10 North Carolina Spots Bringing Palestinian Flavors To The Table, And Some Have Surprises Worth The Drive
I thought French toast had already shown me everything it could do.
Then kenafa entered the conversation.
A Palestinian pastry known for its stretchy cheese and sweet syrup has found its way onto a breakfast plate in North Carolina, and that sent me looking for more.
What I found was much bigger than one clever dish.
Family kitchens, coffee counters, markets, and food trucks are carrying Palestinian flavors across the state in ways that feel personal rather than polished for trendiness.
I keep coming back to the idea of recipes traveling that far and still holding onto their identity.
Some stops are easy detours.
Others might require a proper road trip.
Either way, this is the kind of list that makes me want to clear a weekend and start eating my way across North Carolina.
10. Astra Restaurant And Lounge
Uptown Charlotte has plenty of polished dining rooms, but few end a meal with signature knafeh. Astra leans proudly into its Palestinian roots, and you can taste that pride from the first plate.
The place is family-owned and Palestinian-owned. That matters here, because the kitchen treats classic flavors with real care.
Start with the labneh appetizer, a tangy, creamy spread that begs for bread. Then move on to the shawarma, which is one of the dishes the restaurant is best known for.
Save room, seriously. The knafeh is the headliner, and desserts such as warbat, a cream-filled pastry, give sweet-toothed visitors another reason to save room.
Coffee lovers get their own treat with a pistachio latte. It pairs nicely with something sweet if you want to linger after dinner.
Astra feels upscale without getting stuffy.
Hours stretch until midnight most days, which is great news for late eaters. Saturday evenings are the busiest stretch, so plan ahead or book a table.
Yes, reservations are accepted, which makes group dinners much easier. Expect table service, a relaxed mood, and several vegetarian options, including falafel, hummus, salads, and grilled vegetable dishes.
Outdoor seating is available when the weather cooperates. Takeout and delivery work if you’d rather eat your knafeh on the couch.
For a North Carolina night out with Palestinian flavor at the center, this one is hard to beat. Just don’t share the dessert unless you really mean it.
Address: 529 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202
9. Jerusalem Market On Elm
A garage-door window and brick walls set the stage on downtown Greensboro’s busiest strip. Inside, the recipes trace back to the Old City of Jerusalem.
The family story starts with the original Jerusalem Market, founded in 1989. This Elm Street spot opened in 2016, and brothers from the same family keep the tradition rolling.
The menu covers wraps, bowls, and entrees, so you can go light or go big. The shawerma is slowly roasted on a rotating spit in the Old City style, while the chicken, lamb, and kofta kebabs are grilled.
Vegetarians, you’re in luck. The Jerusalem Classic sampler brings hummus, tabouleh, spinach pie, and falafel together on one plate.
Prefer something different? The New Jerusalem sampler swaps in baba ghanoush, yogurt cucumber dip, dolmathes, and falafel.
Spinach pie and cheese pie make easy snacks to grab. The pita chips get a dusting of za’atar, and they vanish fast.
Don’t skip the pistachio baklava. The Armenian Wrap and Deborah Salad are fun menu picks if you like trying new things.
Ordering happens at the counter, and the staff help explain the menu if you’re new to these dishes. The space is family-friendly and welcomes groups.
Street parking downtown can be tricky, so give yourself a few extra minutes. The cafe is closed Sundays and Mondays, so plan your visit around that.
It’s a smart lunch stop while exploring downtown Greensboro. Grab a seat outside if the weather’s nice.
Address: 310 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27401
8. Asali Desserts & Cafe
Kenafa French toast is real, and it lives in Cary. If that sentence made you hungry, you already understand this cafe’s whole mission.
Asali is Palestinian-owned and built around creative fusion desserts. The bakery mixes Palestinian classics with American favorites in ways that feel playful.
Look for the kenafa cheesecake and a baklava cheesecake. A chocolate tahini tart adds a nutty twist to a chocolate fix.
The Palestinian-style kanafeh holds its own too. Traditional and inventive sweets sit side by side here.
Not into sugar before noon? Savory picks include za’atar pie, tomato feta pie, tabbouleh, hummus, and lentil soup.
Guests looking for traditional Middle Eastern sweets can try almond lady fingers and pecan bird’s nests, although those following a vegan diet should confirm the ingredients before ordering.
Doors open at 7:30 AM on weekdays, making it an easy breakfast stop. Friday and Saturday nights run until 11 PM for late dessert runs.
Bring the laptop if you need a work spot with free Wi-Fi. Specialty coffee and a solid tea selection will keep you going.
Weekend afternoons get busy, while Mondays tend to be calmer. Ordering is at the counter, so grab a seat once your treats are ready.
Custom cakes and catering are available for parties. It’s one way to make a birthday feel very North Carolina and very Palestinian at once.
Address: 107 Edinburgh S Dr Ste 106-A, Cary, NC 27511
7. Habibi Grill & Bakery Fayetteville, NC
Kebab skewers and fresh-baked flatbread share top billing on Bragg Boulevard. Habibi Grill pulls double duty as a restaurant and a bakery, so you get two reasons to stop.
The food leans Palestinian Mediterranean, with generous portions and bakery items made fresh. It’s a satisfying detour if you’re driving through the Sandhills.
Start with man’oushe za’atar, a flatbread topped with the herby, tangy spice blend. It’s simple, savory, and hard to stop eating.
Grape leaves and baba ghanoush make a great shared plate. Tabouli brings bright, herby crunch to round things out.
Then there are the kebab skewers, the dish the restaurant highlights most. Order a few and pass them around the table.
Thirsty? The menu includes Vimto, a fruity drink popular across the Middle East.
It’s a fun pick if you’ve never tried it.
Families will feel right at home. High chairs, a kids’ menu, and changing tables make life easier with little ones.
Reservations are accepted, which helps with bigger groups. The parking lot is free, and space is usually easy to find.
Hours run from 10 AM to 10 PM daily. That wide window works for lunch, dinner, or a late bakery run.
The space even works for catching a game on TV. Kebabs and sports, honestly, a strong combo.
Address: 2724 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
6. Global Suq Halal Mediterranean Market & Grill
Mansaf on a grocery store menu? In Durham, that’s exactly what you’ll find at this Palestinian-owned market and grill.
Mansaf is Jordan’s national dish, a celebrated platter of lamb, rice, and tangy fermented yogurt sauce that is also enjoyed in Palestinian communities. Spotting it at a counter-service grill feels like a lucky break.
The chicken shawarma bowl is the other big draw. It’s a quick, filling lunch you can grab and go.
Don’t rush out after eating, though. The grocery side is clean, well stocked, and packed with Lebanese and Palestinian goods.
Browse the spices, then swing by the fresh produce. You might leave with dinner plans for the whole week.
Breakfast people, take note. Doors open at 8:30 AM most days, which is early for a shawarma spot.
Plan around Tuesdays, since the market is closed that day. Sundays open a bit later and close at 8:30 PM.
Weekend afternoons and Sunday evenings pull the biggest crowds. Weekday mornings tend to be calmer if you like to shop slowly.
Parking is easy, with a free lot, a garage, and street spaces nearby. Outdoor seating is available too.
Vegetarian choices include falafel, mujadara, hummus, and several salads, while vegan diners should check individual ingredients before ordering.
Address: 105 W Cornwallis Rd, Durham, NC 27707
5. Aladdin’s Shawarma
Seasoned fries next to shawarma might be the smartest pairing in Greensboro. Aladdin’s Shawarma builds its reputation on both.
This Palestinian-owned kitchen serves Middle Eastern favorites, including shawarma, kebabs, falafel, and traditional appetizers.
The Shawarma Plate is a solid first order. It comes with hummus and falafel, so you sample a little of the best stuff at once.
Feeling extra hungry? The Kofta Kabob XL comes boxed up and ready to tackle.
Those seasoned fries deserve their own moment. Add them to anything and thank yourself later.
Families fit right in, with high chairs and a kids’ menu on hand. Groups are welcome, and reservations are accepted.
You can order at the counter or sit for table service. Curbside pickup is also an option when you’re in a hurry.
Timing matters here. The restaurant is closed Mondays, and Sundays run from noon to 9 PM.
Tuesday through Saturday, the doors stay open until 10 PM. Weekend afternoons and Friday evenings get the busiest.
Free parking makes the stop easy. If you’re hitting the halal market next door, you can knock out errands and dinner together.
Address: 5103 W Market St A, Greensboro, NC 27409
4. Arabelle
Finding Arabelle takes a little planning, since this Wilmington food business serves Palestinian-inspired cuisine through scheduled food truck stops and community events rather than regular restaurant hours.
Its changing locations give food lovers a reason to check the schedule before planning a visit.
At the heart of it is a host devoted to preserving and sharing Palestinian heritage. The food is how that story gets told.
Appetizers are the big draw here. Small plates make it easy to order a spread and share.
The baba ghannouj is the star of the show. Handcrafted and smoky, it’s the dish people talk about most.
Comfort food and healthy options both have a place on the table. You can eat light or settle in for a hearty midday meal.
Check Arabelle’s latest event announcements before visiting, since its availability and service locations can change.
Kids are welcome, so the whole crew can come along. Free parking is available in the lot and on the street.
It’s a rare find in North Carolina, and that’s half the fun. Show up hungry on a Sunday and let the baba ghannouj do the talking.
Address: 4107 Oleander Dr Ste J, Wilmington, NC 28403
3. Al Ramleh Roastery // محمص الرمله
Named after the Palestinian city of Ramla, this Charlotte roastery wears its roots right on the sign. The Arabic name sits beside the English one, a small detail I love.
Beans get roasted on-site, so the coffee here starts fresh. Artisanal sweets and nuts round out the lineup.
Karak tea is a must-order. It’s a spiced, milky tea that’s rich enough to feel like dessert.
Speaking of dessert, the roastery offers baklava, ma’amoul, chocolates, and other Middle Eastern sweets. Pair it with a coffee and you’ve got a perfect evening.
Night owls, rejoice. The shop opens at 7 AM Monday through Thursday and stays open until 11 PM.
Friday and Saturday hours stretch from 7 AM until midnight, giving evening visitors extra time to enjoy coffee and sweets.
This is a Palestinian-owned business with a strong sense of culture. It feels like a taste of the Middle East in University City.
Don’t leave without checking out the nuts. They make a great snack for the ride home or a gift for a friend.
Sundays run shorter, from 10 AM to 10 PM. Thursday mornings are the quietest if you want a calm coffee break.
Free parking is easy to find on-site. Grab a seat inside or take your karak to go.
Address: 9510 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28213
2. Mediterranean Deli, Bakery, and Catering
A schoolyard falafel stand in Qalqilya, Palestine, is where this Chapel Hill story begins. The owner grew up in Qalqilya, Palestine, and later brought those flavors to Franklin Street.
The deli has been feeding the area since the early 1990s. It’s family-owned and still going strong decades later.
The in-house bakery turns out fresh pita, including gluten-free versions. That bread is the backbone of so many dishes here.
Fatayer is a standout, with savory fillings tucked into baked dough. The Turkish soujouck fatayer is a fun pick.
Big appetite? Try the lamb and beef gyro or the chicken souvlaki platter.
The salad case is huge, with daily specials too. Tabouli, bean salad, and couscous make easy add-ons.
There’s also a free bar of olives, sauces, and pickles. Load up your plate and nobody will judge.
Ordering is counter-style, and the setting is large and informal. It’s a favorite with college students, groups, and visitors.
Parking near campus can be a challenge, so walk if you can. Outdoor seating works when the weather is nice.
Finish with cheese baklava for something a little different. Catering is available, and a second location sits on NC State’s campus in Raleigh.
Address: 410 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
1. Le Kebab Grill
Garlic sauce may be the secret weapon at this Charlotte counter. It shows up beside kebabs, shawarma, and falafel, making each bite better.
Le Kebab Grill serves halal Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food, including shawarma, kebabs, falafel, and traditional rice dishes. The setup is casual, but the flavors come through loud and clear.
Chicken and beef kebabs are the main event. Lamb shawarma is another strong choice, seasoned with care.
Want a fun twist? Order the shawarma over hummus for a hearty, scoopable plate.
Lentil soup is a comforting starter, especially on a chilly day. Tabouleh salad adds a bright, fresh touch.
The menu goes beyond the basics too. Lamb chops, kibbeh, and broasted chicken all make an appearance.
Portions are generous, so bring a friend or a takeout box. Yellow rice and pita round out the meal nicely.
Families have it easy here. High chairs and a kids’ menu are available, plus free Wi-Fi.
The restaurant’s official website lists daily service, although visitors should confirm Tuesday hours before making a special trip. Friday and Saturday hours stretch to 9:30 PM.
It’s a great final stop on any North Carolina Palestinian food tour. Save room for baklava and a cup from the tea selection.
Address: 350 E McCullough Dr, Charlotte, NC 28262
