Looking to satisfy your appetite for Mediterranean fare? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Mediterranean spots around St. Paul, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to satisfy your cravings.
1. The Naughty Greek
Topping the list is The Naughty Greek. Located at 181 N. Snelling Ave., it is the highest-rated Mediterranean restaurant in St. Paul, boasting 4.5 stars out of 284 reviews on Yelp. This is its original location, with a second eatery on University Avenue.
The restaurant makes all of its food from scratch daily and features humanely raised pork, beef and chicken, according to its website. Start off with small plates like eggplant spread, spanakopita or baked feta with drizzled honey. On the menu, offerings include chicken souvlaki, gyros, lamb and beef kebabs, lamb chops and more. The full menu can be seen here.
2. Afro Deli & Grill Saint Paul
Next up is downtown's Afro Deli & Grill Saint Paul, situated at 5 W. Seventh Place. With 4.5 stars out of 107 reviews on Yelp, the African and Mediterranean restaurant has proven to be a local favorite.
On its website, the casual eatery says it "provides a delicious fusion of African, Mediterranean and American themed food in a fast, fun and friendly environment." It has a second location in Minneapolis.
Look for menu options like the lamb gyros served with onion, tomato and tzatziki sauce, a falafel sandwich, hummus and baklava. The full menu can be seen here. Afro Deli also caters.
3. Zait & Za'atar
Zait & Za'atar, located at 1626 Selby Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean spot 4.5 stars out of 99 reviews.
Expect classic starters like falafel, baba ghanoush and hummus; chicken shawarma and veggie sandwiches; as well as the house salad with olive oil, lemon juice and cilantro. Thirsty? Grab a coffee, espresso, soda or lemonade. Here's the menu.
4. Shish Mediterranean Grill & Café
Shish Mediterranean Grill & Café in Mac-Groveland is another go-to, with four stars out of 303 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1668 Grand Ave. to see for yourself.
Owner Leo Judeh came to the United States to box in the 1996 Olympics, eventually settled in the Twin Cities area and never left. According to the restaurant's website, he is adamant on using fresh, never-frozen meats.
The eatery offers a variety of fare options including soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, entrees and kebabs. Try the lamb shish kebab plate or the falafel burger with avocado, hummus, hot sauce, cilantro, lettuce and tomato.
