Middle Eastern cuisine is a delectable tapestry of fresh ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and bold spices. With 18 countries comprising the Middle East, it’s no wonder that this cuisine is diverse and distinctive. Enjoy world-famous dishes like falafel, hummus, shish kebabs, shawarma, and pide. Let the flavours of olive oil, sesame seeds, fresh herbs and an array of spices, like saffron, cumin, coriander, turmeric and nutmeg, transport you to the beautiful cultures of the Middle East.
We’ve put together a list of the top 10 Middle Eastern eateries to try out in Joburg.
1. The Shawarma Co.
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The top-rated Middle Eastern eatery in Joburg, The Shawarma Co., is nestled in the busy streets of Norwood. Whether you’re hungry for a quick breakfast, midweek lunch, or gearing up for a night out, enjoy their selection of iconic Middle Eastern dishes such as shawarma, falafel feasts with hummus, haloumi, and more. They offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menu options, and you can choose to dine in or order online.
- Ratings: 4.3 on Tripadvisor; 4.5 on Google
- Where: 71 Grant Avenue, Norwood, Johannesburg, 2192
- Operating times: Daily from 7 AM to 9 PM
- Best dish according to customers: Steak and shawarma
2. Istanbul Kebab
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Proud to serve up traditional Turkish and Mediterranean Halaal dishes, Istanbul Kebab uses authentic recipes and techniques with the freshest ingredients. Great for special occasions, like date night or birthdays, you can choose between two locations, one in Sunninghill and one in Melrose Arch. Their menu is extensive, from pide to shawarma, and baklava to traditional Turkish drinks.
- Ratings: 4.5 on Tripadvisor and Google
- Where: Village Shopping, 97 Edison Cres, Sunninghill, Johannesburg; Melrose Arch, Melrose Square, Johannesburg
- Operating times: Sunday to Friday: 11 AM to 9 PM; Saturday 11 AM to 10 PM
- Best dish according to customers: Kebabs, pide, platters
3. Liban Cafe
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Serving authentic Lebanese cuisine in the heart of Parkhurst, Liban Cafe specialises in hot and cold mezze and grilled platters. Their food is halal and made with authentic Lebanese spices and techniques.
- Ratings: 4.0 on Tripadvisor, and 4.5 on Google
- Where: 38 4th Ave, Parkhurst, Randburg, 2193, South Africa
- Operating times: Tuesday to Sunday: 11 AM to 11 PM, closed on Mondays
- Best dish according to customers: Beef shawarma and sharing platters
4. Amman
Set in the bustling Fordsburg, Amman is renowned for its authentic charcoal-grilled shawarma made with secret marinades and a lot of care. The menu is filled with top-selling dishes, including flame-grilled beef, lamb, and chicken shawarma.
- Ratings: 4.5 on Google, and 3.5 on Tripadvisor
- Where: 48 Central Rd, Fordsburg, Johannesburg, 2033, South Africa
- Operating times: Daily from 9 AM to 9 PM
- Best dish according to customers: Beef shawarma
5. Shawarma Syrian Rose
A gem in Joburg, Shawarma Syrian Rose is best known for making authentic Syrian laffa bread made fresh, right in front of customers. Take your pick between their famous chicken or beef shawarma with fresh laffa, or choose from lamb kebab, kofta kebab, chicken tikka, and falafel shawarma-style wraps.
- Ratings: 4.6 on Google
- Where: 208 Albertina Sisulu Rd, Fordsburg, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa
- Operating times: Monday to Thursday: 10 AM to 9 PM; Friday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 9 PM
- Best dish according to customers: Chicken or beef shawarma with chips, and their strawberry milkshake
6. Anat
With over 20 locations across South Africa, Anat is no stranger to serving delectable shawarma. Their menu features many affordable options, including combo deals like the Monday Meat-free special and the daily ‘Plenty’ deal for wraps filled with chicken, beef, or falafel alongside tasty sides.
- Ratings: 4.1 on Tripadvisor, 3.7 on Google
- Where: Check out their site to find a location near you
- Operating times: Daily from 9 AM to 8 PM
- Best dish according to customers: Variety of shawarma
7. Mezepoli
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Specialising in meze with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and even Asian influences. This spot is great for business meetings and gatherings of friends and family for sharing mezes and other platters.
- Ratings: 4.5 on Tripadvisor, and 4.4 on Google
- Where: The Piazza, SL26, Whiteley Rd, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
- Operating times: Sunday to Monday: 11 AM to 9 PM; Tuesday to Saturday: 11 AM to 10 PM
- Best dish according to customers: Meze varieties
8. Teta Mari
This warm and vibrant restaurant prides itself on using the freshest and highest-quality ingredients to prepare a range of Middle Eastern and American deli-inspired meals.
- Ratings: 4.5 on Tripadvisor, and 4.4 on Google
- Where: Shop No.05, Illovo Square, Harries Rd, Illovo, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa
- Operating times: Monday to Friday: 8 AM to 4 PM; Saturday to Sunday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Best dish according to customers: Their Turkish breakfasts, freshly baked cakes
9. Tei Avon Shawarma Bistro
Serving delectable shawarma for over 10 years, Tei Avon is known for its consistent quality and fresh ingredients. The owners, a father and son power combo, have curated a user-friendly shawarma menu with additions of burgers, ribs, and a variety of tapas.
- Ratings: 4.3 on Google, and 4.0 on Tripadvisor
- Where: Zoo Lake Sports Club, Westwold Way, Parkwood, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
- Operating times: Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM to 9 PM; Saturday to Sunday: 9 AM to 10 PM
- Best dish according to customers: Classic shawarma dishes, beef ribs
10. Lokkum Turkish Restaurant
Enjoy great service and authentic Turkish food at Lokkum in Norwood. Raving reviews about their beautiful location, knowledgeable waiters, and delicious food.
- Ratings: 4.4 on Google, and 5.0 on Tripadvisor
- Where: 119 William Rd, Cnr Grant Ave, Norwood, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa
- Operating times: Sunday to Thursday: 10 AM to 9 PM; Friday and Saturday: 10 AM to 10 PM
- Best dish according to customers: Lamb shank
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