5 out of 5 stars

Looking for an affordable meal amist the yuppie eateries on Franklin Street? The authentic Mediterranean Deli is the place for you! With an immaculate selection of both vegetarian and meat dishes plus a free topping and olive bar, this deli shines.

I tried the beef shawerma plate – tender marinated beef sitting on a bed a tabouli over plenty of fresh zingy hummus that was a perfect blend of flavors. It came with a freshly baked pita bread recently out of the oven. Hubs tried a falafel salad. It was equally fresh with a variety of veggies and a light dressing. The falafel had an interesting crisp of sesame on the outside, though they were slightly dry inside. I enjoyed my meal with a sweet rosewater tea, which tastes just like it sounds.

One time I’d love to come back again when the bakery is going and order one of the crisp breads stuffed with feta and a combination of veggies and meats called a fatayer. The one I saw come out looked like a giant delicious mediterranean calzone. But also any combination of items from the deli case… how did I not try some baklava or one of the other luscious desserts?

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5 out of 5 stars

Surprisingly, this little Mediterranean cafe tucked off Falls of Neuse has wait service. We stopped in assuming we’d find your typical counter with a small menu, but we’re welcomed with a friendly greeting and led to a nice window seat. The menu is quite a few pages long, with lots of healthy choices for everyone, and the dessert case doesn’t look like it will disappoint either.

I had a hummus falafel wrap and it came with pieces of turnip and pickle as well as the delicately seasoned chickpea patties, tomato and sauce. The veggies gave it a fresh crunch and good flavor. Glen had a side salad which was crisp and nicely layered with a variety of veggies, plus a beef shawarma wrap. The beef had a pleasant seasoning, slightly tangy fro the yogurt tahini dressing. but also seasoned with hints of cinnamon or clove. Glen is quite a fan of Mediterranean so I trust him when he tells me “five stars, absolutely!”.

Check out the menu and give this place a shot, it’s a healthy affordable sit-down meal (entrees around $6) with great service.

Aladdin’s Eatery
(919) 878-7690

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3 out of 5 stars

This place is one of our regular stops because of my addiction to the pitas and hummus and hubby’s affinity for the Camille salad. It’s not groundbreaking stuff, basic salads with shredded lettuce and feta and dressing, topped with chicken. But it’s cheap and it’s fast.

I’ve had the gyro, it’s a little greasy. The falafels are ok but not amazing, I am not sure what it is about them. They seem almost too spiced for me and at times overdone. The stuffed grape leaves seem straight out of the can. But I did like the chicken kebob pita with tasty cucumber sauce. I’m happy just getting some of the fresh hummus and pita bread.

The important thing is that the pitas and lettuce and sauces are always very fresh and the employees are very friendly.

Pita Delite
8315 Creedmoor Rd.
Raleigh, NC 27613
(919) 845-1212