35 Most Delicious Middle Eastern Restaurants in the U.S.

With soft, fluffy pitas, juicy skewered meat and fragrant fluffy rice, Middle Eastern cuisine is absolutely heavenly. Thanks to an influx of immigrants from numerous countries in the region, there are now Middle Eastern restaurants in all major U.S. cities — and many small towns. 

It’s hard to mess up this cuisine, which includes shared elements like hummus, dolmas and baklavas, but which varies by country. Still, if you can’t get enough, it’s good to know what eateries around the country have truly mastered it.

These are the most delicious Middle Eastern restaurants in the U.S., ranked from delicious to absolutely must try sometime in your life.

35. Mamoun's Falafel

Location: New York, New York

Rating: 52.2

* The restaurant ratings come from trusted reviewers on Tripadvisor.

Bottom Line: Mamoun's Falafel

If you ever find yourself in Greenwich Village needing a late-night snack, count on Mamoun's to be there for you. In fact, it's been feeding the village since 1971 and, at this point, is part of the neighborhood's landscape. Given that it's been around since Nixon was president, it's safe to say that the falafels are some of the best in the entire city — they're extremely cheap as well!

Visit Mamoun's Falafel

34. Marib

Location: Springfield, Virginia

Rating: 52.8

Bottom Line: Marib

Unlike the food of other Middle Eastern countries, Yemeni food has yet to take off in the U.S. Thankfully for the suburbs of Washington, D.C., Yemeni native Ahmed Alsheikh decided to change that, opening Marib because he missed his homeland's food. 

Though the food is similar to others in the region, you'll also find less common dishes like fahsa, shredded beef served with cooked vegetables, or saltah, a traditional Yemeni stew.

Visit Marib

33. Ema

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Rating: 55.4

Bottom Line: Ema

One of Chicago's best Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants, Ema specializes in seafood and coastal dishes. The name of the restaurant is the Hebrew word for "mother." You'll understand why when you take your first bite and feel as if you've been transported to your own mother's kitchen. 

Go for the grilled octopus with pan-roasted cauliflower, and finish with a citrusy honey pie.

Visit Ema

32. Sunnin Lebanese Cafe

Location: Los Angeles, California

Rating: 56

Bottom Line: Sunnin Lebanese Cafe

High-end Middle Eastern restaurants are great, but sometimes, you also want to enjoy the cuisine in a more casual setting. Sunnin is perfect for these occasions, as the Lebanese cafe offers great food at really affordable prices. 

The shawarma wraps and the falafels are customer favorites, but you also have a la carte items for when you need something heftier.

Visit Sunnin

31. Ottoman Taverna

Location: Washington, D.C.

Rating: 57.7

Bottom Line: Ottoman Taverna

If you're in the mood for something that's (mostly) authentically Turkish, head to Ottoman Taverna. This restaurant offers a la carte eating as well as a bottomless brunch and a Trip to Turkey menu.

The latter has a fixed four-course meal meant to transport you to this wonderful country through its flavors. 

Visit Ottoman Taverna

30. Baboush Mediterranean Cuisine

Location: Dallas, Texas

Rating: 58.2

Bottom Line: Baboush Mediterranean Cuisine

Patterned curtains and Arabic lights decorate the interior of Baboush. The restaurant specializes in Moroccan and Lebanese cuisine, inspired by street food. Do you even need to know anything else to be convinced to come?

Get the goat cheese "cigar," a phyllo pastry stuffed with harissa and goat cheese. Then try the shrimp kebab.

Visit Baboush Mediterranean Cuisine

29. Zaytinya

Location: Washington, D.C.

Rating: 58.4

Bottom Line: Zaytinya

Washington, D.C.'s Penn Quarter is filled with restaurants helmed by famous Spanish chef José Andrés. And while we've yet to be disappointed by any of his places, Zaytinya has a special place in our hearts. 

Maybe it's the breezy air that makes us think back to beach hopping on a boat in the Mediterranean, or maybe it's the generous brunch, which for a pretty good price gives you more food than you can eat and a rosé flight that'll let you taste Turkish and Lebanese wine.

Whatever it is, this is a restaurant we'll go back to every time we have the opportunity.

Visit Zaytinya.

28. The Helmand

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Rating: 59.6

Bottom Line: The Helmand

The Helmand is one of the oldest continuously operating Afghan restaurants in the U.S. It first opened its doors in 1989 and continues a strong streak as one of Baltimore's best Arabic restaurants. 

Get some traditional Afghan specialties like kaddo borawni (baked pumpkin with sugar and yogurt) and lamb with pallow (spiced and seasoned rice).

But if you're in the mood for a culinary tour of the Middle East, you'll also find dishes from Iran, Israel and Greece.

Visit the Helmand.

27. Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar

Location: Elmsford, New York

Rating: 60.2

Bottom Line: Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar

Elegantly decorated with mid-century decor, Shiraz Kitchen brings Persian flavors to the outskirts of New York City. You'll dream about the dates stuffed with feta and walnuts for weeks after dining here, and you may become obsessed with the fragrant saffron chicken kabob and asparagus, especially when you pair it with a glass of Iranian wine. 

Because the restaurant knows you'll want to bring the experience home, there's an adjacent Mediterranean Market, where you can find ingredients to recreate some of the dishes you've tried.

Visit Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar

26. Cafe Munir

Location: Seattle, Washington

Rating: 60.3

Bottom Line: Cafe Munir

A welcoming Middle Eastern restaurant in Seattle, Cafe Munir is a local favorite. The mezzes are the highlight of the restaurant, particularly since its other emphasis is on whisky. Come here and pair a couple (or a lot) of mezzes as you try different whisky-based cocktails.

Visit Cafe Munir

25. Bavel

Location: Los Angeles, California

Rating: 61.2

Bottom Line: Bavel

When we say Bavel is an international restaurant, we're not playing around. The restaurant is owned by husband-and-wife team Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis. Menashe grew up in Israel and has Moroccan, Turkish and Georgian heritage, while his wife has Egyptian ancestry. 

Together, they have made Bavel a melting pot of Middle Eastern cuisine, adding to it flavors from other regions as well. No one should miss the fried sweet potato with halloumi cheese or the Wagyu oxtail tagine. 

Visit Bavel

24. Lapis

Location: Washington, D.C.

Rating: 61.4

Bottom Line: Lapis

Lapis serves homestyle Afghan cuisine, but it's not afraid to give it a modern twist. The interior is impeccable, dominated by white, minimalist decor. The one exception is the beautiful Afghan rugs that bring the space together and give it a homely, welcoming feel. 

On the menu, you’ll find a wide selection of soups, meats and vegetarian dishes. For a traditional dish, we recommend the qabuli palow or Afghan dumplings. As Lapis’ menu says: “Yes, they exist. Genghis Khan wasn’t the only guy who knew a thing or two about dumplings.”

As a Bib Gourmand establishment, Lapis is also an affordable Michelin-approved restaurant.

Visit Lapis

23. Petra Bakery & Restaurant

Location: Madison, Wisconsin

Rating: 62

Bottom Line: Petra Bakery & Restaurant

For cheap prices and a casual atmosphere, head to Petra. Not the World Heritage Site, but the Madison restaurant. Most people come for snacks and Middle Eastern desert, and we definitely can't blame them. But there are also actual meals offered here, including kebabs and kibbeh. 

Petra is also famous for its delicious fusion menu items, which include shawarma bowls and tacos.

Visit Petra Bakery and Restaurant.

22. Tannoor Grill

Location: Memphis, Tennessee

Rating: 62.5

Bottom Line: Tannoor Grill

Take Mediterranean and Middle Eastern skewers, and add them to the American all-you-can-eat concept. The result is a happy melange of cultures that will have you crying happy tears. 

The meats are dazed in sauces and spiced before being grilled slowly until they are tender and juicy. Cheeses, salads and desserts are also part of the buffet deal. Come very hungry.

Visit Tannoor Grill

21. Safta

Location: Denver, Colorado

Rating: 63

Bottom Line: Safta

Safta serves pita bread made in a wood-fired oven. Do we even need to keep going?

This Israeli restaurant has also earned recognition for its chick and airy vibe that is very welcoming.

Don't leave without trying the hummus and the lamb braised in pomegranate.

Visit Safta.

19. Oasis Falafel (Tie)

Location: Iowa City, Iowa

Rating: 63.1

Bottom Line: Oasis Falafel

You don't have to go to New York City for a great falafel. This Iowa City joint is owned by a local family, who brings warmth and good cooking to their restaurant. Customers praise Oasis Falafel's hummus, as well as the freshness of the ingredients used in the falafels, kebobs and gyros.

Visit Oasis Falafel

19. Epice (Tie)

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Rating: 63.1

Bottom Line: Epice

This Middle Eastern bistro claims to "balance modern design with classic Lebanese dishes." It offers signature cocktails in addition to wine and beer, and it also has a brunch menu for those looking to get out of the Sunday eggs routine. 

You'll find a selection of mezzes, sandwiches and mains as well as some seriously tempting desserts like orange blossom rice pudding with pistachios. We also appreciate its digestifs  section.

Visit Epice

18. Rumi's Kitchen

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Rating: 63.9

Bottom Line: Rumi's Kitchen

Describing itself as a "creative Persian" restaurant, Rumi's Kitchen features a pleasant interior space and nice outdoor patio. The restaurant is named after Jelaluddin Rumi, the famous Persian poet from the 13th century. A name rich in history in an unequivocally contemporary space is the perfect allegory for this eatery, which dares to be innovative even as it holds fast to tradition.

Visit Rumi's Kitchen

17. Tanoreen

Location: New York, New York

Rating: 65.5

Bottom Line: Tanoreen

This Brooklyn restaurant has been serving home-cooked Middle Eastern food since 1998. Now an established legend of the borough, Tanoreen's kitchen continues to be run by owner-chef Rawia Bishara. 

Come support this local family restaurant by enjoying its generous servings. We'd recommend the Sayadiyya, or Fisherman's meal, a snapper filet accompanied with rice sauteed with shredded fish, almonds and spices. Finish the meal with a chocolate harissa.

Visit Tanoreen

16. Bosphorus Restaurant

Location: Cary, North Carolina

Rating: 65.6

Bottom Line: Bosphorus Restaurant

Bosphorus Restaurant's most faithful customers drive to Cary from Raleigh for a taste of Turkish cuisine. The eatery has all the staples of Middle Eastern fare, including dolmas, baba ganoush, falafels, kabobs and gyros. But what we love the most are the Turkish pizzas, or pides, particularly the feta cheese and the lamb chunks pides.

Visit Bosphorus Restaurant

15. Byblos Miami

Location: Miami Beach, Florida

Rating: 65.7

Bottom Line: Byblos Miami

Located inside South Beach’s Royal Palm hotel, Byblos brings coastal Middle Eastern cuisine to the famed Collins Avenue. 

The high-end eatery encourages a communal spirit, with a whole section of its menu dedicated to dishes meant to be shared. Start with a hummus royale, made with beef tenderloin, pomegranate and roasted pine nuts. Try the chargrilled chicken supreme with a side of crispy hand-rolled couscous.

Visit Byblos

14. Saad's Halal Restaurant

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Rating: 66.3

Bottom Line: Saad's Halal Restaurant

The titular owner of the restaurant opened it as a response to the lack of restaurants that served halal meat in Philadelphia. Since then, he's provided the option to Muslims in the city who seek to keep halal, becoming a true legend.

Even if you're not strictly halal, Saad's restaurant is a great option for cheap and fast Arabic and Middle Eastern food.

Visit Saad's Halal Restaurant

13. DarSalam

Location: Portland, Oregon

Rating: 66.7

Bottom Line: DarSalam

This beautiful Iraqi restaurant has been decorated to make you feel as if you've left the U.S. Motifs of blue and gold mosaic were made to resemble the Ishar Gate in Babylon, one of Iraq's most iconic landmarks. 

While we love pan-Middle Eastern food, it's also refreshing to see a restaurant dedicated solely to a single country's cuisine. Yes, you'll find many of the usual suspects, but they will be distinctively Iraqi in style. Try the chickpea stew rice plate.

Visit DarSalam

12. Shatila Bakery

Location: Dearborn, Michigan

Rating: 67.5

Bottom Line: Shatila Bakery

Want to sweeten your life? If you're in Dearborn, stop by Shatila Bakery. Operating since 1979, this bakery brings you the amazing, crunchy, sticky Middle Eastern desserts you crave. Baklawa, mamouf,  katayef (as well as traditional European desserts) — you crave it, they have it! Don't hesitate to take some to go and enjoy them at home.

Visit Shatila Bakery

11. Damascus Restaurant

Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania

Rating: 69

Bottom Line: Damascus Restaurant

This Syrian restaurant's tagline is "food so good, you'll think we stole your mother!" Besides their obvious ability to be clever, they're also ready to back up that claim with their flavorful moussaka, pickled eggplant, kibbees and what they say is the world's best baba ghanoush.

Visit Damascus Restaurant

10. Yafa

Location: Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Rating: 69.2

Bottom Line: Yafa

Though tiny, Carmel-by-the-Sea is an awesome small town that has it all: beautiful architecture, a location along the Pacific and amazingly good food. If you need proof of the latter, head to Yafa, the town's Middle Eastern food restaurant par excellence. Skewered meat is always a hit, but you can also order dishes like grilled octopus. 

On weekends, enjoy mezzes as you listen to live music.

Visit Yafa

9. Oleana

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Rating: 69.3

Bottom Line: Oleana

Oleana puts its own twist on Turkish cuisine while keeping faithful to its base flavors. The warm buttered hummus will literally change your life, and the Vermont quail egg kebob will surprise you in the most delightful way. This is one of those restaurants you'll keep coming back to again and again.

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8. Mediterranean Exploration Company

Location: Portland, Oregon

Rating: 70.2

Bottom Line: Mediterranean Exploration Company

No one does industrial chic as well as Portland, so we love seeing it done in this modern Middle Eastern eatery. It's difficult to know what you want to try since everything sounds amazing and tastes even better. You'll be happy with anything from the menu, but we particularly love the smoked eggplant, grilled octopus and the crispy sweet potatoes. You should also try one of the signature cocktails, like the Turkish Delight.

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7. Sarma

Location: Somerville, Massachusetts

Rating: 70.8

Bottom Line: Sarma

Inspired by traditional Turkish bars, or meyhanes, Sarma is a place of gathering. Chef Cassie Piuma draws inspiration from all over the world to give a hint of something different to typical flavors of the Mediterranean and Middle East. 

You'll have a wide selection of mezzes, which you can enjoy with craft beer, wine or cocktails. Come on a date or with friends — this is a place where you'll want to stay for hours.

Visit Sarma

6. East Side Pockets

Location: Providence, Rhode Island

Rating: 72

Bottom Line: East Side Pockets

This cheap, informal food joint has been feeding Providence since 1997. Located on Thayer Street, it is considered one of the best places to get falafel or a gyro in the country.

The spot is open every day of the week, and its kitchen keeps working late into the night (except on Sundays.) So, if hunger ever strikes you in Providence, you know where to go.

Visit East Side Pockets

5. Zahav

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Rating: 72.9

Bottom Line: Zahav

When chef Michael Solomonov opened Zahav in 2008, investors were skeptical of the idea of an Israeli restaurant. Of course, things have completely changed, with Israeli food now fully in vogue, thanks in part to people like Solomov who bet on it. 

Zahav provides every patron with Laffa bread at the start of the meal. The menu is set to five courses: starters like Laffa bread and hummus, a mezze, an item from the grill, an entree and a dessert. Pair the meal with a bottle of Israeli wine.

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4. Maydan

Location: Washington, D.C.

Rating: 74.6

Bottom Line: Maydan

One Michelin star serves as proof of the quality of this restaurant. Not that people who’ve faithfully been coming for years needed Michelin to tell them how good it is. 

Maydan cooks many of its dishes on a massive hearth, which is the secret to its deep, earthy flavors. Diners enjoy freshly baked flatbreads. Don’t miss out on trying wine from Armenia, a country that boasts the oldest wineries in the world.

Visit Maydan

3. Leyla Fine Lebanese Cuisine

Location: Charleston, South Carolina

Rating: 76.2

Bottom Line: Leyla Fine Lebanese Cuisine

Leyla's calls itself "Charleston’s premier Lebanese restaurant," and reviewers seem to agree. The elegant decor sets the stage for plates that are impeccably presented and absolutely delicious.

The menu consists of traditional Lebanese dishes, including a variety of hot and cold mezze, shawarma and kebabs and moussaka. 

The best thing to get here, however, is the whole fried fish, with flavors that will take you straight to the Mediterranean. Pair your meal with a glass of international or Lebanese wine.

Visit: Leyla Fine Lebanese Cuisine.

2. 1000 Figs

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

Rating: 85.1

Bottom Line: 1000 Figs

Bright, airy and filled with hanging plants, 1000 Figs falls in between a sit-down restaurant and a fast-food joint. The atmosphere is informal but elevated, and the food leans more towards falafel and wraps than to multiple-course meals.

Still, you have the option to begin with a selection of soft spreads, and you can complement your wraps with a vegetable-forward mezze. The lacto-fermented vegetables and the roasted sweet potatoes with harissa are particularly delectable.

Visit 1000 Figs

1. The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Rating: 87.3

Bottom Line: The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen

Since 2017, The Gundis has been showing Chicago residents what they were missing before they tried Kurdish cuisine. You’ll find traditional dishes from various Kurdish regions in countries like Turkey, Iran and Iraq. 

Bottomless tea will accompany you throughout the whole meal, warming you up and making you feel right at home. Start with tirsik, a spicy vegetable soup before digging into the honey salmon, with caramelized bell peppers and a honey dijon-mustard glaze.

Visit The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen