Best Mediterranean Restaurants That You Have To Try This Year

Nikhil Goswami
Top view of hands at the dinner table with lots of tapas

While your regular meals are great, trying new cuisines is exciting. Changing up what you eat daily will allow you to broaden your taste palette and find new favorite foods. Mediterranean cuisine is unique and an interesting, healthy alternative to fast food. 

Whether you tried it on a trip, want to try it, or are curious about various cuisines, we have you covered. We made a list of the best Mediterranean restaurants near you to satisfy your cravings. 

All these restaurants are economical and convenient. Furthermore, they have excellent customer service and various delicious menus. They are also perfect for a fun night out with friends. 

Mediterranean Cuisine 

The cuisine has three core elements: olives, wheat, and grapes. These ingredients produce olive oil, bread, and wine. They are famously known as the Mediterranean triad. 

The three are defining features that tie the numerous regions of the Mediterranean basins. Moreover, they are also widely harvested in the region. Bread is a staple throughout the Mediterranean; consequently, many versions exist.  

In short, Mediterranean cuisine combines Maghrebi, Egyptian, Levantine, Turkish, Greek, Italian, French, and Spanish cuisines. Some writers and cooks argue that Portuguese cuisine is partly Mediterranean as well. 

The cuisine includes oil, bread, roast lamb or mutton, and meat stews with vegetables, known as andrajos. Vegetables are essential, especially tomatoes, which are present in many dishes. Furthermore, vegetable stews such as ratatouille, pisto, and ciambotta contain unique flavors and distinct spices. Mediterranean food is very popular because of its delicious taste and versatility, such as pasta, pizza, falafel, and kebabs. 

  • Pasha Mediterranean Grill 

Pasha Mediterranean Restaurant offers authentic Mediterranean cuisine and Persian and Middle Eastern dishes. It serves numerous diets, including vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, and Halal options. Moreover, the eatery is inexpensive. 

They have an eclectic menu featuring many well-known Mediterranean dishes. Their appetizer section includes various kinds of naans, such as poppy and sesame seed naan, as well as dolmas and falafel.

 Aside from that, the restaurant also serves baba ghannouj, which is a grilled eggplant dip with garlic, lemon juice, and tahini sauce. Pasha Mediterranean Grill’s entree selection has shawarma plates, gyros, moussaka, seafood, stews, and many different kebabs. 

Their vegetarian plate has sauteed spinach, Greek feta, baba ghanoush, dolmas, and two types of salads with a side of potatoes or rice. They also have beef and lamb wraps and an array of soups and salads. 

  • Mina & Dimi’s Greek House Restaurant

This eatery provides Greek food and Mediterranean cuisine with options for individuals with specific diets. It has numerous excellent reviews and hardly any one-star ratings. Mina and Dimi’s Greek House Restaurant is known for their ample serving portions. Therefore, it is the best place to order from if you have a large appetite. 

The restaurant’s gyro is a customer favorite. It comes in a platter with chicken gyro slices and melted mozzarella cheese served with greek salad and pita bread. 

You can also swap the chicken for a lamb or beef mixture. Moreover, crispy potatoes, honey mustard, and traditional sauces are sides to the dish. Aside from that, there is pastitsio, a Greek pasta casserole served with salad and bread. 

If you are a vegetarian, there is an entire menu section dedicated to meatless dishes. The vegetable moussaka is a layered dish of potatoes, zucchini, eggplant, and artichokes baked in a smooth bechamel sauce. 

Furthermore, various pita sandwiches that come with fries and salad and side orders, such as feta cheese with tomatoes. Beverages such as coffee, beer, and soda are also available. 

  • John The Greek Restaurant 

As its name suggests, John The Greek Restaurant offers Greek food and Mediterranean dishes. It has great value, adequate services, and a tasty menu. Moreover, it caters to vegans and serves lunch and dinner meals. 

Even though the restaurant’s menu is small, it is full of distinct options such as tirokafteri. Skordalia is a unique potato and garlic spread you can enjoy with fresh crispy pita bread. Another cold appetizer is feta cheese and Kalamata olives which is a great option if you enjoy savoring olive oil. 

Their entrees include lamb and seafood options. You can get lamb chops, shanks, or sliced lamb with a bed of rice and a side dish. In seafood, there is fried cod fish filet and red snapper, among others, and they also come with a side dish. 

What sets the eatery apart is its homemade dessert menu. Many restaurant customers suggest trying their baklava; a light layered honey and walnut pastry. 

There is also galaktoboureko, a custard-filled pastry baked in syrup. Moreover, if you enjoy baked goods, Pasta Flora are cookies glazed with apricot, strawberry, and grape preserves. Furthermore, the restaurant has grape pie as well. 

  • Paesano’s Riverwalk 

Paesano’s Riverwalk is a scenic restaurant. It offers a classy menu to cater to your appetite. It has both Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Despite being on the expensive side, it is worth the price. It also delivers late-night meals. Therefore, Paesano’s Riverwalk is a great choice if you’re a night owl. 

Its appetizers start from the $4 option of garlic bread with tomato soup. It can reach up to $18 for The Sampler for Two. The dish consists of shrimp paesano, calamari, and parmesan-crusted artichoke hearts with dips. 

If you fancy salads, the Mediterranean salad has romaine lettuce leaves with oranges, cranberries, feta cheese, and almonds tossed in a honey poppy seed dressing. Moreover, there are numerous add-ons to the salad of your choice, such as tuna and chicken, etc. 

There is a large selection of pizzas and pasta on the menu. Ranging from $18 to $20, you can get classic cheese, grilled chicken, and Margherita pizzas with gluten-free crusts. The pasta menu has Penne All’ Arrabbiata, which has Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, zucchini, squash, and pesto on a bed of spinach and spicy tomato sauce. 

There is a kid’s menu as well and a vast selection of juices, teas, and fountain drinks. Moreover, the restaurant has a bar serving cocktails, margaritas, whiskey, bourbon, rum, scotch, vodka, and many more. 

  • Jerusalem Grill

Jerusalem Grill is known for being consistent and serving middle-eastern specialties. The eatery has many positive reviews about its amiable staff and wonderful ambiance. Moreover, the dishes are also very affordable. Their food is also filling and made from high-quality products. 

Jerusalem Grill has two appetizer sections: quick and Mezz. The quick section has many western options. These include chicken wings and cheese sticks. Therefore, you can pick something from there if you’re craving Mediterranean food but want a regular snack on the side. 

However, the Mezza section has traditional Mediterranean appetizers such as hummus, Tabouleh salad, Jerusalem salad, and fried eggplant. There is also Maharmara which is a spice dip made from roasted pepper, garlic, and chili.

The main course includes many kinds of kebabs and grilled meat. There is lamb shank, shawarma, grilled fish, and a vegetarian platter. There is a restaurant grill that serves one to six people with skewered kebabs and rice. 

The restaurant has many beverages such as smoothies, flavored teas, cold drinks, sodas, and more. They have Turkish coffee and a yogurt drink, which is yogurt mixed with water, garlic, and mint, to produce a refreshing Mediterranean drink. On their dessert menu, Jerusalem Grill offers its customers baklava, kenafa sweet, and paposa sweet. 

  • Toro Kitchen and Bar 

Toro Kitchen and Bar is unique because it serves international food, making its menu very diverse. It has a five-star rating. It also has a comfortable environment and competent staff. Their motto is straightforward quality and procures tasteful dishes worth your time and money. 

They have the Mediterranea, a ceviche-style salad with quinoa, lime, bell pepper, onion, avocado, and green olives. Unlike other restaurants. They have a cheese menu where you can get wine-marinated goat cheese, known as Cabra Al Vino, or smoked goat cheese, Chevrolet. 

Toro kitchen and bar’s main course has an array of dishes with a touch of Mediterranean ingredients and flavors. There is the Pan Tomate, a tomato spread on a toasted baguette, and the Ceviche de Pulpo: octopus with avocado, lime, and cilantro. Their bar section has a wide range of Spanish cocktails, beers, spritzers, and wine. 

  • Demo’s Greek Food 

Demo’s Greek food is special for quick bites and therefore perfect for ordering from. The restaurant has many delicious choices of Mediterranean food. There are appetizers like Tarama, a caviar spread, Hummus and Tzatziki, a sour cream, cucumber, and garlic sauce dip. 

Additionally, there is Spanakopita, Tiropita, Yalandji Dolmas, and Salonica peppers. The food comes in two to three different portions; your cost depends on that. Moreover, there are soups and salads and moussaka, an eggplant dish with bechamel sauce and beef, and a customer favorite. 

They have gyro sandwiches, mozzarella, deluxe, and either chicken or beef. The sandwiches have tomatoes and onions and come with different sauces and sides depending on your choice. 

There are chicken and beef Souvlaki sandwiches, ranging from micro at $7.50 to double for $11.80. The sandwich menu doesn’t stop there; there is also an additional section containing a vegetarian-friendly falafel sandwich. Moreover, the restaurant has fish, platters, and sides as well. 

  • Papouli’s Greek Grill 

Papouli’s menu has just about anything as they offer traditional and contemporary cuisine. Their options range from simple snacks to gourmet-style platters and fusions like their Nutella Brownie. The appetizers have hummus served with pita bread, sliced cucumbers, and classics like dolmas. Furthermore, there are Phyllo puff pastries with spinach and cheese. 

Papouli’s Greek Grill has soups and salads like their lemon chicken soup with orzo and pita. Their salad, The Mediterranean, has very good reviews; it’s a salad with protein, tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, peppers, and a vinaigrette dressing. 

If you are craving gyro, Papouli’s has Classic, Greco Roman, and The garden. The sandwiches have fresh tomatoes and onions, including feta, mozzarella, and tzatziki. You can get the regular size for $9.49 and the double protein for $11.49. These rates may change upon the selection of your protein. There is also a vegetarian falafel burger that is not only a healthy choice but delicious and comes with a jalapeno hummus. The Papouli’s Feast is a three-person order that serves a quarter pound of gyro, chicken kabob, steak kabob, shrimp kabob, lamb leg kabob, greek salad, dolmas, and pitas, among other things. 

Moreover, the eatery has delightful desserts like cinnamon and walnut baklava, honey syrup Galaktobouriko and a Nutella brownie with fudge sauce and walnuts. 

  • Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill 

This restaurant is unique because it’s a Mediterranean fast food restaurant. They use fresh produce and cook your food without using frozen food. Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill serves mouth-watering food that satisfies your cravings and gives you a great experience. Moreover, it is vegan-friendly and perfect for vegetarians as well. 

They have plates, salads, laffas, which are a type of warp, and gyros. You choose an item and then build it into a meal by picking out protein, vegetables, and sauces. The protein choices include gyro, sirloin steak, chicken, portobello mushrooms, and falafel for vegans. 

The fillers have hummus, seasonal hummus, rice, baba ganoush, and a tomato and cucumber salad. There is a wide range of sauces, like cilantro sauce, tzatziki, red chili sauce, Mediterranean garlic sauce, and more. 

Lastly, the sides consist of fries, baklava, cookies, falafel, chips, and pita bread, all fresh from the oven. Garbanzo offers iced tea, soda, water, and Mediterranean Aqua Frescas for drinks. 

  • Mediterranean Turkish Grill 

The Mediterranean Turkish Grill has a plethora of dishes that will entice you. The restaurant’s cuisine is mainly Turkish; however, many platters and spreads are similar to Mediterranean food. As the flavors throughout the Mediterranean basin include Turkish cuisine, the eatery is the perfect place to try. 

Aside from hummus, they have ezme, a spiced vegetable spread with a tomato base. Most appetizers are spreads and salads such as Lebni, Cacik, Feta cheese plate, falafel, and the Meze platter. 

The entrees have numerous kabobs, and grilled meat served with rice and different sauces. Moreover, they have a falafel plate that contains seasoned chickpea, onion, parsley, and rice. 

Mediterranean Turkish Grill also has homemade Turkish pizza with vegetarian options. There are sandwiches and doner wraps like the chicken doner wrap and falafel wrap. They have healthy salads too, like the Mediterranean salad, which has lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and a lemon dressing. 

For dessert, the restaurant has pistachio baklava, chocolate cake, and Kazandibi. They offer coffee, tea, lemonade, and Aryan, a yogurt drink, as beverages. 

  • Dallah Mediterranean Cuisine 

Dallah Mediterranean cuisine has huge portions for moderate prices. They specialize in middle-eastern and Mediterranean cuisine and have much to offer. They have a little of everything and serve flavourful dishes. Moreover, the eatery has a decent ambiance and great staff.

They have the classic hummus, baba ganoush, and dolmas. Aside from that, they have a feta cheese and vegetable platter with raw goods like olives, tomatoes, cucumber, and olive oil. There is also Spanakopita, which is a puff pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese. 

Dallah Mediterranean Cuisine offers lentil soup with lentils, onions, cumin, and a special blend of Mediterranean spices. There is also a variety of salads like Fattoush salad, with greens, mint, and pita flakes, as well as Shiraz salad with chopped vegetables and olive oil.  

The wrap section includes gyro and shawarma wraps as well as kebabs in tannour bread. A delicious vegetarian choice is the cheese wrap with cheese, tomato, lettuce, and herb fix served with fries, salad, or rice. Additionally, the Garden Club wrap has hummus, black olives, avocado, tomatoes, and lettuce. 

The entrees have kabob and gyro skewer platters that come with onion relish, and there is moussaka as well. For desserts, Dallah Mediterranean Cuisine has pistachio cookies and baklava. 

  • Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet 

We had to include a buffet on our list, and Dimassi’s Mediterranean buffet was a perfect choice. It has all the classic dishes and contemporary twists on Mediterranean food. They have simple yet finger-licking appetizers like cheese pie, grape leaf dolmas, spinach pie, and pita bread. In their soup and salad selection, there is Tabouli, potato salad, lentil soup, and pinto bean salad, among other things. Moreover, there is a chickpea salad with chickpeas, diced bell pepper, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. 

They have four kinds of hummus: regular, avocado, mushroom, and spicy. There is also cucumber mint yogurt and garlic sauce. Another unique feature of Dimassi’s is its wide range of rice. 

There is rice with vermicelli, rice with lentils, and even rice with seasoned ground beef. The buffet includes vegetables like spinach, green beans, cauliflower, okra, and carrots. Furthermore, the protein section has fourteen choices, including kabobs, lamb, beef, chicken, fish, and gyro. Dimassi’s offers baklava, apricot jam cookies, fruit, and Namoura, a coconut delicacy for dessert. 

  • Tripoli’s Mediterranean Grill 

Known for its outstanding food and cheap prices, Tripoli’s Mediterranean Grill offers some high-quality cuisine. It is clean, comfortable, and convenient. Moreover, it has an array of dishes that will leave you wanting more. 

They have a family meal called 2 Meat Family Meal, where you choose two types of meat from a selection of protein, a salad, rice, grilled vegetables, bread, sauces, and dessert. You can enjoy this meal with a family-sized group. It is for $46 and serves 5-6 people. 

Tripoli’s Mediterranean Grill also has a chickpea salad with feta crumble and a tasty green greek salad. Moreover, if you want a burger, the restaurant also has a slider known as the lamburger. It is a lamb burger with cheese and a thick juicy lamb pattie.

The Grill also takes orders for a special Kunafa cake. You can purchase it in single, small and medium sizes, ranging from $30 to $67. The cake is made with shredded phyllo pastry and has a sweet cheese filling and a rose water syrup. 

  • Copa Wine Bar

A restaurant and pub, Copa Wine Bar is an exquisite restaurant with excellent value and good food. The servers are helpful, and the bartenders are generous with the drinks. Furthermore, the ambiance is praised by customers often. If you want authentic Mediterranean cuisine, Copa Wine Bar is the best place. 

The restaurant has many choices in all sections of its menu. A popular appetizer of theirs is the Hummus San Antonio, a blend of chickpeas, roasted garlic, lemon, chipotle pepper, and olive oil. It’s a thick luscious spread served with fresh pita bread. 

Another spread is the Mediterranean dip; regular hummus topped with yogurt, cucumbers, tomatoes, sliced pepperoncini, and feta. Aside from that, there is fire-roasted feta, a cheese plate, and a charcuterie plate, all vegetarian-friendly. 

There are also pizzas, such as the La Verdad, with marinara, mushrooms, mozzarella, pepperoni, and grape tomato. Aside from being delicious, the crust is gluten-free, so if you have gluten allergies, you can enjoy it. 

Some little snacks on the side are mixed olives, gluten-free crackers, sliced cucumbers, and a basket of pita. Additionally, there are two desserts: funnel cake fries and a chocolate mousse cake.  

  • Outlaw Kitchens 

Outlaw Kitchens is distinct for having french food and Mediterranean, Italian and Greek cuisine on its menu. Moreover, the restaurant has international options, so many dishes are available. If you have a vegan diet, Outlaw Kitchens caters to your needs, so you don’t miss out.  

The eatery switches up its menu regularly. Currently, their starter is Beef Carpaccio, consisting of strips of Angus beef topped with salt and olive oil and served with crisps, red onion, and fennel. 

The main course consists of eggplant ravioli, which includes slices of eggplant stuffed with spinach, parmesan, ricotta, and mozzarella. It is set in a bed of bucatini pasta and accompanied by a romaine heart salad with lemon dressing. 

Deserts include chocolate-almond torte with ice cream and a coconut cream pie. The reviews speak positively of the restaurant, and most customers have given it a five to four-star rating. 

  • Kababchi Grill 

 Kababchi is a Lebanese middle-eastern restaurant with Mediterranean dishes. It has quality customer service, adequate reviews, and delicious meals. 

It has the widest selection of menu items on our list. Everything from entrees to sides to add-ons to the desert, the restaurant has it. 

Moreover, Kababchi has lunch, dinner, late-night, and even brunch meals. 

If you’re craving spreads, they have plenty of those. Toom is a garlic aioli, while Jajeek is a cucumber and yogurt salad with mint. They have Kibbeh too, which are beef-stuffed wheat dumplings. 

Their mixed dip plate has popular Mediterranean dips served with pita bread and is great to split with friends. They have Mediterranean, Greek, Arabic, and tabbouleh salads if you are trying to be healthy. 

In the main course, they have beef and chicken tikkas, kebabs, and shawarmas. The gyro sandwich is a mixture of lamb and beef wrapped in pita bread with vegetables and tzatziki dressing. It’s very filling and costs $10. 

Aside from the main course, there is a section on flatbreads and pizzas. They have a vegetarian option of the veggie pizza and the cheese pizza. A Za’atar pie is also available, which is essentially spices baked on fresh dough. 

A distinct dessert that Kababchi offers is the Sahlab. It is a hot drink dessert made from milk, sugar, rosewater, and starch. Popular toppings for the drink are pistachios, coconut shavings, and cinnamon. There is also Baklava, Kunafa, and Halawa coconut fudge, a butter and flour dessert. 

  • Azro Afghan Cuisine 

Azro Afghan cuisine defines its menu as a healthy alternative to restaurant cravings. They want to cater to you while ensuring their food is low in calories and richness. 

They serve afghan dishes as well as authentic Mediterranean cuisine. If you are Muslim, they have halal options as well. 

The starters consist of traditional afghan dishes like Mantoo, Aushak, and Bolanee. However, many of the flavors are similar to those in Mediterranean dishes. Mast wa Badrang is one such dish. It is a creamy yogurt sauce with diced cucumbers and mint and tastes like Tzatziki sauce. 

The main course has chicken, beef, and lamb kebabs grilled on skewers and served with rice. Furthermore, the restaurant serves Badenjan Chalow, another afghani dish that is similar to Mediterranean food. It’s an eggplant and tomato sauce stew eaten with naan or bread.

There is an interesting selection of desserts at Azro Afghan Cuisine. They offer baklava and unique sweets like Sheer-Yakh, a rosewater flavored ice cream with rice noodles and pistachios. Another is Ferni, a milk custard pudding with almonds and cardamom. The restaurant also has cream rolls if you have a large sweet tooth.   

Conclusion: Which Mediterranean Restaurant Should You Try? 

Mediterranean cuisine is the perfect food choice if you wish to switch from your regular daily dishes. It has an array of delicious meals, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. In addition, they have dietary=friendly options, so you do not have to worry about breaking your diet plan.

Pop into any of the Mediterranean restaurants near you and enjoy the best they have to offer.

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