Stella Maris Restaurant & Grocery

I'm gonna share a true local gem with y'all. Don't blow my spot up and make it where I can't get in please. Get over to Stella Maris in Arabi! Not only is this authentic Middle Eastern food at crazy good prices. There is a grocery store attached with Halal meat for sale, imported pantry items and a refrigerated dessert case that features, you guessed it, handmade Duba Chocolate! Let's get to the food in the restaurant. Everything we ate had the freshest, lightest, most hearty, savory, herbaceous, clean taste of any Middle Eastern food we've had. It took us on a culinary journey that had twists and turns but not sharp turns, carefully manicured, intentional turns that took you to every comforting memory you have with food. You know someone's grandmother is in the kitchen carefully but with precision that only years of experience brings crafting each meal that comes out of the kitchen. If you want to support local food, this is an amazing place to add to your rotation. Food and service are top notch and get the Lebanese tea!

So great y'all. Food came out promptly, a full roasted Cornish hen. Great smells and tender meat, fresh hummus with a second offer of complementary pita. It came with a sauteed bulb of onion you could cut into pieces with a side cucumber salad or your rice that added a great crunch. Very friendly staff and inviting grocery. Def recommend, and the ribeye special looked incredible, will definitely be back. I dug into my salad and hummus before I thought to take a picture. Very filling.

Stella Maris has been recommended to me for a long time and I finally went! I am sad I didn't come sooner! The food was exceptional with a wide variety. I cant speak highly enough of the mint limeade in particular. It was extremely refreshing and packed with fresh mint. I also have Celiac disease which can make dining out very challenging. However, at Stella Maris the staff was so kind and so respectful. They asked me thoughtful questions about cross contamination and specific ingredients and took extra care to make sure I enjoyed a safe meal. I was so touched and will def be back! I also enjoyed browsing the little market attached and bought some halloumi to have with breakfast the next day!

The food here is absolutely amazing, a true flavor explosion that makes everything delicious. You must try the beef plate, the creamy hummus, the labne, and especially the falafels (seriously, the best I've ever had). The setting is unique, as it's located inside a store, but that only adds to the charm. You immediately feel the warmth and genuine energy of the family running it. 5 stars for food and heart!

Delicious family owned Lebanese food in Arabi highly recommend!!! They were so nice there. And you can stock up on groceries too. And you can walk so sister hearts thrift store (featured on queer eye) after <3

Stella Maris Restaurant & Grocery is one of those delightfully unexpected finds near New Orleans that feels both welcoming and packed with flavor. This family-run Mediterranean and Middle Eastern spot has a reputation for generous portions and bold, comforting dishes that always hit the mark. Walking in, you get a cozy, no-pretension vibe -- part restaurant, part international grocery with spices, sauces, and goodies on the shelves that add to the experience. The food leans into classic Lebanese-inspired fare like hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, grape leaves, and hearty kebab plates that feel rich and satisfying without being heavy. What really stands out for me personally is how authentic and flavorful the cooking feels -- the gyro and chicken shawarma plates are packed with juicy meat and bright seasoning, and the mezze appetizers make it a great spot to share with friends. Overall, Stella Maris feels like a hidden gem outside the typical tourist trail: comforting, delicious, and genuinely welcoming -- perfect for when you want true Mediterranean taste with personality in a laid-back setting.