A short drive to central Austin will make you feel like you just took a flight to Greece when you arrive at Yamas Greek Kitchen and Bar. Everything from the design to the food is authentic, as the owners strive to make it feel as traditional and like comfortable as possible. The menu is filled with Greek favorites, like Cheese Saganaki (the flaming cheese pictured above - make sure to get this), grilled pita and dips, Spanakopita, fresh seafood, and so much more. Their beautiful cocktails are both delicious and refreshing, so be sure to order a few to pair with your meal. Be sure to also visit them for happy hour every Monday through Thursday from 4pm - 6pm for discounted drinks and half off select apps, or for their weekend brunch.
1011 S Congress Ave
One of Chicago's favorite Mediterranean spots from the historic Fulton Market District, Aba has a spot in Austin on South Congress. With influences from Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, and Greece, the cuisine is unlike anything else you'll find in the area. They have some of the best hummus, with flavors like smoky garlic, crispy short rib, and spicy lamb ragu. Whenever the weather is beautiful, this is one of the first patios you should head to (but plan accordingly because it gets packed).
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photo via facebook
1311 E 7th St
Build your dream meal at Kebabalicious, where you can choose your kebab style (wrap, rice bowl, or Turk salad), protein (beef & lamb, chicken thigh, falafel, crispy tofu, and more), up to two sauces (Tzatziki, spicy red, red bell pepper aioli and more), with the option to ad-on more items like extra veggies, spreads, or even fries inside. If this sounds too overwhelming for you, just trust the experts and order one of their specialty eats. They're open until 11pm on the weekends, perfect for those late night cravings.
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2101 Manor Rd
Humbly located in the parking lot of a gas station, Abo Youssef’s looks can be deceiving. While from the outside it appears to be just another food truck, this truck actually contains some of the highest-rated Mediterranean food in all of Austin. The owners are Egyptian, and say that they are heavily influenced by Greco-Roman culinary traditions that span back millennia in Egypt. If you are looking for the best falafel in town, then you’ve just found it.
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Photo via Halal Bros
Various Locations
This West Campus classic has satisfied the drunken cravings of most students at the University of Texas at least once. Copycat halal joints come and go, but The Halal Bros' heaping portions of falafel and shawarma over savory basmati rice are the outstanding winner every time.
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photo via yelp
We advise that you drop what you’re doing right now and head to South Lamar’s cozy Greek haven with the best quaint decor and ambiance in the city. Opa is nothing short of a gem, ripe with hanging vines, giant oak trees, outdoor seating, and tons of locals. Delicious, affordable food abounds at this counter-service spot where the tzatziki is to die for.
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Photo via Facebook
2912 S Lamar Blvd
4701 Burnet Rd
Phoenicia Bakery and Deli is unique in that it carries food from all around the world with an emphasis on Mediterranean specialties. Phoenicia is known for its inexpensive delicacies, warm pita bread, and ample bakery choices. This grocer’s fresh baked bread options include famous white and wheat pita. Phoenicia prides itself on its savory dolmas (rice and pine nut-stuffed grape leaves), gyro sandwiches, and falafel. There is also a wide variety of Middle Eastern spices for customers to take home from the grocery section, making this a great stop before cooking a bomb Greek dinner at home.
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Cava is known and beloved for its fast and casually delicious environment. Customers begin with a base and a protein prior to delving into build-your-owl bowl condiment heaven. We repeat, Cava is condiment heaven. Their array of dressings (sriracha greek yogurt, anyone?) toppings, dips, and spreads is unparalleled. This popular restaurant, relatively new to Austin, was started by three friends who grew up around Greek food and environments and who wanted to make Greek food both satisfying and healthy. They pride themselves on making bold, crave-able meals that are perfect for on-the-go lunches.
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photo via yelp
5908 Aurora Drive
When strolling through HEB, surely you’ve spotted tubs of Grandma’s Hummus - inarguably the freshest and most delicious choice on the hummus shelves. Did you know that it’s homemade right in the kitchen at The Mediterranean Chef? We bet you didn’t! This charming spot specializes not only in hummus but also makes great babaganus, dolmas, falafel bites, and tahini sauce as well. The Mediterranean Chef is a North Austin treat with exceptional customer service and farm to table ingredients.
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photo via Austin's Habib
817 W 5th St
10542 Menchaca Rd
Austin’s Habibi is one of the most authentic Mediterranean Halal cuisine and catering services in Austin. Known for their huge portions, great falafels, and yummy seasoned fries, Habibi can be found in two Austin locations, including a downtown food truck. Austin’s Habibi is widely popular for its selection of plates, with choices of the chicken, lamb kebab, falafel, veggie or combo plates!
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photo via yelp
11800 N Lamar Blvd
Family owned, great hospitality, and a great happy hour? Check, check and check at Santorini Cafe. Somewhat of a hole in the wall, this local eatery should not be missed. And what should be highlighted here is the incredible Tzatziki, Loukoumades and the Greek beignets which come on the house with your order! Post up in the spacious patio for a while and work up a Greek food coma.
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photo via yelp
75 Rainey St
111 Congress Ave (Fareground)
You probably don’t expect the highest of quality from a food truck located in prime drunk eats territory. We’ve eaten at Shawarma Point completely sober, though, and can confirm it actually is delicious. This truck serves some of the biggest and freshest plates of falafel in town, and the serving sizes will leave you stuffed. Add a side of hummus and piled-high pita for just $4 if you’re extra-hungry - or to calm your fiery tongue after you make the bold move of ordering your dish at the “Brown People Spicy” level. Don’t say we didn’t warn you...it’s hot.
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11220 N Lamar Blvd
Peace Bakery and Deli on North Lamar has it all: family meals, build your own plates, salads, dips, hot veggies, bakery items, pitas, wraps… they’ve got the works, y’all. This cafeteria-style restaurant offers an authentically homemade touch, utilizing the owner’s family recipes. They also offer unlimited warm, fluffy pita, which is a huge plus in our book. We recommend ending your meal with the jaw-droppingly good baklava.
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photo via yelp
3421 West William Cannon Dr
Cafe Malta, which has won diner’s choice awards, is located in an unassuming location in the Cannon Oaks Center strip mall. This cafe offers outstanding service, beautiful white linens, craft cocktails, and insanely good food. Try the mussels...you’ll thank us later.
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Other Mediterranean Spots To Try:
2708 E Cesar Chavez
4700 W Guadalupe St Ste #9
6619 Airport Blvd
9310 N Lamar Blvd
1400 E Old Settlers Blvd #110 (Round Rock)
Did we miss your favorite spot?
