The type of middle eastern food you would get at a restaurant would usually be in a platter consisting of rice and then the course. Usually a stew would be offered with the rice, either a curry stew or tomato based stew with beans or other type of specialty stew. The dishes are of a wide variety. The chicken is usually sauteed or barbecued and is usually marinated with olive oil, garlic, lemon, and various spices. It can be bland, but it definitely has flavor. The meats are usually lamb or beef. There is actually a raw lamb dish made by the lebanese which I find to be amazing. The lamb and beef are usually rotisseried after having been coated with spices. There are also sandwiches which would include chicken lamb or beef, either rotisseried or grilled. The chicken is accompanied by garlic sauce and middle eastern pickles. The red meats are usually accompanied by tahini, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickled beets (like the kind you get in a greek salad). There are also tons of specialty dishes. I would say bland flavors with lots of garlic and spices. Mediterranean at heart, but definitely has it's uniqueness.
