Birmingham, ALMediterranean

Eli’s is a family run Israeli kitchen rooted in recipes handed down through owner Eli Markshtien's family. Grilled meats, falafel, hummus, salads, and warm pita create a generous table, with organic ingredients shaping much of the cooking. The Highway 280 dining room feels welcoming and personal rather than polished for effect.

Makarios is a Five Points fixture for kebabs, shawarma, hummus, salads, and filling combination plates. The menu makes it easy to mix grilled meats with bright vegetables, rice, and creamy dips, whether the meal is quick or shared. Late hours and generous service give the neighborhood a dependable independent option.

The Pita Stop has carried Lebanese and Mediterranean cooking in Southside since 1977. Kebabs, kibbeh, stuffed grape leaves, hummus, and pita anchor a menu that feels built through repetition and family memory. The dining room retains the comfortable pace of a true neighborhood institution near UAB.

The Olive Branch is a family owned Cahaba Heights restaurant where kafta, shawarma, hummus, tabbouleh, and grilled vegetables form a colorful spread. Portions invite sharing, and the kitchen keeps herbs, citrus, char, and spice in balance. It works as comfortably for a casual lunch as for a table filled with small plates at dinner.