10 Best Mediterranean Restaurants near Palm Bay

“Al-Houda Restaurant - Palm Bay - 5 Stars Hidden Gem Alert Wow, what a great find! It actually took me 24 hours to think of an opening to this review. Al-Houda is the kind of restaurant that is why I do this day in and day out, looking for that one special place, that one special morsel of food, that single flavor that makes you go....WOW!!!!! Well, it's all here at Al-Houda. Let me further preface that my father's side of the family immigrated from Syria at the turn of the last century, so I spent many years eating a wonderful surprise of authentic Middle Eastern dishes. Most Middle Eastern restaurants have Americanized the region's food, and it's so rare to find authentic recipes that I don't even look anymore. Given this history, it was with great joy and happiness that I found Al-Houda's cuisine. Now all is not perfect in Al-Houda land. For one, it is a very small dining area with limited seating. I also found out later this restaurant mainly caters to the Florida Tech Arab group, so their hours are cut back drastically during the summer. The lady who greets you, who I assume is an owner, has very little grasp of the English language, to put it mildly. If you are willing to try this amazing food you will need to either order what I ordered or be prepared to point. The menu has a half-hearted English explanation of each item. (See the menu photos). The server will not be able to espouse the great wonders that await you. Furthermore, they only serve bottled drinks. I chose an Aryan (pronounced R-yawn) yogurt drink which is essentially Middle Eastern buttermilk. It was quite good and addicting with a sour finish that is actually enjoyable. For the main meal, I ordered lamb kafta with baba ghnouj. The baba was made in-house. There were tiny chunks of eggplant you don't get from the distributor. I do not believe the Kafta was chef-prepared from scratch with fresh ingredients but it was high quality, better than I have found locally otherwise. The crowning dish I consumed was Molokhia, which is a chicken stew with greens. The morsels of chicken are so tender and juicy they should put a whole chicken in it. As I repeatedly tell my readers I am not a chef, but I know enough to tell you about execution and presentation. When it comes to ingredients, if they are non-standard I can't always discern exactly what they are. In this dish, I know there are greens they call jute. Beyond that and the chicken all I can tell you is it is one of the best flavor sensations I have ever experienced - I mean ever. This dish is so flavorful and enjoyable you can't stop eating it. The Big Boy wants you to stop and give Al-Houda a try. Whether you are a Middle Eastern cuisine veteran or virgin, I promise you won't be disappointed“

“Excellent cozy spot. Amazing food and service. Will definitely be back to try more options.“

“Excellent food..flavors compliment each other perfectly. The service is great. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are looking for a place everyone will enjoy.“

“Fantastic food and top notch service!“

“Great authentic Lebanese food!“

“Wonderful food. Great atmosphere and authentic“

“Love this place! On the beach, very nice people!“

“Wow! Wow! Wow! Amazing Greek spot! The owners are the real MVPs! Super friendly and personable. Food was TO DIE FOR, every bite from apps to desserts! Atmosphere was on point and they even danced the Zorba's for us. Seriously, run don't walk to eat here. 10+ stars if I could give it! Merci beaucoup Monsieur Constantine, ainsi qu'à votre charmante épouse. À bientôt!“

“I always look forward to my next meal here! Everything is always amazing“

“Highly recommend this place . The food is always made fresh there staff members are always polite customer service professional. The food definitely worth the money in today's world. But Just don't stop in for lunch lol if you do your going to bed lol this place is dinner time it's nurtures the inner soul lol . I have Zero complaints with this place . In today's world you can't find good food, professionalism but yes please check them out and most importantly you get a good amount of food for what you pay for Always fresh in hot friendly atmosphere hands down. Mind you me we cook 7 days a week because the food culture is gone down drain terrible service, terrible food or it Cost so much for nasty food . But this place I definitely recommend anybody to stop in and check it out you won't regret it all all . You will be extremely full & your going to bed lol it's the food it's self is filled with Love inside out including the atmosphere. Nice vibes at this particular location.“