Middle eastern cuisine seems to be the thing on Fifth Avenue. First there was Alaturka, which went out of business in November only to be replaced by Mediterra, a pretty place that’s reviewed this week’s Brooklyn Paper.

Over on Fifth Avenue near 9th Street, Fatoosh has just opened. They have a branch on Hicks Street near Atlantic in Brooklyn Heights. Here’s a rave among raves from Yelp:

It’s true, perhaps the best falafel around. I mean, it’s on the spicey side, especially with the mahammarah sauce (a red pepper spread of some sort), but wow, what flavor and texture. I wish I had a camera, I’d put a picture of it here. At any rate, they make their own pitas on site, so you get a hot fluffy pita with most every meal. They have all the basics, without much flair, but its got this homestyle goodness. The couscous salad is pretty simple, but the subtle spices they use bring out something beyond the traditional halal-cart fare. It’s worth a shot, but I’ll bet you’ll be back. 2nd only to Damascas Bakery in my opinio

Mediterra (381 Fifth Ave. at 6th Street in Park Slope)

Fatoosh ( address to come; Fifth Avenue at 9th Street in Park Slope)