Bites Nearby: Alladin's Eatery

has been serving high-quality, healthful Lebanese-American fare in Lakewood since 1994.

The bright flavors of hummos, sesame tahini, fragrant olive oil, lemons, calamata olives, fava beans, feta and yogurt are among the savory tones we associate with Middle Eastern cuisines and Aladdin's Eatery has all of them. As well as their Mediterranean-spiced meats (lamb, beef, chicken), over seventy items on their menu are vegetarian or vegan, plus many items on the menu are suitable for Gluten-free, Diabetic and Heart-Healthy diets.

This is not to say that these items are secondary or boring: they are seasoned expertly with fresh herbs and spices; the accompanying pitas are warm and chewy; the smoothies are refreshing and fruity. As well as natural, fresh-squeezed juices, herbal teas, sodas and iced teas, Aladdin's does also have beer and wine.

Aladdin's, on the corner of Belle and Detroit Avenues (across the street from ), is just the place to go if you want to balance your diet- maybe even improve your diet- and still eat out.

From rolled pita sandwiches to salad pockets to specialty plates, the ingredients are fresh and the meals are reasonably-priced. A simple plate of hummos with warm pita wedges is so comforting on these chilly days, as is the lentil soup. You will not walk out of Aladdin's feeling hungry. In spite of it's vegetarian status, the Baba Falaffel Rolled Pita carries just as much heft as the Beef Kafta.

More and more people these days are discovering that their diets need to change for one reason or another and staying on the wagon is difficult: hectic days usually involve scarfing down something sub-standard for the sake of having some sustenance. Aladdin's can get you out of that rut: their menu is on-line, they have on-street parking, as well as a parking lot in the back. Take-out is quick and easy.

But Aladdin's is always populated when I drive by - shuttling my kids off to sports or running errands- and the diners are relaxed and happy, because these things are encouraged here. Maybe it's better to get the whole experience and eat in the restaurant. The wait staff are competent and friendly, the aromas are inviting and the atmosphere is quietly casual, date-friendly and family-friendly.

14536 Detroit Avenue

Lakewood OH 44107

Tel: 216-521-4005

Mon-Thur: 11am – 10:30pm, Fri-Sat: 11am – 11:30pm, Sun: 11am – 10pm

http://www.aladdinseatery.com/index.php