In search of a new favorite Middle Eastern spot?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Middle Eastern restaurants around Birmingham, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to go for hummus, shawarma, kebabs and more.
1. Shish Kabob Xpress
Topping the list is Shish Kabob Xpress. Located at 34186 Woodward Ave., it's the highest rated Middle Eastern restaurant in Birmingham, boasting 4.5 stars out of 89 reviews on Yelp.
On the menu, expect to see dishes like the kafta kebab with ground lamb, beef or chicken, the shawarma sandwich (lamb, beef or chicken with pickles and garlic sauce) and the chicken tabbouleh salad with parsley, onions, tomatoes, cracked wheat and lemon.
Yelper Yassir S. wrote, "The food at Shish Kabob Xpress hit the spot. It was top quality, everything was excellent. We had probably the best quality hummus and lamb and chicken shawarma you can find anywhere! They are very generous with the portions."
2. 2941 Street Food
Next up is 2941 Street Food, a fast-casual chain restaurant situated at 176 S. Old Woodward. With four stars out of 103 reviews on Yelp, the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern spot, offering salads and more, has proven to be a local favorite.
It features a build-your-own-bowl concept, though there are house combinations as well. To customize your meal, pick a base (like turmeric basmati rice), add a protein (such as tandoori chicken), select a sauce (including basil yogurt or red pepper chutney) and then add pickled vegetables, salads and toppings. (See the full menu here.)
Jennifer S. who reviewed it on April 22, said, "Their food is absolutely amazing! The portions are giant! Their bread, just thinking about it, is making my mouth water. The falafel is perfection! The prices are great for how much food you get!"
3. Phoenicia Restaurant
Phoenicia Restaurant, located at 588 S. Old Woodward Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the upscale Lebanese spot and Detroit-area staple four stars out of 85 reviews.
On the menu, expect to see dishes like the baba ghanoush and hashwi (lamb confit, lemon and Spanish pine nuts), the chicken shawarma (with hummus and sumac onions) and the shish kafta (ground lamb with onions and parsley). (See its full dinner menu here.)
Hallie T. noted, "I am very picky when it comes to Lebanese food, as I grew up in my Lebanese grandmother's kitchen. I was not disappointed! The food is incredible and traditional, and I was tasting the good quality food that I was raised with."
