida supermarkets.
• Freshly Baked Sweets: Daily preparation of a wide variety of traditional Arabic pastries and desserts, guaranteeing freshness and high quality.
• Customer Assistance: Staff are available and noted for being "friendly and helpful, ready to offer recommendations or help you find something specific."
• Comprehensive Payment Options: Accepting Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, plus the vital inclusion of SNAP/EBT payments.
• Quick Visit Planning: The store layout and service model are optimized for efficiency, catering to customers who need to make a fast, high-quality purchase.

Features / Highlights

The distinct features of Makkah Sweets & Groceries make it a premier choice in the Tampa Bay area for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.

• Authentic Arabic Dessert Specialization: The absolute highlight is the dedication to traditional sweets. Featured items include *Kunafeh Nabulsia* and *Orange Kunafeh* (rich cheese pastries), *Basbousa* (a moist semolina cake, often available with or without coconut), and *Warbat* (a creamy phyllo pastry).
• Extensive Baklava Selection: Makkah Sweets offers many varieties of *Baklava*, ensuring that aficionados can find their preference, whether it’s the pistachio-filled fingers, the square cuts, or varieties made with walnut, almond, cashew, or hazelnut.
• Freshness and High-Quality Ingredients: Customers consistently note that the sweets are "rich, flavorful, and freshly made," highlighting the use of high-quality ingredients that ensure authentic taste.
• Dual-Purpose Store Model: The combination of a specialty bakery and a grocery store is a major convenience, allowing customers to purchase desserts, fresh produce, and unique Middle Eastern pantry staples in one stop.
• Community Access via Payments: The acceptance of SNAP/EBT payments is a crucial feature that supports the local community by making specialty cultural goods accessible to all economic levels.
• Long Operating Hours: Operating from 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM, seven days a week, provides ample opportunity for both early shoppers and those seeking a late-evening sweet treat.

Contact Information

To place a special order for their famous sweets, inquire about grocery items, or confirm availability, you may contact the Temple Terrace location using the details below.

Address: 10660 N 56th St, Temple Terrace, FL 33617, USA

Phone: (727) 400-2292

Mobile Phone: +1 727-400-2292

What is Worth Choosing

For the Florida resident, choosing Makkah Sweets & Groceries means opting for an experience that offers unparalleled authenticity and value. It is the definitive local choice for Middle Eastern culinary essentials in the Tampa Bay area, primarily for two powerful reasons: the undisputed quality of its specialty products and its unique, convenient retail model.

The sweets themselves are the most compelling draw. Customer feedback often praises the *Baklava* as "perfectly crisp and sweet" and the sweets as the "Best Arabic sweets here in Florida." The dedication to traditional recipes and fresh preparation of items like *Kunafeh* and *Warbat* elevates the offering far above mass-produced alternatives. For anyone craving an authentic, rich, and culturally significant dessert, Makkah Sweets is the established expert in the region.

Furthermore, the dual function as a specialty grocery store provides tremendous local utility. The ability to purchase a freshly baked *Basbousa* and simultaneously stock up on high-quality spices, imported items, and specialty groceries saves Florida shoppers time and effort, solidifying Makkah as a comprehensive cultural destination. The accessibility—from the free parking lot and fully wheelchair-accessible premises to the acceptance of SNAP/EBT payments—demonstrates a strong commitment to serving a diverse and broad segment of the local population. While a singular, highly critical review regarding one individual's demeanor exists, the overwhelming majority of feedback celebrates the "friendly and helpful" staff and the store's "warm and welcoming atmosphere," indicating a generally positive and professional experience. Ultimately, the superior, authentic products and the convenience of the market are what make Makkah Sweets & Groceries a truly essential and worthwhile local business to support in the Temple Terrace community.

Makkah Sweets & Groceries

10660 N 56th St, Temple Terrace, FL 33617, USA