Best Upscale Middle Eastern Restaurants in Raleigh | Upscale Middle Eastern Food

12 restaurants in Best Upscale Middle Eastern Restaurants in Raleigh | Upscale Middle Eastern Food

• Al-Basha Market & Grill — Middle Eastern · rated 4/5: Step into a vibrant Mediterranean oasis where the savory scent of flame-grilled kebabs mingles with the earthy aroma of freshly ground spices from the bustling market shelves. The open grill sizzles with tender, marinated meats and vibrant mezze, offering a soulful taste of the Levant that transforms a simple meal into a sensory journey through the heart of Middle Eastern tradition.
• Jasmine & Olivz — Mediterranean · rated 4/5: Sun-drenched flavors and vibrant colors take center stage at this bright Mediterranean escape, where the air is perfumed with the scent of toasted spices and fresh herbs. Guests craft their own culinary journeys through bowls and wraps overflowing with creamy hummus, crisp falafel, and zesty salads, creating a refreshing dining experience that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
• Sitti Authentic Lebanese — Middle Eastern · rated 3/5: This vibrant sanctuary of Levantine hospitality welcomes guests with the enticing aroma of fresh herbs and warm pita, creating an atmosphere that honors the timeless traditions of the Lebanese table. A colorful mosaic of mezze invites communal discovery, where the silky richness of house-made hummus and tangy labneh meets the bright, citrusy crunch of hand-chopped tabouleh and savory stuffed grape leaves. Every dish, from the delicate kibbee nayyeh to the smoky depth of baba ghanouj, captures the soulful essence of a grandmother’s kitchen in a space designed for lingering and celebration.
• Baba Ghannouj Mediterranean Bistro — Mediterranean: This sun-drenched bistro invites guests into a world of Mediterranean warmth, where the air is perfumed with the smoky aroma of charred kebabs and the bright, zesty scent of fresh lemon and garlic. Plates arrive brimming with vibrant colors, from velvety, smoke-kissed eggplant dips to herb-flecked salads that sing with freshness and tradition. It is a lively sanctuary of flavor where communal dining and heartfelt hospitality transform every meal into a sun-soaked celebration of the Levant.
• Sassool Mediterranean Cafe — Mediterranean: Sunlight dances across vibrant displays of jewel-toned salads and golden pastries in this bustling Mediterranean sanctuary, where the air is perfumed with the earthy scent of za’atar and freshly baked pita. Guests are invited to linger over plates of creamy, olive-oil-drizzled hummus and tender kabobs that celebrate the bright, sun-drenched flavors of traditional Lebanese home cooking. The warm, communal atmosphere transforms a simple meal into a soulful experience, capturing the heart of a Mediterranean marketplace in every fresh, herb-flecked bite.
• Kababish Cafe — Middle Eastern: The air at Kababish Cafe hums with the vibrant energy of a bustling spice market, thick with the smoky perfume of succulent meats charring over an open flame. Guests tear into warm, blistered naan to scoop up rich, aromatic curries, finding themselves transported by a symphony of bold seasonings and the heartfelt warmth of traditional hospitality.
• Asali Cafe — Middle Eastern: Sun-drenched and serene, this inviting escape wraps guests in the intoxicating aromas of orange blossom, toasted pistachios, and rich, dark-roasted coffee. Intricately crafted pastries shimmer like edible jewels behind the glass, offering a sweet symphony of Mediterranean-inspired flavors that pair perfectly with the cafe’s velvety, hand-poured lattes. Whether settling into a quiet corner for a slow morning or gathering for a vibrant afternoon treat, the space glows with a golden warmth that turns a simple coffee break into a soulful indulgence.
• Habibi Grill and Bakery — Middle Eastern: The air hums with the warmth of a traditional stone oven, where golden-crusted flatbreads emerge puffed and steaming to meet the smoky, spice-laden aroma of succulent meats sizzling over an open flame. This vibrant neighborhood gem invites guests to linger over communal platters of herb-flecked dips and tender kebabs, capturing the soulful essence of Middle Eastern hospitality in every flour-dusted bite.
• Karavan by 3 Olives — Middle Eastern: Step into a vibrant oasis where the rich heritage of the Silk Road meets modern Mediterranean flair, enveloping guests in an atmosphere of warm textiles and the enticing scent of charcoal-grilled meats. Golden-crusted breads and aromatic rice pilafs take center stage alongside succulent kebabs and zesty mezze, creating a culinary tapestry that celebrates bold, sun-drenched flavors. It is a place of communal warmth and discovery, where every plate reimagines ancient spice routes for the contemporary palate.
• Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe — Mediterranean: Sun-drenched interiors and the bright, herbaceous aroma of lemon and fresh-chopped parsley transport diners to the breezy shores of the Mediterranean. Vibrant, garden-fresh salads and tender grilled meats take center stage, served alongside velvety house-made hummus in a space that balances modern convenience with the timeless warmth of Greek hospitality.
• Vera Pizza & Grill — Italian: The air at Vera Pizza & Grill is thick with the savory perfume of spit-roasted meats and toasted spices, drawing guests into a space where Mediterranean comfort takes center stage. Tender ribbons of chicken shawarma and succulent lamb gyro are piled high over mounds of fragrant, golden rice, creating a vibrant tapestry of flavors balanced by the crisp, feta-topped brightness of a classic Greek salad. Whether sharing a generous family-style tray or enjoying a quick, hearty meal, diners find a welcoming retreat where every bite celebrates the soulful traditions of the grill.
• Mezeh — Mediterranean: This vibrant Mediterranean destination invites guests into a world of bold colors and sun-drenched flavors, where the sizzle of the grill meets the cool creaminess of house-made hummus. A kaleidoscope of fresh ingredients—from zesty pickled vegetables to spice-rubbed proteins—allows for a personalized feast that captures the soulful, aromatic essence of the Levant in every bite.