Ahmad Saimeh, owner of Fatoush Mediterranean Grill & Caf, is so eager to share his cooking style with his customers that he provides complimentary bowls of lentil soup—made with potatoes, carrots, cilantro, garlic and onion—with every meal. The gesture, he said, is meant to give customers a taste of what his food is like, introducing them to cuisine that is not common, even in Houston's diverse restaurant scene.

Saimeh opened his restaurant in April 2013, converting the previous buffet-style eatery into the Mediterranean grill it is now. The switch represented a commitment to serving food fresh, he said.

"I don't believe in buffets," he said. "I believe in freshness. I want to target people who appreciate that taste."

Before opening up Fatoush, Saimeh worked at Jerusalem Halal Meats, a popular shop among Arab, Muslim and Indian residents in the Houston area. He also spent time running his own meat market in Houston. Saimeh said his experiences at these locations have made him a familiar face in the Mediterranean and Arabic communities.

In addition to being the owner, Saimeh is the head chef and plays a role in every aspect of running the restaurant.

Everything at Fatoush is made from scratch, from stuffed grape leaves to falafel and homemade desserts, such as baklava. Saimeh installed a charcoal grill soon after opening to assist in cooking kebabs and other dishes with chicken, beef and lamb.

All dishes come with rice, grilled vegetables and a side order. The restaurant also offers fresh juices. A special cocktail features a blend of banana, apple, orange, strawberry and milk, topped with whipped cream, nuts and fruit.

Future plans involve expanding the menu to other cuisines, including seafood and some burgers. However, Saimeh said it is important his restaurant maintains its own identity.

"I am growing customer by customer," he said. "People might not know much about this kind of food, but after they try it, they want to try more."

Owner recommendations

Mixed grill kebab—skewers of beef, chicken and kofta—a ground meat mixed with beef and lamb—served with rice and grilled vegetables ($13.99)

Gyro—lamb meat in a pita with tzatziki sauce, lettuce, tomato and onion, served with hummus and fries ($8.99)

Shawarma—made with beef or chicken grilled on a vertical rotisserie and served with hummus and a salad ($9.99)

Mediterranean cuisine terms

Fatoush—a type of salad featuring lettuce, parsley, tomatoes, cucumber and toasted bread.

Halal—indicates a menu item that has been prepared according to certain religious standards involving how the animal was slaughtered.

Patio and hookah

Since opening the restaurant, Ahmad Saimeh has built a front patio, which he uses for nighttime entertainment, including live DJs. The patio also has an area where patrons can smoke from hookahs. Future plans include bringing more entertainment programs, such as belly dancing. Saimeh may also build another covered patio for the winter. Flat-screen TVs, which are located throughout the restaurant to broadcast sporting events, are on the patio as well.

Fatoush Mediterranean Grill & Caf

16310 FM 529, Houston 832-593-7771Hours: Sun.–Thu. 11 a.m.–1 a.m., Fri.–Sat. 11 a.m.–2 a.m.