Head to Aleppo Sweets for items for an outdoor picnic, including chicken kabobs with Syrian bread, marinated olives and baklava. Photography by Angel Tucker
Sonia’s Market and Deli
Feast your eyes on the Mediterranean section of Sonia’s menu for handheld options like the babaganoush (a creamy, smoky eggplant puree) wrap stuffed with Armenian cracked wheat salad, Kalamata olives and banana peppers; the iconic falafel wrap with a mix of tomatoes, lettuce, red onions, banana peppers and hummus drizzled with tahini; and the seasoned beef shawarma wrap featuring Lebanese toum (garlic) sauce. Or, let the sampler heaven live up to its name for a bite of all the fan favorites: grape leaves, tabouleh, feta, pita chips and more. 816 Park Ave., Cranston, 941-9300, soniasdeli.com
East Side Pockets
Talk about a pocketful of sunshine: This popular spot has been a destination for Providence students and professionals alike for nearly thirty years. And for good reason. Whether you’re in it for the four-piece fried kibbeh (football-shaped bulgur wheat shells stuffed with ground beef, onions and pine nuts), the lemon-marinated chicken kabob, the spinach and feta pie, or the homemade lady finger baklava, you’ll never go home hangry. 278 Thayer St., Providence, 453-1100, eastsidepocket.com
International Pocket Cafe
This underrated cafe gives you not one but two opportunities to treat your taste buds with its South County and East Bay locations. Stop by either address for a selection of authentic jedra, falafel and hummus apps; classic Greek salads; wraps of the gyro, kabob, shawarma, veggie and pesto variety; and flavorful plates starring your choice of meat served with pita bread, rice pilaf, traditional sauces and salad. 99 Fortin Rd., Kingston, 782-2720; 52 East Main Rd., Middletown, 847-8900, internationalpocketcafe.com
Fresh Pita Twist
Owned and operated by a local mother-daughter duo, this Mediterranean-influenced eatery prides itself on its chicken and beef shawarma. Both are seasoned, prepared and shaved daily (see for yourself at the counter) and can be loaded up in wraps, salads or on a plate with add-ons. Even so, don’t count out the Spanish plate of stewed chicken over a bed of rice and beans with an empanada on the side, or the housemade falafel burger dressed up in hummus and tabouleh. 1385 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence, 443-1040, freshpitatwist.com
Aleppo Sweets
If you’re craving baklava — the delightful Middle Eastern pastry layered with phyllo dough, nuts and sugary syrup — this authentic Syrian bakery and cafe serves up more than ten varieties. Our favorites include the ice cream-infused sweet treat and the bride’s bracelet with its pistachios and pretty presentation. You can also find other sweet staples like stuffed dates, or, if you happen to be in a savory mood, try one of the meze platters, or the Syrian street-food, fatayer meat pies. 107 Ives St., Providence, alepposweets.com
Mir Mediterranean Bar and Grill
Let this hidden neighborhood gem transport you to the Mediterranean for a night. First whet your appetite with the tangy haydari — thick housemade yogurt with walnuts, garlic and dill mixed in — or the steaming spinach borek pastry of Turkish origin. Follow with a juicy, tender lamb adana kebab or the Lahmacun thin dough pizza topped with ground beef and finely chopped veggies. Round out the experience with a bowl of creamy rice pudding or, of course, a slice of baklava. 605 Douglas Ave., Providence, 563-8175, mirmediterraneanbargrill.com
Istanbul Gourmet Food and Market
If you’re planning to wow a dinner guest with a tasty Mediterranean meal, set yourself up for success with tasty Mediterranean ingredients. Enter the family-owned Istanbul Gourmet Market, where you can track down imported olive oils and spices, housemade hummus, hearty kofte (meatballs) and grape leaf wraps among many other Turkish treats. Stop by to peruse the shelves or head to the counter for a fresh gyro to go. 1706 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence, 353-7800