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| - I must preface by saying I have been frequenting Nate's for well over a decade. The owner is a very close friend of my family, however that has no impact what-so-ever on my review.
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Being Lebanese and having lived in the Cleveland area my entire life, there have really only been two options in Cleveland for the best Middle Eastern cuisine, both being Lebanese restaurants (Lebanese define Middle Eastern food, ask Anthony Bourdain). Besides Nate's, the other - now closed - was The Middle East Restaurant over on E.9th & Prospect. After that restaurant closed, Nate's remained as the undisputed champion of Middle Eastern restaurants in the Cleveland area.
I've been eating these foods my entire life and knowing how they SHOULD taste, I can honestly say that Nate's is truly on point in terms of authenticity. Whether it's mezza like hummus, tabouli, fattoush, baba or meals like shawarma, falafel, kefta; All are extremely tasty at Nate's.
If you're daring and not a vegetarian, try the kibbeh nayeh (if available). It's more of a delicacy and may require an acquired taste. A lot of Lebanese jokingly judge how well of a cook you are on your ability to properly (key word) prepare it. I've had it here, it is excellent. Only one place I've ever been (in the US or in Lebanon) has made it better.
All in all, Nate's is an Ohio City legend. If you haven't tried it, do yourself the flavor ;)
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