Shaami Mediterranean Grill in Pelham, Alabama is a MUST visit
Shaami Mediterranean Grill in Pelham, Alabama
Some places don’t need a big introduction. They just feed you well and let the food do the talking. Shaami Mediterranean Grill is one of those spots.
Tucked along Pelham Parkway, Shaami feels like the kind of restaurant you stumble into once and then start recommending to friends immediately. It’s casual, welcoming, and focused on what matters most — good Mediterranean food that leaves you full and happy.
The service was fantastic. We walked right up to the front counter and ordered our food. The server guided us because we wanted to try a little bit of everything. We went with the SUPER PLATTER so we could try the Lamb Shank…. something told us that it would be THE dish. The food is uncomplicated, with flavors that you’ve experienced before. If you haven’t, then this is the best way to introduce yourself to Mediterranean food.
The Food: Comforting, Flavorful, and Familiar
The menu leans into Mediterranean and Middle Eastern favorites — shawarma, kabobs, falafel, hummus, rice plates, and warm pita. Everything is well-seasoned and comforting, the kind of food that hits the table smelling good before you even take a bite.
Shaami also serves halal beef and chicken, which is something many people look for and appreciate. Whether you’re grabbing a wrap for lunch or sitting down with a platter for dinner, the food feels hearty without being heavy.
The Lamb Shank Is the Showstopper
If the lamb shank is available, don’t overthink it — order it. This is a slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone situation. Rich, savory, and deeply flavored, it’s the kind of dish that makes you slow down and actually enjoy your meal instead of rushing through it.
It’s served with rice that soaks up all that goodness, and by the time you’re done, you’ll understand why people talk about it. This is comfort food, Mediterranean-style.
We also ordered the lentil soup because it was chilly out and I wanted something savory to warm my bones. Smooth, lemony, and hearty (lentils were crushed) - it hit the spot.
Baba Ghanoush Worth Ordering Every Time
Shaami’s baba ghanoush deserves its own moment. Smoky, smooth, and full of roasted eggplant flavor, it’s one of those sides that quietly steals the show. Paired with warm pita, it’s perfect for sharing — or not sharing at all.
Even if you usually default to hummus, this is one dip you shouldn’t skip. It’s simple, well-balanced, and just really good.
What It Costs Compared to Other Local Spots
Shaami falls right into that comfortable middle ground price-wise. Wraps and sandwiches are generally under $12, which makes them easy lunch options, while platters and specialty dishes land in the high-teens.
Compared to other Mediterranean restaurants around Pelham and Hoover, it feels like solid value — especially for the portion sizes and flavor. You leave satisfied without feeling like you overpaid.
Why Shaami Works
Shaami Mediterranean Grill isn’t trying to be trendy or overdone. It’s just a solid, reliable place to get a good meal — the kind you think about again a few days later.
If you’re looking to add something different to your Pelham dining routine, or if Mediterranean food is already in your wheelhouse, Shaami is absolutely worth a visit — and probably a return trip. It will be for us.
