Bites Nearby: Wafa’s Mediterranean And Lebanese Cuisine

Some restaurants have such loyal customers that they follow them down the street. Then they express glee on various foodie websites after the re-opening.

Such is the case with Wafa’s, which moved to a larger place further down Metropolitan Avenue a few months ago, but continues to live up to its motto: Fresh, health and delicious.

Let’s begin with the appetizers. The Hummus ($5) consists of finely ground chick peas blended with sesame paste, lemon juice and garlic served with pita bread. Other $5 options are six Grape Leaves, stuffed with rice, onions, parsley and tomatoes; Okra, sautéed with onion, garlic, tomatoes and cilantro; and Babaganoush, baked eggplant ground with sesame paste, lemon juice and garlic. The Tabouleh is a mixture of chopped parsley, onion, tomatoes and wheat germ swimming in lemon juice and olive oil and served with pita.

For $6, the Fattoush brings lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, radish, parsley, sumac and pita chips with pomegranate juice and olive oil. Mujadarah is a combination of wheat germ with lentils and caramelized onions.

And at the $8 level, the Mousakaha includes eggplant, chick peas and garlic sautéed in olive oil and pomegranate juice.

Cheese Pies and Spinach Pies are $1.50, while the Meat Pies are $2 and the Chicken Pies are $4.50.

The main dishes are basically sandwiches. The Shwarma (which can also be spelled Shawerma or Shawrma and is basically the same as a Greek Gyros) comes in two forms: spiced chicken ($6.95) and lamb ($7.95).

The Falafel ($5) features ground balls of fried chick peas with parsley, onion and spices. The Kibbe ($9.95) includes beef and pignoli nuts baked in a meaty bulgur wheat roll and served with a choice of hummus, babaganoush or tabouleh.

Patrons also have make-your-own-platter options. Any three vegetarian dishes cost $9.95. With a side of lamb or chicken, the price jumps to $12.95.

Address: 100-05 Metropolitan Ave.

Phone: 718-880-2055.

Hours: Closed on Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. other days.

Specials: Online ordering is coming. Gift cards are available.