Petra Cafe

Outstanding Mediterranean food from people who know best. The authentic Turkish coffee was incredible and hearkened me back to my short stays in Israel. The gyro was wonderful and full, stuffed with lamb and fresh ingredients like tomato, greens, and tzatziki amongst other things. The hummus was topped with a drizzle of honey and seasoning and tasted very fresh as well. The vibe was intimate, family owned, and authentic. The plants, newspaper clippings, and old school diner counter created a cozy feel. An old tv played reruns of law and order in the corner and the changing leaves outside the window on our rainy day made it feel like we were transported back to simpler times. All in all, great coffee, great food, great experience.

It was my first time trying Mediterranean food, and I loved it! The place is small but cozy. I visited on a Saturday morning while the farmers market was going on, and surprisingly, we managed to grab one of the two tables available. There’s also a bar table if the others are full. The staff was amazing. One of the ladies spoke Spanish, which was super helpful in explaining the menu. (I’m attaching some pictures of the food—it was delicious!) Now, let’s talk parking. You can try parallel parking on the street (good luck!) or use the paid parking area behind the building. Since this was on a Saturday, downtown Fayetteville was extra busy, but usually people park downtown if spots are available.

I moved away to Mexico from Arkansas over 10 years ago and one of the most delicious memories of food I have ever had was here. My first mediterranean meal. My mom still lives there and she says its delicious still. I wish I could find something similar in Mexico City

I’ve been coming to Petra’s for years and this is my first time leaving a review. This is some of my favorite middle eastern food, and I’ve tried so many places since I’ve lived in Chicago for the past five years. I usually get the mayo platter with baba ghanoush and tabbouleh with an extra side of the grape leaves. The baklava and Turkish coffee are also great! Highly recommend!

Cute place, great service, & amazing food! Plenty of vegan-friendly options. Small seating space, but in a way that makes you feel cozy! The weekday specials are pretty sweet too!

Having spent a good amount of time all over Jordan, I can say this place has been the most authentic and best overall eating experience of a place I've been to Stateside. I really loved the cozy setting. Not a big restaurant like I expected, but very much what I'd experience in many small food shops in Jordan. Their Turkish Coffee is spot on! The spice blend was far more authentic than what I've tasted with other stateside claims to Turkish coffee (this place, you have to remember not to drink the entire cup 😉) Great place, highly recommend.

Nice little local cozy place. The vegetarian options are good. Surely worth a try if you are around. Difficult to find place for a larger group though. The Baklava and Turkish coffee combination goes well. I will definitely return here sometime for lunch.

Consistently SO GOOD. Petra has great lunch and the service is always great. I really just love the vibe of this place. You have to try it! Highly recommend the chicken gyro and hummus lunch combo!

It's a small cozy cafe with limited choices but food is excellent. I wish they stay open for Longer.

I love the Petra platter. I usually get takeout because it is very small and has limited seating. They are only open until 2:30.

Great food, good service all in a cozy atmosphere. I was pleasantly surprised with the authenticity and quality of the food.

Love this place--fantastic food, kind people, cozy ambience. I recommend the Petra Platter and the potato soup (Tuesdays) or split pea soup (Wednesdays). The only downside is that they've recently installed a TV for reasons I can't fathom; today some cartoon movie was playing so loudly it was hard to have a conversation. Petra, please ditch the TV! Otherwise, everything is spectacular.

Best Hummus, falafel and dressing ever! I had to order more to go for later. Don't make ss out! Thank you for the delicious meal!

Rather not see things like this when I'm eating. It's my choice to not eat here. Right, wrong or indifferent, an employee/owner shouldn't have this in front of their customers. Thankfully I have my 1st amendment right as well.

Cozy place tucked away in Fayetteville where you can enjoy baklava and a good Turkish coffee... the window views lets you people watch while keeping your privacy.

The food is fine. Very tiny location that gets packed at lunch (their only hours). We were stuck by the door which loudly slams shut. As I said the food was fine but I've had better Mediterranean at that price point. Would eat there again.

Great plant based options here. Love the Baclava and Turkish coffee. Definitely recommend this place if you're in Fayetteville.

Petra cafe u fortunately doesn't live up to the hype. It's like being in a college dorm. Frozen foods heated up in microwaves and served soggy. Pre sliced frozen lamb meat from a box probably from Sam's. Honestly most everything accept some sauces come from Sam's. Pita not made fresh, no flavor and comes out of a bag. Super disappointing, not sure why there are so many stars for this place .

Hmmmm makes me wonder about all the great reviews here. Stopped today for lunch. I love middle eastern and Mediterranean food! Unfortunately this place leaves a lot to be desired. I had the gyro plate. If you have the "spit" running it's pretty tough to mess gyro up. But this place doesn't have the upright rotisserie at all. All the gyro was thin pieces that looked exactly the same. I'm sure it was just microwaved to heat up and thrown on a plate. I only have e 2 stars as you have to be really bad to get one. The lentil soup was good and that's why they got 2 stars. But with out that soup it's a one! Beware! Has to be better food of this type in this town. Will never. Be back.

Always classic and the best of all Mediterranean food in northwest Arkansas!! I used to wonder how they made it with such limited hours & space, after eating here regularly for years don't wonder! . The humus has a tiny kick, or something on plate did,- The sampler with a little of everything was divine... falafels cooked to perfection one of us had the chicken, spiced perfectly! They are kind efficient, and you can feel the love and heart of the Cook in the food.

We stubbled upon this place late in the afternoon. We didnt realize the time but it was very close to closing. The service was extremely fast I assume because of the time. Either way it was good. I went with the hummus plate which had a good size portion of hummus topped with a chili oil. Then it was served with a scoop of tabouli but not the typical kind heavy on the parsley and bulgur. Instead it was filled with chopped green and red peppers, onions and then some bulgur and parsley. It was nice hearty tabouli. It was also served with falafel but I have to say they were pretty dry but flavorful. And the pita was the perfect vehicle to eat this dish with and it was nice and warm with a slight crunch around the edges. Overall it was a good quick bite.

A local favorite lunch stop - Petra Cafe is delicious, affordable, and comfortable to sit in or pop in for a quick pick up if you don't mind a bit of a tighter space.

The ONLY place to eat Mediterranean in NWA. They put Tangiers to shame. Try the Petra platter! Or the foule if you like beans. And the Turkish coffee and baklava are a mus

I am unsure as to why this is so highly rated. It was very mediocre at best. Hummus was good but that's about it. Lots of microwave sounds coming from the kitchen that either could have been heating up the chicken or the falafel because they were both stale, dry and bland. My lunch "plate" came on a small salad plate and was more of an appetizer. Would not come again. Maybe it was an off day but I can't imagine it being much better.

If you need delicious energizing vegan food for lunch, living in Arkansas means you're probably out of luck most of the time. Fortunately, we are blessed in Fayetteville with an incredible Jordanian café. The "super" pita sandwich has the perfect combo of tasty veggies, hummus, and tahini sauce, and tastes like it has been kissed by the friendliest camels in Petra. They also have good cardamom tea and an awesome homemade hot sauce to put in your sandwich with a tiny spoon. Love you, Petra Cafe. Thanks for being there for me all these years when no one else will

People hype this place up a lot... and it's totally justified. Going to this place is always a treat for me because it's so good but their limited hours is a bummer. The owner was very friendly and welcoming (same goes for the rest of the staff). Food is really good (probably the best Mediterranean food in town) and perhaps the only place in town that has foule (stew of fava beans). Never had foule before this place but they really sold it to me - it's v good. Their falafel is really good too and never too soggy nor greasy. A (huge) plus for me is how good their Turkish spiced coffee is. I mean... everything is good here. Take a longer lunch break sometime and come here. I've now def become one of the people who hype this place up a lot too.

I haven't tried the food yet but loved the energy in this place. Looking forward to eating my lunch.

I've been to this spot a couple times and have enjoyed it each time. It's a very small space, only 3 tables, a handful of seats at the bar area and a few at the window. In total, I'd say this place seats no more than 20 people. So definitely not a place for a large group. The food is really great and authentic. Homemade everything! I've seen some reviews say that they just reheat stuff, but I've never had that experience. I always get the Turkish coffee- it's a small cup but full of great flavors. In fact, when I'm done with the cup I asked for some hot water to mix with some of the spices still left at the bottom, so it's kinda like 2 cups for the price of one! I got the Petra plate which is a variety of goodness. I do have to say that the falafel was a bit dry this time, but usually is really good. We got there right at noon on a Saturday before what seemed like the lunch crowd so we had seating options. We had great, quick service, but I could tell that not everyone else in the place could have said the same. I will definitely be going back to try more stuff, and of course indulge in some Turkish coffee !

Every time I'm in Fayetteville I make sure to make a stop here! Great food and such a friendly owner.

This place is tiny and packed, but worth it. I got a lunch special and everything was absolutely delicious! My only complaint was it wasn't a large amount of food. I didn't leave hungry, but I didn't leave full, either. I could have eaten a lot of all the things!

Great food, always consistent quality, variety of options and daily specials to entice you to try something different each time.

My absolute favorite restaurant in Fayetteville. My boyfriend and I go here every Saturday and we always get the same thing (Mayo Platter with Baba Ghanoush, Hummus, and Extra Pita, plus a bowl of tomato soup). It is seriously Amazing!! The staff are also outstanding. They always remember our order, and they're some of the kindest people I've ever met. And Sully, the owner, is no exception. Seriously, if you love Mediterranean food and amazing staff, you need to eat here!

Best hummus and dolmas plate. My go to park picnic lunch takeout. Love this place! Very fast and courteous service.

So pleasantly awesome. Fantastic food in a quaint setting. Had the Mayo platter and loved. My wife said the hummus was the best she has ever had.

Petra Cafe is a very small and homey feeling restaurant. The staff was super friendly and knowledgable on the middle eastern food being served. This place has jumped up my list to THE BEST FALAFEL in Fayetteville. Everything about this place screams authentic and rooted in the culture. They serve up this type of food the classic way and it is seen in the taste of the food.

I discovered this place in my senior year of college (ahem 2006 ). I love the owner and staff. The place gets busy sometimes and there might be a wait since it is a small space but I wouldn't change it at all. You know its a sign that it has fantastic food if there is a line. I get my usual which is the number 4 hummus plus with a side of grape leaves and extra falafels. If I'm still feeling peckish, I order a grilled cheese sandwich on wheat. It's nothing special except the love and care they butter that toast and let that American cheese melt perfectly. If you are there on Mondays, they have tomato soup. Great local place and I'd recommend this to anyone who is looking for Jordanian/Mediterranean food. Fresh, vegetarian (if you don't get gyros), and a local place. Buy and eat local!

By far one of the best restaurants in Fayetteville. Incredible veggie options, the owner is always there and he hand makes the hot sauce from his own garden!

I've been coming to Petra for 15 years, it's the best Mediterranean food in Fayetteville, fully worth calling in a pickup order to keep such healthy food available in the midst of this pandemic!

I love Petra so much, I'm so glad they have been open for to go during covid. I really hope they open for dine in soon, ideally by the middle of May!! Petra is my restaurant ever and I'm excited to come in and dine in! Definitely check out the tabbouleh, it's sooooooo good

Definitely get the daily lunch special, it is such a good deal and is so much food! I always getting the super pocket, and absolutely love it. Seriously one of the best restaurants in Fayetteville, it's absolutely delicious. There aren't a lot of seats, so on Saturdays it might be a few minutes wait, but it's never too long! Also on your birthday you get free baklava!

This spot is the perfect little Italian spot in Fayetteville. Their pesto is just FABULOUS! The bread is wonderful as well. It's a small joint, but I love the cozy feel and the awesome food.

I was in town on business and staying at The Chancellor hotel, just around the corner. A colleague and I were actually headed to another restaurant for lunch, but when I spotted a Mediterranean cafe, all bets were off! Although this is w teeny tiny place, the service was great and the food was excellent. I highly recommend this cute little cafe and I can't wait to get back to Fayetteville for another Mayo Platter!

This isn't the first time that we've eaten there but it's always good when we do. The food is fantastic and the waitstaff is highly skilled. The owner does a great job preparing all of the dishes!

I love this place so much. Local classic serving delicious food. My favorite are the dolmas. But everything I've tried is amazing. Very authentic and the prices are amazing. Lunch specials everyday. Don't forget to try the coffee baklava special. The coffee is amazing. Nothing you can get anywhere else in town.

Cute small place, nice staff, great food, sensible portions, very authentic. Must visit.

If you're looking for a great little authentic hole in the wall for Mediterranean food, I'd pass on this place. While the food is good (not disgusting to eat), it didn't hit the spot in regard to what I was craving. I ordered a very simple dish - falafel pocket - and it took a LONG time to get. While my husband and I were waiting, we observed that the gyros meat was being taken out of a box. It wasn't even made on the premise. When I received my meal, the falafel wasn't crispy like I anticipated. Also, it was more like a burrito or wrap, not a pita pocket. This was such a disappointment, because the place has such great reviews. Unfortunately, my husband and I didn't really care for it.

Love love love! Food is delicious and well priced. A little small, but that's what makes it charming. Love sitting at the bar and watching the staff cook from their quaint little kitchen setup. Service is always competent and friendly, they all work well as a team and seem to genuinely like each other and their job.

For fresh ingredients, friendly and attentive service, and cozy atmosphere you can't beat the Petra café. The waitress was very helpful and patient with me on my first visit. I had the Thursday special: the Hummus Plus platter and Many Bean soup. The spices in the soup were perfectly balanced resulting in an absolutely delicious soup! The Hummus Plus platter also came with three falafel with tahini sauce, a generous portion of hummus, pita points and a side of tabouli. The chef told me to just let him know if I needed any more pita or anything else. Everyone there seemed to love the place and enjoy life. It was a welcome reprieve from a stressful day! I wish I lived in Fayetteville so that I could have this every day!

"Oh this is going to be good"... That's what I'm thinking every week when I walk down the block (salivating with anticipation) from my office on Center street to my favorite place on the Fayetteville Square. Petra Cafe is a true Jordanian cuisine delight with my favorites: grape leaves, humus, beef and lamb on the Mayo Platter. They also have chicken, a tasty lintel soup, falafel, and more, Turkish coffee and of course homemade baklava. Sometimes it's packed at noon so come early or just after the rush... And don't be afraid to pull up to the bar for a true diner experience, a great way to meet some folks too. Do not miss this place if your in Fayetteville for lunch and Yes it is with the wait. Closed on Mondays. Daily specials too!

My favorite restaurant in Fayetteville. This is a tiny restaurant just of the Square which is only open for lunch but it's some of the best middle eastern food I've ever had. I always go for the mayo platter with foule and tabouleh. Foule is basically vegetarian middle eastern chili and I've tried making it at home to no avail. I could eat buckets of it. I wish it was open for dinner so I could go more often!

This is probably one of the neatest little cafes in town. Why? Because it actually feels like a cafe, that's why. Only open for lunch (so get there before 2) Petra serves a rather small greek/mediterranean menu with specific specials for each day of the week. Try going on Thursday, as I believe that is the day you can pick any of the other daily specials. Seating is very limited (about 7 bar stools and 4 tables) but service is rather quick and friendly. I haven't had anything on the menu that wasn't pretty good, and I recommend sticking around and getting a little after meal Turkish Coffee. It's different, but it grows on you.

I finally had my first trip to Petra this weekend, after being in Fay for 9 years. I couldn't have been happier with my experience. I knew what to expect from the size of the cafe; it's small people, that's part of its charm! I had the Mayo Platter (beef/lamb or chicken with taziki sauce and your choice of two sides items). I chose the beef/lamb, hummus, and baba ganouge, and I added a single falafil . Every bite was delicious. We also got desert in the form of the best baklava I've ever had! The service was great and fast, the food was amazing, the charm is through the roof of this place, and the owner was there preparing food, talking to customers and showing his appreciation for each of us!

If you can make it here for their open hours, you need to. The owner is Jordanian and makes a unique mix of entrees and sides. It's got a mix of middle eastern and Mediterranean flavors. Some of the food is pre-prepared but that helps keep the cost down so it remains a more classic style cafe. 5/5 review, even when they are only open from 11-230 M-Sat.

This is probably our favorite restaurant in Northwest Arkansas. They really take pride in every meal they make for the customer.

First time here, had the lunch special. I liked the lentil soup, the stuffed grape leaves were simmered in tomato sauce, and were mushier than I like them. Hummus was good, came with toasted pita bread. I'm planning to try a gyro next time I'm there. Reasonable prices and friendly, fast service.

If you're looking for fresh food, this is a great option in Northwest Arkansas! The food was fresh and delicious! I love the casual dining experience. I will definitely be back for more!

I went here to fill my crazing of Mediterranean and Arabian food and I was not disappointed. Everything looked and tasted truly authentic and there was a cozy, homey vibe to the restaurant that was very welcoming. The staff was extremely nice as well.