Jaime AlfaroCraving the rich, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right in Texas? Luckily, San Antonio has a surprisingly robust culinary scene filled with smoky kebabs and creamy hummus.
However, finding the best Middle Eastern restaurant in San Antonio means sorting through dozens of local spots to uncover the true gems that serve authentic meals.
To help you out, I explored the city to find the places that cater to families and dietary seekers alike. Let me guide you through the city’s finest offerings so you can plan your next delicious flavor hunt with confidence!
How much does dining in a Middle Eastern restaurant cost in San Antonio?
Middle Eastern dining in the city typically ranges from $10 to $25 per person, depending heavily on whether you grab a quick lunch special or sit down for a full specialty dinner.
| Dining Type | Average Cost |
| Budget/Casual | $7 – $15 |
| Mid-Range | $15 – $25 |
| Buffets | $19 – $26 |
| Specialty/Upscale | $25+ |
1. Chef’s Table Turkish Mediterranean Grill
Website: chefstableturkish.com
Address: 1546 Babcock Rd #102
Contact: +1 (210) 664-5100 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Saturday 11:00 AM–9:00 PM | Sunday 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
Finding a spot that strictly adheres to dietary laws while delivering massive flavor can be challenging. Fortunately, Chef’s Table Turkish Mediterranean Grill verifies every meat selection to meet full Zabiha Halal standards.
They even cook every skewer over real oak charcoal for a deep, smoky finish. You can easily taste the dedication to authentic heritage flavors in every single bite.
During a recent visit, I grabbed a quick lunch here and immediately noticed how the traditional cooking techniques outshone those of commercial fast food. The fresh bread paired beautifully with the signature adana kebabs!
I also appreciate that they avoid pre-made crusts by mixing and hand-shaping their dough fresh every morning.
While the food is deeply satisfying, their strict refusal to use automated equipment means you might experience slower service speeds during busy lunch rushes.
Relying entirely on traditional methods ensures quality but requires a bit of patience if you’re already starving.
The flavors were exquisite
This restaurant far surpasses other Turkish establishments I’ve experienced. The service was not only prompt and friendly but genuinely welcoming; a stark contrast to the sometimes indifferent service one can encounter in some Middle Eastern restaurants. What truly impressed me, though, was the food. The flavors were exquisite, the quality of the ingredients exceptional, all offered at incredibly reasonable prices. It exceeded my expectations on every level.
- Mayne Williams | Google Reviews
Really superb
Really superb. Delicious bread, great middle eastern appetizers, wonderful grilled veggies and lamb. The menu is so varied that a vegan and meat lover could break bread gracefully. Our waitress was fab, and since several of us are new regulars she knew both our tastes and made us feel very welcome.
- Julia Rolf Selwyn-Laun | Google Reviews
2. Selda Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar
Website: seldamediterraneansatx.com
Address: 9955 I-10 W
Contact: (210) 236-5230
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
Diners seeking a meal that feels like a true cultural event will appreciate Selda Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar’s meticulous approach.
The chefs here treat each dish as an artistic narrative. They focus heavily on striking the perfect balance of sweet and savory notes throughout the menu, and every plate deeply reflects authentic Turkish culture through carefully selected ingredients.
Here, the dedication to traditional roots creates a memorable dining session. The approach here reminded me of the highly rated Indian restaurants in the city.
Planning a special occasion with them requires some advance foresight, however. Their administrative team responds with significant delays, sometimes taking up to five business days to respond to catering questions or feedback.
We had been to the previous restaurant Sevin and were surprised to find out it had closed. We were hoping Selda would match the quality and attentiveness of the previous restaurant and were not disappointed. The food was done well and the wait staff was awesome. If you like Middle Eastern/Turkish food you should definitely try Selda. You will not be disappointed!
- Keith Parker | Google Reviews
We opted to share our plates with each other so we could enjoy a variety. There was not a single item that was not delicious! The Baba Ghanoush was so smoky and creamy, some of the best I have ever had. The Ezme spices were warm and addicting and the Turkish meatballs were so juicy!
The show stopper though was dessert – Turkish tea with Bosnian Hurmasica!!! It’s like tres leche x10!! A total treat!! So glad we happened by and we will be back!
- Chrissy Haynes | Google Reviews
3. Tripoli’s Middle Eastern and North African Cuisine
Website: tripolistogo.com
Address: 11726 Alamo Ranch Pkwy Suite 100
Contact: (210) 645-4450
Hours: Wednesday to Monday 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
Families seeking hearty, shareable platters can dive into generational recipes that go far beyond standard Mediterranean fare.
Tripoli’s menu introduces diners to specialized North African pastas simmered in hearty broths.
Some highlights include unique regional specialties like Embattan, a comforting dish of potato slices stuffed with ground beef and baked in a rich tomato sauce. You can also order the grand communal meals crafted from authentic Libyan family recipes.
I stopped by to pick up dinner for a small gathering, and the fragrant hand-rolled semolina pasta coated in onion stew was a massive hit. The robust flavors provide a fantastic window into a distinctive culinary heritage.
Just keep in mind that spontaneous cravings are slightly trickier to satisfy here since their online system requires advance scheduling.
Highly recommend this restaurant
The service from everyone we encountered was very welcoming, kind, and prompt. The food came out fresh, hot, and delicious. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who loves middle eastern food, or anyone who hasn’t tried it yet!
- Abbygail | Google Reviews
Some of the best I’ve had
It’s a North African/Middle Eastern restaurant with a focus on Lybian cuisine, and does not disappoint. The hummus was some of the best I’ve had in a long time, and the portions were so large I had to take half of mine home.
The wait staff were also incredibly nice, welcoming, and helpful (my boyfriend had limited experience with Middle Eastern cuisine and the waitress explained the menu very well)
Will definitely be returning.
- Susannah Scheller | Google Reviews
4. Pasha Mediterranean Grill
Website: gopasha.com
Address: 9339 Wurzbach Rd
Contact: (210) 561-5858
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
Pasha Mediterranean Grill is a local favorite founded by two rival business owners who decided to work together. Their collaboration resulted in a menu that intentionally combines Persian and Arabic flavor profiles.
The silky hummus and fresh naan here are made from scratch daily, so these are must-tries! Diners also frequently crave the handmade baklava sourced directly from their highly respected sister bakery.
However, the dynamic menu draws huge crowds during peak hours. Much like securing a coveted reservation for an exclusive omakase dinner, getting your hands on their most popular dishes requires good timing.
Their popularity also often leads to frustrating ingredient shortages on their digital platform. Several signature items frequently show up as completely out of stock when ordering online, forcing you to pivot your dinner plans at the last minute.
The naan is so good
Good prices, great food, awesome service. Highly recommend if your interested in middle eastern food. The naan is so good. I just wish they offered a mixed grill platter, because its usually my go to at middle eastern places.
- Jessica Walton | Google Reviews
Loved the food
I went there for dinner. Each table gets a Naan and a special middle eastern mixture of cheese, olive oil and a special spice. Ordered chicken shawarma and asked the waiter to cut in half so I could share it and he brought us two plates. Also ordered beef sambousa and it was delish. Also the salad dressing is so delicious 😋. Loved the food.
- Sudi Arvin | Google Reviews
5. Mediterranean Turkish Grill
Website: mediterranean-turkish-grill.goto-where.com
Address: 8507 McCullough Ave Suite B13
Contact: +1 210-399-1645
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:00 AM–9:30 PM | Friday to Saturday 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Navigating a group dinner with overlapping dietary needs is much simpler when the menu explicitly caters to diverse preferences, as at Mediterranean Turkish Grill.
Here, they import genuine regional flavors while providing clearly designated halal and meat-free options. Every guest is immediately welcomed with warm, house-made bread paired with seasoned oil to start the meal.
The kitchen focuses exclusively on serving iconic staples that capture the essence of Turkish culinary culture. You get to enjoy richly marinated meats that highlight the region’s robust profile.
Plus, the interior atmosphere feels exceptionally accommodating for both solo diners and larger family gatherings.
If you love modifying your meals, though, you might feel slightly restricted by the setup. The restaurant doesn’t offer secondary tabletop sauces, so guests can enjoy the established flavor profiles exactly as the chefs intended.
What an awesome, hole in the wall, Mediterranean cuisine. You will not be disappointed. Turkish coffee was the bomb. The mixed meat plate, Turkish pizza, and Salmon was so unique and full of flavor. We also sampled the five dips and each was outstanding. Very ambient and relaxed.
- Jeffrey Carter | Google Reviews
The Mediterranean Turkish restaurant offers an authentic dining experience featuring traditional Turkish Mediterranean cuisine. Located in a quieter section of a shopping area, the restaurant boasts a pleasant ambiance and is well-maintained, with a clean interior that adds to its appeal.
- Bert Fears | Google Reviews
