Let’s talk about Austin’s evolving food scene. If you ask anyone from out of town what to eat while visiting, they’ll point you straight to a sprawling barbecue pit or a revered taco truck. And while I will never, ever turn down a massive slice of peppery brisket, I’ve got a confession to make: my favorite way to eat through this city right now is by diving headfirst into our booming Mediterranean scene.
There is something inherently perfect about pairing the relentless Texas heat with bright citrus, generous drizzles of olive oil, smoky charred meats, and mountains of fresh herbs. Over the last few years, Austin has quietly become a serious powerhouse for phenomenal Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare. Locals are fiercely loyal to their neighborhood favorites, and the variety is staggering. Whether you want to lounge under ancient oak trees with a wildly good mezze platter or grab a quick, perfectly spiced shawarma wrap between meetings, this city absolutely delivers. I’ve spent countless afternoons tracking down the best hummus and kebabs in town, and I’m thrilled to share my regular rotation with you.
Aba Austin
If there is an anchor to the upscale side of Austin’s Mediterranean wave, it’s Aba. Tucked into the bustling Music Lane development on South Congress, this place is breathtaking. The multi-level patio feels like a secret garden, shaded by a massive heritage oak tree and draped in warm, glowing string lights. With over 7,000 glowing reviews, you might worry it’s overhyped, but the kitchen easily backs up the buzz. Their whipped feta, topped with crushed pistachios and olive oil, is practically mandatory for the table. I always steer friends toward the short rib hummus and the tamarind-glazed roast chicken. It’s vibrant, shareable food meant to be eaten slowly with a good cocktail in hand.
Tx shawarma
When I want zero pretense and maximum flavor, I head straight to West Live Oak Street for Tx shawarma. This food truck is an absolute gem in the 78704 zip code. Operating out of a modest setup, they carve off some of the most deeply marinated, flawlessly crisped meats in the city. Their chicken shawarma wrap, slicked with a garlic toum that packs a massive punch, is a weekly staple for me. The 4.7-star rating from locals speaks volumes about their consistency. It’s the kind of unpretentious street food that hits perfectly whether you’re grabbing a fast weekday lunch or soaking up a few local beers on a Saturday afternoon.
The Kebab Shop
East Austin is packed with great dining, but The Kebab Shop stands out for its fast, highly customizable, and incredibly satisfying plates. Located right on East 5th, it’s my go-to when I want a hearty dinner before bouncing around the neighborhood’s dive bars and breweries. What sets them apart is their signature "San Diego-style" touch—you can get your wrap stuffed with perfectly seasoned french fries alongside the carved doner meat. If you prefer a plated dinner, their saffron rice boxes loaded with spicy greens and a heavy pour of their cilantro-jalapeño sauce are absolutely phenomenal.
AustinMed Break LLC
With an astonishing 4.9 rating, this Halal spot on South Congress is one of Austin’s best-kept secrets. AustinMed Break is exactly the kind of local business I love to support. It feels incredibly personal, operated by folks who clearly care deeply about the food they are handing over the counter. Their gyro plates feature meat that is masterfully crisped on the edges yet tender inside, served alongside warm, pillowy pita and fresh salads that cut right through the richness of the meat. It’s an easy, unassuming stop that yields a meal you’ll be thinking about for days.
If you are planning to hit the Austin Mediterranean circuit, a little strategy goes a long way. The best time to visit places like Tx shawarma or AustinMed Break is during the late afternoon, just as the sun starts to dip and the Texas heat breaks, making outdoor picnic-table dining much more pleasant. For these more casual, food-truck-style spots, you’ll find them to be highly affordable, everyday staples where you can feast for under fifteen bucks.
On the flip side, if you are planning an evening at Aba, treat it like a proper event. Price-wise, it leans toward a splurge, and reservations are absolutely critical. You will want to book your table at least a few weeks in advance, especially if you want prime weekend patio seating during the spring or fall.
Next time you find yourself debating what to eat in the capital city, I highly encourage you to step outside the usual brisket-and-tacos routine. Go grab a wrap loaded with garlic sauce, order an extra side of whipped feta, and see for yourself why Austin’s Mediterranean scene is thriving. Let me know which spot earns a permanent place on your must-visit list!
