This Atlanta import offers a vast menu of Persian dishes, with starters like fall-off-the-bone lamb ribs coated in a light, sweet glaze and sharable dips like creamy hummus and a satisfying tomato charred labneh made with chili Urfa, pureed basil, and roasted tomatoes. Mains here also don’t disappoint: Groups can indulge in the three-rib pomegranate short ribs or create their own spread with entrees like tender koobideh beef kabobs or sea bass. Rice dishes are the ultimate companions, with the slightly sweet Shirin basmati, a symphony of orange zest, barberry, pistachio, and almond. End with a dessert like the warm white chocolate cardamom cake or Persian ice cream sandwiches, and don’t forget the drinks. The S.S. Poet, a mix of bourbon, ginger, velvet falernum, lime, and grains of paradise, is a Rumi’s signature.

At Okto, Moroccan culinary traditions make their way into dishes like grilled branzino and the focaccia-like Frena bread service; hints of Greece trickle into a tuna crudo layered with feta and parsley gremolata. Other standouts include the spicy squid ink pasta, a steak Rossini topped with foie gras and peppercorn sauce, and the Tiger shrimp, which is bathed in a silky sauce made of arak beurre blanc, garlic, tarragon, and thyme — an ideal dipping situation for the accompanying sourdough. Desserts and drinks are best enjoyed at its illuminated, elegant bar, which also takes diners on a trip with fragrant flavors and spices.

To experience the most luxe restaurant of Houston’s Mediterranean scene, visit March. The tasting menu continues to rotate its six- to nine-course dinners twice a year and most recently explores the Italian region of Genova and its spices, herbs, culinary techniques, and even trade routes. Find intricate dishes like its chilled Capponada made up of preserved fish, with olives, capers, and sailor’s cracker; the Preboggion, a classic composition of foraged greens and herbs served with a stewed green sauce; and a cabbage-topped Ligurian sausage loaded with salami and served atop spiced blackcurrant pork jus. Drinks are just as inventive, like the Fig & Citrus that combines dry Dolin Blanc, golden and Turkish figs, Osmanthus tea, and orange zest, and the refreshing Zucca, a mix of Orgeat syrup made with blended toasted pumpkin seeds, plus two types of rum, lime, and rhubarb liqueur all poured over crushed ice.

With recipes built by owner Fadi Dimassi and his mother, Fadi’s has grown to become a cherished local chain with outposts in Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, and Dallas. Fill up on plates that combine kabobs with tahini sauce and pita, or go for a falafel, gyro, or shawarma. Vegetarians rejoice — options like the vegetarian kousa and meatless wrap are flavorful alternatives to its meat-heavy dishes.

With a major focus on local ingredients, Craft Pita prides itself on offering a fresh take on classic dishes. Score feta and tomato salad, traditional Lebanese kafta that’s made with wagyu, and super-creamy baba ganoush. The menu also incorporates owner Rafael Nasr’s family’s own olive oil from Lebanon, which is swirled into picture-perfect plates of hummus and labneh.

Don’t let the fact that it’s housed inside a gas station convenience store deter you — Ekko’s offers quality Greek cuisine at a wallet-friendly price. The menu is simple and satisfying, with fresh Greek salads, overstuffed gyros, falafel sandwiches, and baklava for a sweet finish to a meal.

Fulfill your lunch or brunch craving at this charming Greek restaurant with feta and spinach-stuffed Spana omelets; mezze boards filled with dips and your choice of cheeses, keftedes, or meatballs; and the Mizithrapita, cheese-stuffed pancakes topped with honey drizzle and nut crumble. Those looking for to-go options can take advantage of the cafe’s “heat and eat” options, which include Greek favorites like vegan and meat-filled moussakas, spanakopita, and various dressings and dips.

At this Rice Village gem, Greek taverna dishes and its exclusively Greek wine list are built for sharing. Begin with the halloumi cheese or the trio of chickpea, red pepper hummus, and tzatziki dips served with grilled pita — then, splurge on the whole roasted fish, prepared “plaki-style.”

Housed in a charming, storied home, this Turkish restaurant has been a reliable go-to in Rice Village for nearly two decades. Its menu of Turkish pizzas features varieties like döner pide topped with ground lamb and Turkish beef sausage, all of which pair well with Turkish sodas or Turkish coffees when in need of a pick-me-up. Visit during lunch for its $17 two-course meal, comprised of starters like baba ganoush and eggplant salad, and mains like glistening kebabs and falafel.

Tucked inside a Montrose corner store and at its second location in the Heights, AL Quick Stop offers an extensive menu of Mediterranean specialties in casual digs. Score gyros and shawarmas wrapped in warm pita or spit-roasted meats served atop a bed of rice, as well as savory sides like fried cauliflower, stuffed kibbeh, spicy potatoes, or lentil soup.

This time-honored Houston restaurant has outposts in Montrose, Downtown, and Memorial — all offering hefty menus of Greek plates. Go for a traditional gyro platter, or try something with a Tex-Mex twist, like the pita quesadillas with sliced gyro meat. Breakfast calls for its baklava French toast or a bacon, egg, and cheese pita.

Ever since the Platsas family took over this popular breakfast destination in the ‘90s, dishes have reflected their Greek roots. In addition to hotcakes, breakfast tacos, and migas, there are Greek omelets, yogurt bowls, and grilled baklava French toast, topped with a double scoop of Greek-style yogurt ice cream.

With locations in Downtown and West Houston, this specialty market is known for its bounty of international goods, but it’s also a great place to score a meal. Find artisan breads, European pastries, gourmet meats and cheeses, and boutique wines to take home, and then stick around for a crafted beverage like Zohrab’s chai or choco-halva latte from the coffee bar. Meze, or small dishes, like the spiced hummus, Sicilian olives, and grape leaves are also on offer.