7 delicious Middle Eastern restaurants in Birmingham

On the hunt for authentic Middle Eastern dishes? Look no further, we’ve gathered seven delicious restaurants that serve fresh, flavorful and delicious Middle Eastern entrees. Scroll to see our picks.

1. Taboon Noon O Kabob

If you’re looking for authentic Persian, halal food, Taboon is the place to be. From delicious kabob’s to healthy koubideh sandwiches, you can’t go wrong.

What we recommend: Chicken Koubideh: seasoned ground chicken on metal skewers served with basmati rice, onion, tomatoes and fresh bread.

• Location: 1550 Montgomery Hwy P, Hoover, AL 35216
• Hours: Wednesday-Sunday | 10AM-10PM
• Website | Facebook

2. Eli’s Jerusalem Grill

Eli’s Jerusalem Grill is a Birmingham staple. Every meal includes a side of homemade pita bread, which is fantastic on its own or dipped in one of the restaurant’s famous hummus dips.

What we recommend: Chicken/Beef/Lamb Shawarma Plate: thin slices of marinated, organic chicken, grass-fed beef and lamb, slow-cooked on a rotisserie. Served with homemade pita bread.

• Location: 4673 US-280, Birmingham, AL 35242
• Hours: Monday, 10:30AM-8PM | Tuesday, closed | Wednesday-Saturday, 10:30AM-8PM | Sunday, 11AM-7PM
• Website | Facebook

3. Makarios Kabob and Grill

Makarios Kabob and Grill, founded by a team of like-minded foodies, always delivers fresh and creative entrees, cooked and seasoned to perfection.

What we recommend: Hommous with Chicken: tender tips of chicken breast sauteed with cilantro, fresh garlic and a dash of lemon juice.

• Location: 940 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205
• Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 10AM-10PM | Friday-Saturday, 10AM-11PM
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

4. The Original Pita Stop

For over 40 years, The Original Pita Stop has called Birmingham home. Known for its Mediterranean and American cuisine, all vegetables and meats come from local farmer’s markets ensuring top-quality meals.

What we recommend: Kafta Kabob Plate: house specialty, Lebanese-style meatballs topped with melted provolone cheese.

• Location: 1106 12th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205
• Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11AM-9PM | Friday-Saturday, 11AM-2:30PM, 5-9PM
• Website | Facebook

5. Karam’s Restaurant

Although they are new to the Middle Eastern restaurant scene in Birmingham, this eatery brings the flavor! Karam’s also offers non-Middle-Eastern items like Philly Cheesesteaks. Trust me, it’s amazing.

What we recommend: Egyptian Hawashi Sandwiches: steak or chicken with mozzarella cheese, Mediterranean spices and baked pita.

• Location: 715 18th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 10AM-9PM
• Website | Facebook

6. The Olive Branch

This family-owned Mediterranean restaurant located in the suburbs of Vestavia Hills, has flavorful food, a beautiful outdoor patio and friendly service.

What we recommend: Gyro Deluxe: grilled slices of gyro meat topped with grilled bell peppers, grilled onions and feta cheese.

• Location: 3236 Cahaba Heights Rd, Birmingham, AL 35243
• Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11AM-8PM | Friday-Saturday, 11AM-9PM
• Website | Facebook

7. Falafel Café

Falafel Café is a build-your-own dish restaurant. You start with your choice of pita, plate or laffa (wraps) and a protein. Then, add as many toppings as you’d like. This is the perfect place for someone new to Middle Eastern cuisine.

What we recommend: Mujaddara Plate with Falafel: rice with lentils base with falafel and whatever toppings you enjoy.

• Location: 401 19th St S, #100, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10AM-6PM
• Website | Facebook

If you want to learn more about Middle Eastern culture in Birmingham, check out Vulcan Park and Museum’s newest exhibit—Birmingham’s Early Middle Eastern Community: Celebrating Life and Liturgy. More info here. 

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