When you search for the best Mediterranean food in New Albany, IN, you are looking for something specific: food that is freshly prepared, full of flavor, and rooted in the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean and Middle East. You want more than a reheated pita pocket or a generic wrap — you want the real thing. Petra Mediterranean Cuisine, located at 37 Bank Street in downtown New Albany, has been delivering exactly that since 2013.

Formerly known as Aladdin's, Petra has built a loyal following across the Louisville metro area and Southern Indiana by focusing on homemade Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes made with quality ingredients and generous portions. Whether you are a longtime fan of the cuisine or just beginning to explore it, Petra offers an approachable and satisfying dining experience that has earned it a 4.6-star rating from hundreds of customer reviews.

What Makes Petra the Best Mediterranean Restaurant in New Albany?

The answer starts with authenticity. Petra's menu draws from Levantine, Greek, and broader Mediterranean culinary traditions — a range that reflects the diverse origins of the cuisine itself. Rather than narrowing the focus to a single regional style, the kitchen covers the full spectrum of Mediterranean flavors, from smoky baba ghanoush to crispy falafel to slow-cooked shawarma.

Freshness Is Non-Negotiable

One of the details that regulars consistently highlight is the freshness of the food. Hummus is made in-house daily, not scooped from a tub. Proteins are prepared to order rather than sitting under heat lamps. Vegetables are crisp and well-seasoned. This commitment to preparation quality is what separates a good Mediterranean restaurant from a great one, and it is a major reason why Petra continues to draw customers from New Albany, Louisville, Jeffersonville, and beyond.

A Menu Built for Variety

Petra's menu is broader than many people expect from a fast-casual Mediterranean spot. Here is what you will find:

• Gyros — beef and lamb gyro prepared on a traditional rotisserie, served in warm pita with fresh toppings

• Shawarma — slow-marinated chicken shawarma available as wraps, plates, and bowls

• Kabobs — grilled to order with seasoning that brings out the natural flavor of the meat

• Falafel — crispy, herbaceous, and plant-based, served as a wrap or plated with sides

• Bowls — a lighter option built over rice or greens with your choice of protein

• Appetizers and sides — hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, stuffed grape leaves, and fattoush salad

• Indian-influenced dishes — reflecting the restaurant's South Asian culinary range as indicated by its diverse cuisine roots

This kind of depth means you can return to Petra multiple times without repeating the same meal, which matters for anyone looking for a reliable go-to restaurant in the area.

Location and Convenience in Downtown New Albany

Petra Mediterranean Cuisine sits on Bank Street in the heart of downtown New Albany, just minutes from the Sherman Minton Bridge connecting Southern Indiana to Louisville. The location makes it a convenient stop for:

• Louisville commuters heading home across the river after work

• New Albany residents looking for a quality weeknight dinner close to home

• Visitors exploring downtown New Albany — the restaurant is within walking distance of shops, galleries, and local businesses along the main corridor

The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating, a large parking lot, and full handicap accessibility. It is also part of the Indiana Foodways Alliance Cultural Cuisine Trail, a recognition that highlights its role in bringing diverse culinary traditions to the state.

Hours of Operation

• Tuesday through Saturday: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM

• Sunday and Monday: Closed

Dining Occasions at Petra Mediterranean

Mediterranean food is versatile by nature, and Petra's setup supports a range of dining situations:

• Quick weekday lunch — counter service keeps the pace efficient, and wraps and bowls are easy to eat on a short break

• Family dinner — shareable appetizers like hummus and baba ghanoush make it natural to order for the table, and the menu has enough variety to satisfy different preferences

• Date night — the cozy, casual atmosphere and outdoor seating provide a relaxed setting for a meal that feels special without being stuffy

• Healthy eating — Mediterranean cuisine is built on vegetables, lean proteins, olive oil, and whole grains, making it one of the most health-friendly dining categories available

• Vegetarian and vegan dining — falafel, hummus, grape leaves, tabbouleh, and multiple salads ensure plant-based diners are well served

Why Mediterranean Cuisine Is Growing in Southern Indiana

The Louisville-Southern Indiana metro area has seen a significant expansion in dining diversity over the past decade. Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food, once considered niche, has moved into the mainstream. Hummus is now a household staple. Shawarma and gyros are as recognizable as tacos or pizza to many local diners.

Petra has been part of this shift since its founding. By making authentic Mediterranean food in New Albany accessible, affordable, and welcoming, the restaurant has helped normalize these flavors for a broad audience. For newcomers, it is an approachable entry point. For those who grew up with the cuisine, it is a taste of home.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

If you have not been to Petra Mediterranean Cuisine before, here are a few suggestions to make your first visit count:

1. Start with the hummus — it is one of the most praised items on the menu, and it will tell you everything about the kitchen's quality.

2. Try the chicken shawarma wrap — tender, well-seasoned, and a great introduction to the menu.

3. Order a side of baba ghanoush — smoky and creamy, it pairs well with warm pita.

4. Check online ordering — if you are short on time, you can place a pickup or delivery order through Petra's website or DoorDash.

5. Bring the family — kids' portions are available, and the menu has enough variety to keep everyone happy.

Visit Petra Mediterranean Cuisine

Petra Mediterranean Cuisine is located at 37 Bank Street, New Albany, IN 47150. For menu details and online ordering, visit petraindiana.com. You can also reach the restaurant by phone at (502) 489-7969.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of food does Petra Mediterranean Cuisine serve?

Petra Mediterranean Cuisine serves authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food, including gyros, chicken shawarma, falafel, kabobs, hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and rice bowls. The menu draws from Levantine, Greek, and broader Mediterranean culinary traditions, with options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery in New Albany, Indiana.

Is Petra Mediterranean a good option for vegetarians and vegans?

Yes. Petra offers several plant-based options, including falafel (which is entirely vegan), hummus, baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves, tabbouleh, and fattoush salad. Vegetarian and vegan diners can build a full meal from these items without compromising on flavor or variety.

Where is Petra Mediterranean Cuisine located?

Petra Mediterranean Cuisine is located at 37 Bank Street in downtown New Albany, Indiana 47150, just minutes from Louisville, Kentucky via the Sherman Minton Bridge. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM and accepts both walk-in and online orders.