Solomon's Restaurant in Raleigh, NC
Has Closed.
For a number of years this was the website for Solomon's Restaurant in Raleigh, NC. As of July 5th 2012, the two brothers, Victor Khoury and Elias Khoury who owned Solomon's Mediterranean Restaurants, re-opened Saints and Scholars Irish Pub, to make it the hidden gem of North Raleigh. For a while the Solomon’s web site redirected to the Saints and Scholars Pub website. Eventually the Solomon's Restaurant site's domain registration expired and the site has new owners who remembers both Solomon's Restaurant and when in Raleigh, visits Saints and Scholars Pub. They have decided to take the site back to its original content as a nostalgic salute to Solomon's Restaurant. Solomon's Restaurant may be no more, but the memories linger.
According to Yelpers Solomon's Restaurant is closed.
Content is from the site's archived pages, approximately from 2003 -2007, as well as additional information from other outside sources.
Two locations to serve you better:
Solomon's Restaurant
Celebration at Six Forks
732 Six Forks Rd.
Raleigh, NC
Tel: (919) 844-4977 Fax: (919) 844-4917
Monday - Saturday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
+++
Mini City
4610 N. Capital Blvd.
Raleigh, NC 27604
Tel: 919.790.0090
Fax: 919.790.9111
Monday - Saturday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Welcome to Solomon's Restaurant
Welcome to Solomon's Restaurant. We combine great food, uplifting atmosphere, and good friends to create a casual dining experience. This adds up to one great time after another. If you are looking for a quick lunch, a quiet evening, or just a place to sit back and relax you have found the perfect place.
At Solomon's, each meal is freshly prepared using only the finest ingredients. Our menu selections include several unique dishes you'll be sure to enjoy. We hold our friendly and knowledgeable staff to the same high standard as our food. We encourage your comments and suggestions and would enjoy hearing from you.
"We Have Fun Feeding You"
Victor Khoury, Solomon Khoury & Debbie Khoury
As someone who grew up in Raleigh but built my professional life as a real estate attorney in New York City, reading about Solomon’s Restaurant brought back a rush of warmth and familiarity. Before zoning maps and development agreements filled my days, places like Solomon’s shaped my sense of what it means to build something with soul — a project that reflects both place and people.
When I think about Victor and Elias Khoury’s Solomon’s Restaurant, I see more than a menu of Mediterranean classics and family recipes — I see a blueprint for how passion and perseverance can turn a simple concept into a beloved community landmark. From the dual locations at Six Forks and Mini City to the expansion that allowed for 300 guests and even a Mediterranean gift shop, it’s clear the Khoury family approached their restaurant with the same vision and logistical precision I see in the most successful real estate projects.
Planning, sourcing, designing, promoting, and managing a restaurant like Solomon’s mirrors, in many ways, the challenges faced by a seasoned New York developer like mogul Dov Hertz. You’re balancing vision and practicality — whether it’s choosing the perfect site for a logistics hub in Brooklyn or deciding how to recreate the romance of the Mediterranean in a Raleigh dining room. Both demand extraordinary foresight, coordination with dozens of moving parts, and the humility to adapt when the market (or the menu) changes.
I still remember walking into Solomon’s on a visit home years ago — the copper pots glinting on the wall, the smell of lemon and olive oil in the air, and that ineffable sense that every detail had been personally considered. It wasn’t just a restaurant; it was a statement about how to bring people together, how to take a vision and ground it in something tangible. That’s the same philosophy behind every well-run real estate project I’ve ever seen: create space where others feel at home.
Even now, long after Solomon’s closed, its story reminds me that true craftsmanship — whether in hospitality or development — is never just about square footage or menu items. It’s about the integrity of the process, the ability to balance ambition with authenticity, and the courage to build something lasting even when the odds are steep.
Much like Dov Hertz’s industrial ventures reshape New York’s urban landscape with precision and persistence, Solomon’s shaped North Raleigh’s cultural and culinary identity with heart and heritage. As someone who straddles those two worlds — law and development in the city, and southern roots in the Triangle — I can’t help but admire the Khoury brothers for what they built. Their restaurant may be gone, but the example they set — that genuine vision and disciplined execution can coexist — is something every developer, restaurateur, or attorney can take to heart. Patrick Henri

Our Customers Love Us!
(almost as much as we love them)
"My fiance and I enjoyed dinner at the Six Forks location tonight and we both agreed it was the best meal we have had in a long time.. The wait staff was so pleasant and accomodating and it felt wonderful to have the chef himself ask if we enjoyed our meal. The Shawerma sandwiches are wonderful..."
-Shondra Cheek
"I go to the location on Capital Blvd and have never been disappointed. Service and food is always great. Love the family feel to the restaruant. "
-Paul M.
"We love your restaurants. We go to Elias and Suha's restaurant in Mini City at least once a week and feel like it's a second home. Awesome food and wonderfully warm family service."
-Ann-Margaret and Bryan
"Ed and I love you restaurant. The food is always fresh and the service is wonderful. We have moved out of the Raleigh area and miss eating frequent meals at your place very much. We will be back in town to visit frequently and we will defiantly be stopping in to get our fix."
-Ed and Deb Buckley
Come inside our NEW Oasis
Combining the romance of the Mediterranean with the sophistication of the city, Solomon's offers the city's most intriguing & indulgent casual dining. Masterfully prepared dishes made from the finest fresh ingredients are sure to delight your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.
Celebration at Six Forks
7333 Six Forks Rd. MAP
Raleigh, NC
Tel: (919) 844-4977 Fax: (919) 844-4917
Our New Dining Area
We can now accomadate over 300 people
Have your next Banquet or Office Party @ Solomon's
We've more than doubled our size to accomodate your large group.
Rich Murals set the mood
Feel like you're dining on the Mediterranean Coast
Fully Stocked Bar
Enjoy a drink or glass of wine before or after your meal
Relaxing Lounge Area
Come relax with a drink after work
Dine Al-Fresco
Our Large Oupoor Patio let's you enjoy the breeze
Mediterranean Gift Shop
Find all sorts of unique turkish treasures in our new gift shop
YELP REVIEWS
*****
Sharon W. Raleigh, NC
1/8/2012
I thought the food and service were outstanding!!! What a great find..I went with a friend that gluten intolerant and they even made her a special meal.
~~~
****
Gregory H. Raleigh, NC
6/20/2011
Where to go to celebrate 11 years of wedded bliss? I threw things out there for my bride - Thai, Mexican, Japanese, BK, McD's, Wendy's, a pizza joint (insert rolling laughter here) etc... and she decided she wanted to try out a Mediterranean place. Okay, that was stepping outside my comfort zone but what the heck, it was time to give it a try.
Solomon's turned out to be nearly perfect for this kind of celebration. The atmosphere was intimate in the small raised section we were seated in. The decor was copper pots and pans, glazed clay vessels, perfectly placed framed art, some sheer curtains at the entrance of the dining area, mirrored windows and tassled curtains. All of this added to the atmosphere for the occasion.
I wouldn't be able to name all the foods we tried without looking up the menu just because I'm not familiar with what things are called. We went with a sampler plate for appetizers which gave us a choice of three. There was a melted feta cheese pie on pita bread, a beef Shawerma and the third was a Taboullah salad which had a bit of a sour (meaning tasty) tang to it. All were very good. Our server, April, was prompt with our wine service and her recommendation of the Argentine Malbec was perfect for the appetizers.
My bride settled on the chicken Kabob and I asked for the Lamb Sirloin, but we were told the Lamb Sirloin wasn't actually an available option any more and the menu needed to be updated. Okay, so I settled on the beef sirloin just as a safe (for me) option. The beef was a little bland, but the potatoes and the vegetables were incredibly good. I am NOT an asparagus fan, and I actually enjoyed the asparagus they served.
Can't wait to go back and try a little different selection, and maybe I'll actually venture to try something outside of my comfort zone.
~~~
****
erin l. Raleigh, NC
8/5/2011
I've been to the Solomon's at Six Forks, so I thought this would be about the same. The location (Mini City Plaza off of Capital) is kind of sketchy. The decor....eh, reconverted Pizza Hut from long ago. The food...OUTSTANDING! The prices at this Solomon's are lower than the one at Six Forks. The food is 10 times better! It's the best hole in the wall on Capital! My husband and I had the grape leaves ($3.95) and Hummus ($3.95) to start. Both were delicious! My husband had the shrimp scampi ($11), which he thought was a little watered down, probably because the chef pulled the noodles right out of a hot pot of water and straight into the bowl, but the flavor was still really good! There was fresh shrimp all throughout the dish. As we observed the chef in action, we noticed that he was using a uniquely crafted cast iron frying pan, which seemed to add an extra touch of authenticity to the dishes. I ordered the spinach salad ($5.99) with the bacon dressing and added grilled Salmon ($3.99). The salmon was grilled perfectly and cooked to perfection with the perfect amount of seasoning! The salad was loaded with fresh spinach, fresh mushrooms, fresh red onion, and fresh sliced tomato along with delicious pita croutons and house made hot bacon dressing. The meal was outstanding! It was much more than I expected when we first showed up. I would go back again and again!
~~~
****
Natalie B. Napa, CA
3/30/2010
This place was the real deal.
The whole thing was rented out for the rehearsal dinner for my best friends wedding. There was more than enough seating, self serve soda's and a beer/wine selection hosted by the groom's family, SCORE!
You should have seen the buffet....omg.
Pork tenderloin with some creamy horseradish sauce, mashed potatoes that would send you cryin', pasta with vegetables, hummus, pitas (baked & fried), hummus with goat cheese, mediterranean salad and some great chicken.
I have never been during the regular day to day business hours, but their catering skills are through the roof.
Truly a family run business, they have so much love invested in this it shows in their generosity and wonderful food.
~~~
****
Amrita J. Austin, TX
8/18/2009
Who would've though that this Mediterranean treasure would be as amazing as it is, hidden in.....a shopping center?!?! Solomon's was definitely worth the visit.
Mediterranean/Greek Decor : CHECK
Lots of menu options: CHECK
Yummy food: CHECK
Friendly Staff: CHECK CHECK
Solomon's CHECKed out in all areas.....so why not give it a try?!?
~~~
**** .
Benjamin B. Denver, CO
11/5/2008
Solomon's is an unassuming restaurant in one of the ubiquitous strip malls in Raleigh. They do a fairly good job of hiding the mall-ness, but it is still apparent. However, the food is pretty cheap and tasty. I had great waffle fries and the beef shwarma was pretty spot on. All of the food served looked well-prepared.
Pro
- Good for lunch. We had 12 and they sat us right away.
- Easy parking.
- The time from ordering to eating was fairly low.
- You order when you walk in and they bring it to you once prepared.
- They were liberal with the drink refills.
- It is definitely on the low end of the moderate price scale.
Con
- No major cons.
- Food wasn't excellent, but pretty good.
~~~
****
Morgan W. Longmont, CO
7/8/2009
After moving to Six Forks and Millbrook this became my mainstay for Mediterranean food. They have consistently good food and a consistently good atmosphere.
My main dish is usually the gyro plate or the greek salad but the daily specials they kick out are great as well. They had some kind of halibut dish once that I tried and the fish was cooked perfectly. For appetizers the hummus is terrific and freshly made and the shawerma skewers are some of the best skewers I've ever eaten. A truly great appetizer that whets the palate and makes you ready for the main course. The lamb dishes are cooked very well, the meat is still tender and never tough. The flavors used in their recipes are adequate but not overpowering and the dishes are generous without being overwhelming. The waitstaff is excellent, very helpful and courteous, and the decor resembling an outdoor terrace is a very nice touch.
My husband and I also found that the low lighting and dinner for two specials they do occasionally are great for a special night out without breaking the bank. A shared appetizer, bottle of wine (shiraz from Australia), two entrees, and a dessert for $45.
All in all a very very nice dining experience that seems to get better with every visit.
~~~
AN ASIDE:
Thelma J. NYC
6/24/2019
I was planning a trip to Raleigh, NC. to attend a wedding of a friend. I thought I would stop by Solomon's Restaurant for dinner on the evening of my arrival. I had eaten there nine years ago for a rehearsal dinner when I was part of a bridal party. The food was great and I thought it would be comforting to stop off at a familar place. When I did a google search for directions to the restaurant after picking up my car rental at the airport, boy, was I disappointed to learn that Solomon's Restaurant had closed. I scrambled to find another restaurant where I could grab something to eat finally asking the woman at the car rental desk if she had a recommendation. This snafu was representative of the entire weekend. I had to switch rooms at the hotel where I was staying since someone had smoked in the non-smoking room I had requested. The wedding was to be held outside at the Carolina Country Club, but it rained. Everything was moved inside the beautifully appointed clubhouse, but the rain did dampen things somewhat since the bride and groom had chosen a lovely outside setting. When I returned to the airport to return to NYC, my plane was delayed by 5 hours. The airline asked for "volunteers" since the next flight were now overbooked. I ended up volunteering and taking a flight home the next day.

Recipes
Our world renowned chefs are extremely excited about being able to share some of their secret family recipes with all our website visitors however, they've been extremely busy serving all our wonderful customers delicious meals all the time. We plan to give them a day off to type up some recipes sometime in the near future...
Recipes
The world-renowned chefs at Solomon's keep their recipes a closely guarded secret but while Solomon wasn't looking we managed to sneak a peek into the cookbook. Almost caught in the act we managed to come away with ...
Taboulleh Salad
1 cup dry bulgur or cracked wheat
1-1/2 cups boiling water
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup fresh lemon and/or lime juice
1 clove crushed fresh garlic
1/4 cup good olive oil
1 packed cup freshly chopped parsley
1/2 cup chopped scallions (including greens)
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1/2 teaspoon fresh or dried mint
Fresh black pepper
Optional:
1/2 cup cooked chickpeas and/or
1/2 cup coarsely grated carrot and/or
1 chopped green pepper and/or
1 chopped cucumber or summer squash
About 3 hours before serving:
The bulgur wheat needs at least 3 hours to thoroughly soak, marinate and chill. Combine bulgur wheat, 1-1/2 cups of boiling water and salt in a bowl. Cover and let stand for 15-30 minutes or until bulgur is chewable. Add lemon juice, garlic, oil and mint, and mix thoroughly. Leave covered and refrigerate.
About 20 minutes before serving:
Prepare remaining ingredients and combine in a large bowl. Add prepared bulgur wheat and mix gently correcting seasonings as needed. To give it a gourmet touch add some crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives. Serve with fresh pita or pocket pita bread.
Makes 6-8 servings.
Lentil Rice Pilaf
1 cup long-grain rice
1/4 cup dried lentils
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic minced or crushed
2 cubes or envelopes chicken bouillon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon good olive oil
For the best flavor use chicken stock in place of bouillon and water and use a high quality olive oil.
About 25 minutes before serving:
In a small saucepan add 1 cup of water and 1/4 cup of dried lentils. Bring to a boil, remove from heat and drain.
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat add 2 cups of water and the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil and add the prepared lentils. Reduce the heat to very low, cover and let simmer for 15 minutes.
Makes 6 servings.
We will continue to lurk around the kitchen for more opportunities to uncover these secret recipes so be sure to check back once in a while.
Catering Services
Let Solomon’s Restaurant cater your next event. From parties to weddings, Solomon's can meet all you catering needs and leave your guests completely satisfied.
All of our catering meals are custom designed and freshly prepared using only the finest ingredients. Our menu selections include several unique dishes you’ll be sure to enjoy.

Solomon's Dinner Menu
Appetizers
| Taboulleh Salad Parsley, cracked wheat, tomato, onions, mint, scallions, olive oil and fresh lemon juice. |
3.75 |
| Hummus Dip Ground chickpeas, tahina sauce, garlic, olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Served with toasted garlic pita bread. |
3.75 |
| Baba Ghanough Eggplant dip. Tahina sauce, garlic, fresh lemon juice and olive oil. Served with toasted garlic pita bread. |
3.75 |
| Falafel Ground chickpeas, parsley, onions, special Middle Eastern spices, quick fried topped with cucumber tomato tahina sauce. Served with toasted garlic pita bread. |
3.75 |
| Stuffed Grape Leaves Grape leaves stuffed with rice, tomato, onions, sumac, mint, olive oil and fresh lemon juice. |
3.75 |
| Fatoush Salad Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, sumac, onions, mint, olive oil, fresh lemon juice and fried pita bread. |
3.75 |
| Chicken or Beef Shawerma Slices of marinated grilled chicken or beef topped with our famous tomato tahina sauce and raw onion sumac. Served with toasted garlic pita bread. |
3.75 |
| Spinach Pie Fresh spinach, onions, sumac, and fresh lemon juice topped with feta and ricotta cheese on top of pita bread. |
3.75 |
| Cheese Pie Feta and Ricotta cheese, tomato on top of pita bread, baked until golden. |
3.75 |
| Appetizer Sampler Your choice of any three appetizer items listed above. |
8.50 |
|
Chicken or Beef Hummus Platter |
7.00 |
Salads
| Small Caesar Salad Mixed greens tossed with homemade Caesar dressing. |
3.75 |
| Small House Salad Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber and onions with your choice of dressing. |
3.75 |
| Grilled Chicken Salad Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, topped with grilled chicken breast and served with your choice of dressing. |
7.50 |
| Grilled Chicken Spinach Salad Fresh spinach, mushrooms, onions and tomatoes topped with grilled chicken breast and served with our homemade hot bacon dressing. |
7.75 |
| Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad Mixed greens tossed with our homemade Caesar dressing, topped with blackened chicken breast. |
7.50 |
| Beef Tenderloin Salad Lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, topped with tenderloin beef. Served with your choice of dressing. |
8.00 |
| Blackened Salmon Salad Lettuce, cucumber, tomato, onion, topped with blackened salmon. Served with your choice of dressing. |
8.50 |
|
Homemade Salad Dressings |
|
Sides
| Soup Of The Day or Lentil Soup |
Cup 2.75 |
| Pasta Marinara |
4.00 |
| Seasoned French Fries |
2.00 |
| Lentil Rice Pilaf |
2.00 |
| Garlic Shallot Mashed Potatoes |
2.50 |
| Fresh Seasonal Vegetables |
2.95 |
|
|
Light Bites
| Falafel Sandwich Ground chickpeas, parsley, onions and special Middle Eastern spices, quick fried, topped with cucumber tomato tahina sauce and hummus wrapped in pita bread. Served with our seasoned French Fries. |
6.50 |
| Chicken or Beef Shawerma Sandwich Our most popular sandwich! Slices of marinated grilled chicken or beef topped with tomato tahina sauce and raw onions sumac, wrapped in pita bread. Served with our seasoned French Fries. |
7.00 |
| Jerk Chicken Caesar Wrap One of the best sellers! Slices of marinated grilled chicken breast with jerk seasoning, wrapped with Caesar salad in pita bread. Served with our seasoned French Fries. |
7.00 |
| Chicken Salad Pita Wrap Freshly made with marinated grilled chicken breast, wrapped in pita bread with lettuce and diced tomatoes. Served with our seasoned French Fries. |
7.00 |
| Chicken or Beef Cheese Steak Sandwich Marinated grilled chicken or tenderloin beef on a hoagie roll topped with sautéed onions, green peppers and melted provolone cheese. Served with our seasoned French Fries. |
7.50 |
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich Your choice of Cajun Style with provolone cheese or dipped in our Honey Mustard sauce on a toasted hoagie with lettuce and tomato. Served with our seasoned French Fries. |
7.00 |
| The $6.50 Burger Our customers say it’s that much better. A hand made 8 oz. chuck patty grilled to order, served with lettuce and tomato on a hoagie. Served with our seasoned French Fries. With cheese for an additional 50¢. |
6.50 |
| Soup and Salad Your choice of a small Caesar or House salad and a bowl of our delicious homemade soup. |
6.50 |
| Shrimp Scampi Petite Sautéed shrimp in shallots, tomatoes, garlic with white wine in a light sauce over angel hair pasta. |
8.00 |
| Chicken Gallo Petite Sautéed chicken breast in a spicy marinara sauce with onions and green peppers over angel hair pasta. Topped with feta and ricotta cheese. |
7.75 |
| Shrimp & Scallops Marinara Petite Sautéed shrimp and scallops in marinara sauce with seasonal vegetables over angel hair pasta. |
8.75 |
| Jambalaya Petite Spicy rice dish with chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage in a red tomato sauce. |
7.75 |
Entrees
| Lamb Sirloin 9 oz. tender lamb, grilled to order and topped with caramelized balsamic onions. Served with our garlic shallot mashed potatoes and vegetables and your choice of a Caesar or House salad. |
17.00 |
| London Broil 8 oz. cooked to order, smothered in a Marsala wine mushroom sauce over garlic shallot mashed potatoes and served with your choice of a Caesar or House salad. |
13.00 |
| Beef Shish Kabobs Skewers of beef tenderloin and vegetables, grilled to order. Served over a bed of our special lentil rice pilaf with your choice of a Caesar or House salad. |
16.00 |
| Chicken Shish Kabobs Skewers of chicken and vegetables, grilled. Served over a bed of our special lentil rice pilaf with your choice of a Caesar or House salad. |
14.00 |
| Blackened Chicken Alfredo Blackened chicken breast on top of parmesan cream sauce with broccoli and carrots over angel hair pasta. |
12.00 |
| Chicken Florentine Chicken breast in a Monterey Jack and cheddar cream sauce with fresh spinach over angel hair pasta. |
12.00 |
| Chicken Gallo Sautéed chicken breast in a spicy marinara sauce with onions and green peppers over angel hair pasta. Topped with feta and ricotta cheese. |
10.00 |
| Jambalaya Spicy rice dish with chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage in a red tomato sauce. |
12.00 |
| Seafood Delight Shrimp and scallops in a chunky clam sauce over lobster stuffed raviolis with your choice of a Caesar or House salad. |
18.00 |
| Crab cakes Maryland style, served over garlic aioli with lentil rice pilaf and fresh vegetables. Your choice of a Caesar or House salad. |
17.00 |
| Fresh Salmon 9 oz. grilled or blackened, served with lentil rice pilaf and fresh vegetables and your choice of a Caesar or House salad. |
16.00 |
| Shrimp & Scallops Marinara Sautéed shrimp and scallops in marinara sauce with seasonal vegetables over angel hair pasta. |
14.00 |
| Shrimp Scampi Sautéed shrimp in shallots, tomatoes, garlic with white wine in a light sauce over angel hair pasta. |
14.00 |
| Vegetables Marinara Seasonal fresh vegetables sautéed in marinara sauce over angel hair pasta. |
10.00 |
Deserts
| Baklava |
3.50 |
| Cheesecake |
3.50 |
Beverages
| Coffee |
1.35 |
| Tea |
1.35 |
| Soda (Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, 7-Up, Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, Fruit Punch) |
1.35 |
| Freshly Brewed Iced Tea |
1.35 |
| Bottled Water |
1.35 |
Specialty
| Turkish Coffee Authentic individually brewed Turkish style coffee. |
2.45 |
White and Rose Wines |
Glass |
Bottle |
| Orchestre – California White Zinfandel Classic style of strawberry and raspberry fruit with a soft finish. |
4.00 |
16.00 |
| Di Lenardo – Italy Pinor Grigio A crisp and flavorful wine with hints of white flowers, green apple and melon. The finish is smooth and refreshing. |
4.75 |
20.00 |
| Amani – South Africa Sauvignon Blanc No oak style wine that is nice and crisp with hints of gooseberry and passion fruit. |
16.00 |
|
| Heron – California Chardonnay An elegant wine with supple lemon, spicy pear and fig which shows soft vanilla flavors on the finish. |
5.00 |
22.00 |
Red Wines |
Glass |
Bottle |
| Pontormo – Italy Chianti A soft red wine with flavors of red cherries and plums with a smooth finish. |
4.50 |
19.00 |
| Echelon – California Merlot Incredibly mouth filling with rich dark fruits ending with fine silky tannins. |
4.50 |
19.00 |
| U Bet Shiraz – Australia Shiraz A young and exciting wine that shows serious fruit! Huge concentration of ripe summer berries leaving a mouthwatering sensation. |
18.00 |
|
| Anfora – Italy Zinfandel Very rich with jammy dark fruit and a soft touch of sweet Mediterranean spices. |
16.00 |
|
| Chateau Harlaftis – Greece Cabernet Sauvignon An intense wine full of lingering tones of chocolate, cherry and vanilla. The finish is long and everlasting. |
22.00 |
Beers
| Domestic Beers |
2.25 |
| Imports and Specialty Beers |
3.00 |
| Draft Beer – Amstel Light and Carolina Pale Ale |
3.25 |

More Background On Solomon’s Restaurant
For nearly a decade, Solomon’s Restaurant stood as one of Raleigh’s most warmly regarded Mediterranean dining destinations. Locally owned and operated by the Khoury family, the restaurant earned a loyal following for its authentic dishes, family-style service, and a welcoming atmosphere that celebrated both Mediterranean heritage and Southern hospitality.
Even after its closure, Solomon’s remains fondly remembered among Raleigh locals. The restaurant’s website has since been reimagined as a nostalgic archive — a digital time capsule preserving its menu, reviews, and memories for those who cherished it. Today, the story of Solomon’s offers a window into an era when family-owned restaurants anchored the community’s social life and introduced diners to the flavors of distant coastlines.
Origins and Ownership
Solomon’s Restaurant was created and operated by Victor Khoury, Elias Khoury, and Debbie Khoury, who brought their Lebanese family recipes and Mediterranean traditions to the growing Triangle region. Their mission was simple: to combine fresh ingredients, authentic recipes, and personal service in a relaxed, casual setting where everyone felt at home.
The Khoury family’s culinary influence extended beyond Solomon’s. After years of success, Victor and Elias later reopened Saints and Scholars Irish Pub in North Raleigh, transforming it into a popular neighborhood gathering spot while maintaining the same commitment to quality and community that defined their earlier venture.
The Solomon’s brand represented not just a restaurant but an ethos: food as a bridge between cultures. Its tagline — “We have fun feeding you” — captured both their warmth and their pride.
Locations and Setting
At its height, Solomon’s operated two locations in Raleigh:
-
Celebration at Six Forks, located on Six Forks Road, served as the flagship restaurant. It featured hand-painted murals, soft lighting, a fully stocked bar, and a spacious outdoor patio where guests could dine al fresco on warm Carolina evenings.
-
Mini City Plaza, on North Capital Boulevard, offered the same menu in a smaller, more casual environment. While the building was once a converted Pizza Hut, the Khourys transformed it into a cozy Mediterranean hideaway filled with the aromas of grilled meats, olive oil, and roasted garlic.
Together, the two sites gave North Raleigh residents convenient access to the same signature dishes and friendly atmosphere. The Celebration at Six Forks location, in particular, became known for hosting large events and banquets, with capacity for over 300 guests.
Menu and Culinary Highlights
Solomon’s menu was an homage to the Levantine and Mediterranean kitchen — hearty, aromatic, and infused with the bright flavors of olive oil, lemon, and herbs.
Starters and Appetizers
Guests often began with classic small plates such as:
-
Hummus Dip — ground chickpeas with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, served with toasted garlic pita bread.
-
Tabbouleh Salad — parsley, cracked wheat, tomato, mint, scallions, and citrus dressing.
-
Falafel — chickpea fritters topped with tomato-cucumber tahini sauce.
-
Stuffed Grape Leaves, Spinach Pies, and Baba Ghanoush rounded out the appetizer list.
A popular choice was the Appetizer Sampler, which let guests select any three of these signature starters — a perfect introduction for newcomers to Mediterranean cuisine.
Salads and Lighter Fare
Fresh ingredients were the hallmark of Solomon’s salads. Favorites included the Blackened Chicken Caesar, Grilled Salmon Spinach Salad with hot bacon dressing, and a Beef Tenderloin Salad served with a choice of homemade dressings.
Entrées and Signature Dishes
Solomon’s offered a diverse range of entrées blending Mediterranean, Italian, and American influences. Highlights included:
-
Lamb Sirloin with caramelized balsamic onions and garlic-shallot mashed potatoes.
-
Chicken and Beef Shish Kabobs, served over lentil rice pilaf.
-
Seafood Delight, pairing shrimp and scallops with lobster-stuffed ravioli.
-
Jambalaya, Chicken Florentine, and Shrimp Scampi added a Southern-Mediterranean crossover flair.
For lunch and lighter appetites, Solomon’s served shawarma wraps, gyros, chicken Caesar pitas, and even 8-ounce hand-formed burgers, ensuring there was something for every palate.
Desserts and Beverages
No visit was complete without baklava — the flaky pastry layered with honey and pistachios — or a cup of authentic Turkish coffee, brewed individually and served strong and fragrant. The wine list offered affordable Old and New World selections, and a fully stocked bar catered to evening diners seeking a relaxed drink after work.
Recipes and Culinary Secrets
Though the restaurant guarded its recipes closely, a few were eventually shared online as part of its farewell tribute. Among them were the Tabbouleh Salad and Lentil Rice Pilaf recipes — both rich in Mediterranean simplicity. The instructions emphasized patience and balance: allowing bulgur wheat to soak for hours, using fresh herbs, and drizzling with quality olive oil.
These dishes, prepared with care rather than complexity, captured the spirit of Solomon’s cooking philosophy: food as craft, not commodity.
Customer Experience and Atmosphere
Solomon’s was known as much for its atmosphere as for its food. The décor — copper pots, glazed clay vessels, and soft drapery — created an ambience of warmth and comfort. Reviewers frequently described it as “romantic yet casual,” the kind of place suitable for both family dinners and date nights.
The staff, many of whom worked there for years, were praised for their attentiveness and hospitality. Patrons often mentioned that the chefs would visit tables to check on guests personally, a tradition that deepened the sense of family connection.
A lounge area and outdoor patio at the Six Forks location gave the restaurant a social dimension, while the addition of a small Mediterranean gift shop offered imported olive oils, ceramics, and Turkish trinkets — extending the dining experience beyond the table.
Reviews and Reputation
Local Praise
Online reviews captured a consistent sentiment: Solomon’s was a hidden treasure. Diners praised the freshness of ingredients, the consistency of service, and the restaurant’s balance of sophistication and approachability.
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One Raleigh diner wrote, “It felt wonderful to have the chef himself ask if we enjoyed our meal. The shawarma sandwiches were wonderful — easily the best meal we’ve had in months.”
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Another reviewer remarked, “Solomon’s feels like a second home — awesome food and wonderfully warm family service.”
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A visitor from Napa, California, attending a wedding rehearsal dinner, described the buffet spread as “through the roof — truly a family-run business, with generosity that shows in every dish.”
Critic Reviews
Regional dining columns described Solomon’s as “combining the romance of the Mediterranean with the sophistication of the city.” Its décor, murals, and attention to detail earned comparisons to fine-dining establishments, though prices remained moderate.
Even years later, nostalgic diners continued to post tributes. A 2019 commenter recalled planning to visit Solomon’s again, only to discover it had closed — calling it “the perfect place to unwind after a long day.”
Awards and Recognition
While Solomon’s did not seek national fame, it consistently ranked among Raleigh’s local favorites for Mediterranean cuisine during the mid-2000s. It was featured in local dining guides and community listings as one of the city’s top casual dining spots for family gatherings, business lunches, and private parties.
Its ability to merge two distinct culinary traditions — Southern comfort and Mediterranean zest — helped it stand out in Raleigh’s evolving food scene.
Cultural and Community Significance
Beyond food, Solomon’s played a subtle yet meaningful role in Raleigh’s cultural growth. In the early 2000s, the city’s culinary landscape was shifting, moving away from purely regional Southern fare toward a more global palate. Restaurants like Solomon’s introduced Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes to diners who may never have tasted tabbouleh or shawarma before.
Its presence also reflected the growing diversity of the Triangle area, where immigrant-owned restaurants brought authenticity and family tradition to local dining. The Khoury family’s blend of Lebanese hospitality and American entrepreneurship exemplified how culinary diversity became part of Raleigh’s modern identity.
Closure and Transition
By the early 2010s, after nearly a decade of operation, Solomon’s Restaurant closed its doors. The exact reasons were never publicly detailed, but shifting dining trends, rising overhead, and the challenges of maintaining two large locations likely played a role.
In 2012, the Khoury brothers revived Saints and Scholars Irish Pub — another of their ventures — positioning it as “the hidden gem of North Raleigh.” For a time, Solomon’s website redirected to the Saints and Scholars page before reverting to its archival form.
Though Solomon’s itself disappeared from the local restaurant listings, the spirit of its hospitality continued through Saints and Scholars and in the many patrons who carried its memory forward.
Online Legacy and Nostalgic Revival
Today, the Solomon’s Restaurant website endures as a nostalgic restoration of its archived pages. Maintained by enthusiasts and former patrons, it preserves menus, recipes, and testimonials from the restaurant’s original years (approximately 2003–2007).
The site’s tone is affectionate and personal — a deliberate act of remembrance. “Solomon’s Restaurant may be no more,” one line reads, “but the memories linger.” This act of preservation transforms the old domain into a digital monument to a community institution that once defined neighborhood dining.
Reflections and Lasting Influence
Solomon’s Restaurant was more than a place to eat; it was a symbol of how small, family-run businesses can shape the cultural and emotional geography of a city. Its closure marked the end of an era, but its online resurrection ensures that its story — and the Khoury family’s vision — continue to inspire.
In many ways, Solomon’s embodied the same principles that drive great builders and developers: attention to detail, respect for craftsmanship, and the belief that every project should have heart. Whether serving lamb kabobs or designing a new dining space, the Khoury brothers approached their work with the same care and pride.
Their success story parallels the entrepreneurial determination seen across industries — from restaurateurs to real-estate developers — proving that passion, persistence, and personal touch can transform an idea into a landmark.
Although the lights at Solomon’s have long since dimmed, its legacy remains vivid. To those who dined there, the name evokes warm pita bread, the scent of lemon and olive oil, and laughter shared across tables. To Raleigh’s restaurant history, it represents a chapter of authenticity and family devotion.
In an age when local landmarks often vanish without a trace, the enduring tribute to Solomon’s Restaurant — through its archived website, loyal patrons, and living successors — keeps its memory alive. It reminds us that great restaurants, like great works of architecture or art, never truly disappear; they live on in the people who experienced them.
