The 20 Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in United States

DarSalam Restaurant & Catering (Downtown) serves flavorful Middle Eastern cuisine, including kebabs, stews, falafel, and ample vegetarian options. Reviews note thoughtful gluten-free choices and a well-regarded buffet. A full bar offers cocktails such as a cardamom gimlet. Colorful Assyrian- and Persian-inspired decor with mural art creates an inviting downtown setting.

The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen is a Michelin-selected restaurant showcasing Kurdish and Middle Eastern cooking in a warmly decorated Lakeview space. Guests highlight fresh, colorful dishes, from generous Kurdish-style breakfasts to flavorful soups and grilled specialties, with many meatless options. Kurdish coffee, with its rich, nutty character, and a considered wine list round out the experience, complemented by welcoming, attentive service.

Pomegranate on Main offers Persian-inspired cuisine featuring grilled kabobs, fragrant saffron rice, and an array of flavorful starters with warm, housemade pitas. Guests highlight dishes such as beef tenderloin kabob, chicken with cinnamon- and cranberry-accented rice, and hearty soups. The atmosphere is lively yet comfortable, complemented by attentive, helpful service and details like aromatic Persian tea.

Tanoreen is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant known for its refined take on Middle Eastern cuisine. Diners praise consistently flavorful dishes, from shared plates like hummus, falafel, and eggplant preparations to creative touches such as a za’atar margarita and date ice cream. The setting is more elegant than casual, while attentive staff guide guests through the menu and offer thoughtful suggestions.

Serop's Express Highland Rd. offers casual Mediterranean fare in a served buffet format, with options for eat-in, takeout, or drive-through. Diners highlight flavorful shawarma plates, fresh salads, and creamy hummus with warm pita. Generous portions and a wide selection of sides make it easy to customize a meal. Attentive, welcoming staff contribute to the pleasant, efficient experience.

Noosh Kitchen offers Persian and Mediterranean cuisine, featuring flavorful kebab-style dishes, richly seasoned appetizers such as hummus and eggplant spreads, and classic desserts like baklava and cheesecake. The family-run restaurant is known for its courteous service and well-prepared plates. A calm, tastefully decorated dining room and occasional live music create an inviting atmosphere for lingering over a meal.

Samarkand Steakhouse offers Central Asian cuisine with an extensive halal menu prepared from scratch to order. Guests highlight flavorful dishes such as plov and appreciate the care taken in the kitchen. The spacious, clean dining room draws a diverse crowd and creates an energetic atmosphere, while staff take time to explain the menu and make recommendations.

Shalom Y'all serves vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired mezze with a strong emphasis on fresh, flavorful vegetarian options. Guests highlight creamy hummus, smoky eggplant dips, crisp falafel, and hot, pillowy pita baked in an open oven. The energetic dining room and bar encourage sharing plates and cocktails, while attentive staff help create an engaging, social experience.

Zooroona Restaurant serves flavorful Middle Eastern cuisine with a wide selection of appetizers and entrees for both meat eaters and vegans. Dishes are noted for their balanced seasoning and aromatic presence. Guests appreciate the quality of the drinks, attentive service, and the casual yet polished dining room, which often fills with lively energy.

Beet Box offers a casual, urban setting for Middle Eastern–inspired dishes and inventive café fare. The menu emphasizes fresh, flavorful ingredients, with options ranging from vegetarian wraps and hummus bowls to bagel sandwiches and pastries. Guests also note thoughtfully prepared coffee and the option to sit on the sunlit patio.

Tavlin serves kosher Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine with an emphasis on fresh salads, creamy hummus, and well-seasoned grilled dishes. Guests highlight the authentic flavors, from crisp falafel pita to perfectly cooked steak. Vegan diners find appealing options, and parve desserts such as halva ice cream offer a satisfying finish to the meal.

The Helmand showcases Afghan cuisine with an emphasis on richly flavored appetizers, lamb and vegetable dishes, and fragrant spices. Fresh bread baked in a brick oven is served with an array of sauces that guests frequently highlight. Traditional décor, from carpets to wall art, creates an inviting setting, while classic desserts such as rice pudding and other sweets offer a satisfying finish.

Afghan Bistro presents Afghan and broader Middle Eastern cuisine with aromatic grilled meats, kabobs, and satisfying vegetarian dishes, many of which are naturally gluten-free. The cozy dining room features inviting Middle Eastern accents, while enticing kitchen aromas set the tone for the meal. Attentive staff provide thoughtful touches, creating a welcoming stop for travelers and locals alike.

Sam's Mediterranean Deli & Catering serves freshly prepared Mediterranean fare, from substantial sandwiches and wraps to popular items like chicken shawarma. The deli offers daily specials and a range of options for both meat lovers and vegetarians, including salads, dips, and stuffed vegetables. Friendly, welcoming staff contribute to the easygoing atmosphere. The catering service features generous spreads with colorful salads, grilled meats, and vegetarian dishes.

Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes, from crisp falafel and creamy hummus to carefully cooked lamb chops and fragrant rice. An extensive, globally focused wine list and creative cocktails are central to the experience, supported by wine-preserving technology at the bar. The setting combines an elegant dining room, cozy bar seating, and occasional live jazz for a refined yet inviting atmosphere.

Shish Kebab House of Tucson specializes in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare, with tender lamb shish kebabs, gyros, and crisp falafel highlighted in reviews. Dishes such as kabsa rice, Greek salad, and house garlic sauce are noted for fresh ingredients and balanced seasoning. The long-established restaurant offers efficient, attentive service in a straightforward, welcoming setting.