Birmingham’s Mediterranean food scene is quietly one of the most underrated things about eating in this city. From no-frills spots with cult followings to sit-down restaurants doing serious Greek and Middle Eastern cooking, there are more great gyros in Birmingham than most people realize. Here’s where to find them.
Makarios
If you only go to one spot on this list, make it Makarios. It’s not on a main drag or in a fancy shopping center — finding it requires a little effort, which somehow makes it better. The name comes from the Greek word for “blessed” or “happy,” and that is genuinely how people describe feeling after eating here. The gyros are the draw: tender, well-seasoned meat, excellent tzatziki, and pita that holds everything together the way it should. The falafel plate and chicken kabobs have their own devoted fans too. This is the kind of place that becomes a standing weekly order once you discover it.
The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill
Consistently one of the top-rated gyro spots in the city, The Great Greek brings a polished, full-service approach to Greek cuisine. The traditional lamb and beef gyro is the flagship — generous, well-spiced, served with fresh toppings and tzatziki that has real body and flavor. The menu extends well beyond gyros into souvlaki, spanakopita, and baklava, making it a solid choice for a full lunch or dinner rather than just a quick bite. Reliable, consistent, and worth the trip.
Falafel Cafe
Don’t let the name fool you — the gyros here are as good as the falafel, and that’s saying something. Falafel Cafe has been a Birmingham favorite for years, built on a foundation of fresh ingredients, generous portions, and prices that make it easy to become a regular. The lamb gyro is the move, served in warm pita with tomato, onion, and a generous pour of tzatziki. The mint tea is a non-negotiable addition.
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe
Born right here in Birmingham in 1998 and now with locations across the South, Taziki’s earned its following the old-fashioned way — by being consistently good. The gyro wrap is a lunch institution for the Over the Mountain crowd, and for good reason: fresh ingredients, house-made tzatziki, and a clean, light approach to Mediterranean food that holds up whether you’re eating in or taking it back to your desk. Multiple local locations make it one of the easiest options on this list to work into your routine.
Gyro’s Cafe
A no-frills neighborhood spot that has built a loyal following on the strength of its food alone. The gyro wrap is a standout — well-seasoned meat, fresh vegetables, and tzatziki in warm pita — and the beef kabob plate is worth ordering if you want something more substantial. The smoothies are a bonus that surprises people. Don’t come for the ambiance; come for the food, and you will not be disappointed.
Olive Branch
Olive Branch leans into the full breadth of Mediterranean cooking — Lebanese, Greek, and Middle Eastern influences all find their way onto the menu. The gyros here sit alongside shawarma, hummus, and kebab plates in a lineup that rewards the curious diner. It’s a good choice when you’re with a group that wants to share and explore, and the quality of the ingredients shows throughout.
Al’s Deli and Grill
A Birmingham institution that locals have been counting on for years. Al’s is the kind of spot that’s easy to overlook from the outside and impossible to forget once you’ve eaten there. The gyros are classic and well-executed, the portions are honest, and the prices make it easy to come back often. A reliable staple for anyone who takes their Mediterranean food seriously.
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