March 29 is National Pita Day, and what better way to celebrate than to dip and eat this soft and pillowy bread with friends while in NOLA? The word "pita" simply means "flatbread" and can be made with grains or wheat. The history of pita can be traced as far back as 10,000 years, with its roots heavily influenced by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. In honor of this fascinating flatbread, here is a list of exceptional Mediterranean places to visit in Greater New Orleans.
10 Mediterranean Spots in NOLA
1. Shaya
4213 Magazine St., 504-891-4213, shayarestaurant.com
Shaya is an Israeli restaurant located Uptown. Chef Fariz Choumali takes the culture influence of his Lebanese parents and combines the flavors of American Southern, North African, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Turkey, and Greece to create an unparalleled menu and experience.
Most of the dishes are plated family-style, so bring your loved ones with you. Pair their wood-fired pita with their smoked labneh, made with lima beans and charred chili vinaigrette.
2. Cleo's
Multiple Locations, facebook.com/CleosNOLA
Cleo's is a Mediterranean grocery store that sells hot food and snacks 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Their kabobs and shawarma are great after a night out with friends, and the selection of international snacks are extensive.
Cleo's recently expanded to another location in the French Quarter, where you will experience fine dining instead of the grab-and-go atmosphere at the Canal location. If you're looking for something different yet refreshing, try the octopus salad. It is seared in vegetable seasoning and placed on top of a green salad with sweet chili dressing.
3. 1000 Figs
3141 Ponce de Leon St., 504-301-0848, 1000figs.com
1000 Figs is serving impeccable Mediterranean cuisine in Bayou St. John right off of Esplanade Avenue. Plunge your pita into their charred scallion whipped feta or try their dip platter that features all of their dips.
Interested in something with a kick? The spiced chicken platter is served with tzatziki, kale and cabbage salad, zhoug, and fresh pita. Pair your spiced chicken with a Summer Shandy, a cocktail with Paradise Park beer and freshly squeezed lemonade.
4. Lebanon Grill
1122 Decatur St., 504-354-1526, lebanongrillnola.com
Lebanon Grill is located in the French Quarter and is the perfect place for food after drinking and shopping. The maze appetizer platter is shareable if you are with friends; it has hummus, baba ganoush, tabouleh, house salad, labneh, falafel, kibbeh, and halloumi cheese.
This place also serves pizza. Try their beef shawarma pizza topped with onion, tomato, green pepper, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese.
5. Kabob House
4301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-581-8695, kabobhousenola.com
Kabob House is located in Metairie and serves some of the best Mediterranean food you will sink your teeth in. Each day of the week, Kabob House offers a daily special.
On Fridays, mansaf is served, which is lamb cooked in a yogurt gravy paired with rice and pita. It's an experience you will want to have.
6. Athena Cafe
1021 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 504-884-8747, athenacafemetairie.com
Athena Cafe is a Mediterranean restaurant with a juice bar. If you're looking to try something similar yet different, order the pastitio. It is a baked pasta topped with ground beef and béchamel sauce; it's similar to lasagna.
Quench your thirst with their refreshing smoothies. The "Cherry Dreamy" smoothie has mango, bananas, avocado, and pineapple juice.
7. Lebanon's Cafe
1500 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-6200, lebanonscafe.com
When in New Orleans and in the mood for quality Middle Eastern cuisine, Lebanon's Cafe should always be an option that comes to mind. This Carrollton restaurant has frequently been called one of the best Middle Eastern places in the city.
Dip your pita into a variety of different appetizers including hummus, whipped feta dip, labna (yogurt and mint), and Lebanon's famous tzatziki dip. Kabobs, shawarma, gyro, and rosemary lamb chops are also available.
8. Cleopatra Mediterranean Cuisine
2701 Manhattan Blvd. #24, Harvey, 504-361-1113, cleocuisine.com
Cleopatra Mediterranean Cuisine is a hidden gem located on the Westbank. Start your meal with their assortment of dips: muhammara spicy dip (walnuts, bell peppers, and pomegranate molasses, salata turkeya (cilantro and roasted red pepper), and labaneh (yogurt with mint).
For an entree, order the grilled quail; it is served with vegetables and rice. Grab your friends and family for a great experience.
9. Saba
5757 Magazine St., 504-324-7770, eatwithsaba.com
Saba is located in Uptown New Orleans. Chef Alon Shaya's inspiration stems from various Middle Eastern cuisines, including Palestine, Yemen, and Syria.
Their wood fired pita is absolutely spectacular and adds an extra depth of flavor to their already amazing dishes. Try the blue crab hummus paired with soft butter and lemon.
10. Mediterranean Kabob House
3100 Magazine St., 504-249-5454, mediterraneanhousenola.com
Mediterranean Kabob House, formerly Anatolia Mediterranean Cuisine, is home to some of the best Mediterranean cuisine in the city. The fried halloumi cheese comes highly recommended, and the creaminess and saltiness of the cheese will have you craving for more.
The hummus with lamb is a great choice as well. The lamb is sautéed with house spices and olive oil. Scoop that deliciousness up with soft pita.
Celebrating Culture & Pitas
National Pita Day can be perceived as just a day of flatbread consumption; however, upon further reflection, it should be celebrated as a day of appreciating Middle Eastern culture, cuisine, and influence in the Western world. Immigrants from the Ottoman Empire emigrated to the United States in the 19th century. Though, immigrants from Greece, Croatia, Lebanon, and other neighboring countries emigrating to New Orleans specifically can be traced to the 18th century.
Following the Six Day War in 1967, Palestinians and Syrians settled into New Orleans with most moving to Metairie and New Orleans East. With more people came more cultural influences and appreciation for the ever-growing uniqueness that is New Orleans. Let's take time to acknowledge the socioeconomic and cultural contribution of Middle Eastern immigrants as we eat pita on March 29. Hopefully, you and your loved ones find time to visit one or all of these spectacular restaurants.
