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A sampling of offerings from Lebanon’s Cafe
Lebanon’s Cafe

18 Destinations for Excellent Mediterranean Cuisine in New Orleans

From hummus to shawarma to shakshuka 

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A sampling of offerings from Lebanon’s Cafe
| Lebanon’s Cafe

The traditional New Orleans table is many things, but light isn’t one of them. Sometimes a body needs a break from fried seafood, rich sauces, and roux-based soups. Mediterranean cuisine offers a tasty and fresh alternative, so delicious you’ll forget it’s good for you. Options range from simple gyro shops located in the back of convenience stores and gas stations to Saba, Alon Shaya’s masterful take on the many tables that crisscross the region.

For halal-friendly options, see here.

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Shishkabob House

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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.

Shishkabob House’s grape leaves
Shishkabob House/Facebook

Hummus & More

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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.

Falafel from Hummus & More
Hummus & More/Facebook

Falafel King Metairie

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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

Byblos | Old Metairie

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Chef Tiffany Thomas presides over this sprightly New Orleans mini-chain with locations on Vet, in Elmwood and as a longtime, full-service restaurant on Metairie Road. Here, diners choose from an extensive list of starters and specialties like stuffed kibbeh and drunken haloumi, in addition to an array of Mediterranean Byblos offers tender lamb chops, grilled salmon, and Mediterranean pasta with shrimp and veggies.

1000 Figs

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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.

1000 Figs
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Fatma's Cozy Corner

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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.

Fresh bread from Fatma’s Cozy Corner
Fatma’s Cozy Corner/Facebook

Gita Pita

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Gita Pita came to New Orleans by way of Michigan, after owner Adham Kader and family moved to town a few years and brought the fast-casual concept with him. Inspired by Palestinian street food, Kader serves a menu of build-your-own shawarma bowls and wraps that revolve around saj bread, Gita Pita’s specialty. The restaurant is on the Canal streetcar line in Mid-City.

Shawarma bowl from Gita Pita
Gita Pita/Facebook

Stella Maris Cafe & Grocery

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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.

Appetizer platter from Stella Maris
Stella Maris Cafe and Grocery/Facebook

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.

Vegetarian items from Cleo’s
Cleo’s/Facebook

Istanbul Cafe

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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.

Lebanon's Café

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Owner Hussain Sheereef takes visible pride in this Uptown cafe and with good reason. Lebanon’s Café is consistently good, serving traditional specialties in a pretty dining area and outside patio. Portions are large, the rosemary lamb chops are a treat and the just-right homemade hummus is creamy with tahini. Open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery services including Doordash and Grubhub.

Lamb chops, salad, pita, and hummus from Lebanon’s Cafe
Lebanon’s Cafe/Facebook

Green Olives Cafe

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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.

Acropolis on Freret

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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

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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.

With influences that stem from Israel, Europe, and North Africa, Saba reflects a collection of moments where food and culture have crossed paths, offering a taste of an ever-evolving cuisine. Wood-fired pita bread baked steps from the table will soak up the flavors of Bulgaria, Yemen, Syria, Morocco, Turkey, Palestine, and Greece, to name a few. Chef de cuisine Marie Guevara sources seafood, meats, and produce from local farms around New Orleans, charring, blistering, and roasting them over hot coals to family-style platters of goodness.

Saba
Katherine Kimball/Eater NOLA

Shawarma On The Go

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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.

Tal's Hummus

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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.

Sahara Cafe

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Like so many of these Medi cafes, Sahara on the West Bank does a ton of app-based delivery business. Authentic flavors, prepared in the moment, from shawarma and gyros to foul and lamb shank will satisfy. Portions are huge, making this spot a true budget option.

Shishkabob House

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.

Shishkabob House’s grape leaves
Shishkabob House/Facebook

Hummus & More

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.

Falafel from Hummus & More
Hummus & More/Facebook

Falafel King Metairie

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

Byblos | Old Metairie

Chef Tiffany Thomas presides over this sprightly New Orleans mini-chain with locations on Vet, in Elmwood and as a longtime, full-service restaurant on Metairie Road. Here, diners choose from an extensive list of starters and specialties like stuffed kibbeh and drunken haloumi, in addition to an array of Mediterranean Byblos offers tender lamb chops, grilled salmon, and Mediterranean pasta with shrimp and veggies.

1000 Figs

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.

1000 Figs
Josh Brasted/Eater NOLA

Fatma's Cozy Corner

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.

Fresh bread from Fatma’s Cozy Corner
Fatma’s Cozy Corner/Facebook

Gita Pita

Gita Pita came to New Orleans by way of Michigan, after owner Adham Kader and family moved to town a few years and brought the fast-casual concept with him. Inspired by Palestinian street food, Kader serves a menu of build-your-own shawarma bowls and wraps that revolve around saj bread, Gita Pita’s specialty. The restaurant is on the Canal streetcar line in Mid-City.

Shawarma bowl from Gita Pita
Gita Pita/Facebook

Stella Maris Cafe & Grocery

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.

Appetizer platter from Stella Maris
Stella Maris Cafe and Grocery/Facebook

Cleo's

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.

Vegetarian items from Cleo’s
Cleo’s/Facebook

Istanbul Cafe

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.

Lebanon's Café

Owner Hussain Sheereef takes visible pride in this Uptown cafe and with good reason. Lebanon’s Café is consistently good, serving traditional specialties in a pretty dining area and outside patio. Portions are large, the rosemary lamb chops are a treat and the just-right homemade hummus is creamy with tahini. Open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery services including Doordash and Grubhub.

Lamb chops, salad, pita, and hummus from Lebanon’s Cafe
Lebanon’s Cafe/Facebook

Green Olives Cafe

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.

Acropolis on Freret

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

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.

Saba

With influences that stem from Israel, Europe, and North Africa, Saba reflects a collection of moments where food and culture have crossed paths, offering a taste of an ever-evolving cuisine. Wood-fired pita bread baked steps from the table will soak up the flavors of Bulgaria, Yemen, Syria, Morocco, Turkey, Palestine, and Greece, to name a few. Chef de cuisine Marie Guevara sources seafood, meats, and produce from local farms around New Orleans, charring, blistering, and roasting them over hot coals to family-style platters of goodness.

Saba
Katherine Kimball/Eater NOLA

Related Maps

Shawarma On The Go

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.

Tal's Hummus

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.

Sahara Cafe

Like so many of these Medi cafes, Sahara on the West Bank does a ton of app-based delivery business. Authentic flavors, prepared in the moment, from shawarma and gyros to foul and lamb shank will satisfy. Portions are huge, making this spot a true budget option.

Related Maps