Restaurants

The Tour Stops

Hungering for the goodies from our Middle East Marathon? Here's where to head.

By Elaine T. Cicora 

Al's Deli -- 55 Erieview Plaza, Suite 130, 216-589-9223, www.als-deli.com. This bright, airy deli near the Galleria offers a solid menu of salads, soups, sandwiches, and breakfast items, along with a handful of homemade Middle Eastern specialties. Inexpensive. Hours 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Ali Baba Restaurant -- 12021 Lorain Ave., 216-251-2040. Small, homey, and one-of-a-kind, chef-owner Linda Kihm's small Lebanese eatery has been an anchor of its West Side neighborhood for 25 years. Hours are subject to change without notice; calling ahead is essential. Inexpensive. Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday; dinner 4 p.m. until closing Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Assad's Bakery -- 12719 Lorain Ave., 216-251-5777, www.assadsbakery.com. This family-owned and -operated bakery and market offers a full line of Middle Eastern staples, including prepared foods for carryout and plenty of freshly baked pita. Inexpensive. Hours 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Falafel Café -- 11365 Euclid Ave., 216-229-9540, www.falafelcafecleveland.com. Friendly, casual, and collegiate, this Lebanese café near CWRU makes a great hangout for hungry students and faculty. Inexpensive. Hours 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Juji's at the Statler -- 1127 Euclid Ave., 216-685-1557. The "something for everyone" menu at this downtown café and deli offers burgers, soups, salads, sandwiches, entrées, and breakfast options interspersed with Middle Eastern faves. Inexpensive. Hours 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

Judy's Oasis Stands -- A-6 and A-7 at the West Side Market, 216-252-3444. Judy Khoury's market stand is a longtime favorite for Middle Eastern fare, including tabbouleh, labneh, and as many as nine different flavors of hummus. Inexpensive. Hours 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

Maha's Falafil -- Northeast corner of West Side Market, 216-696-6999. Maha Zayed and her family have been making and selling falafel in the West Side Market for 21 years. Inexpensive. Hours 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Sahara Restaurant -- 12501 Lorain Ave., 216-671-9300. This colorful, casual West Side eatery offers a big menu of Middle Eastern fare. Moderate prices. Hours noon to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Monday.

Tannour Mediterranean Cuisine -- 30519 Pinetree Rd., Pepper Pike, 216-360-9160. Welcoming and well-appointed, this pleasant suburban oasis offers a full lineup of Middle Eastern standards along with an assortment of familiar American fare. Moderate-expensive. It's closed for remodeling for the next few weeks, but its regular hours are: Lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday; dinner 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; brunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Taza Lebanese Grill -- 28601 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere, 216-464-4000. The beautifully appointed sister of the more casual Aladdin's outposts, Taza offers an expansive Middle Eastern menu in a handsome suburban setting. Moderate-expensive. Hours 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.