Habibi's Cafe & Pizzeria in Columbia: Middle Eastern Flavors and Wood-Fired Pizza

What Habibi's Cafe & Pizzeria Serves

Habibi's Cafe & Pizzeria, located in Columbia, blends Middle Eastern cooking with Italian wood-fired pizza. The menu centers on Lebanese and Mediterranean dishes—hummus, falafel, shawarma, and grilled meats—alongside Neapolitan-style pizzas baked in a traditional wood-fired oven. The restaurant operates as a casual dining spot where you order at the counter and eat in or take out.

The name "Habibi" means "my love" or "my dear" in Arabic, and the space reflects that warmth. Exposed brick, warm lighting, and open kitchen views create an informal, welcoming atmosphere. The pizzas come with thin, charred crusts typical of wood-fired ovens, while the Middle Eastern side of the menu draws on family recipes and regional techniques.

Key Takeaways

• Habibi's serves both Lebanese and Mediterranean dishes alongside wood-fired pizzas, so you can order shawarma or hummus alongside a Neapolitan pie.
• The restaurant operates counter-service, meaning you order at the counter and can eat in the dining room or take food to go.
• The wood-fired oven produces pizzas with charred, thin crusts that differ noticeably from conventional oven pizza.
• The space is casual and family-friendly, designed for quick meals rather than formal sit-down service.

The Middle Eastern Menu

The Lebanese and Mediterranean offerings form the heart of what makes Habibi's distinct. Hummus arrives creamy and topped with olive oil and spices; falafel comes fried to order, crispy outside and tender inside. Shawarma—thinly sliced, spiced meat cooked on a vertical spit—is served in pita with tahini sauce, tomatoes, and onions. Grilled chicken, lamb, and beef kebabs round out the protein options, each seasoned with the warm spices common to Levantine cooking.

Mezze platters let you sample multiple dishes at once: typically a combination of hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, dolmas, and fresh pita. These work well for groups or for anyone wanting to taste several flavors in one meal. Salads emphasize fresh vegetables and olive oil, and sides like rice pilaf and roasted vegetables accompany most entrees.

The Wood-Fired Pizza Side

The pizza menu runs parallel to the Middle Eastern offerings rather than trying to merge them. Expect traditional Italian combinations—margherita, quattro formaggi, prosciutto and arugula—baked in the wood-fired oven. The high heat of the oven (typically 800 degrees or hotter) cooks a pizza in two to three minutes, creating a crust with leopard-spotted char and a slight char on the edges while the center stays soft and chewy.

Some pizzerias add Middle Eastern toppings to their pies, but Habibi's keeps the two cuisines largely separate on the menu. This approach lets each tradition stand on its own rather than forcing a fusion that might dilute either one. You can order a pizza and a plate of hummus and pita as separate items, enjoying both without compromise.

Hours, Location, and Ordering

Habibi's is located in Columbia and operates as a counter-service restaurant. Hours typically run from late morning through evening, though you should confirm current hours before visiting, as restaurant schedules can shift seasonally or for special events. The restaurant accepts both dine-in and takeout orders.

Because it is counter-service, there is no table service or reservations. You walk up to the counter, order your food, pay, and either eat in the dining area or take your order to go. Wait times vary depending on how busy the kitchen is; wood-fired pizzas cook quickly, but if the oven is full, you may wait a few minutes.

Atmosphere and Who It Works For

Habibi's suits casual dining—lunch breaks, family outings, or a quick dinner without formality. The exposed brick and open kitchen create an informal, energetic vibe. It is not a quiet, intimate space; expect some noise from the oven and other diners. The restaurant draws a mix of regulars and newcomers, and the counter-service model means you see the food being prepared.

Families with children do well here because the menu has familiar options (pizza) alongside more adventurous choices (shawarma), and the casual setup means nobody minds if kids are a bit restless. Groups can order a variety of dishes and share, which works naturally with the mezze platters and individual pizzas.

What to Order If You Are New

If you have never eaten at Habibi's, start with a mezze platter to sample the Middle Eastern side without committing to a single dish. This gives you hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, and other staples in one order. Pair it with warm pita and a simple salad. Then order a margherita or quattro formaggi pizza to experience the wood-fired oven.

If you prefer to focus on one cuisine, a shawarma sandwich and a side of hummus with pita make a satisfying meal, or a single pizza with a simple salad. The staff can answer questions about spice levels and ingredients, so do not hesitate to ask if you are unsure about a dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

No. Habibi's operates on a walk-in, counter-service basis. You order at the counter when you arrive. During very busy times, you may wait a few minutes for your food, but there is no reservation system.

Can I get both pizza and Middle Eastern food in one order?

Yes. You can order a pizza, a shawarma plate, a mezze platter, or any combination of items from both sides of the menu. Many people order one pizza and one or two Middle Eastern dishes to share.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes. Falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and vegetable-based mezze platters are all vegetarian. Several pizzas can be ordered without meat, including margherita and vegetable combinations. Ask the counter staff which pizzas are currently available.

How long does a pizza take to cook?

Wood-fired pizzas cook in two to three minutes once they go in the oven. However, if the oven is full or there is a line of orders ahead of you, your total wait from ordering to receiving your pizza may be longer. Counter staff can give you a rough estimate when you order.

Is the food spicy?

Middle Eastern dishes at Habibi's are seasoned with warm spices but are not typically very hot. Hummus, falafel, and most mezze items are mild. Shawarma and grilled meats have more spice, but you can ask the staff about heat level before ordering. Pizzas are not spicy unless you request hot peppers as a topping.