Like so many small kabob cafes, Shishkabob House is family owned, a friendly spot on Williams — the Kenner boulevard dotted with so many international eateries. The chicken shawarma is a specialty, but everything is good. Don’t expect ambiance, but the rock bottom prices and savory specialties are sure to please.

This original Lebanese restaurant that Huda Aldisi and Lisa Labit first opened in Metairie in 2015 is still going strong. Serving a vast menu of falafel, lentil stew, mousaka, stuffed kibbeh, and more, the wide-ranging dishes are fresh and refined. The Mediterranean nachos are fun; think pita chips topped with gyro and all the fixin’s. In addition to takeout, Hummus & More is now on Waitr, Doordash, and Uber Eats.

From the thin-style pita bread baked in house to the tender rounds of falafel that earn its royal status, the Falafel King delivers tasty food at budget prices. The combo plates are huge, everything is fresh and service is offered with a smile. Try the kunafah for dessert, a cheesy, crispy, salty treat soaked in a rosewater syrup for a sweet floral finish

At this fabulous, vegetable-heavy restaurant just off Esplanade, diners can’t go wrong — there’s an array of meze choices, along with a falafel feast that ticks just about every menu box. Although vegetarian friendly, 1000 Figs serves a tasty spicy chicken platter or sandwich.

Fatma’s Cozy Corner in Treme opened in 2017, a purveyor of savory baked goods, tasty hummus, and fatoush salad with feta and red onion, parsley, and cucumbers. There are gyro and falafel sandwiches on pita, along with American breakfast options and paninis.

The market with many hard-to-find Middle Eastern products attached to Stella Maris is a bonus. The real draw is the large portions, friendly service, and some of the best versions of falafel, gyro, tzatziki, kebab, grape leaves in town. if Arabi seems like a hike, it’s less than 15 minutes from the French Quarter and well worth the trip.

It’s a good sign if taxi drivers are chowing down, which they always are at Cleo’s, the 24-hour locations on Canal and the newly reopened pretty French Quarter spot at 115 Decatur. The halal menu hits the faves — shawarma, lamb with hummus, stuffed grape leaves — along with grilled salmon and shrimp platters and lots of vegetarian options.

The owners of Daisy Dukes expanded with this fast casual spot just off Canal and business is brisk. Great for late-night grub in the French Quarter, Istanbul Cafe also offers takeout and now delivery. Besides generous portions of bargain priced gyros, falafel, and burgers, there’s also a tasty Philly cheesesteak and hefty burrito bowls.

Chef Hilmi Abdeljalil builds his pretty cafe’s menu on the smoky flavors of eggplant baba ghanoush and tender grape leaves stuffed with ground lamb or a vegetarian filling. Try the Green Olives maza sampler along with mains like gyro salad, grilled lamb, chicken and beef shawarma, and platters piled high with falafel.

This Metairie Mediterranean favorite expanded to Freret Street in 2019 and the neighborhood approves. Acropolis is known for its traditional Greek cooking — along with a smattering of Italian dishes and pizza. Nibble through an appetizer sample of dips and spinach pie and move on to the signature six-onion soup, served under a puff pastry cap. Salads, pita wraps, and platters of savory grilled meats and vegetables round out the menu.

Shawarma on the Run in Terrytown and Kenner is where some of the area’s silkiest hummus can be found. Co-owner Osama Albassis (who started out at Shawarma on the Go) focuses on beef and chicken shawarma, falafel and spinach pie, hummus and tzatziki, and platters and bowls, served with yellow rice, salad, pita, Armenian pickles, corn, and traditional sauce.

Like boudin and cracklin’ in Cajun country, falafel and shwarma have found glory in the humble New Orleans gas station. Shawarma on the Go is in residence in the Jetgo gas station on Magazine Street between Louisiana and Napoleon, where cones of shwarma meat glisten and the falafel is some of the best in the city, along with terrific burgers and sandwiches.

A great option for healthy fare Uptown, Tal’s Hummus on Magazine dishes Israeli-inspired dishes including falafel, hummus, pita sandwiches, kebabs, and salads — all made fresh to order. Take a pint home — no not beer, but hummus, Moroccan carrots, and other tasty treats. Order online, carry out, or dine in.