Florida offers more than just beautiful beaches and theme parks – it’s also home to some incredible Middle Eastern cuisine. From Tampa to Miami, authentic flavors of Lebanon, Turkey, and beyond await hungry travelers throughout the Sunshine State.
Whether you’re craving perfectly spiced shawarma, freshly baked pita, or creamy hummus, these exceptional Middle Eastern restaurants showcase the diverse culinary traditions that make Florida a true food lover’s paradise.
1. Byblos – Tampa’s Lebanese Treasure
Nestled in Tampa’s vibrant culinary scene, Byblos brings authentic Lebanese flavors to life with recipes passed down through generations. The restaurant’s warm atmosphere immediately transports diners to the Mediterranean coast.
Their signature mezze platter features silky hummus, smoky baba ghanoush, and perfectly crisp falafel that could rival those found in Beirut. Family-style dining encourages sharing, making Byblos perfect for gatherings. Their house-made pita bread is baked fresh throughout the day, though not specifically in traditional stone ovens.
2. Kabobji – North Miami Beach’s Grilled Perfection
Kabobji has earned its reputation as North Miami Beach’s premier destination for Lebanese cuisine, specializing in perfectly grilled meats that practically melt in your mouth. The restaurant’s charcoal grill imparts a distinctive smoky flavor that can’t be replicated.
Beyond their namesake kabobs, their shawarma deserves special attention – marinated for 24 hours before being slowly roasted on vertical spits. Each plate comes adorned with colorful pickled vegetables and garlic sauce that locals rave about. The family-owned establishment creates an atmosphere where regulars are treated like relatives, adding an extra layer of warmth to the dining experience.
3. Petra Restaurant – A Jordanian Haven in Tampa
Named after Jordan’s ancient city carved from stone, Petra Restaurant brings authentic Jordanian cuisine to Tampa’s food scene. The moment you walk in, the aromas of exotic spices like sumac, za’atar, and cardamom create an immersive sensory experience. Their mansaf – a traditional lamb dish served over rice with yogurt sauce – follows time-honored preparation methods that showcase Jordan’s culinary heritage.
Vegetarians rejoice over their stuffed grape leaves and falafel, prepared with a unique Jordanian twist. The restaurant’s décor features beautiful mosaics and photographs of Petra’s famous archaeological sites, creating a cultural connection that enhances the dining experience.
4. Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine – Orlando’s Ottoman Delight
A culinary ambassador of Turkish flavors across Central Florida, Bosphorous brings Istanbul’s vibrant food scene to the Sunshine State. Their lavas bread – a balloon-like flatbread served hot and puffy – has become legendary among Orlando food enthusiasts.
Grilled meats take center stage here, with adana kebabs showcasing the perfect balance of spice and tenderness. The mixed grill platters offer an excellent introduction to Turkish cuisine for first-timers. What makes dining at Bosphorous special is their authentic Turkish tea service, delivered in traditional tulip-shaped glasses alongside sweet baklava, creating the perfect ending to a memorable meal in Orlando.
5. Shish Grill – Boca Raton’s Flame-Kissed Favorites
Shish Grill has mastered the art of open-flame cooking, bringing Mediterranean techniques to Boca Raton’s upscale dining scene. Their open kitchen design allows diners to watch skilled chefs work their magic on vertical spits and charcoal grills.
The restaurant’s lamb chops, marinated overnight in olive oil, lemon, and herbs, exemplify their commitment to quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods. Fresh seafood options like grilled branzino offer lighter alternatives without sacrificing flavor. Florida locals appreciate their spacious outdoor patio, where Mediterranean dishes taste even better under the palm trees and sunshine that make the state famous.
6. Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen – Naples’ Homestyle Gem
Family recipes shine at Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen, where Naples residents discover Lebanese cuisine prepared with heartfelt authenticity. Unlike chain restaurants, Kareem’s prepares everything in-house daily, from their silky smooth hummus to their flaky baklava. Their kibbeh – a mixture of ground meat, bulgur wheat, and spices – comes in multiple variations that showcase regional Lebanese specialties.
The restaurant’s warm hospitality makes first-timers feel like longtime regulars. Florida food enthusiasts particularly love their weekend specials that sometimes feature additional Lebanese dishes not always found on typical menus.
7. La Vie Restaurant – Mediterranean Elegance in Florida
La Vie brings upscale Mediterranean dining to Florida with a menu that bridges Middle Eastern traditions and modern culinary techniques. Their elegant interior, with its azure blue accents and natural woods, creates a sophisticated atmosphere for special occasions.
Seafood takes center stage here, with dishes like whole-roasted branzino and other Mediterranean specialties. Their beverage list features selections from Lebanon, Morocco, and Greece that perfectly complement the bold flavors. Weekend brunches have become a Florida favorite, offering Mediterranean breakfast specialties like shakshuka alongside mimosas for a perfect sunshine state morning.
8. Sufrat Mediterranean Grill – South Florida’s Arabic Flavors
Sufrat Mediterranean Grill has become South Florida’s go-to spot for authentic Arabic comfort food served in generous portions. The restaurant’s name – meaning ‘dining table’ in Arabic – perfectly captures their philosophy of bringing people together through food. Their mixed grill platters, featuring kofta, shish tawook, and lamb kebabs, arrive sizzling hot with aromatic rice and grilled vegetables.
Families appreciate their kid-friendly options and relaxed atmosphere that welcomes diners of all ages. Florida residents particularly value their catering services, which have become popular for everything from beach gatherings to corporate events throughout South Florida.
9. Marash Turkish Cuisine – Hollywood’s Anatolian Wonder
Hollywood, Florida might seem an unlikely place for authentic Turkish cuisine, but Marash has been transporting diners to Anatolia for years through traditional recipes and techniques. Named after a region in Turkey known for its distinctive cuisine, the restaurant stays true to its culinary heritage.
Their iskender kebab – thinly sliced döner meat layered over bread with tomato sauce and yogurt – exemplifies the complex flavors of Turkish cooking. Hand-rolled grape leaves and börek pastries showcase the kitchen’s dedication to labor-intensive traditional preparations. Florida visitors often mention the Turkish coffee service as a highlight, complete with fortune telling from the grounds for those interested in this cultural tradition.
10. Shawarmaz Mediterranean Grill – Miramar’s Street Food Revolution
Shawarmaz brings the vibrant street food culture of Beirut to Miramar with a modern twist that resonates with Florida’s diverse population. Their vertical spits of marinated chicken and beef rotate slowly, creating the perfect texture contrast between crispy exterior and juicy interior. Beyond traditional wraps, they offer creative fusion options like shawarma fries and Mediterranean bowls that appeal to on-the-go Floridians.
Fresh-pressed juices and Lebanese lemonade provide refreshing complements to the boldly spiced menu items. The casual counter-service approach makes this Miramar hotspot perfect for quick lunches, though many patrons linger on their sunny patio to enjoy Florida’s perfect weather alongside their meal.
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