Mediterranean Deli, Bakery, and Catering: Best Vegetarian/Vegan Meal

More than 63 items line the cases at Mediterranean Deli, Bakery, and Catering, most of which are vegetarian, vegan or gluten free – and that’s why it’s been voted Best Vegetarian or Vegan Food by DTH readers

Since 1992, Med Deli, as it is known by the Chapel Hill community, has served authentic cuisines from the Middle East and the Mediterranean with fresh and healthy ingredients. 

According to its Facebook page, Med Deli’s traditional recipes were passed down to the head chef, Jamil Kadoura, from his mother. But the restaurant also experiments with its own unique Mediterranean flavors. Some of these new flavors include the berry salad with goat cheese, the Armenian wild rice and cranberry and the avocado feta cheese salad.

Med Deli’s vast array of vegetarian and vegan food makes it the best choice for people who follow meatless diets. 

“Mediterranean food is more vegetarian than the average cuisine with falafel, chickpeas, beans and veggies, so it’s definitely a great option,” said Kyle Ryan, a senior at UNC who is vegetarian. “I usually get a three item sampler with falafel, the Lebanese potato salad and sun-dried tomato penne.”

Ryan also said Med Deli is more affordable than other restaurants on Franklin Street for vegetarian and vegan options.

Kadoura’s food service career started with working at a falafel pita stand in 7th grade. He opened his small falafel shop in Chapel Hill in 1992, and it has expanded since to a full deli and bakery. According to its website, the latest innovation is gluten-free pita bread which took more than a year to perfect. 

Med Deli also has a market attached to its restaurant where customers can shop for fresh and healthy produce, spices and other traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food items.

For those who want a vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free option, Med Deli is the best place in Chapel Hill for flavorful options.