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Best Mediterranean Cuisine In The Detroit Area


Most people know about Greek food and have probably heard about shawarma but don't particularly know that there is more to Mediterranean than just Greek cuisine. Fortunately, there are great ethnic restaurants within the Detroit area that cater specifically to authentic Mediterranean tastes and will surely have anyone coming back for more. Go beyond the usual gyro and spinach pie and get a taste of some real Mediterranean with these great restaurants.

(Photo: www.facebook.com/assaggi)

Assaggi Bistro
330 W. 9 Mile Road
Ferndale, MI 48220
(248) 584-3499
www.assaggibistro.com

Located in downtown Ferndale, Assaggi Bistro is very much Mediterranean and great if looking for a special night on the town or upscale lunch. With Assaggi, it is recommended that you call ahead for a reservation but it will be all worth it for such authentic Mediterranean dishes like lamb shank, pear pizza, duck and veal. The seafood offerings are unbelievable with options like maple-mustard salmon and porcini-dusted scallops.

(Chicken Kabobs / Credit: Crystal Hessong)
Pita Cafe
25282 Greenfield Road
Oak Park, MI 48237
(248) 968-2225
www.thepitacafe.comThough this place might look unassuming, Pita Cafe in Oak Park (or try its Birmingham location) offers some great Mediterranean dishes including pitas, of course. If you're looking for a reasonable dinner with the family or an inexpensive date for two, Pita Cafe is a perfect spot with great service and even greater food options. Unlike Assaggi, which hits closer to authentic Mediterranean, Pita Cafe provides all the staples and easy introductory dishes to the cuisine. The lamb combo would be a great place to start.

Related: Best Middle Eastern Restaurants In Detroit

(Photo:www.facebook.com/lasajlebanesebistro)

La Saj Lebanese Bistro
13776 Southcove Drive
Sterling Heights, MI 48313
(586) 566-6600
www.lasaj.com

A local favorite in the Sterling Heights area, La Saj Lebanese Bistro is most famous for its hummus, falafel, fattoush salad and lamb. If you're looking for something a little more adventurous, easier on the wallet and different for dinner this time around, do try out La Saj for an authentic taste of Lebanese food. And what exactly does La Saj mean? Well, take a trip to the bistro and find out. The waitstaff is more than happy to help you navigate the menu as well as divulge your curiosity in the meaning of its name.

(Photo:www.facebook.com/bucharestgrill)

Bucharest Grill
2040 Park Ave.
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 965-3111
www.bucharestgrill.com

People have been raving about the chicken shawarma found at Bucharest Grill that comes with a perfect combination of marinated chicken, tomato, lettuce, pickles, garlic and spices wrapped in a pita, but the restaurant also has finger-licking falafel as well as Mediterranean favorites like salads and pitas. However, it is strongly advised that you call ahead during the work week if you're thinking of ordering take out for lunch. It gets quite busy and your order might take longer than anticipated because of the lunch rush. Be prepared for a wait but know it'll be worth it.

Related: Best Vegetarian Restaurants In Metro Detroit

(Photo:www.facebook.com/2booli)

2Booli
37610 W. 12 Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
(248) 994-0614
www.2booli.com

A casual bar and restaurant located in Farmington, 2Booli is bringing modern dining to authentic Mediterranean cuisine. There's maza for two, lentil soup, seafood and of course, kabobs and pitas. Though some dishes are a bit pricier than others, the welcoming atmosphere and menu with such great and freshly made food is very much worth it. The perfect restaurant for a dinner date with somebody special, 2Booli definitely makes Mediterranean dining "cool" for a younger crowd while still keeping all of that authentic flavor.

Head to CBS Detroit's Best Of page for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food,culture and more!

Stephanie Medeiros has been an avid music enthusiast most of her life, most notably helping local bands promote their hard work through marketing and PR as well as continuously giving reviews and feedback on music and to aspiring musicians alike. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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