Middle Eastern in Houston

3939 Hillcroft Galleria

713-952-4747

Bakery, Middle Eastern, Recommended, Best Of, Menu, Slideshow

Abdallah's is well known for its loaves of fresh pita, but there's more to the Gulfton-area bakery than just bread. The daily steam table sees a busy lunch crowd and a leisurely dinner crowd there to enjoy authentic Lebanese food and some of the best falafel and tabbouleh anywhere. One of the restaurant's wonderful shawarmas with a side will barely set you back $6; it's an even better deal when you consider that It's served all day long. For those early risers, Abdallah's also Offers breakfast. Want some foul with your eggs? You can get it here. Abdallah's makes all of its food from scratch, then freezes some of it for frozen take home meals; they also sell dry goods and bakery items.

10 articles

Al's Quick Stop

2002 Waugh Dr. Montrose

713-522-5170

Mexican, Middle Eastern, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

This Montrose convenience store on Waugh next to Rudyard's Pub serves an odd combination of Middle Eastern and Mexican foods. The falafel sandwich at Al's Quick Stop is outstanding, as are the greaseless french fries. This may be the only place you'll ever see Mexican tacos al pastor and Middle Eastern gyros spinning on vertical roasters side by side.

3 articles

Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine

912 Westheimer Montrose

713-942-2321

Greek, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Recommended, Best Of, Menu, Slideshow

Exotic decor and an atmosphere reminiscent of Morocco set the scene at Aladdin. In the back of the restaurant, there's a tiny, cozy, private booth-lined room. The restaurant's excellent mezze, or sampler platter, features at least eight or ten different Middle Eastern items. The grilled-to-order kebabs, shawarma, tabbouleh and smoky baba ghanoush are exceptional. Aladdin's puffy pita bread is made on the premises in a brick oven; don't miss the oregano-sesame version known as zatar.

7 articles

Almandi Cafe & Grill

6015 Hillcroft St Outer Loop - SW

713-778-1880

Halal, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Aristotle Grill

2109 Highway 6, Sugar Land Outside Houston

281-277-7787

Greek, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Recommended

Aristotle Grill offers a limited menu of Middle Eastern favorites in a relaxed atmosphere where everything is homemade, including the delicious baklava. Traditional appetizers include the usual hummus, baba ghanoush and dolmas, or stuffed grape leaves. Gyros are also available. Entrées include kebabs made from beef or chicken, all served with rice and grilled vegetables.

Bijan Persian Grill

5922 Hillcroft Outer Loop - SW

832-242-1500

Middle Eastern, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

This upscale grill at Hillcroft and U.S. 59 serves fantastic lamb, beef and chicken kabobs with hot flatbreads and herbs. There is seating outside on the deck, or inside under a high ceiling with ornate columns and Persian artwork. Either way, you can eat like a sultan for under $10.

2 articles

Cafe Caspian

12126 Westheimer Memorial

281-493-4000

Middle Eastern, Recommended, Menu

Houston is blessed with more than its share of attractive Persian restaurants, and Memorial's Cafe Caspian may be the prettiest, with its neoclassical arches and a ceiling painted to look like a sunny sky with puffy white clouds. The kitchen reaches comparable heights with its mast-oo-mooseer (shallot-mint-yogurt dip to be spread over airy taftoon bread), koobideh (skewered rolls of ground beef), gheymeh (beef stew topped with potato sticks), fesenjan (baked chicken with walnuts and pomegranates) and a juicy lamb shank.

Cafe Lili

5757 Westheimer Galleria

713-952-6969

Middle Eastern, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Menu

Punchy Middle Eastern food comes in a friendly mom-and-pop package at this tiny Galleria-area storefront. Spry standards (baba ghanoush, hummus) are augmented by unusual specialties: lemony lima bean salad, haunting vegetable stews (try the okra), minty fatoush salad tossed with pita croutons. Cafe Lili's deftly marinated chicken kebabs and baby cups of cardamom coffee are guaranteed mood elevators.

2 articles

Cafe Mawal

6006 Fairdale Galleria

713-977-1999

Middle Eastern, Recommended, Best Of, Menu, Slideshow

Cafe Mawal is so well hidden, tucked away on a side street in a former single-family dwelling, that you might never know it was there. And that's part of the charm of this little restaurant with the vast, sprawling patio under an acre of oak trees. Eating here is like being at a backyard barbecue with Middle Eastern friends: the kafta kebab, the grilled Mawal-style chicken and any of the simply flame-kissed dishes are the way to go here. Stick around for some shisha and coffee after dinner, though. You won't want to rush home.

8 articles

Cafe Rita

2352 S. Dairy Ashford St. Memorial

281-493-9200

Middle Eastern, Restaurants, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

This Armenian/Lebanese restaurant is a small, one-of-a-kind place run by an elderly Armenian couple. Eating here makes you feel like you're a guest in their home -- everything is homemade and served with pride. Their hummus, mouhammara (red pepper spread) and falafel are excellent, and all of their kabobs -- lamb, chicken, kefta -- served hot off the grill, are scrumptious. At lunchtime, expect a wait.

2 articles

Cedars Bakery

8619 Richmond Ave Outer Loop - SW

713-706-4141

Bakery, Lebanese, Middle Eastern, Critics' Pick

A Southwest-side bakery first and foremost, Cedars nevertheless offers a small and intriguing menu of Lebanese flatbreads called manaeesh and shawarma specials on the weekends. The sojok flatbread, with a topping of dry beef sausage, tastes like beef chorizo and begs to be ordered again and again, as does the zaatar and cheese flatbread. This "half-and-half" is best enjoyed with a bowl of lebne, soft cheese, on the side so be sure to order that as well. And remember to take a tray of cookies and a bag of pita bread with you before you leave; that's what Cedars does best, after all.

Chicken & Rice Guys

2723 Yale St. Heights

203-305-5431

Food Trucks, Halal, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Mobile Food

When we opened our first food truck back in 2012, we had one goal: introduce you nomivores to the ridiculously delicious world of chicken and rice. With high quality ingredients, alluring aromas, and the seduction of self-saucing, we knew our halal grub would be a hit. So far, we’ve launched a fleet of trucks, multiple restaurants, and a thriving catering business. Our next step? World domination! Just kidding. But we are working hard to find the next eating experience that will take over your world. Burger-Pizza-Burrito, we’re coming for you, buddy… And thanks to you, we’re growing—so it’s only fair that we return the favor. We focus on hiring locally, nurturing our employees, and giving back to our community through local organizations.

Darband Shish Kabob

5670 Hillcroft Outer Loop - SW

713-975-8350

Middle Eastern, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

This Iranian kabob joint has to be one of the best deals in the city. The chengeh kabob, which includes two skewers of grilled lamb chunks served with onion, charbroiled tomato, fresh basil and parsley, scallions, radishes and hot-from-the-oven Iranian flat bread, sells for $7.45. Or try the Darband Special, which includes one skewer of the lamb chunks and another of tender shish kebab (beef cubes). The plates are Styrofoam and there's no table service, but at these prices, who cares?

4 articles

Dimassi's Mediterranean Buffet

5160 Richmond Ave. Galleria

713-439-7481

Middle Eastern, Recommended, Menu

This big Middle Eastern cafeteria that lets you make your own combination plate from dozens of gorgeous, vividly flavored dishes is a great idea. Choose from complex little feta cheese pies, richly caramelized eggplant laced with pomegranate, homey green beans, and tenderly braised lamb with oven-browned vegetables. They also serve your basic Levantine dips in traditional and heart-healthy versions. The prices are affordable.

1 article

Droubi's Bakery & Delicatessen

2721 Hillcroft Galleria

713-782-6160

Greek, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Turkish, Recommended

The buffet line and the dining room are merely an afterthought at this sprawling bazaar of a Middle Eastern food store. You can find some of the same bottled, canned, dried and preserved foods elsewhere, but not at these prices. The olives that sell for $2.99 a pound here are twice as much at Central Market and three times as much at Whole Foods. The shawarma sandwich is the most popular lunch to go. But consider sitting down in the dining room if the braised lamb shanks are among the daily meat specials. The shanks are braised in a dark sauce with a stunning cinnamon aroma, and they can't be beat -- especially on a sampler plate with hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, a dolma, Lebanese salad and rice for $7.99.

Dumars Mediterranean Grocery & Deli

4518 Highway 6 S., Sugar Land Outside Houston

281-313-1893

Middle Eastern, Retail, Recommended

This is the kind of place you go to when you need a few Middle Eastern groceries and a falafel or hummus fix, since it seems to be split 50/50 between a grocery store and a deli. The menu is not very large but covers most of the typical bases like hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh and falafel; it also includes kebabs and the Armenian beef sausage soujouk. Chicken shawarma and gyros are also good bets. There's a small selection of Middle Eastern sweets.

Empire Turkish Grill

12448 Memorial Dr. Outer Loop - NW

713-827-7475

Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Turkish, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Menu

Despite the little old lady ambience, the enormous selection of exotic mezeler (appetizers), hearty salads and fascinating main dishes at Empire Turkish Grill makes this the most exciting Turkish restaurant in town. If you're bored with dry kebabs, head to Memorial and have a "yogurt grill" with the grilled meat served over bread cubes covered with yogurt. Or try the Turkish lamb chops, which are tender and moist despite being cooked well done. Lahana dolmasi, cabbage rolls stuffed with ground beef, rice and herbs with yogurt sauce, are popular, too.

2 articles

Fadi's Mediterranean Grill

4738 Beechnut St. Outer Loop - SW

713-666-4644

Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Best Of, Menu

The food here may be served cafeteria-style, but it tastes gourmet. Diners line up along a sea of troughs stretching along two walls of the restaurant, each brimming with Middle Eastern delights. Pile your plate high with dolmas (grape leaves stuffed with rice, onions and tomatoes), tabouli and baba ghanoush, the dip made of roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon juice and olive oil. Then head to the meat counter and grab a kebab — beef, lamb or chicken — and a broiled lamb shank that's fall-off-the-bone tender and served in a gravy of carrots, red peppers and mushrooms.

3 articles

Fadi's Mediterranean Grill

8383 Westheimer Outer Loop - SW

713-532-0666

Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

The Mediterranean food here may be served cafeteria-style at the Woodlake/Briarmeadow restaurant, but it tastes gourmet. Diners line up along a sea of troughs stretching along two walls of the restaurant, each brimming with Middle Eastern delights. Pile your plate high with Fadi's dolmas (grape leaves stuffed with rice, onions and tomatoes), tabouli and baba ghanoush, the dip made of roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon juice and olive oil. Then head to the meat counter and grab a kebab - beef, lamb or chicken - and a broiled lamb shank that's fall-off-the-bone tender and served in a gravy of carrots, red peppers and mushrooms.

6 articles

Falafel Frenzy Mediterranean Grill

914 Prairie Downtown/ Midtown

713-237-8987

Middle Eastern, Restaurants, Recommended

This is a small place just off Market Square where you order at the counter traditional Middle Eastern fare like hummus, baba ghanoush and tabbouleh, along with shawarma sandwiches, gyros, kefta kebabs and, of course, falafel sandwiches and plates. The falafel here are unlike others you may have tried because they're smaller, have a hole in the middle and are covered in sesame seeds.

Istanbul Grill & Deli

5613 Morningside Kirby-West U

713-526-2800

Middle Eastern, Recommended, Best Of, Menu

Istanbul Grill is an outpost of Turkey nestled between monuments of yuppiedom in the Rice Village. Inside the tiny six-table restaurant, the TV glows with scenes from a Turkish broadcast, while outside young Turks happily demolish platters of food or sit quietly sipping Turkish coffee. Swooning is a natural reaction to imam bayildi, a luscious dish of roasted and stuffed eggplant. A favorite entrée is iskender kebab, alternating layers of lamb and beef on a skewer, but the Istanbul Grill allows you to sample a wide variety of good kebabs.

3 articles

Kasra Persian Grill

9741 Westheimer Memorial

713-975-1810

Middle Eastern, Recommended, Best Of

This is an elegant, comfortable place that serves wonderful Persian specialties from family recipes. A complimentary plate of vegetables and cheese along with taftoon bread greets each diner. The garlicky hummus and eggplant dip are among the best in the city. Fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks are not to be missed, nor are any of the fabulous kebab dishes.

2 articles

Kings Chicken

11300 Beechnut Outer Loop - SW

281-498-2900

American, Middle Eastern, Recommended, Menu

Don't miss the spectacular nan bread at this low rent halal fried chicken and pizza joint. The chicken korma, goat korma and garbanzo bean curry called choley are also excellent, if you don't mind plastic forks and Styrofoam plates.

La Fendee Mediterranean Grill

1402 Westheimer Montrose

713-522-1505

Middle Eastern, Restaurants, Recommended

This cute little cafe with the big wooden deck and the red fez logo is a great alfresco lunch spot in the Montrose neighborhood. Try the smoky baba ghanoush, the falafel sandwich and the freshly chopped tabbouleh.

Mary'z Mediterranean Cuisine

5825 Richmond Galleria

832-251-1955

Middle Eastern, Lebanese, Recommended, Menu, Slideshow

This is one of the best Middle Eastern eateries in the city and a cool place to hang out and smoke a hookah with the club-hopping set.

Mediterranean Chef

1305 NASA Parkway Clear Lake

281-486-8854

Greek, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Turkish, Recommended, Menu

This is a gem of a place, right next to the Johnson Space Center. It's small, intimate and cozy, with an efficient waitstaff. Serving mainly Middle Eastern standbys such as hummus, baba ghanoush and tabbouleh, the place also features many Greek dishes like souvlaki, moussaka, spanakopita and pastitsio, all at bargain prices. The lamb-and-beef gyro, available as a sandwich or on a platter, is simply outstanding, as are the chicken kebabs. The wine list is fascinating, with choices from Turkey, Greece and Lebanon intermingled with more traditional offerings. Be sure to leave room for baklava and Turkish coffee flavored with cardamom.

Mediterraneo Market & Cafe

18033 Upper Bay Rd. Clear Lake

281-333-3180

Greek, Italian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Turkish, Recommended, Menu

A quaint spot with a beautiful outdoor patio, this place never fails to do an excellent job. While traditional Middle Eastern dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, tabouleh, gyros, falafel and kebabs abound, you'll also find a mean moussaka, an outstanding osso buco and chicken marsala. The wine and beer selection features items from Croatia, Turkey, Russia and Bulgaria, to mention a few. There's also a specialty market.

MKT BAR

1001 Austin Downtown/ Midtown

832-360-2222

MKT BAR is located right inside Phoenicia Specialty Foods, one of the best grocery stores in the city. It's also not a bad little date place, with enough dim lighting and extensive wine and beer lists to keep you busy in addition to the bar food. All of the music is local, and ranges from DJ sets, jazz combos, light rock offerings so it's not too intrusive.

86 articles

Mo's Knockout Grill & Mediterranean Food

7918 Kirby Dr. Inner Loop - SW

713-665-7500

Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Recommended

This place serves fast Middle Eastern food in a tiny place near Reliant Park. Hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel and spinach pies are perfect appetizers, and the beef and lamb gyro and chicken shawarma are all made fresh and taste great. Burgers and Philly sandwiches are also available.

Niko Niko's

2520 Montrose Blvd. Montrose

713-528-0966

Brunch, Fast Food, Greek, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Best Of, Readers' Choice

Ordering at the counter makes for faster service, despite long lines at this Montrose-area Houston institution. It's hard not to like everything on the extensive and authentic Greek menu. The gyros and lamb shank are legendary. Food is served on Styrofoam plates with plastic utensils that spoil the atmosphere a little but don't affect the food. Niko Niko's also has great desserts and baked goods.

14 articles

Olivette

111 N. Post Oak Lane Outer Loop - NW

713-685-6713

African, Greek, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, New American, Recommended, Menu

Beautiful views of the wooded grounds of The Houstonian Hotel give this place a wonderful atmosphere. The restaurant's interior has an upscale French-provincial feel about it, with the menu blending cuisines of the Mediterranean, North Africa, America and the Middle East. There's a complimentary hummus-and-olives plate, and the kitchen is as comfortable with a simple roasted tomato soup as with crab cakes, the more complex seared tuna loin or the herb-crusted rack of lamb, all of which allow the chef to shine.

Petit Cafe

1250 Eldridge Parkway Memorial

281-496-7600

Greek, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Recommended, Menu

This cozy, family-run Lebanese restaurant with Mom in the kitchen serves traditional Middle Eastern fare such as tabbouleh, hummus, baba ghanoush and falafel, which are all homemade from scratch. Petit also serves some of the best kebabs in the city, along with unusual dishes like rqaqat (phyllo dough stuffed with three cheeses) and makanek (Lebanese spiced sausages). The garlic sauce served with many of the dishes will have you begging for more.

Ranosh

3402 Fondren Outer Loop - SW

832-242-5200

Middle Eastern, Restaurants, Recommended

Kebabs, falafel, hummus and shawarma sandwiches are the name of the game at this open-air tropical oasis, hidden behind huge banana palms where patrons play backgammon, drink strong Arabic coffee and smoke shisha late into the night. While the menu is not extensive, every dish is fresh, tasty and inexpensive.

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Middle Eastern in Houston