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.
Lua Mediterranean
405-601-4067 • 1749 NW 16th St.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.