When the craving for sun-drenched flavors hits, everyone wants a taste of the Mediterranean. We’re pretty sure it has something to do with either a chemical reaction between olive oil and our brains, or the fact that humans evolved from creatures who loved a good mezze platter. Either way, it can be difficult to find authentic spots when everyone’s chasing that same coastal vibe. That’s why we made this list.
Abu Omar Halal – Medical Center, TX
$ | (346) 262-6149 | WEBSITE
Abu Omar Halal is one of our favorite spots in Pearland for a casual meal with a couple of friends. Unfortunately, if you try to walk in during peak hours, you might have to wait a bit – but there’s a large shared parking lot where you can hang out and chat. It’s pretty much a really convenient space with clean surroundings and friendly faces, and you could eat here every day without even realizing how quickly the service usually is.
In theory, you could even just come to Abu Omar Halal for some quick takeout from this lot. But do the right thing and get some chicken arabi here.
CAVA
$ | (346) 699-1428 | WEBSITE
CAVA always seems to be bustling with customers, which is understandable, since it’s a popular spot where you can get some very good Mediterranean food. The dining area has a casual vibe and efficient layout – but you really want to be ordering at the counter and customizing your bowl with all the fresh ingredients. Come with coworkers and build your own combination, or bring a friend when you need to show that you know about all the best quick-service spots in Pearland.
Olive Tree
$ | (281) 487-7600 | WEBSITE
Olive Tree is a Mediterranean restaurant tucked away near the Houston ship channel, just a short drive from the Astros stadium. It’s a family-owned spot where you can grab a meal after a game or meet up with colleagues after a business trip – and, if you’re looking for some weekend fun, it has lively Friday nights with a belly dancer and lessons for those who want to join in. It’s called the Olive Tree, and despite the name, you can also enjoy a drink at the bar with the friendly bartender.
So if you want to escape from the usual routine for an evening, stop by, grab a table, and try the chicken kabob or hummus with pita here.
Arabella Mediterranean Kitchen + Grill
$ | (281) 809-2880 | WEBSITE
Pearland has plenty of strip-mall Mediterranean spots with decent shawarma and hummus. But if you’re looking for something truly memorable, make your way to Arabella Mediterranean Kitchen + Grill. This welcoming restaurant has a peaceful, calm atmosphere where you can sit back, relax, and eat some incredible dishes like the chicken curry with vermicelli rice or the lamb shank that falls right off the bone.
Make plans to order the spicy hummus and fried cauliflower as starters, then finish with the chicken shawarma arabi and crispy fries for a quick, satisfying meal. The portions are generous, the service is warm and friendly, and everything tastes exactly as it should. Come here at least once this season.
Papa’s Gyro & Grill
$ | (346) 907-5685 | WEBSITE
Papa’s Gyro & Grill is one of those Mediterranean spots in Pearland that’s perfect for grabbing a quick lunch or a flavorful dinner. It feels kind of like a cozy neighborhood grill, and there’s a welcoming vibe inside as well as ample parking in the plaza that makes it easy to swing by. Have a satisfying meal here, and don’t leave without trying at least one of their standout dishes like the chapli kebab or mango lassi.
Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet
$ | (713) 999-0233 | WEBSITE
If you’d rather fill up on fresh, flavorful Mediterranean dishes without breaking the bank, try Dimassi’s. It’s a beloved establishment with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, and it also has a fantastic buffet where you can sample everything while you satisfy your cravings or accommodate various dietary needs. Just grab a plate from the well-stocked and clean buffet up front, then head all the way to the desserts.
Dimassi’s
$ | (713) 526-5111 | WEBSITE
Dimassi’s in Pearland has a lot of Mediterranean dishes to serve, so it’s understandable that they didn’t get around to thinking of a fancy name for their buffet. It’s just called the buffet line – and it’s impressive enough that it exists in the first place. Once you get all your shopping done at nearby Reliant Stadium, just head in here, grab a plate, load up on hummus and grilled vegetables, and hope that all the cabbage and mint salad doesn’t run out before you get there.
There are a bunch of tables, as well as a view of a Hakeem Olajuwon poster at the entrance (which is still decor), and you don’t even have to buy a bunch of baklava at the dessert station in order to enjoy the fresh and flavorful meats and soups.
Dimassi’s Mediterranean Restaurant
$ | (832) 770-4371 | WEBSITE
Is this really called the best Mediterranean buffet in Pearland? No it is not. But that’s what we’ve chosen to name the relatively straightforward dining experience at Dimassi’s Mediterranean Restaurant in Houston. The description is a little misleading, as there probably won’t be a gourmet feast going on when you come here, but you can always just load up on hummus and falafel and make your own feast.
Sure, this is part of a chain with locations throughout the Houston area, but we’re willing to bet that most of those locations don’t have atmospheres quite like this one.
Portara Fresh Mediteranean
$ | (346) 773-4866 | WEBSITE
People sometimes ask us about relatively upscale yet relaxed Mediterranean spots in Pearland for a family meal or a good dinner at a fair price, and our first instinct is to say something like, ‘Drive around until you find something.’ Then we remember Portara Fresh Mediterranean, a welcoming restaurant in a nearby shopping center with a dining experience that doesn’t get as busy as it should (considering the tasty food and pleasant service).
If you live in the area, use this place as your default choice for a satisfying meal. There are highlights like the Baklava cheesecake and customizable gyro dishes, and there’s plenty of parking available outside.
Gyro King
$ | (832) 831-8491 | WEBSITE
You’ve probably heard of a few Mediterranean spots in Pearland like Aladdin’s and Phoenicia. But if you want to eat somewhere without a wait and a fuss, try Gyro King. It’s a halal restaurant with its very own medical center location. The space isn’t very large (just a comfortable storefront), but it’s still a place where you can dine inside without having to squeeze into cramped tables, and there’s ample seating for groups.
You’re not going to find fancy décor here, but it’s a nice spot to grab a meal with a friend or two when you’re looking for something quick. The lamb gyro runs about $12, and the portions are generous enough to satisfy. The fries come in those large, starchy cuts that some love and others find too thick—but they’re definitely tasty. Service is fast and friendly, with staff who clearly take pride in what they prepare.
It’s the kind of place where you can get in and out with a flavorful, halal meal without any hassle.
The Gyro Guys
$ | (281) 612-2507 | WEBSITE
If you live in Pearland, you probably know about this place. But if you don’t happen to live nearby, here’s some advice: go to The Gyro Guys. You can enjoy a meal in a clean, friendly space filled with welcoming guests and helpful staff like Juan, who makes sure you feel comfortable and well-informed. This is a fun neighborhood spot with amazing chicken gyro pitas, lamb and rice bowls, and baklava, and it feels like the kind of place where you’d stop for a quick, satisfying meal after a long day.
The mint lemonade is fresh and delicious, and while seating is basic, the overall atmosphere is accommodating and perfect for to-go traffic.
Gyro Guys Scarsdale
$ | (281) 484-3224 | WEBSITE
At Gyro Guys Scarsdale, you can order a lamb gyro or a chicken rice platter with extra white sauce. And that’s because this is neither a fancy sit-down spot nor a rushed fast-food joint. It’s a family-run Mediterranean place in Pearland, and in addition to various flavorful gyros, you can also get some Mint Lemonade w/ LOVE here and enjoy your meal in their calming atmosphere.
Chances are you don’t know a single person who knows about this unlikely takeout gem – so take advantage of this the next time you’re driving around Pearland and need a break from all the chain restaurants.
Shawarma Cafe & Chocolatier Stop
Maybe you’ve never heard of Shawarma Cafe & Chocolatier Stop. That would make sense, seeing as how it’s in a quiet part of Pearland that isn’t really near any major attractions. But this is a great place to know about, especially if you ever find yourself craving Mediterranean food late at night and need a nearby spot that isn’t full of people complaining about the prices.
It’s a cozy cafe with a small but comfortable interior, it’s perfect for a casual meal, and there’s a charming patio in the front sitting on what’s probably at least one thousand square feet of Pearland greenery.