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CAFE LILI
5757 Westheimer Rd (713-952-6969)
Open Mon–Thur 11–9, Fri & Sat 11–10. Closed Sun.
map | latest review | access ++ | |
$$ |
Houston
| Middle Eastern |
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(From February 2008) pared the meal” more apt than at this hugely popular west-side grill, where quality ingredients and generous portions have earned a devoted following. First-timers may want to try the sampler platter, but we regulars rave about the stuffed grape leaves, falafel, and kebabs. A gratis cup of Turkish coffee with cardamom will finish your meal on a properly exotic note. Beer & wine. |
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LITE BITE
3624 50th (806-788-0215)
Open Mon-Thur 11-8, Fri & Sat 11-9. Closed Sun.
map | latest review | access ++ | |
$ |
Lubbock
| Mediterranean /
Middle Eastern |
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(From November 2008) Browsing this cafe’s international market will stimulate your appetite for the enticing Mediterranean fare served here. We munched on stuffed grape leaves, hummus, and baba ganouj before moving on to gyros of tender beef nestled in warm flatbread and drizzled with tzatziki. Creative pizzas and nicely seasoned falafel, plus baklava and other nutty desserts, round out the menu. BYOB. |
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SAFFRON
2006 Lexington (713-522-3562)
Dinner Tue–Thur 5–10, Fri & Sat 5–11. Closed Sun & Mon. Reservations accepted.
web site | map | reserve a table | latest review | no access | |
$$ |
Houston
| Middle Eastern /
Eclectic |
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(From August 2008) Replete with Moroccan lanterns, tiles, and the requisite belly dancer, Saffron is nonetheless family-friendly and provides a good entry to North African cuisine. Our party gave enthusiastic thumbs-up to starters: beef ragoût rolled in phyllo and served in a honey-tomato confit and tender sweetbreads with fava beans and ginger. Thumbs stayed aloft for a simple, luscious dish of braised chicken over Moroccan bread in a saffron broth. Thumbs down, though, for dry bastilla and chewy lamb shank. Bar. |
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SHINE’S MEDITERRANEAN MARKET
14902 Preston Rd, at Belt Line, southeast corner (972-763-1842)
Open Mon–Sat 9:30–8, Sun 11–6.
web site | map | latest review | access ++ | |
$ |
Dallas
| Middle Eastern |
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(From May 2009) When we’ve just got to have a Middle Eastern fix, we amble into this small cafe/store to partake of emerald green tabouleh glazed with lemon juice, crispy falafel (we defy anyone to come up with a better version), rather sweetish dolmas, and warm puffy pita bread stuffed with shawarma and topped with wonderfully tart tzatziki. For dessert, grab a bit of baklava on the way out. |
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SHIRAZ
4230 McCullough, at the Olmos rotary (210-829-5050)
Dinner Mon–Sat 5–10. Closed Sun.
web site | map | latest review | access + | |
$$ |
San Antonio
| Middle Eastern |
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(From July 2009) We marvel each visit how well the romantic yet unpretentious atmosphere pairs with the captivating Iranian food. Appetizers include shrimp with a lemony saffron sauce and kashk-e bademjan, a savory eggplant spread. Among the entrées, the bandari—beef sirloin in a spicy pomegranate sauce—puts the familiar in an unfamiliar context, as does the shrimp with walnuts and cranberries. The service could not be more punctilious. Bar. |
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