As the home of the largest concentration of Arab Americans outside of the Middle East, the metro Detroit area has more than its fair share of authentic Mediterranean-style restaurants.

But there are still many areas where a home-style plate of shish tawook or appetizers of creamy hummus and crisp tabbouli are hard to come by. 

As one of the fastest-growing Mediterranean restaurants in the state, La Marsa Mediterranean Cuisine has begun serving those favorites and much more to Michigan residents at six different locations ranging from Farmington Hills west to Ann Arbor and north to Brighton, with a seventh location coming soon in South Lyon by the end of the year.

Patrons range from everyday Americans to Arab Americans and Chaldeans to American Jews, as well as public figures like Governor Rick Snyder, former basketball star Chris Webber and members of the Detroit Tigers. They all have one thing in common: a love for traditional Middle Eastern recipes.

“We get many customers here from every nationality, religion and color,” said co-owner Fadhel Gannouni, in between serving customers at his popular Farmington Hills location.

“But all my customers are favorites to me, and we get many who come back every single day.” 

Gannouni has been taking care of customers ever since he arrived to the United States, in San Diego, with just 30 dollars to his name, and began working in the restaurant business with a dream of owning his own some day. He moved to Michigan in 1998 and began saving money before starting La Marsa in January 2007. 

La Marsa, which is named after a coastal town in the far northeastern part of Tunisia in Gannouni’s home country, has a similarly casual and welcoming atmosphere  at the Farmington Hills location punctuated by an elegant dining room with marble counter tops and Middle Eastern-style architectural accents. 

For Gannouni and his staff, the restaurant represents more than just food, it also represents an opportunity to showcase the values, culture and hospitality of the Middle East. 

“My idea is to show our culture through food; with food you’re always presenting yourself,” he said.

“Some people don’t know a lot about the culture or the food so we always want to present ourselves in the best way.” 

The menu is comprised mainly of Lebanese-style favorites, ranging from shish kabobs to meat and chicken schwarma dishes, a wide variety of salads including fattoush, lentil soup, lamb chops char-broiled to perfection and more. But chef and co-owner Adel Ahmed also presents his own Egyptian heritage through signature dishes including one particular national favorite.

The popular traditional koshary dish layers pasta, rice, lentils, onions, garlic, special tomato sauce and seasonings and is often topped with sauteed meat or chicken. 

Dessert is also a hit at La Marsa with traditional favorites like the cream caramel and baklava supplemented by another signature dish, the Omo Ali, a warm, decadent, individually baked combination of french bread, milk, honey, sour cream and mixed nuts courtesy, of Chef El Nager. 

The combination of Mediterranean favorites and unique creations and twists to the menu have helped make La Marsa one of the most popular restaurants of its kind in the area as more and more people have begun to experience the rare combination of health and taste offered by the kitchen of co-owners Gannouni, Moe El Nager, and Ahmed. 

Gannouni is proud to be able to share his love of cooking with fellow Americans and remains appreciative of his opportunities. “America has given us all a great opportunity to succeed, and we all want to be a part of the American dream, we don’t want to waste this opportunity,” he said.

“We want to represent the Tunisians, the Egyptians, to represent all of the Arabs well.” 

Gannouni grew up in poverty in the city of Jendouba, Tunisia, and dreams of going back to help his natives there as they continue to build a better life following their recent revolution. For now, however, he’s focused on making La Marsa the best it can be along with his partners, and so far, the formula is definitely working. 

Catering and carry-out are both available. For more information on La Marsa and its various locations, visit lamarsacuisine.com.