There are two dishes that define Mediterranean and Middle Eastern street food more than almost any others: shawarma and gyros. Both feature slow-cooked, seasoned meat carved from a vertical rotisserie, and both have become essential parts of the American dining landscape. If you live in or around New Albany, Indiana, the best place to find both under one roof is Petra Mediterranean Cuisine on Bank Street.

Petra has been serving the Louisville metro and Southern Indiana since 2013, building a reputation for generous portions, authentic preparation, and a menu that goes well beyond the basics. This guide breaks down what makes the shawarma and gyros at Petra worth seeking out, what else to order alongside them, and how to make the most of your visit.

The Gyro at Petra Mediterranean: What to Expect

A gyro done right is a balance of textures and flavors. The meat - traditionally a blend of beef and lamb — should be thinly sliced from a rotating spit, seasoned throughout, and slightly crispy on the edges. The pita should be warm and pliable. The toppings should complement, not overwhelm.

At Petra, the beef and lamb gyro follows this template closely. The meat is prepared on a traditional rotisserie, which allows the exterior to develop a caramelized crust while the interior stays tender and juicy. It is served in warm pita with fresh vegetables, and you can add tahini, garlic sauce, or other condiments based on your preference.

Why the Rotisserie Matters

The vertical rotisserie is not just a visual centerpiece in Mediterranean kitchens - it is a functional cooking method that produces results you cannot replicate with a flat grill or oven. The outer layer of meat cooks and caramelizes while the inner layers continue to baste in their own juices. Each slice carved from the spit carries both the seared exterior and the moist interior, giving every bite a layered texture.

This is the kind of detail that separates a memorable gyro in New Albany from one that tastes like reheated deli meat.

Chicken Shawarma: Petra's Signature Protein

While gyros get much of the mainstream attention, shawarma occupies its own category in Middle Eastern cuisine. At Petra, the chicken shawarma is marinated in a blend of warm spices - typically including cumin, turmeric, paprika, garlic, and lemon - before being slow-cooked on the rotisserie.

The result is chicken that is deeply flavored, tender, and aromatic. It is available in multiple formats:

• Shawarma wrap - carved chicken rolled in warm pita with pickled vegetables, garlic sauce, and fresh greens

• Shawarma plate - served alongside rice, salad, hummus, and pita for a complete meal

• Shawarma bowl - a lighter format with chicken over rice or mixed greens, ideal for those watching carbs or looking for a cleaner macro balance

The versatility of the shawarma offering means you can tailor the dish to your hunger level and dietary preferences without sacrificing any of the core flavor.

Beyond Shawarma and Gyros: The Full Mediterranean Spread

One of the strengths of Petra's menu is its depth. While the rotisserie meats are the stars, the supporting cast is equally compelling.

Falafel

Petra's falafel is a standout option for plant-based diners. Made from ground chickpeas blended with herbs and spices, the falafel is fried to a golden, crispy exterior while remaining soft and herbaceous inside. It works as a wrap filling, a plate protein, or simply as an appetizer dipped in tahini.

Kabobs

Grilled kabobs offer a different texture profile from the rotisserie items. The meat is cubed and threaded onto skewers, giving it a charred exterior and a smoky flavor that pairs well with rice and grilled vegetables.

Appetizers and Sides

No Mediterranean meal is complete without a spread of starters:

• Hummus - Petra's hummus is made in-house and frequently cited by customers as one of the best in the region. Smooth, garlicky, and served with warm pita.

• Baba ghanoush - roasted eggplant blended with tahini, lemon, and garlic. Smoky and creamy.

• Tabbouleh - a parsley-forward salad with bulgur, tomato, and lemon dressing. Light and refreshing.

• Stuffed grape leaves - rice-filled leaves that offer a tangy, herbal bite.

• Fattoush salad - a Levantine salad with crispy pita chips, fresh vegetables, and a sumac-based dressing.

Bowls

Mediterranean bowls have surged in popularity because they offer a balanced, customizable meal in a single vessel. At Petra, you can build a bowl around any of the main proteins - gyro, shawarma, falafel, or kabob - over a base of rice or greens with sides like hummus and pickled vegetables.

How Petra Fits Into the Louisville Metro Dining Scene

New Albany sits just across the Ohio River from Louisville, and the two cities share a dining ecosystem. For Louisville residents, Petra represents an easy bridge trip to food that is hard to find at this quality level in many parts of the metro area.

The Louisville submarket has seen growing demand for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, and Petra has been one of the anchors of that movement in Southern Indiana. The restaurant's fast-casual format - counter service with the quality of a sit-down restaurant - hits a sweet spot for diners who want a real meal without the time commitment of full-service dining.

The restaurant also serves beer and wine, hosts live music events, and maintains a small grocery section with Mediterranean pantry staples, making it more than just a place to grab lunch.

Ordering Options

Petra makes it easy to enjoy their food whether you are dining in or on the go:

• Dine-in - indoor seating plus an outdoor patio area

• Takeout - call ahead or order online for quick pickup

• Delivery - available through DoorDash and other platforms for the full menu

• Catering - ideal for office lunches, family gatherings, and events in the Louisville metro area

For online ordering, visit petraindiana.com or find Petra on DoorDash at order.online/store/448502.

What to Order on Your First Visit

If you are trying Petra for the first time, here is a suggested approach:

1. Start with hummus and pita - it sets the tone for the meal and showcases the kitchen's attention to freshness.

2. Order the chicken shawarma plate - it gives you the full experience: protein, rice, salad, and sides.

3. Add a falafel wrap for the table - whether or not you are vegetarian, the falafel is worth trying.

4. Save room for fattoush - the combination of crispy pita chips and sumac dressing is a textural highlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between shawarma and a gyro?

Both are prepared on a vertical rotisserie, but they differ in seasoning and meat type. Gyros at Petra use a traditional beef and lamb blend with Mediterranean herbs, while the shawarma features chicken marinated in a warm spice blend including cumin, turmeric, and garlic. The toppings and sauces also differ, giving each dish its own distinct flavor profile.

Can I order Petra Mediterranean's shawarma and gyros for delivery?

Yes. Petra Mediterranean Cuisine offers delivery through DoorDash and supports online ordering for pickup through their website. The full menu, including shawarma, gyros, falafel, and appetizers, is available for delivery in the New Albany and Louisville metro area.

Does Petra offer halal options?

Petra Mediterranean Cuisine serves food rooted in Middle Eastern culinary traditions and offers options that align with halal dietary preferences. For specific preparation details, you can contact the restaurant directly at (502) 489-7969.