Top 10 Amazing Middle Eastern Restaurants In Vancouver
A staple in Vancouver’s Middle Eastern dining scene, Nuba serves fresh and healthy Lebanese food across its multiple locations. The restaurant is celebrated for its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and an array of vegetarian and vegan options. Traditional Lebanese favorites such as Falafel, Hummus, and Tabbouleh are balanced with bold meat dishes like Lamb Kibbeh and Chicken Tawook. With a commitment to sustainable and health-conscious dining, Nuba has become a favorite for anyone seeking delicious yet wholesome Middle Eastern food in Vancouver.
Specialties: Falafel, Chicken Tawook, Hummus
Why Visit: Vegan-friendly and locally sourced ingredients, perfect for health-conscious diners.
Location: Multiple locations (Gastown, Mount Pleasant, Kitsilano)
Website: Nuba
SABA FOODS – YEMENI CUISINE
As the first Yemeni restaurant in Vancouver, Saba Foods has quickly gained a reputation for its authentic Middle Eastern flavors, offering a unique glimpse into the cuisine of Yemen. Located conveniently across from the theater, Saba Foods offers a menu that includes signature dishes like Haneeth (slow-roasted lamb), Mandi, Fava Bean Stew, and the ever-popular Grilled Lamb Ribs. The restaurant takes pride in offering halal options, making it a popular spot for the local Muslim community and food lovers seeking a genuine Middle Eastern dining experience.
Specialties: Lamb Haneeth, Chicken Mandi, Fava Bean Stew
Why Visit: The First Yemeni restaurant in Vancouver, offering traditional Middle Eastern dishes with a focus on halal customers.
Location: Vancouver (Across from the theater)
Website: Saba Foods
JAMJAR CANTEEN – LEBANESE COMFORT FOOD
For a casual yet flavor-packed experience, Jamjar Canteen offers a modern take on Lebanese food. With its menu designed around vibrant and hearty dishes, it’s a go-to spot for those seeking a fast, casual meal without compromising on taste. Popular dishes include Beef Shawarma Bowls, Lamb Kofta, and House-made Hummus. With sustainability at its core, Jamjar emphasizes waste reduction by using biodegradable packaging and offers refillable mezze jars.
Specialties: Beef Shawarma, Kofta, Mezze
Why Visit: Casual dining with eco-friendly packaging, great for quick and flavorful meals.
Location: Multiple locations (Commercial Drive, South Granville)
Website: Jamjar Canteen
MEDINA CAFÉ – MEDITERRANEAN MEETS MIDDLE EASTERN
Known primarily for its brunch, Medina Café in Vancouver also brings a delightful Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influence to its menu. Famous for its Moroccan Tagine, the café serves dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of the Levant and North Africa. From Harissa-spiced chicken to Lamb Merguez Sausages, Medina combines bold Middle Eastern flavors with a cozy café ambiance.
Specialties: Moroccan Tagine, Harissa Chicken, Lamb Merguez
Why Visit: Ideal for brunch with a Middle Eastern twist, Mediterranean fusion dishes.
Location: Downtown Vancouver
Website: Medina Café
EAST IS EAST – MIDDLE EASTERN FUSION
Inspired by the culinary traditions along the Silk Road, East Is East fuses Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Central Asian flavors into a rich dining experience. With its immersive décor and live music, the restaurant offers an engaging dining experience that transports you across regions. Popular dishes include Silk Road Feast (a tasting menu) and Lamb Kebab. The menu is designed to cater to a wide variety of tastes, with many vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Specialties: Silk Road Feast, Lamb Kebab, Lentil Daal
Why Visit: A blend of Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Central Asian cuisines, with a lively ambiance and tasting menu.
Location: Kitsilano and Main Street
Website: East Is East
WILD THYME – LEBANESE CULINARY TRADITION
Renowned for its dedication to Lebanese culinary tradition, Wild Thyme combines authentic flavors with a warm, inviting ambiance. Located in New Westminster, this eatery crafts each dish by hand, with a particular focus on their signature Man’oushe — a Lebanese flatbread baked in a brick oven. The toppings range from classic za’atar and Lebanese sausage to fresh greens and herbs, creating a truly satisfying experience. Generous portions and fresh ingredients make Wild Thyme a standout, particularly popular with families and groups.
Specialties: Man’oushe, Lebanese Sausage Flatbread, Lamb Kibbeh
Why Visit: Handmade Lebanese flatbreads, vibrant flavors, and large portions ideal for sharing.
Location: 705 12th Street, New Westminster
Website: Wild Thyme on Facebook
AFGHAN HORSEMEN RESTAURANT – AFGHAN AND MIDDLE EASTERN CUISINE
A long-standing institution in Vancouver, Afghan Horsemen Restaurant offers a blend of Afghan and Middle Eastern dishes. The restaurant is famous for its Kabuli Palaw (a fragrant rice dish with raisins, carrots, and lamb), Mantoo (Afghan dumplings), and Shami Kebabs. The décor transports you to the Middle East with cozy cushions and tapestries, making it a unique dining experience that combines the best of Afghan and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Specialties: Kabuli Palaw, Mantoo, Shami Kebabs
Why Visit: A cozy ambiance with traditional Afghan and Middle Eastern dishes.
Location: Granville Island
Website: Afghan Horsemen
ZEITOON RESTAURANT – PERSIAN FAVORITES
For a taste of Persian cuisine, Zeitoon offers a menu rich with flavors from Iran and the Middle East. Dishes like Koobideh Kebab, Lamb Shank, and Fesenjan (pomegranate walnut stew) are served with fragrant saffron rice and fresh herbs. Zeitoon’s focus on high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes makes it a popular spot for Persian and Middle Eastern food lovers.
Specialties: Koobideh, Fesenjan, Lamb Shank
Why Visit: Authentic Persian dishes with a Middle Eastern twist, high-quality ingredients.
Location: North Vancouver
Website: Zeitoon Restaurant
MAZAHR LEBANESE KITCHEN – LEBANESE HOSPITALITY
Located in downtown Vancouver, Mazahr Lebanese Kitchen offers an authentic Lebanese dining experience with a menu that includes Mezze Platters, Shish Taouk, Kebabs, and more. The ambiance is warm and inviting, reflecting the restaurant’s emphasis on Lebanese hospitality. Perfect for sharing, their mezze platters are a hit with groups looking to sample a variety of flavors.
Specialties: Mezze Platter, Shish Taouk, Kebabs
Why Visit: Traditional Lebanese dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere, great for group dining.
Location: Downtown Vancouver
Website: Mazahr Lebanese Kitchen
YASMA – LEVANTINE CUISINE
Yasma specializes in Levantine cuisine, with a menu influenced by the flavors of Lebanon and Syria. Known for its rich and flavorful dishes like Fatteh, Shawarma, and Labneh, Yasma offers an upscale dining experience with a modern twist on traditional Middle Eastern dishes. Their carefully curated wine list and craft cocktails complement the meals, making it an ideal spot for a special evening out.
Specialties: Fatteh, Shawarma, Labneh
Why Visit: Upscale dining with a modern take on traditional Levantine flavors, excellent wine and cocktail list.
Location: Coal Harbour
Website: Yasma Restaurant
CONCLUSION: EXPLORING MIDDLE EASTERN FLAVORS IN VANCOUVER
Vancouver’s Middle Eastern food scene is rich with diversity, offering everything from casual street food to fine dining experiences. Whether you’re craving the authentic flavors of Lebanon, the bold spices of Yemen, or the comfort food of Syria, these top 10 Middle Eastern restaurants bring the best of the region to the city.
For those seeking a memorable and authentic Yemeni experience, don’t forget to visit Saba Foods for a true taste of Yemen in Vancouver. From our signature Haneeth to flavorful Mandi, we offer dishes that will leave a lasting impression on your palate.
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