Top Spots For Middle Eastern Food

If you can't get enough of a great falafel sandwich wrapped in pita bread or a great dip made out of hummus, you'll be happy to know that Miami boasts some of the most authentic and great tasting Middle Eastern restaurants around. From great food to a front row seat for some belly dancing, make sure you check out some of these Middle Eastern eateries.

Maroosh Mediterranean Restaurant

223 Valencia Avenue
Coral Gables, Fla. 33134
(305) 476-9800
www.maroosh.com

Maroosh Mediterranean Restaurant bills itself as a "feast for the senses" and they aren't wrong. Housed in a two-story historic building in Miami's tony Coral Gables neighborhood, Maroosh offers fine Mediterranean fare with an emphasis on the Middle East. Heaping platters of hummus, tabbouleh and baba ghanoush are not to be missed, along with their succulent lamb, beef or chicken kabobs. Make sure you check out the belly dancing, too! Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 10 p.m. Closed Mondays.

Pasha's

900 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, Fla. 33139
(305) 673-3919
www.pashas.com

After starting out at its signature South Beach location in 2003, Pasha's Healthy Mediterranean Cuisine has now branched out to seven locations in Miami. They bring something different to the fast food market, offering health-conscious, all natural Mediterranean-style food, like fresh salads, Choban, Tabbouleh and shish kebabs.

Original Daily Bread Marketplace

2400 SW 27th Street (South Dixie Highway)
Miami, Fla. 33133
(305) 856-0363
www.dailybreadmarketplace.com

Locals know that the Original Daily Bread Marketplace in Miami's Coconut Grove neighborhood offers a great destination for both dining and shopping for Middle Eastern and Greek specialties. At the food counter, diners can dig into freshly made shawarma, shish tawook, kafta kabob, kibbeh, falafel, hummus, grapeleaves and tabouli salad. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed. Don't forget to treat yourself to a taste of their great baklava and filo dough pastries as well. Hours: Monday though Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Marhaba Mediterranean Cuisine

5701 Sunset Drive
South Miami, Fla. 33143
(305) 740-5880

If you have never tasted Lebanese food, you are going to want to check out Marhaba Mediterranean Cuisine in South Miami. The casual family restaurant offers a full menu, including favorites like grilled lamb chops and grilled salmon with a spicy tahina sauce. Great service and friendly staff make you feel at home. Hours: Sunday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.