Mediterranean in Myrtle Beach

By Becky Billingsley

If you're hungry for Hummus, seeking Shawarma or fancying Falafel, there are several excellent restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area where you can enjoy Mediterranean cuisine.

Diner at the Beach, 105 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, (843) 839-2032, delivery available

This newest addition to the area's Mediterranean and Middle Eastern choices is brought to us by Inbal Bresnahan, an Israeli native whose parents are both chefs. They taught her well, because her dishes are some of the best in town.

She cooks vegetarian delights like delicately crunchy and flavorful Falafel (Falafel Balls are like a Middle Eastern version of hushpuppies, only instead of Southern cornmeal, falafel is made from chickpeas or fava beans) and meats such as exotically flavored Shawarma (grilled turkey pieces). And while she has Stuffed Grape Leaves, Kebabs and fresh chopped Israeli Salad topped with Tuna Salad, she also serves unique dishes like Shakshuka (Poached Eggs in house-made Moroccan Salsa) and, on Fridays, Moroccan Fish and freshly baked Challah bread. If someone in your party isn't adventurous, she also has Schnitzel Fingers and Hamburgers.

Jerusalem Restaurant, 1007 Withers Dr., Myrtle Beach, (843) 946-6650

Since 1996, Jerusalem Restaurant has offered dishes from Omelets and Falafels to Schnitzel and Shawarma. Those who want to avoid crowds can go for lunch and experience breakfast all day, sandwiches, exotic appetizers, plenty of vegetarian choices and an array of dishes with international influences. A market to the right of the front door contains dozens of Jewish specialty foods including couscous, spices, mini croutons, matzo crackers, matzah ball soup mix, menora candles, split peas, lentils, cocoa spread, olives, and even laundry products with Hebrew writing on them.

Breakfast is served all day, and choices include the House Omelet Plate, Malawach (fried bread served with tomato dip), Shakshuka and egg plates with interesting side dishes. On Sundays sweet Jahnun bread is added to the breakfast menu.

For lunch there's a sampler plate with Hummus, Tahina, Eggplant Salad and four Falafel Balls that comes with warm pita for dipping, and other appetizers include Israeli "Chop-Chop" Salad, Rice and Beans, Spicy Moroccan Cigars, Stuffed Grape Leaves and Kubah (dough filled with a meat/pine nut mixture).

Dinner plates come with fries, rice and beans and a dinner salad, and choices include Shawarma, Chicken Liver with Grilled Onions, Grilled Chicken Breast or Boneless Thighs, Lamb Chops, Grilled Ribeye, Schnitzel, and whole fried Tilapia.

Habibi’s Café & Market, 3310 Waccamaw Blvd., Myrtle Beach, (843) 236-0150

Locals flock here for carry-out Gyros, Koftah Kabobs, Baba Ganough and Taboule Salad, or you can enjoy the dishes in-house while watching Arabic music videos. Save room for dessert, because Habibi's has both Walnut and Pistachio Baklava.

Habibi’s is also a Middle Eastern Market. A few items on the shelves are spices, dried fruits, tahini, tapenade, pickled wild cucumbers, vermicelli, preserved whole apricots, whole strawberry jam and whole fig jam, Moroccan sardines, pickled chankliche (spicy preserved yogurt balls – think strong cheese), hot pepper sauce, fava beans, brown bulgur, three colors of lentils (green, orange, yellow) Turkish apple tea, and melon seeds (extra spicy).

Pacino's Mediterranean Grille, 3103 U.S. 17 Business S., Garden City, (843) 651-0532

The owner is Lebanese, so the menu includes some of her favorite native dishes such as Falafel, Baba Ghanouj and Stuffed Grape Leaves.

But wait! The chef specializes in Italian fare, so the menu also offers Veal Saltimbocca, Lasagna and Grouper Piccata. Bonuses: Early dining specials and live entertainment Thursdays through Saturdays.

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