Unearth The Voyage
Craving warm pita, flame-kissed kebabs, and bright Mediterranean salads layered with herbs and olive oil – without boarding a plane? North Carolina’s Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food scene is quietly impressive, blending time-honored family recipes with wood-fired grills, house-made dips, and modern twists you’ll find tucked into cities across the state.
From shawarma carved fresh to mezze spreads that turn any meal into a celebration, these 14 restaurants are absolutely worth a detour. Come hungry, bring friends, and get ready to discover a new favorite you’ll be talking about long after the last bite.
1. Neomonde Mediterranean – Raleigh
Neomonde feels like the kind of place you pop into for a quick hummus and end up staying for a full mezze spread. The bakery roots show in the pillowy pita, still warm and puffed, perfect for scooping smoky baba ghanoush.
You will find bright tabbouleh heavy on parsley, lemony labneh, and juicy chicken shawarma with crisp edges and fragrant spices.
Vegetarians have it easy here, with stuffed grape leaves, falafel that crackles outside and stays green inside, and roasted cauliflower with tahini. Portions are generous, prices fair, and the line moves quickly.
Grab a few deli case extras to take home, like muhammara and marinated olives, and thank yourself later.
The space is casual but lively, great for a weekday lunch or relaxed dinner with friends. If you like heat, ask for their house hot sauce and drizzle it over everything.
Finish with date maamoul or baklava that shatters just right, and a cardamom tea to seal the deal.
2. Sassool – Raleigh
Sassool is the kind of spot where you build a plate and suddenly it turns into a feast. Start with the sampler to try hummus, smoky baba, and that addictive pomegranate walnut muhammara.
The cabbage salad, lentil salad, and tabbouleh bring freshness that keeps everything balanced and bright.
If you like crunch, order the falafel wrap with pickles and tahini, then add garlic whip on the side. The chicken kabobs are tender and gently charred, while the kafta delivers savory comfort.
Vegan and gluten free options are clearly labeled, so everyone eats well without stress.
Service is friendly, the vibe is upbeat, and portions are perfect for sharing. Grab a container of toum and extra pita for the road, because you will want it tomorrow.
Round out your meal with pistachio baklava or semolina namoura, plus a Lebanese iced tea to keep things refreshing.
3. Ajja – Raleigh
Ajja takes Eastern Mediterranean flavors and gives them a fresh, chef driven twist. Expect vibrant plates with herbs tumbling everywhere, creamy dips drizzled with good olive oil, and seasonal vegetables kissed by flame.
The open hearth perfumes the room, and grilled skewers arrive juicy, smoky, and perfectly seasoned.
Start with whipped feta or labneh, then share fire roasted carrots with harissa and pistachio. The lamb kofta lands with a citrusy salad that brightens every bite.
Cocktails lean botanical, and there is a thoughtful non alcoholic list, so everyone can toast.
Vegetarians will not feel like an afterthought, thanks to charred cabbage, crispy potatoes with toum, and fluffy pita. The patio is magical on warm evenings, with twinkly lights and that slow vacation feel.
Save room for dessert, often a clever riff on classics, and sip mint tea while planning the next visit.
4. Yaba Mediterranean Grill – Raleigh
Yaba Mediterranean Grill is a reliable go to when you want fast, fresh, and flavorful. Build a platter with rice, salad, and your choice of protein, then let the sauces do the heavy lifting.
The chicken shawarma is juicy with crisped edges, and the beef and lamb gyro slices are satisfying and savory.
Falafel fans will appreciate the crunchy exterior and herb packed interior. Pile on pickled turnips, cucumbers, and extra tahini or garlic sauce for that ideal bite.
The portions skew large, making it easy to share or bring home leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
The team moves quickly at the counter, but you never feel rushed. Grab a side of hummus and warm pita, plus a small fattoush for brightness.
End with baklava or a syrup kissed pastry, and walk out pleased that dinner was easy, delicious, and affordable.
5. Jasmine Grill – Charlotte
Jasmine Grill brings comforting Lebanese flavors to Charlotte with generous platters and a welcoming vibe. Start with the mezze combo to sample hummus, baba ghanoush, grape leaves, and spicy potatoes.
The chicken tawook is tender and citrusy, while lamb kebabs arrive smoky and perfectly charred.
Do not skip the garlic sauce, which makes everything pop. Fattoush comes crisp with sumac brightness, and the lentil soup is a soothing starter on cooler days.
If you love variety, the mixed grill lets you try a bit of everything without overthinking.
Service is warm and attentive, suitable for family dinners or casual dates. Portions are hearty, so expect leftovers that reheat well.
Finish with knafeh or baklava, pair with mint tea, and leave feeling like you discovered a neighborhood staple worth returning to often.
6. La Shish Kabob – Charlotte
La Shish Kabob delivers dependable classics with bold, satisfying flavors. The mixed grill is a crowd pleaser, combining chicken, kafta, and beef over buttery rice with grilled vegetables.
Hummus is creamy and smooth, perfect with their warm pita and a sprinkle of paprika.
Try the shawarma plate if you crave crispy edges and well seasoned meat. The vegetarian platter is generous, offering falafel, grape leaves, tabbouleh, and baba ghanoush so you get a full tour.
Add a side of pickles and toum, then brighten everything with a squeeze of lemon.
The dining room is relaxed, prices are reasonable, and portions are built for sharing. You will leave with leftovers and a smile.
For dessert, pistachio baklava hits the spot, especially with hot tea or Arabic coffee to round things out.
7. Zeitouni Grill – Charlotte
Zeitouni Grill makes lunch easy with generous plates and plenty of customization. Choose your base, snag a protein like chicken shawarma or falafel, and add colorful sides.
The hummus is smooth, the baba ghanoush has a whisper of smoke, and the pickled turnips add that necessary tang.
Everything tastes fresh, and the pita arrives warm and pliable. If you want heat, ask for hot sauce and drizzle it over the rice and meat.
The falafel sandwich packs crunch, herbs, and tahini into a satisfying handheld that travels well.
Service is quick and friendly, ideal for a midday break or casual dinner. Portions are big, so one plate can easily stretch.
Grab a few extras to go, like tabbouleh or lentil salad, then finish with a sweet bite of baklava before you head out.
8. Le Kebab Grill – Charlotte
Le Kebab Grill focuses on charcoal kissed kebabs that bring real depth and aroma. Order the mixed platter to sample chicken, beef, and kafta alongside fragrant rice and grilled tomatoes.
The garlic sauce is bright and punchy, perfect for dipping pita or drizzling over meat.
Start with hummus or mutabbal for a creamy counterpoint. The fattoush has crunch from toasted pita and brightness from sumac and lemon.
Vegetarians will appreciate falafel that stays tender inside and pairs well with a side of tabbouleh.
The room is relaxed and welcoming, making it easy to linger with tea. Portions are generous, so sharing is smart, especially if you want dessert.
End with baklava or rice pudding scented with rose water, and you will already be planning the next visit.
9. Roz Grill – Charlotte
Roz Grill keeps things simple and satisfying, which is exactly what you want on a busy weeknight. The shawarma is carved to order, with edges that crunch slightly and juices running into the rice.
Hummus is smooth, baba ghanoush leans smoky, and the pickled sides deliver brightness.
Get the combo platter if commitment is hard, or grab a falafel wrap for a compact, flavorful bite. The staff is kind and quick, and the prices feel fair for the portion size.
Ask for extra garlic sauce and tuck it into your pita for maximum payoff.
It is an easy spot to bring friends with different tastes, since there are great options for meat lovers and vegetarians. Finish with baklava or a honey soaked dessert and a hot tea.
You will walk out full, happy, and ready to come back soon.
10. Yafo Kitchen – Charlotte
Yafo Kitchen blends Middle Eastern flavors with a build your own bowl format that is fast and fun. Start with creamy hummus or turmeric rice, then add rotisserie chicken, falafel, or shawarma.
Pile on pickled onions, cucumber tomato salad, and a drizzle of toum or spicy harissa.
The pita is exceptional, soft and warm, begging to be torn and dipped. Kids eat well here, and the menu is friendly for vegetarians and gluten free diners.
Try the seasonal sides, which keep things interesting and highlight fresh produce.
With bright decor and a lively vibe, it works for lunch or a casual dinner with friends. Grab extra sauces, because you will want them tomorrow.
End with a cookie or soft serve when available, and consider a jar of harissa to take home.
11. Yemen Arabic Restaurant – Greensboro
Yemen Arabic Restaurant is a destination for slow cooked comfort and fragrant rice dishes. Order the lamb mandi or haneeth, where meat turns spoon tender and perfumes the table with cardamom and cloves.
The rice is fluffy and richly spiced, studded with nuts and raisins depending on the day.
Salta and fahsa arrive bubbling in clay pots, hearty with fenugreek foam and bread for scooping. Fresh bread comes hot and puffed, ideal for tearing and sharing.
You will want a side of zhug for heat and brightness alongside the deep savory flavors.
Meals lean communal, so bring friends and try several dishes. Tea pours freely, and the hospitality feels genuine and warm.
Finish with a light dessert or simply linger over tea, content and full after a memorable Yemeni feast.
12. Castle Mediterranean Restaurant – Mebane
Castle Mediterranean Restaurant is a small town gem delivering big flavors. The kebabs are juicy and well seasoned, laid over rice with grilled vegetables and warm pita.
Hummus arrives creamy and balanced, and the baba ghanoush carries a lovely smoky note.
Start with a sampler so you can taste across the menu. The falafel is crisp and herbaceous, and the fattoush gives a crunchy, lemony lift.
Friendly service and consistent cooking make it an easy weeknight choice or a satisfying weekend lunch.
Save room for baklava or a custardy dessert if available. Portions are generous, so leftovers are likely and welcome.
Pair everything with mint tea or a simple soft drink, and enjoy the relaxed, welcoming vibe that keeps locals returning.
13. Baba Nahm – Asheville
Baba Nahm brings bold, sunshine filled flavors to downtown Asheville. The pita wraps are stuffed to the brim with juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and sauces that sing.
You can go vegetarian with falafel or roasted vegetables and still get a deeply satisfying meal.
Order a hummus bowl topped with crunchy chickpeas and bright pickles for texture. The toum is punchy, the harissa hot, and the herbs fresh and abundant.
Sides rotate with the seasons, keeping things lively even for regulars.
The space is energetic and fast, perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner before a show. Grab extra napkins because these wraps are gloriously messy.
Finish with something sweet if you see it, or just sip a cool drink and enjoy the mountain town buzz.
14. Al Basha Mediterranean Grill – Cary
Al Basha Mediterranean Grill serves generous plates with friendly service and consistent flavors. The chicken shawarma is a standout, juicy with those prized crispy bits.
Hummus is ultra creamy, and the baba ghanoush carries a pleasing smoke that pairs well with warm pita.
Go for the combo to sample falafel, grape leaves, and a kebab alongside salad and rice. The garlic sauce is lively, and pickled turnips add a tart pop.
Vegetarian options are plentiful, making it easy to please a group with varied tastes.
The room is casual and comfortable, ideal for lunch or an easy dinner. Portions are big enough to share, and leftovers hold up well.
Finish with baklava or basbousa, and take home extra pita because you will want more tomorrow.
