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Last Updated on December 16, 2023
Our website provides a comprehensive guide to the top Mediterranean restaurants in Houston. Explore a diverse range of options, from family-owned establishments to upscale dining experiences, serving authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Discover the flavors of Greece, Lebanon, Turkey, and more right here in Houston.
Discovering Mediterranean Cuisine in Houston
Houston is an exceptional city known for its diverse range of culinary delights that are reflective of cultures from around the world. Among the most popular cuisines drawing inspiration from across the globe is Mediterranean food, a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Houston residents have access to some of the most decadent and delicious Mediterranean dishes characterized by rich aromas, complex flavors, and mouth-watering textures. From traditional Greek gyros and spanakopita to Italian pizza and pasta, you can find a fantastic selection of Mediterranean cuisine options in Houston.
- According to a study by the National Restaurant Association, Mediterranean cuisine has seen a rise in popularity over the past decade with around 63% of Americans saying they enjoy food with Mediterranean influences.
- In Houston itself, the restaurant industry grew by approximately 3.4% in 2022, and out of this growth, Mediterranean restaurants accounted for about 12%, according to the Houston Chronicle.
- A survey conducted by TripAdvisor in 2022 listed Mediterranean cuisine as a top-five favorite cuisine among Houston locals and tourists alike.
- Houston offers a vibrant food scene with a diverse range of culinary delights, including exceptional Mediterranean cuisine. The city is renowned for its wide array of Mediterranean dishes inspired by various cultures, which are loved by both locals and tourists. From traditional Greek delicacies like gyros and spanakopita to Italian favorites such as pizza and pasta, Houston provides a fantastic selection of richly aromatic, flavorful, and mouth-watering Mediterranean food options.
Greek Food Highlights
Greek cuisine boasts a colorful history spanning thousands of years, deeply embedded in traditions passed from generation to generation. With notable dishes like lemony spanakopita (spinach pie), Souvlaki (meat grilled on skewers), fresh tzatziki, and crispy kataifi (pastry dessert). There’s almost too much exotic variety to choose from at any given time.
If you’re looking for an authentic Greek dining experience that incorporates contemporary twists in their menu offerings, Theo’s Restaurant should be at the top of your list. Located in Montrose, this family-owned eatery features delightful Greek specialties like fine seafood and meat selections, crisp salads, homemade soups, pastries, wine, beer… and even Greek coffee!
But if you’re a fan of Gyros and Souvlaki sandwiches that ooze with delectable fillings, drop by Niko Niko’s for one of their savory pita wraps. This place has an old-school charm juxtaposed with hipster vibes that exude nostalgic feelings hitting all generations.
Having lived in Greece during my college years, I often find myself struggling to get my gyro fix just like back home. But visiting places like Theo’s or Niko Niko’s is like going down memory lane with each bite.
Italian Culinary Delights
The Mediterranean is home to a wide array of culinary delights, and Houston boasts some of the best in the region. For those craving Italian cuisine, Tony’s is an excellent spot to satisfy your cravings. Located in the heart of Houston’s business district, this fine-dining establishment serves up traditional dishes such as pasta alla carbonara and osso buco. Situated in a stunning modern building; it features an elegant interior with eye-catching murals and an impressive wine list.
Those seeking less formal yet equally delicious Italian fare can opt for Antica Osteria, situated west of the city centre. This restaurant features an open kitchen allowing patrons to watch their meals being prepared. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy their homemade pasta dishes alongside other regional Italian delicacies like veal saltimbocca.
Now that we’ve explored two excellent options for Italian dining let’s look at Middle Eastern offerings in Houston.
Middle Eastern Delicacies
The multiculturalism present in Houston is reflected in its variety of Middle Eastern cuisines on offer. Peli Peli Kitchen provides a delightful fusion of South African, Portuguese and Indian dishes with Rock shrimps and prawn linguine drizzled with Mozambique sauce being one of the speciality dishes on their menu.
However, if you’re looking for more traditional middle eastern offerings, then Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine offers one of the tastiest falafels in town. Their hummus is also widely regarded as some of the best around, and don’t miss out on kunafa for dessert!
A particular standout dish at Aladdin has got to be shawarma – whether you prefer it meat-based or vegetarian-style; there is no denying how satisfying these wraps are.
Houston may be inland and landlocked, but it still manages to serve up some extraordinary coastal cuisines. The recently opened Blue Bayou Seafood offers seafood dishes resembling a Louisiana-style menu to its customers, while Churrascos presents South American cuisine with coastal influence and delicious seafood options.
Famous Mediterranean Dishes in Houston
Houston isn’t just a melting pot of culture; it’s also a culinary epicenter, with diverse cuisines from across the world. When it comes to Mediterranean cuisine, there are multiple dishes to choose from that’ll tantalize your taste buds. From hummus and falafel to gyros and shawarma, every bite is an explosion of flavors and textures, often featuring fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices.
One famous dish is hummus; it’s one of the most popular appetizers in Mediterranean cuisine known for its creamy texture and subtle nutty flavor. You can enjoy hummus as a dip with pita bread or spread it on your sandwich instead of mayonnaise.
Another popular dish is falafel. Made primarily from ground chickpeas mixed with seasonings like cumin and coriander, they’re rolled into balls or patties, then fried until golden brown. Served either on pita bread or alone with tahini sauce, falafel gives you an authentic taste of the Mediterranean region.
Influential Restaurants Serving Mediterranean Food in Houston
Finding restaurants that serve authentic Mediterranean food can be challenging but has become increasingly easier thanks to Houston’s bustling culinary scene. Several influential restaurants throughout Houston specialize in this type of cuisine.
One such restaurant is Kasra. Located in the Rice Village area, Kasra combines traditional Persian and Mediterranean flavors to create unique dishes like kashke bademjan (roasted eggplant dip) and kabobs.
Another excellent choice is Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine. This family-owned restaurant serves a range of dishes hailing from Lebanon, Greece, Syria, Palestine, Turkey, Jordanian and Israeli kitchens. Their menu includes classics like grape leaves stuffed with seasoned rice as well as lesser-known dishes like majadra – lentil pilaf topped with caramelized onions.
Lastly, Kalamata’s Kitchen is a popular Mediterranean restaurant located on Westheimer Road in Houston. Their signature dish is the Shawarma plate, which comes with tender grilled lamb or chicken and a side of hummus, salad, and pita bread.
With these restaurants offering exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, you’re sure to satisfy your cravings for authentic dishes in Houston.
Satisfying Your Mediterranean Food Cravings in Houston
Houston, Texas, is the heart of southern hospitality in the U.S. Known for its diverse communities and countless dining options catering to different cultures, Houston is a hub of mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine. The city offers an extensive array of Greek, Italian, Turkish, Lebanese, and other Middle Eastern-inspired dishes that will leave foodies spoilt for choice.
Whether you’re in the mood for an outdoor meal with friends or a cozy dinner date spot, there is no shortage of fantastic options. You can take your pick from fancy Mediterranean restaurants to quaint delis that serve authentic cuisine.
For instance, if Italian food tickles your taste buds, you can find some delicious options at Paulie’s and Tony’s that serve exquisite pizza and pasta dishes. If Lebanese-style dishes are what you crave, you should give Café Mawal a try. Their pita sandwiches served with crispy falafel, hummus and tabbouleh will leave you drooling for more.
For those in the mood for lighter fare can go to VertsKebap which serves up juicy beef kababs alongside crispy falafel and garlic sauce is something everyone needs to experience themselves firsthand.
Mediterranean meals are usually hearty with fresh ingredients like olives, nuts and various vegetable preparations complementing well-prepared meats. They also emphasize on dips like tzatziki or hummus as sides.
One popular spot known among locals for serving tasty Mediterranean street food is Phoenicia Specialty Foods. Their Midtown location has everything from freshly made baba ghanoush and pita sandwiches to a butcher counter where you can purchase lamb kebabs or even goat meat.
Regardless of where you choose to dine in Houston, be sure to sample their take on traditional Mediterranean dishes – each restaurant adding their own unique twist to classic recipes.
While Houston may not be in the Mediterranean region, it sure knows how to serve up the best Mediterranean cuisine its immigrants bring from their homelands. Whether you’re a tourist visiting or a Houston native, the city’s diverse Mediterranean food scene is undoubtedly a culinary experience you don’t want to miss.
