THE
CULTURE
CROSS-CULTURAL CULINARY JOURNEY
The ancient Spice Routes of the Mediterranean connected the cultures of North Africa, the Middle East and Southern Europe for thousands of years. Our market celebrates the city center shops, cafes, street vendors and Bazaars that attract people of all ages and all cultures to its doors.
While some Mediterranean cuisine is often only thought of as it’s staples such as hummus, flatbreads, and kebabs, the countries that make up the Mediterranean each boast unique, yet unified culinary traditions. Mediterranean cooking is characterized by the shared culinary customs of those who live around the Mediterranean Sea, and while these countries certainly share a common reliance on the consumption of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, seafood, olive oil, and herbs, there are distinct differences between each country’s culinary habits.
Each culture has a nuanced way of presenting these culinary gems: for example, meat cooked vertically on a rotisserie is called a shawarma in the Levant, a gyro in Greece, and a doner kebab in Turkey, and each country puts its own unique spin on the dish.
At Darna, we have a wide variety of specialty Halal meats that can be prepared to order. We are of course known for our lamb, which you can easily request to have de-boned and chopped so you can bag it up and freeze it at home.
Eastern Mediterranean shares an abundance of culinary customs and practices, with each country creating their own individual cuisines, all boasting its own unique spin on traditional Mediterranean cooking. From shareable, delectable mezze dishes to hearty meat dishes such as kebabs or fodula, there is a world of opportunity to try each region’s take on Mediterranean classics. Darna offers its patrons a chance to experience all of these different cultures and cuisines, straight from our market to your home.
ABOUT DARNA
Darna means "our house" in Arabic
Darna is a Euro-Mediterranean bazaar and eatery, bringing North Texans on a cross-cultural culinary journey. Created in 2019 by Yela Concepts Founder Yaser Khalaf, Darna is the celebration of the shops, cafés, street vendors, and bazaars that are such a major attraction in the Mediterranean.
Spanish meat boards, European cheeses, French pastries, Italian and Turkish flatbreads, Greek souvlaki, Moroccan spices, and Lebanese mezze. Darna will also feature a Turkish coffee bar and a full-service alcohol bar offering everything from craft cocktails to select beer and wine. A deli will offer ready-to-eat offerings, as well as quick-service mezza, salad, and sandwich stations.
Our 6,200 square foot market and eatery has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating for those looking to grab a bite before grabbing groceries. With authentic Middle Eastern features and “modern chic” North African and coastal Mediterranean interiors. An explosion of colors, patterns, smells and sounds will blend varied cultures and traditions will make you feel like you just stepped off a plane in Santorini.
At Darna, food means much more to us than what you taste. We offer a fully immersive experience defined by texture, aroma, and visual art, delivering a fun, authentic, approachable experience unlike any other in North Texas. Join us on this cross-cultural culinary journey that time will never change.
JOIN THE TEAM
THE DARNA TEAM
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For more than 25 years, Yaser Khalaf has shared his love of great food with his customers. Born in Kuwait, Yaser’s passion for the hospitality industry fueled his success. Over the years, Yaser has perfected his skills in creating successful restaurants that capitalize on popular and emerging food trends. Yaser is the founder and chief creative of award winning establishments such as; Medina in Victory Park, the ever-popular Baboush in Uptown Dallas and Souk in Trinity Groves.
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In the late 80’s, Lee began his career in the restaurant industry with Benningan’s in Dallas, Texas. During his tenure with Bennigan’s, Lee immediately befriended Pat Garza and they have been friends ever since. Lee took a hiatus from the restaurant industry to concentrate efforts on oil and gas endeavors and business ventures spanning multiple sectors. Fast forward 30 years, Lee is proud to partner with Pat and Yaser, and honored to work with the exceptional Darna Team. Lee’s experience in the hospitality industry, vast business acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit makes him a wonderful addition to the team.