Restaurant Review: Middle Eastern Cuisine at Yildizlar Restaurant in Houston

On a recent trip to Houston with my family, we were famished from our flight and trek from the airport. After checking into our Montrose area hotel, it was 2:30 in the afternoon -- not prime time for most restaurants, but while driving north on Kirby we noticed Yildizlar Mediterranean Grill in a shopping village at the intersection of Kirby and Richmond. My love of Middle Eastern cuisine and good instincts told me to take a chance on this little cafe, despite the fact that it's not terribly eye-catching from the street. According to the owner, Yildizlar means "Stars" in Turkish, and this modest cafe was a shining star during our visit in its own humble way.

Upon entering Yildizlar, we noticed the restaurant was nearly empty due to the mid-afternoon hour, but we didn't let that dissuade us. The decor at Yildizlar is a little outdated, but the tables and chairs were clean and reasonably maintained. We walked up to the counter where an array of vegetables dishes, salads, rice and other sides were neatly presented in a serving case. A quiet, but friendly, employee welcomed us and awaited our lunch orders. My family was in the mood for some sandwiches to tide us over until dinner, and the sandwich offerings at Yildizlar did not disappoint us! Whether you desire beef, chicken or lamb, or if you're vegetarian or vegan, there are quite a few offerings to choose from.

Middle Eastern cuisine offerings at Yildizlar are versatile, but surprisingly uncomplicated. If you're going for lunch, you'll be very satisfied with just a simple sandwich (we had several varieties: Gyros (a mixture of beef and lamb), Falafel and chicken shawarma). Our falafel and shawarma sandwiches came in large, flat pita bread rounds that were rolled tightly with tahini sauce, pickles and pickled turnips. Yum! I was comfortably full after this sandwich and felt the tastes of the falafel and dressings melded perfectly together. My husband's gyros sandwich came in a thicker pita bread that was folded in half, with similar condiments. If we had been hungrier, I would have opted for one of the side salads ($2.49) that were displayed in the case: the tabbouleh, Greek salad, Lebanese salad and lentil salad all looked colorful and fresh (but we'll have to try them on our next trip to Houston). The sandwiches range from $4.99 to 6.49, with plates starting at $8.49 to 11.49. Other mid-east specialties include stuffed grape leaves, kibbi balls (vegetarian) and Spinach pie.

The owner was quiet and attentive, and personally prepared and delivered our dishes to the table. When I remarked that my falafel sandwich was delicious, he beamed and disappeared into the kitchen. A few minutes later, he reappeared at our table with a complimentary plate of hummus (a chickpea spread) and toasted pita chips. It was a small gesture, but meaningful to me for its hospitality and charm. The hummus was a delicious side dish and the four of us enjoyed every mouthful!

Other offerings at Yildizlar that look tempting are their Half Roasted Chicken ($9.99 a plate) and Kabob Station ($6.49 sandwich/ $11.49 and up per plate). A variety of specialty beverages including rose water, Jallab drink, Yogurt drink, Orangina and Turkish coffee are offered starting at $1.99. I was pleasantly surprised to see grape leaves, hummus, and falafel on the kids' menu ~ what a refreshing change from chicken fingers!

The decor at Yildizlar is somewhat outdated, modest and unassuming. You can tell that the most important items on the agenda here are the food and the customers. The restroom is functional (not charming), although clean and stocked with the necessities.

Bottom Line: In my own hometown, there aren't many family-owned middle eastern restaurants, but if I lived anywhere near Yildizlar in Houston, I would definitely be a regular customer! I plan to return to Yildizlar to try some more of the house specialties. The owner was friendly and told me that Yildizlar is a Turkish name, but that he is originally from Lebanon. I replied that the Lebanese are known for their tasty cuisine, and he smiled modestly.

I give Yildizlar Restaurant 4 stars for its tasty food and friendly owner. A great food find for weary travelers indeed!

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Yildizlar Mediterranean Grill
3419 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098
(713) 524-7735