Gazedibles: Healthy Mediterranean fare to start the new year

Often hailed as one of the healthiest ‘diets,’ Mediterranean fare is anything but boring and bland, which is a common reason people jettison their New Year’s pledges by the time February rolls around.

The new year is here to usher in all the resolutions, many of which include eating better. Often hailed as one of the healthiest ‘diets,’ Mediterranean fare is anything but boring and bland, which is a common reason people jettison their New Year’s pledges by the time February rolls around. Whether your style is Greek, Persian or perhaps Lebanese, here are seven spots around the city to find healthy, flavorful cuisine inspired from our friends out east.


click to enlarge Gazedibles: Healthy Mediterranean fare to start the new year
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Lua Mediterranean

Lua Mediterranean

405-601-4067 • 1749 NW 16th St.

luaokcplaza.com

In the heart of the Plaza District, you’ll find Lua offering a modern twist on traditional Mediterranean cuisine. From flavorful wraps to bowls of greens that excite the taste buds, the menu is filled with healthy options. Try the modern Greek salad, or the burrata salad but if you’re in need of something a bit heavier go for the shawarma bowl, which features your choice of protein over hummus and saffron rice.


click to enlarge Gazedibles: Healthy Mediterranean fare to start the new year
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Zorba’s Mediterranean Restaurant

Zorba’s Mediterranean Restaurant

405-947-7788 • 6014 N May Ave.

zorbasokc.com

Whether you start with dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) or spicy gulf shrimp and end with chicken bandarri or beef brochette, Zorba’s offers a menu of healthy eats that will ignite your palette and make hitting any diet goals a delicious piece of cake. When you do feel like treating yourself, do so with a tiramisu or a baklava creme brulee for something that’s not too “guilty.”


click to enlarge Gazedibles: Healthy Mediterranean fare to start the new year
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Mediterranean Imports, Deli & Gastro Goods

Mediterranean Imports, Deli & Gastro Goods

405-810-9494 • 5620 N May Ave.

medimportsokc.com

An OKC staple for over 40 years, Mediterranean Imports is a trusted place to find flavorful salads, savory soups and gyros fresh off the spit. Choose from any number of healthy entrees, salads and sides, then replicate your favorites at home through their gourmet deli and extensive selection of international groceries you won’t find anywhere else.


click to enlarge Gazedibles: Healthy Mediterranean fare to start the new year
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ZamZam Mediterranean Grill

ZamZam Mediterranean Grill

405-789-8008 • 3913 N MacArthur Blvd.

zamzamgrill.com

For over a decade, ZamZam has been supplying Oklahomans with fresh and flavorful cuisine and a space to relax and connect. Among the highlights of their delicious menu is a selection of kabobs. Try the marinated shrimp with a fattoush side salad or skip the kabobs and go straight for the lamb chops, either way you get a healthy protein packed meal that will leave you feeling full.


click to enlarge Gazedibles: Healthy Mediterranean fare to start the new year
Photo provided
Shawarma & Co.

Shawarma & Co.

405-286-1646 • 14600 N Pennsylvania Ave.

shawarmaandcompany.com

Brothers Mohammad & Odai Abuobead wanted to put a fresh focus on beloved family recipes, so they founded Shawarma & Co. to share their love of Mediterranean street food with OKC. From classic shawarmas and hearty wraps to bowls packed to the brim with tabouli, hummus and baba ganoush, there’s something healthy and delicious for everyone.


click to enlarge Gazedibles: Healthy Mediterranean fare to start the new year
Photo provided
Haydeh’s Bistro

Haydeh’s Bistro

405-231-4976 • 7202 W Hefner Rd.

haydehsbistro.com

In this bright little bistro, you’ll find Haydeh herself serving up traditional Persian cuisine, including savory kabobs, fresh salads, and savory falafel. For something both healthy and refreshing, try the Persian salad made with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, parsley and lemon juice. The baba ganoush features roasted eggplant in rich spices, served cold with pita bread.


click to enlarge Gazedibles: Healthy Mediterranean fare to start the new year
Photo provided
Nunu’s Mediterranean Cafe

Nunu’s Mediterranean Cafe

405-751-7000 • 3131 W Memorial Rd.

nunuscafe.com

Using recipes passed down through generations, Nunu’s relies on fresh and healthy ingredients to create a flavorful menu that is 90 percent gluten-free and caters to carnivores, vegetarians and vegans. In this bright and colorful space you’ll find freshly made salads, soups, hummus and much more. Whether you like them stuffed with beef or without it, the cabbage rolls might become your new favorite comfort food.



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