Just a little advice: Come hungry to this Best Middle Eastern winner. Credit: Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

Best Middle Eastern: Hamsa

We highly suggest you come with a crew (or at least one very hungry dining companion) to work your way through the salatim — small plates like baba ganoush, squash tahini and matbucha (like a tomato and red pepper and tomato relish) — at this modern Israeli restaurant. Sitting next to stellar sibling bakery Bādolina in Rice Village, the concept comes from the team behind Doris Metropolitan; and just like Doris, the vibe is sophisticated and upbeat, making it perfect for lingering over that salatim (though not for long, you’ll devour it) then moving on to share plates of gloriously silky lamb hummus, garlic-butter mussels, tenderloin skewers and chicken shawarma. Pop in on Thursday nights for belly dancing and late-night drinks.

5555 Morningside
281-612-3515
hamsahtx.com

This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2022.

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