Texans Are Obsessed With These 7 Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Spots in Houston

Houston knows good food, and these Middle Eastern and Mediterranean spots prove it on every plate. You will find big flavors, generous portions, and the kind of hospitality that makes weeknights feel like occasions. From shawarma carved to order to saffron rice that perfumes the whole table, these places deliver cravings fast.

Ready to plan your next delicious detour across the city?

1. Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine (Montrose)

Start with a basket of warm pita and a trio of dips that make choosing impossible. The hummus arrives silky and lemon bright, while baba ghanoush brings smoky depth that keeps you scooping. Then the carving station steals your attention with shawarma stacked high, sending out garlicky aromas you can smell from the sidewalk.

Plates come big and bold, piled with turmeric rice, roasted cauliflower, and those juicy meats that drip flavor. Vegetarians are not sidelined here, thanks to stuffed grape leaves, tabbouleh, and spiced chickpeas. Prices stay friendly, staff keeps things moving, and the seasoning lands confidently without being overwhelming.

Come hungry, leave happy, and know leftovers reheat like a dream. Montrose regulars have known this secret for years.

2. Phoenicia Specialty Foods (Downtown & Westheimer)

Imagine walking into a culinary playground where the bakery perfumes the air and a shawarma spit rotates like a beacon. You grab a box, build a mezze feast with creamy labneh, muhammara, and bright tabbouleh, then snag fresh pita still warm. Every aisle tempts with spices, pickles, and specialty imports that spark kitchen inspiration.

Downtown’s food hall vibe makes it ideal for quick lunches, while the Westheimer store invites longer browsing. Hot stations deliver crisp falafel and carved meats that hit the spot without fuss. Dessert means flaky baklava or date cookies that pair perfectly with strong coffee.

Locals come for lunch, stay for groceries, and leave with new favorites. It is discovery wrapped in delicious routine.

3. Fadi’s Mediterranean Grill (Multiple locations)

When you want control over every bite, the build-your-own line delivers. Slide your tray along and point to vibrant eggplant, lemony cabbage slaw, smoky carrots, and pillowy pita. The hummus is creamy and dependable, ready to support grilled chicken, beef kabobs, or herby falafel without stealing the spotlight.

Consistency is the magic trick here, whether you are in Katy, Sugar Land, or inside the Loop. Portions run generous, perfect for sharing or saving for tomorrow’s lunch. You taste freshness in the cut herbs and bright citrus, and the spices stay balanced for broad appeal.

Families love the kid-friendly options, and quick service keeps lines moving. It is fast-casual that respects flavor and time equally.

4. Niko Niko’s (Montrose)

Cravings hit late, and this spot answers with sizzling gyros carved to order. The meat tumbles into warm pita with tzatziki that cools every bite. Add a side of crisp fries or a classic Greek salad and you are basically on a quick vacation without leaving Montrose.

Spanakopita comes flaky and butter brushed, the kind that shatters into happy crumbs. Lines move quickly, staff stays upbeat, and the menu covers everything from hearty platters to grab-and-go snacks. Night owls appreciate the extended hours that make spontaneous dinners easy.

Bring friends, split plates, and leave room for baklava or galaktoboureko. It feels like a neighborhood tradition, even if it is your very first visit.

5. Mary’z Mediterranean Cuisine (Heights area)

Hospitality leads the experience, from warm greetings to thoughtful pacing between courses. Plates highlight Persian influences, with fluffy saffron rice that smells like sunshine and tender koobideh glowing with spice. You might start with creamy mast-o-khiar and grilled halloumi, then move to juicy chicken skewers brushed with citrus and herbs.

The vibe feels personal, like a favorite family dining room with extra seating. Portions are generous and designed for sharing, making it easy to explore the menu together. Vegetarians find comfort in stews and roasted vegetables, while meat lovers dive into charcoal-kissed kebabs.

Service remains attentive without hovering, and the bill rarely stings. It is the kind of place you recommend confidently because it never stops caring.

6. Avesta Persian Grill (West Houston)

Precision shows in the rice, every grain separate and perfumed with saffron. Kebabs arrive glistening from the grill, with koobideh deeply seasoned and chicken juicy inside its char. Order a side of mast-o-musir and let the garlicky yogurt balance each bite, while a wedge of grilled tomato brings gentle sweetness.

Stew lovers point straight to ghormeh sabzi or fesenjan, both simmered until flavors turn round and comforting. Portions encourage sharing, making group dinners feel festive. Service stays warm, explanations come gladly, and first-timers never feel lost on the menu.

Do not skip tahdig when available, because that golden crunch is pure joy. West Houston regulars know this is where cravings meet craft, reliably.

7. Kasra Persian Grill (West Houston)

Here, marinades work hard so the grill can shine. You cut into saffron chicken that tastes bright and buttery, then trade bites for juicy koobideh that melts into basmati. A sprinkle of sumac lifts the richness, and grilled tomatoes add just enough smoke to round everything out.

Stews deliver comfort, whether you choose ghormeh sabzi or gheimeh with crisp fries perched on top. Portions keep families happy, and the room hums with regulars who know the staff by name. Service stays relaxed and genuine, never fussy.

Rice arrives fragrant and generous, sometimes with dill and fava beans for a fresh pop. Consistency is the secret sauce, making Kasra a longtime go-to in West Houston.