Built on tradition, Zabak's Mediterranean Cafe is a combination of young urban Houston with old world recipes and flavors. Siblings Peter, Sandra and Donald Zabak have brought family expertise to the table as the trio grew up in the restaurant business with family-owned Mama's Po-Boy.
Their parents, George and Karimeh Zabak, of Palestinian descent, operated the deli for nearly three decades and served some Mediterranean favorites on their menu, including their signature falafel sandwich.Continuing the legacy, this second generation family-run Cafe features the authentic and flavorful Middle Eastern recipes their Palestinian parents cooked at their family's eatery and at home.
Their parents, George and Karimeh Zabak, of Palestinian descent, operated the deli for nearly three decades and served some Mediterranean favorites on their menu, including their signature falafel sandwich.Continuing the legacy, this second generation family-run Cafe features the authentic and flavorful Middle Eastern recipes their Palestinian parents cooked at their family's eatery and at home.
Reviews (28)
Hunter K.
Jan 21, 2022
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Lance Campbell
Jan 18, 2022
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Niki Monceaux
Jan 04, 2022
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My most favorite place in all of Houston. Sandra and her family are some of the nicest folks you'll ever meet. When you walk in the door, you seriously feel like you're with family. The greek salad topped with gyro meat is OUTSTANDING! I eat it at least once a week. They really have it down with the falafel too. Great little hidden treasure.
Greg
Dec 31, 2021
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Alexis Vargas
Dec 27, 2021
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Zabaks is the place that easily become a place of comfort, family, and home. The owners, the employees, and their delicious Mediterranean food stands out amidst the sea of restaurants on Westheimer. Next time you’re searching through reviews on restaurants, please take my word as you’ll have a wonderful dining experience at Zabaks. I usually order the Shish Kabob, Chicken Kabob or the Chicken Caesar Wrap depending on what I’m craving. I almost always make sure to leave with a Chocolate Walnut Brownie!! I love the brownie so much that on my wedding day I made sure to stop by and get one from
Robyn H.
Oct 17, 2021
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We had the pleasure of dining in here today and absolutely enjoyed everything we ordered. The falafels were the best Ive ever eaten and the cucumber and tomato salad was on point. My husband had the gyro sandwich and a greek salad, both very tasty. We ended with the pistachio baklava which was beyond yummy. The owners were lovely! We would definitely recommend and will be back next time we are near the area. Thanks Zabaks!!
Neil Gandhi
Oct 16, 2021
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Whenever we get the chance, my wife and I love to come here. Among the things to love with this restaurant beyond the typical fresh food, the variety of choices you get (especially us being vegetarians), the true definition of being a small business, is that the brother and sister who runs this place are truly the best ever!
They always listen to us with whatever changes with what to make to the order - add this, less that, whatever, and somehow it goes beyond our imagination. It is not the fact that they use the freshest ingredients BUT it is the simple fact that they care. You see it. Always
They always listen to us with whatever changes with what to make to the order - add this, less that, whatever, and somehow it goes beyond our imagination. It is not the fact that they use the freshest ingredients BUT it is the simple fact that they care. You see it. Always
Sonali P.
Oct 08, 2021
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Niki M.
Sep 27, 2021
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Hands down my most favorite spot in all of Houston in any genre of food. The owner, Sandra makes you feel as if you're a member of family the second you open the door. I stopped in one day to try their falafel. I'd never had it before and they claimed to have the best. I've tried others since and and I can confirm hers....is the best!!!!!! Their gyro is the best I've ever had as well. Loaded with the most tender meat and just the right amount of tsatziki. So so good. Don't leave without trying the pistachio baklava. So dang good. I could honestly go on for days but you
Lili G.
Aug 17, 2021
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The owner of the restaurant welcomed us right in so cheerfully. We chatted with her a bit more and she explained her menu and said their falafel was famously known and they did not disappoint! They were the best I've ever tasted! The family recipe has been made since the 70's
The little jalapeño kick in our second batch was pleasantly unexpected.
The little jalapeño kick in our second batch was pleasantly unexpected.
Jeannie P.
Aug 11, 2021
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So order to-go here about 3 x a week. The food is fresh, affordable, consistently good and the service is excellent. They really go out of their way to make sure the food is ready and on time by asking me my arrival time so it'll be warm and fresh.
I usually order the gyro, beef shawarma, fries and extra Tzatziki sauce.
I usually order the gyro, beef shawarma, fries and extra Tzatziki sauce.
Curtis C.
Aug 06, 2021
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Loved this place. Walked in they were playing Christian music that's plus. Their food was amazing and their portion size was perfect. Got the Hummus as an appetizer was excellent and a lot of food. Got the Chicken Kabobs and the were perfect. The side was tomatoe and cucumber salad was very good also. Lady working the counter was amazing. Would love to have this place in the Mont Belvieu/Baytown area.
Dawn Doleh
Jul 01, 2021
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Stopped for lunch and what a lovely find! Great food-by far the best middle eastern cuisine we have had since moving to TX 2 yrs ago! Just wish they were closer to us! Fast super friendly service and great food and prices. Everything was delish and so fresh. Y'all need to visit. We will return soon for sure!
Kate D.
Jun 16, 2021
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M. H.
Jun 06, 2021
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The guy at the counter who took our order was funny ( I suspect the owner ) They didn't have anything beef, guess the meat purveyor was short today. Food was pretty mediocre tbh only stopped there because I was SO hungry, it was in the area and I remembered my great meal from Phoenician the week before so saw it was similiar dishes and decided to give it a go. Wouldn't recommend, there is so much choice for good food in the neighborhood I'm really surprised they are still surviving.
Akhilesh B.
May 22, 2021
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Brittany M.
May 08, 2021
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We came here because of the good reviews and they were right this place did not disappoint. Everything was clean. The food is so delicious and people very friendly! We walked in and told the guy this is it first time here and if he had any suggestions. He was so friendly giving us suggestions and describing the food and flavors. Give this place a try you'll love it!
Janhvi I.
May 06, 2021
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Joan Cotton
May 03, 2021
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Zabak's is our favorite Mediterranean restaurant in Houston. The owners are super sweet and have mastered the art of customer service. Their recipes have been passed down in their family for generations, and you can definitely tell they put a lot of love in this family tradition.
Everything I've had here is delicious. Don't forget to try the pistachio baklava, it's my favorite!
Everything I've had here is delicious. Don't forget to try the pistachio baklava, it's my favorite!
Kelsey Morris
May 01, 2021
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Sandra is awesome! She definitely helped me (a first timer) pick out what to get from the menu. The falafel sandwich was to die for! The vibe was super cute. A lot of regulars definitely come by here, everyone seemed to know one another! Very welcoming atmosphere, flavorful food, will definitely come back here again!
Cruz R.
Feb 18, 2021
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Suzanne T.
Feb 01, 2021
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Alfredo C.
Jan 13, 2021
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Not just good. Outstanding. Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in the middle of Houston. Who knew? This was our first visit so we tried the falafel plate, and the beef Shawarma plate. Sides were hummus, baba ghanouj, Greek salad, tabouli. Everything was excellent. So of course, we will have to come back on our next trip. So much goodness coming out of one tiny kitchen.
Serena Cheng
Dec 28, 2020
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Leticia A.
Nov 14, 2020
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Went here for the first time today as I was craving Mediterranean food for dinner and this place was close by. I ordered the chicken Shawarma plate with Basmati rice and boy oh boy it was so good and the portion size is perfect for the price. The guy on the register was so nice. I was watching him help the guests in front of me who obviously was having hard time deciding what to order but he was patient and made several suggestions. I will definitely return for the customer service alone!
Deborah O.
Apr 28, 2020
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The following review is based on my uber eats delivery experience.
I ordered the gyro plate for lunch with a side of tabouli and rice. It came with small slices of pita a pickle and the tzatziki sauce.
I didn't like that the pita was so small and sliced up but it was delicious. I found the gyro to be very dry (which is unexpected usually for a gyro) but tasty.
Additionally the rice I expected was not what I received but this could very well be due to the uber eats. My tabouli was perfect but the meal itself was hard to eat because of the dry gyro.
Wouldn't mind trying a dine-in experience
I ordered the gyro plate for lunch with a side of tabouli and rice. It came with small slices of pita a pickle and the tzatziki sauce.
I didn't like that the pita was so small and sliced up but it was delicious. I found the gyro to be very dry (which is unexpected usually for a gyro) but tasty.
Additionally the rice I expected was not what I received but this could very well be due to the uber eats. My tabouli was perfect but the meal itself was hard to eat because of the dry gyro.
Wouldn't mind trying a dine-in experience
Michelle W.
Mar 01, 2020
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Decided I was in the mood for Mediterranean after a week of barbecue. So glad we happened to pass for the first place we were looking for and found this. We got there a hour before closing. The staff was extremely friendly and in a great mood even towards the end of the night. I will definitely be going back.
Started off sharing the small Greek salad with my boyfriend. The crunchy pita croutons were awesome. It added just enough crunch to the salad.
For the dinner I had the chicken shawarma plate. I loved the sauce. It was awesome. Those grilled onions were so yummy. I liked it with the rice
Started off sharing the small Greek salad with my boyfriend. The crunchy pita croutons were awesome. It added just enough crunch to the salad.
For the dinner I had the chicken shawarma plate. I loved the sauce. It was awesome. Those grilled onions were so yummy. I liked it with the rice
Karyn K.
Jan 02, 2020
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