This No-Frills Oklahoma Restaurant Ends Up Being the Meal You Can’t Stop Thinking About

Tucked away in Oklahoma City sits a little Mediterranean treasure that doesn’t need fancy decor or white tablecloths to win you over. Nunu’s Mediterranean Cafe serves up authentic Lebanese flavors that taste like they’ve been passed down through generations, because they have.

Walking into this cozy spot feels less like dining out and more like being welcomed into someone’s kitchen, where the recipes are real and the hospitality is warm. The menu reads like a love letter to traditional Middle Eastern cooking, with everything from tender cabbage rolls to fragrant hashwa rice that’ll haunt your dreams.

Forget everything you thought you knew about casual dining in Oklahoma. This place proves that the best meals don’t always come with cloth napkins and mood lighting.

Ready to discover why locals can’t stop raving about their grape leaves? Want to know what makes their tabouli so addictive people order it by the plateful?

Curious about the secret behind hashwa rice that has entire families hooked? Buckle up, because we’re about to take your taste buds on a Middle Eastern adventure without ever leaving the Sooner State!

Cabbage Rolls That Rewrite Comfort Food Rules

Picture this: tender cabbage leaves wrapped around perfectly seasoned ground beef and rice, simmered until they practically melt in your mouth. Nunu’s cabbage rolls have become legendary among regulars, earning 56 mentions in customer reviews for good reason.

These aren’t your average stuffed cabbage; they’re made using authentic Lebanese techniques that transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each roll arrives at your table steaming hot, with the cabbage cooked just right so it’s soft but not mushy. The filling strikes that perfect balance between savory meat and aromatic rice, seasoned with spices that whisper rather than shout.

Many first-timers order them based on recommendations from the friendly staff, and they’re rarely disappointed.

What makes these cabbage rolls special is their homemade quality. You can taste the care in every bite, as if someone’s grandmother was back in the kitchen making them from scratch.

The meat is never greasy, and the rice adds a satisfying texture that keeps things interesting.

Pair them with a side of tabouli or hummus, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’ll stick with you long after you leave. Even people who claim they don’t like cabbage find themselves converted after trying Nunu’s version.

The portions are generous too, so you might end up taking some home to relive the experience later. Whether you order them as part of the sampler platter or as a standalone dish, these cabbage rolls represent everything that makes Nunu’s special: authentic, delicious, and made with heart.

Hashwa Rice That Becomes an Instant Addiction

Some dishes sneak up on you, and hashwa rice is exactly that kind of surprise. This isn’t plain white rice sitting on the side of your plate looking boring.

Hashwa is a traditional Lebanese rice dish cooked with ground beef, toasted pine nuts, and a blend of warm spices including cinnamon that creates a savory-sweet flavor profile you won’t find anywhere else in Oklahoma.

The aroma hits you first, that intoxicating combination of cinnamon and meat that shouldn’t work together but absolutely does. Then you take a bite and understand why entire families admit to being hooked on this stuff.

The rice is fluffy and perfectly cooked, with each grain separate and coated in those gorgeous flavors.

Toasted pine nuts add little bursts of buttery crunch throughout, giving the dish texture and richness. The ground beef is finely crumbled and distributed evenly, so every forkful delivers that complete flavor experience.

Customers rave about ordering it as a side or choosing it as the base for their protein, like the chicken over hashwa that one reviewer called amazing.

Kids and adults alike find themselves going back for more, sometimes eating it straight without any accompaniments. The cinnamon flavor is subtle enough that it doesn’t taste like dessert, but present enough to make the dish memorable and unique.

One reviewer mentioned their family would live off hashwa if they could afford it, which pretty much sums up how addictive this rice becomes. Once you try it at Nunu’s, regular rice will seem disappointing by comparison.

Sampler Platter for the Gloriously Indecisive

Can’t choose between the kafta, chicken kabobs, cabbage rolls, and everything else that sounds delicious? The sampler platter exists specifically for people who want to taste it all without committing to just one thing.

This generous plate arrives loaded with a little bit of everything that makes Nunu’s famous, turning your meal into a Mediterranean tasting adventure.

You’ll typically find tender chicken kabobs, flavorful beef kafta, a cabbage roll, fresh tabouli, creamy hummus, that addictive hashwa rice, and warm pita bread all sharing one plate. Each component is prepared with the same care as if you’d ordered it individually, nothing feels like an afterthought.

The portions are surprisingly substantial, with many diners admitting their eyes were bigger than their stomachs.

What’s brilliant about the sampler is how it lets you discover your favorites for future visits. Maybe you’ll fall in love with the grape leaves you weren’t sure about, or realize the kafta is your new obsession.

The variety also means you won’t get bored halfway through your meal, since each bite can be something different.

Staff members often recommend the sampler to first-timers, and for good reason. It’s the perfect introduction to Lebanese cuisine if you’re new to Mediterranean food, offering familiar items like chicken alongside more adventurous options.

Regulars order it too, because sometimes you just want everything at once. The value is excellent considering how much food you receive, and leftovers reheat beautifully if you can’t finish it all in one sitting.

Grape Leaves That Transport You to Lebanon

Grape leaves might seem intimidating if you’ve never tried them, but Nunu’s version will make you wonder what took you so long. These little parcels of joy consist of grape leaves wrapped around a filling of rice, ground meat, and aromatic herbs, then cooked until tender.

They arrive at your table looking beautiful and tasting even better, with 14 customer review mentions proving their popularity.

One bite is all it takes to understand the appeal. The grape leaf itself provides a slightly tangy, earthy flavor that complements the savory filling perfectly.

The rice inside is seasoned with herbs and spices that make each mouthful interesting, never bland or boring.

Unlike some versions you might find elsewhere that taste too vinegary or have tough leaves, Nunu’s grape leaves are perfectly balanced. The leaves are tender enough to bite through easily, and the filling is moist and flavorful.

Many reviewers mention being transported to heaven with their first bite, which sounds dramatic until you try them yourself.

They work wonderfully as an appetizer to share or as part of your main meal. Some people order them alongside other dishes, while devoted fans make them the star of their plate.

The portion size is reasonable, giving you enough to satisfy without overwhelming you.

What really sets these grape leaves apart is their authentic preparation. You can tell they’re made using traditional methods rather than shortcuts, which makes all the difference in texture and taste.

They’re proof that sometimes the simplest dishes, when done right, become the most memorable.

Tabouli So Fresh It Ruins All Other Versions

After eating Nunu’s tabouli, the stuff from grocery stores will seem like a sad imitation. This traditional Lebanese salad features finely chopped parsley as the star ingredient, mixed with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, onions, and dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.

With 45 customer mentions, it’s clearly one of the most beloved items on the menu, and for good reason.

The first thing you notice is how incredibly fresh everything tastes. The parsley is bright green and crisp, chopped fine enough to blend with the other ingredients but not so much that it becomes mushy.

The tomatoes add juicy bursts of flavor, while the bulgur provides a subtle nutty texture that holds everything together.

What makes Nunu’s tabouli exceptional is the perfect balance of lemon and olive oil in the dressing. It’s tangy without being sour, and the olive oil adds richness without making the salad feel heavy.

The seasoning includes just the right amount of salt and possibly a hint of mint, creating a refreshing combination that cleanses your palate between bites of richer dishes.

Many customers order the veggie sampler specifically to get a generous portion of this tabouli. It pairs beautifully with hummus and pita, or works as a light, healthy side to balance out the heartier meat dishes.

Some people even eat it as a main course on hot Oklahoma days when you want something cooling and satisfying.

The quality stays consistent visit after visit, which speaks to the care taken in preparation. This isn’t tabouli that sits around; it tastes like it was made fresh that day.

Beef Kafta That Proves Ground Meat Can Be Elegant

Ground beef gets a gourmet makeover in Nunu’s beef kafta, a traditional Lebanese dish that transforms humble ingredients into something sophisticated. The kafta consists of ground beef mixed with parsley, onions, and a blend of Middle Eastern spices, then formed into oblong patties and grilled to perfection.

With nine mentions in reviews, it’s become a favorite among those who appreciate well-seasoned, expertly prepared meat.

The grilling process creates a slightly charred exterior that adds smoky depth to every bite. Inside, the meat stays juicy and tender, never dry or crumbly like some ground beef dishes can become.

The spice blend is complex without being overwhelming, featuring hints of cumin, allspice, and other aromatics that make each bite interesting.

What really impresses people is how the kafta manages to taste rich and satisfying without feeling greasy or heavy. The parsley and onions mixed into the meat add freshness and moisture, while the spices provide warmth and character.

Many diners describe the flavor as having a sweet, almost dessert-like quality to the main course, which sounds odd but makes perfect sense once you taste it.

Kafta typically comes with rice (often that addictive hashwa), hummus, and pita bread, creating a complete meal that hits all the right notes. The hummus is perfect for spreading on the pita, then wrapping around pieces of kafta for the ultimate bite.

Some people order the kafta as part of the sampler platter to try it alongside other proteins.

This dish exemplifies why Nunu’s has such a loyal following. It’s familiar enough not to be intimidating, but different enough to feel special and memorable.

Hummus That Sets the Standard for Creamy Perfection

Every Mediterranean restaurant serves hummus, but Nunu’s version reminds you what properly made hummus should taste like. This creamy chickpea dip arrives smooth and velvety, drizzled with olive oil and ready to be scooped up with warm pita bread.

It appears on nearly every plate and platter, serving as both a side dish and a flavor enhancer for everything else you’re eating.

The texture is what first catches your attention, impossibly smooth without any graininess or chunks. The chickpeas have been blended to perfection, probably with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, creating that classic hummus flavor profile that’s both tangy and nutty.

The olive oil on top isn’t just for show; it adds richness and helps carry the flavors across your palate.

What separates good hummus from great hummus is the balance of ingredients, and Nunu’s has nailed it. The garlic is present but doesn’t overpower, the lemon provides brightness without being too sour, and the tahini adds depth without bitterness.

Some customers specifically mention the hummus in their reviews, often pairing it with the basil pesto for an extra flavor dimension.

The hummus works as a spread for sandwiches, a dip for vegetables or pita, or as a cooling complement to spicier dishes. Many people find themselves eating more of it than they intended, using it to enhance every component of their meal.

Fresh and clearly made in-house, it tastes nothing like the pre-packaged versions from grocery stores.

Whether you’re a hummus enthusiast or someone who usually skips it, Nunu’s version deserves your attention. It’s proof that simple dishes, when made with quality ingredients and proper technique, can be absolutely sublime.

Falafel Sandwiches That Redefine Fast Casual

Sometimes you want something handheld and portable, and that’s where Nunu’s falafel sandwich comes in clutch. These sandwiches feature hot, crispy falafel patties stuffed into fluffy pita bread with fresh vegetables and a delicious dipping sauce that brings everything together.

One enthusiastic reviewer declared every bite so tasty they kept eating even when completely full, which is basically the highest compliment you can give food.

The falafel itself is the star, with a crunchy golden exterior giving way to a tender, herb-filled interior. Made from ground chickpeas and fava beans mixed with herbs and spices, then deep-fried to crispy perfection, these aren’t the dry, crumbly falafels you might have encountered elsewhere.

They’re moist, flavorful, and substantial enough to be satisfying without being heavy.

Fresh vegetables add crunch and brightness to each bite. You’ll typically find lettuce, tomatoes, and maybe cucumbers or pickled vegetables, all of which provide contrast to the rich falafel.

The pita bread is soft and fresh, holding everything together without falling apart halfway through your meal.

That dipping sauce though, that’s where the magic happens. Whether it’s tahini-based or a special house sauce, it adds creaminess and tang that ties all the flavors together.

The layers of flavor in each bite, from the crispy falafel to the fresh vegetables to the fluffy pita and sauce, create a complete eating experience.

The portions are generous and the price is totally reasonable, making this an excellent choice for lunch or a quick dinner. Vegetarians especially appreciate having such a satisfying option that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

Baklava That Ends Every Meal on a Sweet High Note

Just when you think you couldn’t possibly eat another bite, the baklava appears and suddenly you find room. This traditional Mediterranean dessert features layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and held together with honey or syrup, creating a sweet, flaky, utterly irresistible treat.

Nunu’s offers multiple varieties, and you can even buy packages to take home if you want to share or, more realistically, eat the whole thing yourself later.

The phyllo dough is perfectly crispy, shattering delicately with each bite rather than being soggy or tough. The layers are thin and numerous, creating that signature baklava texture that’s both delicate and satisfying.

Between those layers, you’ll find finely chopped nuts, typically pistachios or walnuts, that add richness and a pleasant crunch.

The sweetness level is just right, with the honey or syrup providing plenty of sweetness without being cloying or overwhelming. Some places make baklava that’s so sweet it hurts your teeth, but Nunu’s version is balanced enough that you can actually taste the nuts and pastry, not just sugar.

Customers specifically praise the warm baklava, which takes an already excellent dessert and elevates it to something extraordinary.

What’s special about Nunu’s baklava is its authenticity. This tastes like the real deal, made using traditional methods rather than shortcuts.

The care in preparation shows in every layer, every perfectly placed nut, every drizzle of honey. Staff members are friendly about offering samples to first-time visitors, which is how many people discover their new favorite dessert.

Whether you order it to finish your meal or buy a package to go, the baklava is non-negotiable. It’s the perfect ending to your Mediterranean feast.

The Garden Patio Where Plants Steal the Show

Before you even taste the food, Nunu’s outdoor patio makes an impression that sets the tone for your entire visit. This isn’t your typical restaurant patio with a few token plants scattered around.

The space is a genuine garden oasis, filled with beautiful plants and tree variations that create a natural, peaceful atmosphere in the middle of Oklahoma City. Multiple reviewers specifically mention the gorgeous garden, calling it spotless, inviting, and an oasis of beauty in an otherwise concrete world.

The staff works hard to maintain the garden year-round, keeping it looking fresh and vibrant through Oklahoma’s sometimes challenging weather. Live flowers add pops of color, while various plants and trees provide shade and create a sense of being transported somewhere far from the busy Memorial Road location.

The ornate lighting adds ambiance for evening dining, making the space feel special without being pretentious.

Sitting on the patio turns your meal into more than just eating; it becomes an experience. The natural surroundings help you relax and slow down, which is exactly the vibe Mediterranean dining should have.

On pleasant Oklahoma evenings, there’s really no better spot to enjoy your grape leaves and tabouli while surrounded by greenery.

Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate for outdoor dining, the patio is worth admiring through the windows or taking a quick look before you leave. It demonstrates the care and attention to detail that the family puts into every aspect of Nunu’s, from the food to the atmosphere.

The garden isn’t just decoration; it’s a statement about creating beauty and hospitality in unexpected places, which perfectly captures what makes this no-frills restaurant so memorable and special.