5 reasons Mesa is a mecca for Mediterranean goodness

In addition to being heart-healthy, Mediterranean food is delicious. (I salivate as I write.) It’s my absolute favorite kind of food that I have no idea how to cook, so I don’t exaggerate when I say I am an expert on Mediterranean cafes on the Westside of El Paso, my home turf. There is not a Mediterranean restaurant on the Westside I haven’t tried.

Here are five spots I whole-heartedly recommend.

1. Nour Mediterranean Café, 3800 N. Mesa St.

Located in the same shopping center as the sumptuous Mesa Street Grill, Nour is deservedly at the top of the list. This café wins in all categories: taste, service, and atmosphere. An inspirational quote, which is never cliché but actually enlightening, adorns the wall that leads into the kitchen, and the owner shows he cares by asking, “How was everything? How are you?” before offering a complimentary cup of Arabic coffee at the end of the meal. I’ve dined at Nour many times and the owner has never failed to come up to me and ask me for my feedback.

Image provided by yelp.com.

Aside from great service, the food at Nour cannot be beat. Before ordering, patrons are given a complimentary basket of pita bread and garlic base. Please, give me a moment to gush about the garlic base. There’s nothing like it at any other café. If you’re not a fan of garlic, it’s lost on you, but if you like strong flavors, there’s nothing better.

Before you even start on your entrée, you’ll be in love. I know I was.

Image provided by groupon.com.

Gyro sandwich: $5.99 plus tax; fries or soup is $1.99 extra

Falafel sandwich: $4.99 plus tax; fries or soup is $1.99 extra

Grape leaves: $6.99 for five

2. Jerusalem International Foods and Grill, 5360 N. Mesa St.

Located just blocks from the Montecillo entertainment district and the site of Alamo Drafthouse, still under construction, is Jerusalem International Foods and Grill, a restaurant combined with a boutique grocery store. Were it not for Nour’s angel of an owner and it’s addictive garlic base, Jerusalem Grill would be first on the list.

Jerusalem wins in all categories, as well: taste, service, and atmosphere. The restaurant is slightly bigger than Nour and has more room for big groups. And after eating, you can peruse the grocery store, which sells all the ingredients needed to make a Mediterranean meal for yourself at home.

Image provided by soffiawardy.com.

Gyro sandwich: $8.99 plus tax; includes rice, fries or salad

Falafel sandwich: $8.99 plus tax; includes rice, fries or salad

Grape leaves: $5.40, including tax, for seven

3. Sinbad World Cuisine, 2716 N. Mesa St.

Restaurants come and go, but Sinbad is a constant. This is where I first ate Mediterranean food as a girl. Sinbad wins two out of three: taste and service. Admittedly, the atmosphere is lacking, with little having changed in the past few years. Sinbad is more of a lunch place than a fine dining spot for date night. But when alone and just in need of a quick meal, Sinbad is a great choice. Service is quick and friendly, and the food is superb.

Image provided by tripadvisor.com.

Gyro sandwich: $5.49 plus tax; or $8.99 plus tax to include fries and a drink

Falafel sandwich: $4.99 plus tax; or $8.99 plus tax to include fries and a drink

Grape leaves: $5.49 plus tax for seven, or $10.99 plus tax for 14

4. Zino’s Greek and Mediterranean, 7040 N. Mesa St.

Better known to the general public is Zino’s Greek and Mediterranean restaurant, located in a shopping center near Coronado. Zino’s wins in all categories: taste, service, and atmosphere. Zino’s has the brightest atmosphere of all listed. The blue and white décor gives you a real sense of being in Greece. In addition to having great service and great food, Zino’s has the greatest online presence. On the Zino’s Facebook page is the café’s full menu and hours of operation. There’s no guessing game here.

Image provided by tripadvisor.com.

Gyro sandwich: $6 plus tax

Falafel and hummus sandwich: $6 plus tax

Grape leaves: $6 plus tax for six

All sides are added separately.

Add fries for as little as $2, or $3 for a full basket of fries.

5. Salma Farrah’s Mediterranean, 4126 N. Mesa St.

Hidden away behind The Singapore Café is Farrah’s Mediterranean restaurant. Farrah’s wins in all categories: taste, service, and atmosphere. However, there’s nothing here that makes it stand out amongst the others. Although, it did make the cut. Some restaurants did not make the list due to bad service.