49 Best Mediterranean Restaurants near Columbia Heights

“Got the Meal for 3 for myself and my hubby so you could have leftovers:) Food was excellent, we will be back!“

“If you crave a different kind of food experience, a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern buffet with big flavors and a large variety of dishes to choose from. You won’t leave the place hungry. We like the babaganoush, hummus, tabule, lentil soup, the pita and breads, the various ways they make ribs, kofta kebab, and the great desserts, like kunafa and baklava. Once in a while, some of the food weren’t hot enough. All you have to do is just wait until they bring out more food from the kitchen. Be sure to ask for mint tea, it is our favorite drink. The place is usually packed with folks from the Middle East and Africa during lunch. Between lunch and dinner, you will not have trouble finding a table.“

“I love the owner, shes really the sweetest person ever, but her new employees give horrible service. I wont be spending my money here again, till the owner herself is behind the counter, they wont have my repeat business“

“What a delightful evening this was! It was truly a dining adventure with the variety of dishes and flavors in such an enjoyable homey atmosphere. Mo was a gracious host and at once we felt at home in his home. There was time to socialize and meet the other diners but also time to enjoy your own privacy with the people you came with to dine. I have been smiling all weekend thinking about this wonderful experience; I will definitely be back and can’t wait to share this gem with others. 💜“

“Our server was first rate. She was attentive and responsive, and she offered menu suggestions in response to our questions. The food was delicious and authentically Turkish. Would definitely go back!“

“Wonderful combo of traditional fare and things you've probably never heard of. Friendly people and beautiful, tasty food.“

“Order to go or order for here and they will bring it to you. The outdoor seating is nice but a bit loud with the hospital nearby. They have a handicapped accessible entrance. Enter and walk to your left. Sanitize your hands. Figure out what you want and then step up to the counter.
Baklava: Great. Dairy free. Walnut paradise.
Samosa: We got the Veggie and Beef. The picture doesn't do it justice. It's delicious.
Chicken shawarma: make it dairy free by removing the oasis sauce and adding hummus. The hot sauce is palatable fire“

“Great food and not overpriced“

“Baba Saj is hands down one of the best Mediterranean spots I’ve been to! The shawarma was flavorful, the salads and spinach pies were super fresh, and the whole place had a warm, welcoming vibe.

A big thank you to Kawthar for her kindness and hospitality—she really made the experience special. The restaurant is clean, cozy, and the service is excellent. Definitely a 10/10 and I’ll be coming back!“

“My friend and I were lucky enough to enjoy the Chef's tasting last night at Mara; what a fabulous time we had. The food was spectacular, the wine pairings were ON POINT, and the best part was the service. From the hostess who seated us all the way thru, we were treated to DELIGHTFUL personalities and kindness. Our server, Corinn (sorry about the spelling), was so knowledgeable and fun and her assistant Elizabeth was as well. the chefs all were so good at explaing the ingredients and techniques and just made great conversations. We commented to each other many times how wonderful everyone was, which elevated the entire experience. Bravo and High Fives all around! I certainly hope to return.“

“everything was so delicious and fresh! the restaurant is cozy and everyone was very friendly and accommodating!“

“We wanted to have Dinner before going to a show at the American School of Story Telling Is that why?

It was Happy Hour So we ordered the Lamb sliders but they had sold out. So we got the Falafel sliders (gtreat flavor) and the special Pilsner and Old Fashion.

We then split the babaganush and
Salmon. Both excellent.

We ended tge meals with the Saffron Creme Brule and Pistachio Latte.“

“Excellent meal great rice taste meat is so tender and fresh the kebab taste real good bread unbelievable just try it and you will know what I’m talking about mouth watering food“

“Once again, the Falcon Heights location peeps makes a tasty Philly Greek Gryo, customized to my preferences, at a very reasonable price (great value for qty. & quality of food), but this time an employee (Trey) sees me getting out of my car and meets me at the door with my odor. All around outstanding experiences!!!“

“I ordered online late at night and when I arrived, they’d had to close early, but told me to come back the next day and they would honor my order. I’m so glad I did! They provided me with the falafel wrap and mango smoothie I ordered (both fresh and delicious) and also gave me an order of hummus for the inconvenience I experienced. Excellent customer service, good food, clean and quiet restaurant. Thank you!“

“Cute little place hidden on the skyway level. Dry rub chicken wings were awesome! Crispy! Gyro pinwheels were also quite delicious. Service was efficient, not overly friendly but they were also very busy so maybe that was the reason. Sat at the bar. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a place to meet friends for drinks and food. Good volume for talking.“

“Went For Lunch! Fresh & Yummy! Great Service!“

“Amazing food, fun atmosphere, and great service each time. Def recommend the wagyu sandwich and the garlic paste is my favorite thing to smother on everything. So good!“

“It’s sooooo good . I recommend 👍“

“Great hospitality! Great smells! Great tea!“

“I've been going to Falafel King since they were on Lake Street. Love the family. Love the food. Love the service. Always top notch. The only thing I can say that I dislike is that there is no option to tip the workers with a card. I don't carry cash, and being unable to tip them sometimes results in my going somewhere else. Fuoad, Saeed, please add a tip on card option.“

“Food is incredible and everyone is so friendly! We got the fries, chicken orzo soup, lentil soup, chicken gyro, tea and baklava. Everything was AMAZING. The fries are crispy, the bread was fresh and homemade and warm, baklava was some of the best I’ve ever had.“

“Excellent! Served our group of 20+ and everyone was friendly, helpful, and fun. Everything we ordered was excellent! Highly recommend!“

“Looking for an unconventional (for me) lunch spot and found this gem in the skyway downtown. First time with African food and will certainly be back to try the rest of the menu. Went with the afro steak bowl, cucumber, feta, mango pico, tiziki and chipotle sauce...great flavor combos. Meet was soft enough to chew but firm enough to bite, just the right amount of tomato and seasoning. Curry seasoned basmati rice was spot on as well.“

“Just drove from North Dakota to come here (6 hour drive) and this is the best shawarma I’ve had to date.“

“Hyacinth is a keeper. Creative food, well prepared, small but extremely well chosen wines. Portions were large, a bit too large in my view. Hyacinth is one of the few restaurants in the post Covid dining world that is daring to show us how innovative dining can be done.“

“first time here. the employees are very friendly. The food is outstanding! definitely give it a try!“

“I've never liked coffee before, though I'm open to trying new things. There's was the first coffee I ever liked.“

“So Good!! No menu unless you look online or ask them for help! The food was amazing! Definite a 10 out of 10. I had a wrap.“

“Best food ever and affordable!!“

“this is my Favorite restaurant to eat at“

“Food was good. The owner was very nice, and friendly service for kids. Had Dahi Puri after a long time.“

“loved the gyro I ordered for lunch, super yummy. 💜“

“great food, friendly, clean, and did I mention the food I had was yummy“

“Love their food .Great place to eat food is excellent people very friendly.I would highly recommend this place to everyone“

“No disrespect to the old establishment, but the new ownership hit it out of the park. The chicken shawerma is bangin. Good portions, good price. Not a fan of ordering on a tablet, and I’d recommend a menu on the wall for easier reading but I’ve already eaten here multiple times. Check it out!“

“Just what I didn't know I needed!
I love falafel, but never had it in a grain and greens bowl before. It's great how many free customization options they give you, and everything was so flavorful. The garlic sauce and green sauce are so good, and that super puffy pita is awesome“

“After a long day at a work conference, my wife and I were looking for a memorable dinner experience—and Fhima’s delivered in every possible way. From the moment we walked in, we were transported to a different era. The 1920s Art Deco interior is absolutely stunning, with glowing chandeliers, velvet textures, and a bar that could easily be a movie set. It’s classy, cozy, and quietly buzzing with charm. We started with the sampler appetizer—an incredible way to warm up our palates with bold, layered flavors. My wife ordered the Chicken Tagine, which came beautifully presented and full of rich, comforting North African spices. I went with the Wagyu NY Strip, which was grilled to perfection and paired with saffron rice that was as fragrant as it was flavorful. The rosemary chimichurri on the side added a nice kick. For drinks, my wife had a well-balanced Cosmo, while I couldn’t resist their signature Call From Istanbul—a dramatic and smoky twist on the classic Old Fashioned, served with flair (and actual fire). What made the night even better was the attentive, personable service from Eli and Will. Their recommendations were spot on, and they made us feel welcome without ever being overbearing. Whether you’re a local or a visiting foodie, Fhima’s is an absolute must for date night or any occasion that deserves something special. We’ll be talking about this meal for a long time—and already planning our next visit.“

“Mini Pac Grill has a unique flavor. The Rice Dinners are filled with meat and vegetables on top of a bed of white rice cooked in butter.“

“stopped in a couple weeks ago and it was really good will come again“

“Embetito Dnish at Snelling Café

I keep coming back for this.

They call it Embetito Dnish—potato sandwich. Nothing fancy. Just warm sliced potatoes, fresh tomato, romaine, green senstro peppers, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, all wrapped in toasted bread.

What makes it hit? The contrast.

The warmth of the potatoes and bread. The cool bite from the romaine and tomato. The salty edge mixed with olive oil. A slight heat from the green pepper. And that twist of lemon—it wakes everything up.

Then there’s the tea. Hot, simple, spiced with Aforki’s touch. You feel it in your chest.

No menu can explain this. You just know when it’s right.“

“🌍 Pangea Market – A Hidden Gem for Global Flavors 📍 8500 Springbrook Dr NW If you're on the hunt for authentic, hard-to-find ethnic ingredients, Pangea Market is a treasure trove. This immaculate and well-organized store offers an impressive selection of international foods—from Jamaican to Greek, Indian to Middle Eastern specialties—all under one roof. 🛒 What I Found: Freshly baked breads, including soft, pillowy pita Bulgur wheat, perfect for tabbouleh or pilafs Briny olives and grape leaves ready for stuffing Kebab-flavored crisps (yes, they exist and they’re addictive!) Pistachio-studded baklava that rivals any bakery Flake bars for a sweet British treat Basturma sausages and halloumi cheese—at the lowest prices in town 🥬 Produce & Pantry: Their fresh produce section is surprisingly large and vibrant, and the shelves are stocked with premium olive oils and what I’d call the best basmati rice you’ll find locally. 💬 Service & Pricing: The staff are knowledgeable and genuinely helpful, making the shopping experience smooth and enjoyable. Prices are fair—often lower than other ethnic markets in the area—and the quality is consistently top-notch. A special shoutout to the kind cashier who went above and beyond by helping me carry my groceries to the car. That level of care makes a lasting impression. 🍰 Dessert Dilemma: With so many international sweets to choose from, picking just one is nearly impossible. (Pro tip: don’t. Grab a few.) Whether you're restocking your pantry or exploring new cuisines, Pangea Market is a must-visit. It’s not just a grocery store—it’s a global culinary adventure.“

“I was staying in the University of Minnesota and this place was a life saver when I did not want to eat in the dining hall. Their falafel sandwich was genuinely some of the best falafel I have ever had and their fries were undoubtedly the best fries I have ever had. The service was super quick and we got our food in under 10 minutes consistently. The staff was super friendly and the restaurant had a great atmosphere to it. Would strongly recommend if you are in the area!“

“I have eaten at just about every Chicago style eatery in Minnesota, and your food was good. I ordered a chicken wing dinner, and I really appreciate that the wings were cooked fresh. Most places the wings are cooked prior to your order and just thrown back in the grease once you placed your order. “

“Black Sea is one of my favorite Hamline Midway restaurants. The food is delicious, very generous portions of meat and vegetables, and reasonably priced. The owner and staff are very friendly and provide good service. Like many of their customers, I have been coming here for over a decade with the full intent to continue regularly eating here.“

“Excellent food. Highly recommend it.“

“That Darcy lady on staff is the kindest service person we've ever had the pleasure of ordering food from. She really made sure my wife and I understood the menu. While we were there we also overhead her coworkers saying how amazing of a manager she is. That is a really good employee you got there! Hold onto that one!!! 😁“

“Good stuff for takeout. Big portions ad filling. They were out of what I was going to initially order, but don’t let that intimidate you. Just ask what they do have or what they might recommend. The guy working the kitchen let my friend and I try a couple different types of meat that were both great since we hadn’t had it before. Sambusas were good too but are spicier meat.“

“If you haven't had Afro Deli yet your missing out on some bomb African fushion food. I will say this location for a store front may not be in the best location but their food doesn't show it. We got the Sambusas, fries and fried plantain. The Sambusas were awesome. They were packed full of deliciousness. The fries were perfect and crispy. The plantains were ripe and fried exceptionally. The sauces were tangy and bold. Nothing was over or under done. The food is completely worth a trip downtown for. The customer service was decent and the tables weren't to sticky. Lol. Go get you some Afro Deli.“