The Most Flavorful Middle Eastern in Houston

Cafe Lili

★★★★☆ 3.9 (205) • $$

"Cafe Lili is an excellent choice for anyone seeking delicious and authentic Lebanese cuisine in Houston. They are located in a strip center off Westheimer, right next to one of the last James Coney Islands in town, near the Galleria. They offer both sidewalk cafe table seating as well as an expansive indoor dining area. You walk in and order at the counter, then wait for your food to be made and served tableside. The staff has always been beyond welcoming and helpful. If you don't know what to order, or what exactly something is that's listed on the menu, they're happy to step in and help you figure things out. There's never been a lengthy wait time, and can't recall any other issues with service. The food covers many Lebanese staples as well as other Mediterranean go to's. Tabouli, Hummus, Greek salad, Turkish coffee, Falafel, kabobs, Lebneh, stuffed grape leaves, schwarma, meat pies, and so much more. Also, their lamb chops are fantastic when available. It's also important to note that they have a rotating special, so make sure to keep an eye out on what's being offered that day. All in all, Cafe Lili is high up on our list of options for Mediterranean fare, and our #1 for Lebanese in Houston."

Shawarma Land

★★★★★ 4.8 (10)

"First time trying out Shawarma Land the other day over on Westheimer and Fondren. Got to try the Sojouk Wrap and the Chicken Shawarma Arabi with Fries!!! Everything was spot on delicious. I highly recommend you give them a go. Next time I'll be back for the Kebabs and the Falafel!!!"

Gyro Queen

Biryani n More

★★★★★ 4.6 (7)

The Halal Guys

★★★★☆ 3.9 (268) • $$

"Got a small chicken platter ($9 something) and regular combo platter ($10 something). Preferred the beef (more flavor) over chicken. Decent amount of protein for the price, and the small was filling for me. White sauce is very good but high in calories for those health conscious folks. The red sauce is quite spicy. I still like Gyro Hut better (their chicken has more flavor), but Halal Guys is also good."

Jerusalem Halal Meats

★★★★☆ 3.5 (71) • $

"Jerusalem Halal Meats is one of the oldest halal markets in Houston and where so many of my childhood memories begin. If you follow a halal diet and are adventurous in your kitchen at home, then this place is a staple in your repertoire of ingredient sources. For those not in the know, when compared to other stores like HEB or Krogers, Jerusalem is an unorganized mess. The aisles are narrow and the shelves are filled high to the sky. Yes, there are signs letting you know what's generally in the aisles; however, they're more like suggestions. There's a small produce section next to the olive and oil aisle. Yes, a full aisle dedicated to deliciousness. And trust me when I say to peruse the produce section. It's small but has random fruits and veggies like sweet lemon. Yes, that's a thing. No, they don't taste like oranges.The chaotic good continues with aisles that are only open on one end- like their beauty products. An assortment of soaps and lotions towards the front. Head to the back and you think there are going to be more products, but surprise! It's a small prayer hall set up with prayer mats facing Mecca. Then there's a restaurant in the back right corner. Get the chicken shawarma with everything on it, thank me later. The crown jewel of this establishment is the deli in the back. Their meat is delivered three days a week, so you're getting the freshest product sans going to a farm. It's clean and the workers typically fill your order quickly. Bring a sweater, because it's frigid in there. Just outside the deli are a couple of freezers with prepackaged meats that people typically order- think different ground meats, chicken breasts, and the like. They also have products like pepperoni, salami, and bacon. I haven't seen some of these products in the other halal markets in town **major disclaimer** none of the workers on the floor or in the deli are super fluent in English. The guys in the back who butcher the meat understand enough to fill your order, just don't expect a lot of small talk. They even know what cuts you need for certain South Asian dishes like Nihari. Head to the front counter if you can't find something. This is a family owned and operated establishment and they're all great about telling you where everything is and when it'll be in if they're out. If you have some spare time and want to try some new ingredients or aren't sure where to get a certain middle eastern ingredient, try Jerusalem. You never know what will inspire you there."

Wasfi's Grill and Hookah

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (117) • $$

"My family loves this place! The food is always awesome and the staff is super friendly. Definitely the best Mediterranean food in the area--great quality."

Khan Baghdad

★★★★☆ 3.8 (6)

"Iraqi kabob sandwich is delicious. Reminds u of home. Great service. Takes time making ur order. Love the food."

Hayat Cafe

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (55) • $$

"This place was empty when my coworkers and I came for lunch (only one other group here). Service was quick and the waiter was nice and helpful, if not too chatty. I got the koobideh kabob. The portions here are huge. I think the plates should be a little bigger bc cutting your meat and eating was a little messy with the rice spilling off the side. The tea was very strong and delicious. The restaurant itself was beautiful with patterned tables and chairs and pillows. They also offer hookah here and have a stage in the back for live music/performances. Can't wait to come back!"

Fadi's Meyerland Mediterranean Grill

★★★★☆ 4.4 (950) • $$

"As one of the most famous Mediterranean establishments in Houston, Fadi's has become a fixture in the city's dining scene with the local fanfare to prove it. I've always enjoyed my time here and have topped off every experience with a serious food coma. I leap at the chance to visit Fadi's whenever I get the chance.Some random thoughts::: The setup is simple: Grab a tray and make your way around the cafeteria style layout. The more you add to your tray, the more you'll pay.:: They don't offer samples. Trust your craving and be wise with your food selections.:: "Half" orders are recommended. Too many full orders will result in extra fees, which is not obvious when people are blinded by the food.:: Find a seat ahead of time. There's nothing more awkward than walking around with a tray full of food looking for a place to sit.:: The parking can be tight. Fadi's popularity means people often have to park further down the lot.:: Groups are fun but this is an ideal place for solo dining or food dates.:: Both lunch and dinner services are packed. Try to aim for non-prime hours.:: Wednesdays are my favorite day. Why? They serve an addicting fish and rice combo. It's actually one of their best dishes and deserves all the shine.At the end of the day, I think Fadi's is a destination for Mediterranean fans. Their interior is lovely, spacious, and offers a lot of opportunities for private groups. The prices aren't back breaking but the price tag has slowly crept up over the years, but at least the service usually makes up for it."

Chopan Kabob House

★★★★☆ 4.3 (114) • $$

"Not bad. Fun to sit on the floor and eat.Nothing was so amazing to make me come back but it was good... not amazing!I liked the diversity of the wait staff... Forgot 3hat it was called like mandoo... omgosh THAT was delicious"

Gyro King

★★★★☆ 4.1 (298) • $

"My mom LOVES this place! We stop here on our way back from an errand we run this way all the time. She orders the Lamb Platter and I order the Lamb Salad. The salad is interesting cause it has jalapeños and pickles in it. I've never eaten a salad like that til I ate here! My mouth is on fire! lol but I've gotten used to it. The service is excellent! We usually take it to go and they fulfill our order pretty quickly. I think we've only eaten here once. They have a good dining area but it's hardly ever too packed. I recommend this place!"

Naan and Kabob

★★★★★ 5 (4)

Habibi Kitchen

★★★★☆ 4.2 (42)

"My friend and I got the Mixed Grill Plate and the Rice Platter with Chicken. I highly recommend the Mixed Grill Plate- the meats and vegetables were grilled/charred perfectly and the Pita was also delicious. As for the Chicken Rice Platter, the rice was slightly overcooked and the chicken was okay but I enjoyed the sauce and the veggies that came with. Great service and lots of space for seating!"

Abu Omar Halal - Spring

★★★★☆ 3.8 (68) • $

"Big props to Abu Omar for being open during the arctic blast. These guys did amazing job. They had quite a big line but let me tell you what these guys were cooking up food so fast service clients I don't think I've been waiting five minutes. So big props are these guys for doing the right thing during the arctic blast.Food: I went with a beef Shawarma. It was very tasty and full of flavor. It was priced well. One thing I wanted to try was the beef kebab but I deafly understand that they had a limited menu during the arctic blast so this is something that I will come back and try for sure. I'm a big fan of beef kebab and I bet you they do a great job here I will definitely come back many more times because I enjoyed the big Shawarma. The customer service was very good as well. The people working here are very nice. Very nice family owned business. I believe they have locations all over Houston. If you were in the area I've never tried them I suggest giving them a shot. You will not be disappointed. Thanks again for sharing the Houston community during the Hardik class when most restaurants were closed. These guys are out there selling food keeping people full . Great job guys."

Tahini Plus Halal Kitchen

★★★★☆ 4.1 (27)

Kasra Persian Grill

★★★★☆ 4.3 (1343) • $$

"Recently have gone back several times and each time the food was a hit. Love the the new renovations and my taste buds are excited once again. The old Kasra flavors are back and they are a hit."

Bijan Persian Grill

★★★★☆ 3.8 (329)

Sheba

★★★★★ 4.7 (18)

Fadi's Mediterranean Grill - Sugar Land

★★★★☆ 3.8 (506) • $$

"Food was amazing! 10/10 my bestie and I got a lot of food to try and thankfully they have to-go boxes because there's no way we could eat all of this. Out of the main entree's, the lamb was our favorite but we agreed it would be even better in the winter as it was a heavy dish. The fish was wonderful too and definitely on the lighter end when it came to flavor but still very good and perfect for the summer. The "buffet" was excellent as well and I'd be more than happy just getting the 6 half portions for $16.99. The price is a bit on the high side but you get practically 2 meals out of it and the quality is superb. The Bulghur and Lentil salad were my favorite of the vegetarian dishes and the Curry Chicken salad was amazing. That would be perfect made into a sandwhich. The hummus and the Yogurt with cucumber (which reminded me of a really thick Tzatziki) were good and refreshing. The Greek salad was rather disappointing. It didn't have a lot of flavor even with the dressing. The roasted potatoes were wonderful with good garlic and lemon flavor. The fried cauliflower had absolutely no flavor and that was disappointing cause I do love fried cauliflower when it's seasoned properly. The little "pies", the bread with what tastes like kaak, and th little meat pie which tastes like Lahme bil Ajiin, we're good too. The cake was also good. Basically everything was good if not great barring those two things. Service was also 10/10. I believe the owner or manager was out talking with customers and helping serve food as well. He was super nice and you could tell he was proud of the restaurant. The servers also seemed to be happy so that was nice as well. Ambiance 8/10. It's on the loud end. There's no soft furnishing to help absorb the sound so we had to constantly talk louder. It is nice inside though and plenty of seating. I highly recommend this place."

The Kebab Shop - Vintage

★★★★☆ 4.1 (19)

"I am always impressed with the food and the service. For fast casual dining it's one of my favorite restaurants hands down. I usually get the steak or the beef kebab, but the chicken kebab and shawarma are on point too. I haven't had the pleasure of visiting this newest location but I'm definitely looking forward to it. Thanks for always bringing the flavor TKS!"

Kandahari Karahai n Kababs

★★★★☆ 4.4 (43)

Gyro Hut

★★★★☆ 4.4 (420) • $$

"I can appreciate Gyro Hut for what it is: a Halal friendly establishment, a fast casual meal(s) with good portions, a bonafide late night option with affordable prices in the heart of the Med Center. What it is not though, is a replacement for the New York style Halal street food.Their motto of being "Straight Outta New York" is as hilarious as it is inaccurate. It wouldn't surprise me if the owners / management have spent time in New York, but the food and atmosphere are a bit of a departure from what should be the quintessential Halal street experience. The interior is bright and clean, which even includes their bathroom. I love that their AC is on blast and is almost freezing after a few minutes spent inside. The menu is placed right above their counter where they make all the food in front of folks. Pro Tip: Check-in on Yelp for a free can of soda.Their platters are around $11-13, which include a solid pile of protein with rice and salad. They include other things on the platter that you wouldn't see in NYC, such as chickpeas, cucumber salad, and corn. I think the gyro fries are a sleeper and the party trays might come in handy for the next potluck party. Their freshly made juices are somewhat of a head scratcher, but seem fresh even if they are served room temperature.One thing they did seem to incorporate from the current street meat NY scene is charging extra for sauce. I don't have a problem with this per se, especially if they were in sauce packet form. However, these ones are in tiny containers that are not exactly easy to scrape or pour sauce out of. I wouldn't be surprised if they were skimpy on the initial sauce dump in hopes that folks would buy more.While I think it's not a dead-on experience with what is "straight outta New York," I still think it's a worthy late meal option and one that is super ideal for the neighborhood."

Abdullah's Kitchen

★★★★★ 4.8 (4)

"I think this is the best beef and chicken kabob koobideh I've had! It's very tender and juicy and flavorful!!! Other places can be dry or not as tasty and can be bland but not this place! They use the right amount of spice and marinade and cook it to perfection without drying it out! It's a hole in the wall place that is located in a market. The price is good, quality is good, and they accept tap to pay! I've already came here twice in a week!"

Dimassi's Mediterranean Buffet

★★★★☆ 4.2 (250) • $$

"Dimassi's Mediterranean Buffets are highly variable affairs.Some are outstanding.Some are mediocre.Generally, the nearer you get to Houston, The better Dimassi's tends to be.* * *This is one of the good ones.Like a fool, I picked up too many vegetable dishes in the beginning,and didn't have enough room for the really really fine meat dishes.If you are smart ...Go for the meatballs first ... and then get everything else second or third.Their meatballs in tomato sauce are absolutely to die for.Everything else was pretty decent too.Nothing bad found its way to my plate - and I sampled a lot of things.* * *The best part of the Willowbrook Dimassi's though is the fashion show.There are some Middle Eastern families, where Mom or Grandma have really gone all out shopping before they went out for dinner.I don't know the name for Middle Eastern versions of saris ...But there were saris there that were some of the most fantastic garments I have ever seen at a buffet.Dad would be wearing plain old clothes.The boys would be wearing plain old clothes.The girls would be wearing something a little more elaborate.The married women were fashion-plate jaw-dropping.Do some internet research, because I strongly suspect these garments were obtained in Houston.There is shopping to be done."

Skyline Hookah Lounge

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (27)

"The drinks are overpriced and they damn sure shouldn't be charging folks to get in. I went on a Saturday, it was pretty dope ONLY because Dj TNT is the best Dj in Houston!!!"

Fadi's Mediterranean Banquet Hall

★★★★★ 4.6 (11)

"How can you not love this food! I just wish I am not offered so many choices in front of me. I love their Adana kabob, babaganoush, all the other spreads. I just wish I was not on my zero carb diet."

Kabob Cafe

★★★★☆ 4.2 (125) • $$

Gyro Hut

★★★★☆ 4.2 (172)

"Love this place! I normally order the combo platter with white sauce on top and fire sauce on the side. The fire sauce is super spicy! The meat is sooo flavorful and tender. Employees are friendly and services is fast. Restaurant is always clean."

Kabab Shack & Grill

★★★★★ 4.6 (90)

"This is my go to for chicken koobideh kabobs. I usually get the chicken koobideh plate with brown rice, fries, and eggplant. I also enjoy the chicken kabobs. The sauces are so good! The eggplant is just delish here as well. It is a small shop with good amount of seating, and the staff is always nice. Just keep in mind that it takes some time to cook the kebabs so if there is a lot of people, it can be a long wait."

Abu Omar Halal - Cypress Creek Pkwy

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (13)

"Placed a Grubhub order and went to pick it up. The guy informed me that he didn't have his iPad and never got my order. Then tells me that he doesn't have one item I ordered and since he didn't have his iPad couldn't refund me for it. He asked if I wanted anything else instead I asked for hummus... he charged me the difference after I waited an additional 15 mins for the order i place 30 mins ago... Terrible Customer service."

New Saffron Kabob House

★★★★☆ 4.1 (149) • $$

Gyro Hut

★★★★☆ 4.1 (126)

"There is always that one restaurant that never lets you down. The restaurant that is there for you on the rainy days and even during the long hours caring for a sick family member. Gyro Hut is somewhat of a loyal friend who will never disappoint. Ok, but more seriously... every time I order from this spot, they hook me up with their garlic cream sauce and hot sauce. They give you THE BEST PORTIONS and have the most tender meat. Every time I receive my meal, it is hot and PACKED WITH FLAVOR! Chicken and Lamb over rice.. AMAZING. Even their chicken salad platter comes with the freshest veggies and some of the best marinated chicken. We love it. Thanks for being there on those days that I need you most! Until next time!! (secretly 20 minutes from now)"

Abu Ali

★★★★☆ 4 (21)

"Got the Midnight Munchies? One of the finest and biggest Mediterranean Cafes in Houston - Cafe Abu Ali on Richmond avenue is open until 3 am. NOW you can actually have midnight munchies and may even have some healthy mediterranean options OR If you're like us, we would love to eat some desserts and knafeh! This chill hookah cafe also has halal breakfast options, pizzas (they make fresh in front of you), grill items such as chicken tawook, gyro, shawarma, lamb chops. We loved their hummus, baba ghanouj, tabouli and kibbi! Our absolute favorite was the meat platters (chicken , kafta, tawook, beef kabob) with hot seasoned rice.They have a huge selection of cakes and desserts - tres leches, chocolate cake, ferrero cake and the freshly made knafeh! It was fun watching them make the knafeh and it was absolutely crunchy, sweet and delicious. Don't forget about their smoothies and fresh drinks! Next time we will try the kharouf, philly cheesesteak and other desserts! Follow them to learn about their daily specials (Kharouf specials on Sundays, , special )8999 Richmond Ave"

Sult'an Pepper - Memorial

★★★★☆ 4.2 (118) • $