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

13 restaurants in Best Upscale Middle Eastern Restaurants in Richmond | Upscale Middle Eastern Food

• Ariana Kabob — Middle Eastern: The air at Ariana Kabob is thick with the savory perfume of spiced meats sizzling over open flames, drawing guests into a space where traditional hospitality and the warmth of the hearth take center stage. Succulent skewers of marinated lamb and chicken are served alongside mounds of fragrant, jewel-toned rice, creating a vibrant tapestry of flavors that honors a rich culinary heritage. Warm, pillowy naan and zesty house-made chutneys round out each meal, offering a comforting and soul-warming journey through the heart of authentic Afghan-inspired cooking.
• Aladdin Express Restaurant — Middle Eastern: Stepping into this vibrant eatery feels like discovering a hidden oasis where the air is thick with the savory scent of charbroiled meats and toasted spices. Golden mounds of saffron-scented rice and tender, flame-kissed kebabs take center stage, served alongside velvety hummus and crisp, herb-flecked salads that burst with Mediterranean freshness. It is a place where the speed of a quick meal meets the soul of traditional hospitality, offering a flavorful escape that lingers long after the last bite of warm, pillowy pita.
• Greek on Cary — Greek: Sun-drenched and spirited, this neighborhood gem captures the heart of the Mediterranean through the sizzle of the grill and the bright, herbaceous scents of a traditional Greek kitchen. Guests gather around tables laden with velvety hummus, salt-kissed olives, and succulent slow-roasted meats, enjoying a lively atmosphere where every meal feels like a festive seaside celebration.
• Philly Steak & Gyros — Middle Eastern: The rhythmic sizzle of the griddle sets the tempo at this vibrant neighborhood haunt, where the savory aroma of caramelized onions and seared ribeye fills the air. It is a place where the hearty, cheese-laden comfort of a classic Philly hoagie meets the zesty, spice-rubbed allure of slow-roasted gyros tucked into warm, pillowy pita. Each bite offers a satisfying collision of textures and traditions, creating a casual dining experience that is as soulful as it is flavorful.
• Afghan Cuisine — Middle Eastern: Stepping into Afghan Cuisine feels like entering a warm sanctuary where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of cumin, cardamom, and flame-grilled meats. Platters of jewel-toned Kabuli pulao topped with sweet carrots and raisins sit alongside succulent kebabs and silk-thin mantu dumplings, offering a masterclass in the balance of savory spices and delicate sweetness. This inviting space celebrates the rich heritage of the Silk Road, inviting guests to linger over steaming cups of chai in an atmosphere of genuine, heartfelt hospitality.
• DCG - District Chicken and Gyro — Middle Eastern: This vibrant urban haunt pulses with energy as the rhythmic chop of the griddle prepares succulent, spice-rubbed meats served over steaming beds of fragrant, golden-hued rice. Drizzled with signature velvety white sauce and a sharp kick of fiery red chili, every bowl offers a bold explosion of street-food flavors that captures the bustling spirit of the city.
• Harry's at Hofheimer — Middle Eastern: Perched atop a historic industrial landmark, this rooftop gem invites guests into a sun-drenched oasis where the city skyline serves as a backdrop for vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired small plates. The air hums with the clink of craft cocktails and the aroma of wood-fired flavors, creating a spirited atmosphere that transitions seamlessly from golden hour toasts to starlit social gatherings.
• Scott's Shawarma — Middle Eastern: The air at Scott’s Shawarma is thick with the intoxicating scent of slow-roasted spices and charred meats, drawing diners into a space where the rhythmic slicing of the vertical spit sets a lively, welcoming tempo. Golden, tender shavings of seasoned protein are tucked into warm, pillowy pita alongside vibrant pickled vegetables and a generous drizzle of creamy, garlic-rich tahini for a harmonious explosion of smoky and tangy flavors. It is a vibrant neighborhood destination that captures the soulful essence of Mediterranean street food, offering a sensory journey in every satisfying, hand-held bite.
• Kismet — Middle Eastern: Bathed in natural light and anchored by minimalist blonde wood, this airy neighborhood gem radiates a breezy, sun-drenched energy that invites long, communal meals. Vibrant, vegetable-forward plates burst with the bright acidity of citrus and the warmth of Middle Eastern spices, transforming seasonal produce into a colorful tapestry of shared flavors. From the flaky layers of savory breads to the artful drizzle of tahini, every bite feels like a modern celebration of flavor designed to be lingered over.
• Shawarma Inc — Middle Eastern: The air at Shawarma Inc is thick with the intoxicating aroma of slow-roasted meats spinning on vertical spits, their edges perfectly charred and glistening under the kitchen lights. Guests watch as thin ribbons of savory, spice-rubbed protein are carved into warm, pillowy pita and layered with zesty pickles and a drizzle of velvet-smooth tahini for a street-food experience that feels both timeless and vibrant.
• JewFro — Middle Eastern: JewFro invites diners into a vibrant, soul-stirring space where the comforting traditions of Jewish deli staples collide with the bold, aromatic spices of the African continent. The air is thick with the scent of smoky brisket and fragrant berbere, as plates of pillowy challah and zesty harissa-infused dishes bridge two rich culinary heritages in a spirited celebration of flavor. Every bite offers a harmonious journey through culture and history, creating a dining experience that feels both deeply nostalgic and thrillingly new.
• The Mantu — Middle Eastern: The Mantu invites diners into a sophisticated sanctuary where the ancient flavors of the Silk Road are reimagined through a lens of modern culinary artistry. Delicate, hand-folded dumplings arrive as edible masterpieces, drizzled with tangy yogurt and aromatic tomato sauce amidst an atmosphere of warm lighting and vibrant cultural accents. It is a place where traditional Afghan hospitality meets contemporary elegance, offering a sensory journey that celebrates both heritage and innovation in every meticulously plated bite.
• Perly's — Middle Eastern: This vibrant Art Deco landmark hums with the energy of a classic Jewish deli, where neon lights and checkered floors set the stage for a soulful celebration of tradition. Towering sandwiches on marbled rye and golden, crispy latkes arrive at bustling tables alongside steaming bowls of matzo ball soup, creating a nostalgic yet spirited atmosphere that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern.