Mediterranean cuisine is known for its rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and colorful dishes. With a mix of influences from Greece, Italy, Spain, and the Middle East, it's no wonder why it has become a popular choice for foodies in New York City.
Whether you're in the mood for grilled meats, fresh seafood, or flavorful vegetarian dishes, there are plenty of Mediterranean restaurants to choose from in the city.
One of the best things about Mediterranean food is its versatility. It's perfect for a quick lunch or a romantic dinner, and there's always something on the menu to satisfy any craving.
From traditional dishes like hummus and falafel to modern twists on classic recipes, there's no shortage of delicious options in the city.
So, whether you're a local or just visiting, make sure to check out some of New York City's best Mediterranean restaurants.
From cozy cafes to upscale eateries, there's something for everyone. Get ready to indulge in some of the most delicious and healthy cuisine the city has to offer.
1. Jose Luis Mediterranean Cuisine
If you're looking for a hidden gem in the city, look no further than Jose Luis Mediterranean Cuisine.
This cozy eatery offers a relaxed atmosphere and delicious Mediterranean fare. From tapas to paellas and pasta, their menu has something for everyone.
The owner, Jose Luis, is the perfect host, making sure every guest feels welcome and satisfied. Don't miss out on their amazing happy hour specials and sangrias.
Whether you're dining with friends or on a date, Jose Luis Mediterranean Cuisine is the perfect spot for a night out.
2. Shukette
Shukette offers inventive interpretations of Mediterranean cuisine with delicious twists that will leave you wanting more.
The menu features a variety of Middle Eastern tapas and main dishes, including the highly recommended grilled fish and lamb tagine. The restaurant has a lively and stylish vibe with attentive staff and an energetic bar.
The highlight of the menu is the Moroccan bread, which is puffy, light, and flavorful. The restaurant also offers a range of vegetarian options and a good drinks menu, including a must-try tahini soft serve.
Don't miss out on the delicious dips and breads, and save room for soft-serve. Shukette is a bustling destination that will transport you to a Middle Eastern Shuk.
3. Shuka
Shuka is a must-visit for those who love Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant has a stunning interior and a lively atmosphere that adds to the dining experience.
The menu offers a range of authentic dishes that are bursting with flavor, including the feta and pistachio dip, chicken shawarma, and halloumi.
The mezze platter is also a standout dish that is perfect for sharing. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, making excellent recommendations.
The drinks menu is also worth exploring, with some fantastic cocktails on offer. Shuka is the perfect spot for a delicious meal with friends or family.
4. Nish Nush
Nish Nush offers a delightful mediterranean dining experience that is not to be missed. This kosher and vegetarian restaurant serves up fresh and organic ingredients that are bursting with flavor.
Customers rave about the delicious shakshuka, falafel, and hummus, all made with care and attention to detail.
The staff is friendly and helpful, making recommendations and ensuring that customers have a great dining experience.
Nish Nush is perfect for those seeking a taste of the Mediterranean, with its unique and creative take on classic dishes.
5. ZiZi
ZiZi is a Mediterranean restaurant that offers a modern take on classic Middle Eastern dishes.
The low-key brick-walled cafe has an open kitchen and a full bar. The menu features seasonal and local ingredients, which add a unique touch to the dishes.
The Crazy Baba appetizer is a must-try, and the lamb burger and fish shawarma are highly recommended.
The service is friendly and accommodating, and the atmosphere is fun and energetic. ZiZi is a great choice for anyone looking for delicious Mediterranean food in a casual setting.
6. ilili
Ilili is a trendy Mediterranean restaurant that offers creative Lebanese sharing plates and entrees.
The restaurant has a modern and classy ambiance, making it perfect for a special occasion or a fancy night out. The staff is attentive and friendly, providing excellent service throughout the meal.
The menu offers a good selection of vegetarian options, and the food is authentic and delicious. The cherry kabob and muhamara are highly recommended.
The wine list is also great, with Lebanese wine being a must-try. Ilili is a great choice for those looking for upscale Mediterranean cuisine in a trendy setting.
7. Omar Mediterranean Cuisine
If you're craving delicious Mediterranean food, look no further than Omar Mediterranean Cuisine.
This unassuming local eatery offers a wide variety of Middle Eastern dishes, including falafel, kebabs, and shawarma.
The food is excellent and the service is top-notch, making it a great spot for a quick and delicious lunch. The prices are also affordable, making it a great value for the quality of the food.
Whether you're dining in or getting takeout, Omar Mediterranean Cuisine is a must-try for anyone who loves Mediterranean cuisine.
8. Accent
If you're in the mood for authentic Mediterranean cuisine, Accent is the perfect spot.
With a diverse menu of Middle Eastern and Israeli dishes, this chic restaurant offers a taste of the Mediterranean that's hard to beat.
The friendly and attentive staff will make you feel right at home, while the cozy atmosphere is perfect for a romantic date or a night out with friends.
Whether you're in the mood for brunch, lunch, or dinner, Accent is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for great food and a great time.
9. Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar
Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar offers an excellent selection of Mediterranean dishes with a Persian twist.
The restaurant's attention to detail in both presentation and taste is impressive. The lamb shank is a standout dish, with tender meat and flavorful spices.
The menu also includes delicious starters, such as hummus and mast-o-bademjoon, and the feta cheese is a must-try.
The restaurant has a beautiful ambiance with white tablecloths and a robust wine list. Shiraz is a great option for those looking for an upmarket Mediterranean dining experience.
10. Dagon
Dagon is an upscale Mediterranean restaurant that offers elevated dishes matched with wine and craft cocktails. The restaurant has a modern vibe with bright colored dining rooms.
The small plates are exceptional, and the entrees are excellent. The menu is eclectic, with Israeli-influenced offerings. The schnitzel brunch is a must-try, and the crispy lamb dish with wild rice is a must-have for lamb lovers.
The service is friendly and attentive, even outside. The hummus may look better than it tastes, but the fried cauliflower is delicious.
The restaurant has great outdoor and indoor seating for lunch and dinner, with plenty of options. The cocktails are good, but pricey. The restaurant is a fun option in the neighborhood and worth trying.
11. Lokal Mediterranean Kitchen
Lokal Mediterranean Kitchen offers a wonderful menu with high-quality food and attentive service at reasonable prices.
The restaurant has a cozy and polished atmosphere, making it a great option for handicapped accessible dining. The outdoor dining area is enclosed and charmingly decorated, complete with heat lamps for cooler evenings.
The dishes are full of flavor and are well-prepared, making it a go-to spot for Mediterranean food lovers. The restaurant also offers vegan options, making it a great choice for groups with diverse dietary preferences.
With friendly staff and a relaxed bistro-style space, Lokal Mediterranean Kitchen is a must-visit for those looking for a great dining experience.
12. Balade Your Way
Balade Your Way is a must-visit Mediterranean restaurant. Their fast food set up and stylish decor create a welcoming atmosphere.
The staff are friendly and the service is fast and efficient. The food is delicious and affordable, with generous portions.
The beef shawarma is a standout dish, with juicy meat and just the right amount of spices. The kibbe and chicken tawook are also highly recommended.
While the salad could be improved, the rice is flavorful and nutty. Balade Your Way is a great option for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner.
13. Turco Mediterranean Grill
Turco Mediterranean Grill is a hidden gem for those who love Mediterranean cuisine.
With fresh ingredients and authentic flavors, their dishes are simply amazing. The lamb adana and chicken shawarma are highly recommended.
The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. The friendly staff provides excellent service, making sure that every customer's needs are met.
Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a full meal, Turco Mediterranean Grill is definitely worth a visit.
14. Taboonette
Taboonette is a popular Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurant that offers counter-serve food.
The menu features taboon-oven-baked fare, including delicious chicken shawarma, lamb kebab, and sweet potato falafel. They also have vegan, plant-based, and gluten-free options that are worth trying.
The portions are perfect for sharing, and the prices are reasonable for the area. The staff is friendly and provides quick service.
The atmosphere is authentic and cozy, with Middle Eastern music playing in the background. Taboonette is a great spot for a casual, relatively-healthy lunch or a quick dinner.
15. Bustan NYC
Bustan NYC is a must-visit for those seeking elevated Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant features a custom clay oven that produces dishes bursting with flavor.
The house-made bread is a standout, and the octopus and lamb are cooked to perfection.
The ambiance is cozy and fun, making it the perfect spot for a date night or night out with friends.
Don't miss out on the specials, including the Nemesis baked chocolate mousse and Neshikot baked meringue. Bustan NYC is a top choice for those looking for a taste of the Mediterranean in the city.
16. Mama Ganoush
Mama Ganoush is a must-visit Mediterranean restaurant. The food is fresh, healthy, and customizable to suit every palate.
The staff is friendly and efficient, making the dining experience a pleasure. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable.
Mama Ganoush is the perfect place for a quick and delicious lunch or a satisfying dinner. The decor is modern and inviting, and the atmosphere is relaxed.
Whether you are a vegetarian or a meat lover, Mama Ganoush has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this gem of a restaurant.
17. Leyla
Leyla is a cozy Mediterranean restaurant that offers a variety of Turkish dishes. The menu features wood-fired flatbreads, seafood, meat plates, and a good selection of wine and cocktails.
The ambiance is inviting and intimate, perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
The service is attentive and friendly, making sure that every guest feels welcome and satisfied.
The food is delicious and well-prepared, with flavors that are both rustic and modern. Leyla is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking for a great dining experience.
18. Lashevet Restaurant
Lashevet Restaurant is a gem in the Mediterranean dining scene. The menu features delicious dishes made with simple, whole ingredients that are perfectly balanced in flavor.
The restaurant has a cozy ambiance with comfortable seating and warm, inviting decor.
The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure that every dining experience is enjoyable.
With plenty of vegetarian options and a great selection of wine and beer, Lashevet Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for a delicious Mediterranean meal.
19. Little Rascal
Little Rascal is a Mediterranean restaurant that offers delicious food and great service. The menu features authentic Turkish dishes, including lamb chops, meatballs, and lentil soup.
The restaurant has a cozy and rustic feel, with marble-wood decor and Turkish items on the shelves.
The bar serves a good list of cocktails, and the wine list is international. The staff is friendly and welcoming, making the dining experience a pleasant one.
If you're looking for a chill spot to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, Little Rascal is definitely worth checking out.
