Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill Now Open in Downtown Cleveland
The fast-casual Middle Eastern chain brings stuffed pitas, rice bowls and more to its new location near Public Square.
by Vince Grzegorek | Jul. 28, 2026 | 5:00 AM
Courtesy Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill
Operators Dhruv, Pratik and Viral Patel have expanded the Naf Naf chain with their newest opening in downtown Cleveland off Public Square.
Years after Taco Bell Cantina shuttered its doors, the fast-casual Middle Eastern grill opened this week.
Motivated by the center city market and the new Sherwin Williams HQ, the Patels set their sights on the shores of Lake Erie in addition to other regional markets.
Coming from the phrase that means “fan the flame,” Naf Naf sells stuffed pitas, rice bowls and hearty meat-and-rice trays in a Chipotle-style format. The restaurant blends “comfort-food familiarity with its authentic Middle Eastern roots,” its website reads.
Chef Sahar Sander opened up the first Naf Naf in Naperville, Illinois, in 2009. Since then, Naf Naf has gone on to open more than 40 stores in 13 states.
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