Petra Mediterranean Cuisine

OMG! I finally found really good middle-eastern food in Chico. Chico has had Sultan's Bistro, which is passable food, Pita Pit which is pretty good, but not really authentic. Now, on Broadway on either side of Bella's Sports Pub there are 2 newer places. One is Broadway Deli and Market which also seems to have a hookah lounge. I haven't been there yet.

But tonight, after a friendly visit at Bella's for an after work brew, I ventured into Petra's. They have always been friendly, and pretty crowded for a new place. I didn't want to cook and DH was at home waiting for me. I almost went to our old standby, Smoking Moes. But the smells from Petra's lured me in.

They use a chalkboard to update their menu daily. They put up with me yakking on the phone to DH trying to get their order. No Lamb, but beef, chicken kabobs, hummus, rice, falafel, and samosas.

We started talking about good food and he mentioned that all the recipes are from his wife's grandmother. Everthing is fresh, made from scratch.


I already knew I was in for some good eats, but then I sat down at a table will I waited for my order. Luckily for me he brought me a bowl of hummus and slices of warm fresh pita bread. Wow, I didn't even order this! It just came for me to munch on while I waited for my food.

Then I took a bite of hummus. It was very light, smooth, and had some red spices and olive oil drizzled on it. I took another bite with just the olive oil, and another wow. Just delicious. Now, my friends describe me as the only one they know who will send back olive oil at an italian restaurant. I am very picky. I later found our hey special order their olive oil, cold-pressed extra-virgin from a guy in orland. This was by far the best hummus I have had in the north state.

Well our food was soon ready and I took it home, stopping on the way to pick up Sierra Nevada Early Spring Beer. My husband had the kufta ( I think) beef gyro. He said it was very flavorful and filling. We also ordered a chicken kabob with rice and tomatoes. I give that 5 out of 5 stars. The chicken kabob was huge and extremely delicious, had a smoky quality to it. The yellow rice was delicious too. After seeing them scooping fresh falafel into the fryer. I had to order 1/2 a dozen for only $3.99. Again, this was delicious, very flavorful and tender on the inside, crispy on the outside.

We also got a cheese samosa that looked more like an egg roll. Again this was perfectly crispy on the outside, warm and flavorful with spinach and feta cheese. Their potato samosoa was good, although not my favorite. It was crispy on the outside with a spicy potato filling.

Next time I go I will definitly try the falafel sandwich. and maybe the chicken schwarma.

For authentic middle-eastern food in Chico, I highly recommend Petra on Broadway between First and Second Streets. They focus on fresh, mostly local, quality ingredients. Everything is made fresh from scratch. And it's made with love. That comes through with every bite.

Petra Mediterranean Cuisine
138 Broadway St.
Chico, CA 95928