Mediterranean Grill, Fayetteville

The scents of grilled lamb and basmati rice filled chef Mustafa Somar’s dreams for 30 years, making him hungry to open his own Turkish restaurant. This dream came true in 2003 with Sherefe Mediterranean Grill.

Mustafa mans the kitchen as his wife, Kathy, delivers juicy chicken kebabs and tzatziki as smooth as a zamboni’s footprint. Greek and Italian influences infuse the menu, seeping into homemade eggplant lasagnas and Mediterranean feasts brimming with hummus, kalamata olives, and fresh tomatoes.

Across town at Cross Creek Mall, Mustafa’s deli counter teems with to-go treats such as grilled-meatloaf paninis and toasted croissant sandwiches. Here, diners can also pull up a chair and practice their Turkish by saying “sherefe”—the word for “cheers”—as they clink glasses of wine and beer.