Bites Nearby: Aladdin's

started out in 1994, and has grown into a regional chain. This Lebanese-American restaurant has grown primarily because there is a perfect balance between traditional and new foods. Even the staunchest “meat and potato” eater will feel comfortable ordering a shish kabob with rice, and a more adventurous person might try easily recognizable foods with "new" names.

Food options have been chosen to appeal to a broad palate, including finicky kids, and those with dietary requirements. Ingredients are available but gluten free, diabetic and heart healthy foods are incorporated seamlessly. 

In addition to the good food, it’s the philosophy of fresh and wholesome dining that is attractive to all. Aladdin’s uses no preservatives in their foods. Pita bread is homemade with no fat, cholesterol or oil, and juices are squeezed fresh. The flavor of the food comes through whether you order meat or one of the many vegan/vegetarian dishes.

Soups include V-Nine (a hearty tomato-based soup) to vegetarian chili. Hummus and falafel are served along with loubie bzeit and babba for appetizers.

The main menu is divided into seven areas. Pita pitza has many variations with eggplant, feta cheese, grilled beef, chicken and chicken. Salads are meals in themselves. Aladdin’s salad is listed along with spinach salads,  falafel salad, grilled turkey salad and a nutritious fruit and nut salad.

If you are looking for a smaller version, or need to eat on the run, salad pockets might be a good choice. Although there are other variations, many of the salads listed above are stuffed into a whole pita.

Specialty salads are in their own league and much heartier options. For example, Shish Kabob salad comes with beef tenderloins and the tawook salad with char-grilled chicken.

Rolled pitas are all served slightly warm. The pita is filled with goodies such as tuna, beef, chicken, kafta, falafel or babba. Spices, vegetables and condiments are added, the pita is tightly rolled, grilled and served.

Plates and specialty plates are large warm entrees  often served with pita, rice/vermicelli. The mujadara is vegetarian with the primary ingredient of steamed lentils. Sfiha is a combination of ground beef, tomatoes and other vegetables. The Mediterranean shish kabobs has beef tenderloin seasoned with a bit of cinnamon.

To round out your meal there are fresh and raw juices, hot and cold teas, wine, beer, pop, and water.

The décor of Aladdin’s is always eye catching, but it’s the desserts that stay in your memory from the moment you walk in. Middle Eastern specialties incorporating ground nuts, honey and fillo are seen in many combinations. The chilled area of gigantic cakes is overwhelming; cheesecake to chocolate cake, they are mouth-wateringly elegant.

Don’t be shy in asking pronunciations or ingredients. You will be pleasantly surprised at tasting your favorite foods in a slightly different way.

Aladdin's, 775 SOM Center, Mayfield Village. Hours: Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.