Review: Petra Café

(Credit: Leah Starnes)

Petra Cafe brings a much needed culinary alternative to the Clinton dining scene. They specialize in Mediterranean, Lebanese, and Greek food and are situated in the old Potter House which adds to the charming and quaint feel in the heart of Olde Towne Clinton.

Owner Ayman Al-Bataineh, his chef Maya and their staff have really begun to make a name for themselves. Many of the local folks aren’t yet wholly familiar with the unique cuisine, but Petra Café is quickly becoming the place to go for some great food, entertainment and attentive service.

The food: Appetizers are plentiful and feature an array of the cuisine Petra is noted for. Hummus, baba ghanouj, fried kibbeh, lebana, falafel, breaded eggplant and fried cheese are just the beginning. They serve some great grape leaves, cabbage rolls, spinach pie and spinach artichoke dip as well. A variety of authentic salads abound with tabbouleh,fattoush, Greek, chicken or gyro, combo, shrimp, or their ultimate salad.

House specialties are served with a feta cheese salad, hummus, rice and pita bread. They include, beef, chicken, or lamb shawarma. They also offer a great gyro plate, a chicken and gyro combo, hummus with lamb, Mediterranean chicken, vegetarian plate, meat stuffed plate, lamb chops or a rib eye steak entrée.

Kabobs are available in a variety of meats as well as seafood of shrimp, broiled fish or fried catfish. A nice sandwich menu is also available with most served on pita bread in keeping with the restaurant’s character. A kids menu, plenty of side items and great desserts are also available.

The drink: A variety of domestic beer by the bottle can be found as well as a good selection of imported beer. You can bring your own wine for a fee of $8 a bottle. Soft drinks, fresh brewed iced tea, hot tea, Lebanese tea, coffee, Arabian coffee, water and juice are also available.

The scene: Petra is a great place to meet for lunch or dinner with family or friends. They are truly gaining a local following with Mississippi College just up the street and many of their former north Jackson regulars are finding their way west to the quaintness of Old Towne Clinton.

They have belly dancing on Friday nights and have a room available for special functions or parties. The new rage seems to be the hookah tobacco pipes and they have 16 flavors available for $10.95 and refills of the same flavor for $6.95. There is a nice back deck to enjoy your hookah and visit with friends in the cozy area or to have your drinks and mingle.

The bottom line: Petra has brought new life in to the Old Town Clinton area and offers authentic, delicious, freshly made Mediterranean, Lebanese and Middle Eastern offerings. When you visit their new location enjoy the great hospitality, friendly owners and staff with a bit of the great southern charm of small town Mississippi with a twist. There is limited onsite parking however there is plenty of street parking as you take a stroll on the old brick streets in the heart of Clinton.

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