Falafel and feta are flourishing in Fort Worth.
Tim Love’s Meraki and Ave Mediterranean both opened this year. Beren Mediterranean moved near Magnolia Avenue and brought on a new Michelin-starred chef. Chadra Mezza and Grill reopened in a south Fort Worth location. And Pak-A-Pocket gyro restaurant is celebrating 40 years of business. And that’s just naming a few examples.
There are undoubtedly plenty of Mediterranean options in the area. But which are worth going to?
To narrow down the choices, I asked my loyal friends on Nextdoor where they were going for their kebab fix. They’ve already given me their recommendations on Italian and Mexican restaurants as well as cheap eats. But, here is what they suggest regarding Mediterranean cuisine in the area.
Chicken shawarma with hummus at Aladdin Cafe near Crowley. Bud Kennedy bud@star-telegram.com Where Fort Worth locals go for MediterraneanAladdin Cafe
Where is it? 10138 N. Crowley Road, Crowley
What is it? Mediterranean, Lebanese and Greek cuisine with hummus and mezza to start, grilled kebabs and fresh baklava.
Recommended by: Charles Mathers and Tracy V.
Istanbul Grill
Where is it? 401 Throckmorton St. in Fort Worth. Another location owned by the same family can be found in South Arlington at 6204 S Cooper St.
What is it? Turkish food with menu items like mezza dips, Greek salad, lamb chops and kebabs, falafel, seafood and more.
Recommended by: Lesley Hunt says she always goes to Istanbul for the Mediterranean and loves the BYOB (bring your own beverage) at the South Arlington location.
Prince Lebanese
Where is it? 502 W. Randol Mill Road, Arlington
What is it? Family recipes of Lebanese meats, kebabs and falafels. Featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” for its falafel and pilaf.
Recommended by: Deborah Boutier says, “Huge portions, absolutely delicious.”
Moe’s Gyro
Where is it? 6600 N Freeway in Fort Worth and 819 W. Pipeline Road in Hurst.
What is it? Fresh, made to order to-go platters with option of protein (gyro meat, beef and chicken shawarma, kebabs and falafel), choice of two sides (hummus, Greek salad, dolmas, tabouli or house salad) and side of pita bread. They also sell chicken wings.
Recommended by: Jacqlene J. says “Moe’s Gyro is quick and affordable (like fast food), but they are delicious!”
Lamb chops with saffron rice and grilled vegetables and an order of hummus at Terra Mediterranean Grill in 2010. Rodger Mallison Star-Telegram archives Terra Mediterranean
Where is it? 2932 Crockett St., Fort Worth
What is it? Mediterranean gyros and kebabs with an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet for $18 on weekdays and $24 on weekends.
Recommended by: Nadine NK and Derik L
Fattoush Mediterranean
Where is it? 2304 W. Park Row Drive, Pantego
What is it? Breakfast, Turkish coffee, kebab lunch plates, mezze appetizers and Iraqi-style entrees.
Recommended by: Evan O’Dell suggests the falafel.
Istanbul Cuisine (not to be confused with Istanbul Grill)
Where is it? 2140 E. Southlake Blvd. in Southlake and 2911 Cross Timbers Road in Flower Mound
What is it? Turkish food with favorites like adana (minced meat) kebabs, lamb shanks, fresh bread and baklava. Highly rated in the area for great food.
Recommended by: Nadine NK suggests this gem in Southlake as well as its sister restaurant, Truva.
Truva
Where is it? 1205 Church St, Colleyville
What is it? Opened less than a year ago, the Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant is known as the largest in Texas. It serves grilled kebabs, lamb chops, ribeye, seafood and family platters.
Recommended by: Nadine NK suggests Truva for a more upscale vibe.
Salmon with grilled vegetables and hummus, left, at the Flying Carpet Fort Worth Turkish restaurant. Bud Kennedy bud@star-telegram.com Flying Carpet Turkish Cafe
Where is it? 1223 Washington Ave., Fort Worth
What is it? From the owner behind Istanbul Cuisine in Southlake and Truva in Colleyville, with an fan-favorite menu of lamb shank, red lentil soup, kebabs and baba ghanoush. Bud Kennedy reports customers order chicken, beef, lamb or salmon kabobs and the spinach pie or borek (“feta cigars”).
Recommended by: Honorable mention by Star-Telegram reporter, Ella Gonzales. Note: The restaurant is no longer BYOB.
If you want to connect with me on Nextdoor, my profile can be found under my name Ella Gonzales. Feel free to also send restaurant news tips to my email, egonzales@star-telegram.com.
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Ella Gonzales
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Ella Gonzales is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions and write about life in North Texas. Ella mainly writes about local restaurants and where to find good deals around town.
Dining and Cooking