Ariana Kabob & Gyro Bistro, St. Louis Park

The flavors of the desert and the Mediterranean mingle at Ariana Kabob & Gyro Bistro, where chefs specialize in the hearty entrees of Afghanistan and the surrounding area. They pair authentic Afghan breads brushed with olive oil and garlic with traditional mezzes such as baba ghanouj and hummus topped with olives, feta, and gyro meat. That same meat goes into classic gyro sandwiches dressed with a dollop of tzatziki sauce and paired alongside crispy french fries. They also layer gyro meat, chicken, beef, or falafel onto skewers before grilling them over an open flame. To balance out the savory flavors without making their napkins out of spun sugar, the chefs create desserts such as baklava and firnee, a chilled cornstarch pudding studded with pistachios.