This elevated Turkish restaurant in Arlington has great decor and an authentic experience. While every dish is worth trying, from the appetizers to the desserts, the main courses marked “izgara cesitleri” (or “from the grill”) are the focus. Each one is garnished with charred and roasted green hot pepper.

Pasha Turkish Cuisine is open for takeout (call 781-648-5888), delivery (DoorDash), and indoor dining.

A popular lunch spot in North Cambridge, Mediterranean Grill is Persian-influenced and serves, as one would expect, many grilled meat offerings. The chicken and beef soltani has one skewer of chicken and one skewer of beef koobideh, the best of both worlds.

Mediterranean Grill is open for takeout and delivery (direct ordering, DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats).

Sam’s is the perfect spot to satisfy those late-night cravings, at least in non-COVID times, when the casual shop stays open until 3 a.m. on weekends. (Current hours may vary.) The counter-service restaurant lends itself well to one devouring chicken shawarma sandwiches in one’s own bliss, and the extensive menu also includes Middle Eastern-style pizza in several varieties, including one topped with za’atar, sesame seeds, and olive oil.

Sam’s is currently open for takeout and delivery.

Fordee’s has great Middle Eastern and Armenian dishes, as well as classic American deli sandwiches and burgers. Hot and cold subs aside, standout items include the losh (kafta) kebab rollup and the Syrian chicken rollup. Plus, the falafel is incredible, and at 95 cents per piece, it makes a nice accompaniment to any meal.

Fordee’s is currently open for takeout and delivery (BeyondMenu, Grubhub, Uber Eats).

Roksana’s beef koobideh is fantastic. These ground beef and minced meat kebabs tend to have a more uniform texture and are flatter than other grilled shish kebabs. At Roksana’s, the dish is served with grilled tomato and basmati rice. A suggested pairing is mast-o khiar, a cucumber and mint yogurt. Try other rotating Iranian specialties, too, such as the fesenjan chicken with pomegranate paste and ground walnuts.

Roksana’s Persian Food is currently offering takeout only; check Instagram for specials, and order ahead by phone — (617) 393-2229.

Situated in a student-friendly area of Brookline, this no-frills, counter-service establishment is great for quick service and quick bites. Shawarma King is recognized for its chicken, beef, and lamb shawarma, available as a plate or a sandwich, rolled up in a large pita (and thus convenient for on-the-go eating).

Shawarma King is currently offering takeout and delivery (DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats).

It’s right in the name: Get a pita roll from this South End staple, which also has a sibling in Cambridge’s Inman Square. A favorite is the thin-sliced chicken shawarma pita roll, though the more adventurous “shawafel” (chicken shawarma and falafel mix) is not to be overlooked. The Moroccan twist to these dishes shines through in South End Pita’s combo plates. Wash it down with a mint tea.

South End Pita is currently offering takeout (direct ordering) and delivery (DoorDash, Grubhub, Postmates).

This Turkish spot in Needham Center is essential for any local kebab enthusiast. Gyro & Kebab House’s succulent chicken shish kebab, in particular, is a star, with its cumin- and saffron-dusted, marinated cubes of chicken, served with red bulgur, which truly completes the dish. There’s a sibling restaurant by the same name in Norwood, too.

Gyro & Kebab House is currently offering takeout, delivery (Grubhub, Uber Eats), and indoor dining.

Byblos is known for its fine Lebanese cuisine and, in non-COVID times, its live entertainment, including weekend bellydancing shows. The restaurant’s mashewe dishes, which showcase various meats cooked on a charcoal grill, are not to be missed. These large plates are served with hummus, salad, rice or steak fries, and some pita on the side. Another highlight is Byblos’ falafel and tahini sauce, prepped delicately and served on a bed of vegetables.

Byblos is currently open for patio service, takeout, and delivery (DoorDash).