Craving Mediterranean flavors is one thing, but committing to a full feast is another. Maybe you’re meeting a friend who’s always late, or trying that new diet where you only eat small plates. You need a spot where the hummus flows freely, but you’re not locked in for three courses. Here are Burien’s top Mediterranean gems where you can dip, nibble, and escape gracefully.
Gyro First
$ | (206) 292-5822 | WEBSITE
This Burien spot serves authentic Mediterranean food that tastes like it came straight from someone’s kitchen. It feels like a place you’d go for a quick, satisfying meal, maybe because of the visible reminders that good food doesn’t need to be complicated. Get a chicken gyro sandwich and share the Greek fries with garlic sauce and cheese, a.k.a. crispy potatoes with creamy dip.
Other menu highlights include the crispy-on-the-outside, moist-on-the-inside falafel, the perfectly grilled shawarma chicken wrap, and (if you’re really hungry and want to make a meal of it) the generous Falafel Plate with fresh salad and pita.
Mawadda Cafe Burien Mediterranean Greek foods
$ | (206) 462-1316 | WEBSITE
A perfect spot to swing by for a satisfying meal before you head home and swap your workday stress for some comfort food. Dishes here range from the standout gyro meal with its perfect beef-lamb blend and amazing fries to juicy Chicken Shawarma and light, fluffy falafel, and there are so many options that you can mix and match different Mediterranean favorites every time you visit.
Minna Mediterranean Restaurant
$ | (206) 577-8021 | WEBSITE
Chances are, you’ve wandered into Minna Mediterranean Restaurant, Burien’s welcoming neighborhood spot, to grab a quick bite while running errands. But we recommend treating this as a destination in itself, especially if you like flavorful dishes made with fresh ingredients, warm service that makes you feel at home, or both.
Homer
$$$ | (206) 785-6099 | WEBSITE
Homer is on this list for three reasons. First, the hummus here is a standout dish with interesting flavor combinations. Second, you can order tasty Mediterranean dishes like charred beets and burnt cabbage to remember. Third, the lively ambiance gives you a vacation feeling.
Gyros Place
$ | (206) 682-2721 | WEBSITE
At Gyros Place, they’ve mastered the art of the Greek gyro perfectly. This clean and friendly restaurant has reasonably-priced generous plates like chicken or beef gyros, Greek potatoes, and the best thing here: Fakes Lentil Soup. Plus, their $9 falafel sandwich and gyros with freshly grated feta cheese could count as a light meal if you share. You just probably won’t want to.
Alexandria Mediterranean Cuisineقاسم ابو الكص
$$ | (253) 220-8547 | WEBSITE
For authentic Mediterranean flavors like dolmas, baba ganoush, and falafel, head to Alexandria Mediterranean Cuisine. While it’s a cozy little café in Burien, it never feels cramped and works perfectly if you’re seeking a relaxed spot. Savor the delicious soup and the beef kabobs by yourself – there’s basically no chance someone just grabbing fast food will be here.
Iyad’s Syrian Grill
$ | (206) 403-0687 | WEBSITE
Iyad’s Syrian Grill is a popular food truck on Vashon Island where you can get delicious Mediterranean cuisine cooked to order. The best part about this place, though, is the gyro filled with hot lamb, savory sauces, lettuce, and pickled veggies that customers return for on every visit.
If you’re tired of the same old takeout, change things up here with generous portions of absolutely delicious food like the best falafel they’ve ever had and divine baklava, all in a warm, welcoming atmosphere where most dine outdoors at nearby picnic tables.
Miss Cafe
$ | (206) 485-7044 | WEBSITE
A meal at Miss Cafe feels like a visit with family, mainly because this place is in a cozy-looking spot in the heart of the city. But it differs from (most) real homes in that there’s a chef from Maraş to bring authentic Turkish flavors to your table as you savor your lahmacun pretending to know about Middle Eastern cuisine. There’s great outdoor seating, too, so keep this in mind for warm-weather gatherings.
Cafe Paloma
$$ | (206) 405-1920 | WEBSITE
Another cozy spot for a satisfying meal – this time, of the Mediterranean variety. You’re here for the mezze platter with Mercimek Kofte, Muhammara, olives, and piping hot pita bread, the lamb kofta, or one of the rotating rice plates (the portions are pretty generous, so they still feel satisfying). Bonus: during Happy Hour, falafel and beet salads are $8 each.
Mawadda Cafe
$ | (206) 760-0911 | WEBSITE
Mawadda Cafe is a solid pick if you’re after something that feels casual but still delivers on flavor. It’s a bright spot with cozy tables, an open kitchen, and warm lighting. The Mediterranean dishes on the menu here are fantastic, from the acclaimed spanakopita to the spicy chicken sandwich with extra garlic sauce, and we strongly suggest grabbing a friend, splitting their well-received lamb shish kabob, and calling it a satisfying meal.
Gyro Heroes
$ | (206) 457-4140 | WEBSITE
We’re not claiming this list is a contest, but if we had to name a top pick for quick, satisfying Mediterranean fare, it would be this joint. The falafels and gyro fries here are outstanding, and overall, Gyro Heroes feels like it could quickly become your go-to spot. The newly remodeled space, while simple, is clean and orderly, with comfortable seating that makes dining in a pleasure—perfect for grabbing the chicken shawarma sandwich, hummus plate, or those must-try Greek fries to share.
If you’re really hungry, don’t miss the Arabic shawarma, a unique twist that hits the spot.
Zig Zag Cafe
$$ | (206) 625-1146 | WEBSITE
Of course you’re going to be tempted to try the craft cocktails at a place known for them, but the Fish and Chips at Zig Zag Cafe delivers in a way that even creative drinks can’t compete with. It has perfect breading and tender fish, with a side of crispy fries. It’s substantial enough to be a satisfying meal, so that it pairs nicely with one of their signature cocktails. Going for a happy hour special and a hamburger is also a very good option.
MedMix Jackson
$ | (206) 325-5642 | WEBSITE
MedMix Jackson is a Mediterranean takeout spot where generous portions double as lunch and dinner – and are luckily as far as they go with the “mix” concept. You order at the counter here, so grab a plate of kababs and/or some fresh pitas (like the juicy chicken and perfect lamb with great rice), and let the friendly staff handle your order as the day progresses.
Gyro Saj
$ | (206) 695-2405 | WEBSITE
This Mediterranean spot in downtown Burien has something for everyone, from the generous gyro platters with fresh vegetables to the perfectly seasoned gyro fries that customers rave about. If you’re not really hungry at all, you could even order some of their famous baklava to finish your meal. The halal options are excellent, whether you go for the classic meat gyro or one of their satisfying vegan alternatives.
The staff’s hospitality shines through in every visit, with their polite service and kind attention making you feel right at home. With no stairs and wheelchair accessibility, it’s a welcoming destination for all Mediterranean cuisine lovers.
Gyro station
$ | (253) 277-7570 | WEBSITE
Mediterranean spots, like Gyro Station, were made for this exact purpose. Their menu ranges from the best falafel to flavorful shawarma, and the generous portions make it one of our favorite spots for a great quick bite. Plus, they have plenty of vegetarian options like vegan wraps and fried cauliflower with tahini sauce.
Gyro Shawrma Inc
$ | (206) 708-6964 | WEBSITE
If you thought your only options in Burien were chain restaurants and fast food, we have good news for you: this Mediterranean gem exists. The way to do this place is to order a regular gyro sandwich and jumbo extra meat shawarma, get a side of crispy seasoned fries, and just be thankful you discovered such satisfying food. The tender, flavorful meat and large portions make every bite worth it, all in a clean, organized environment with friendly service that feels genuinely welcoming.
At around $12-15 per meal, it’s a reasonable price for food this good—definitely on par with the best gyro spots around.
Mediterranean Mix
$ | (206) 341-9265 | WEBSITE
Last time you grabbed lunch on the go, you ended up with something bland and overpriced, and spent the whole afternoon dreaming of falafel. This time, try Mediterranean Mix. The quick counter service is efficient, and not only is there food—but the food is really good. Get a falafel sandwich or a chicken shawarma plate, maybe some gyro and fries, and everyone will be satisfied.
Phoenecia
$$ | (206) 492-5694 | WEBSITE
If you’re looking for a Mediterranean feast to indulge in, this is it. There’s a fantastic cocktail selection and some solid mocktails, and you can now make reservations. Expect a lively atmosphere perfect for impressing out-of-towners or just catching up with that random friend you haven’t seen in months over some pesto risotto with prawn, saffron chicken pasta, and/or a great spicy sausage pizza.