18 Top Mediterranean Restaurants Across The U.S. You Need To Visit
Mediterranean cuisine has officially won over American hearts—and stomachs—with its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and wholesome ingredients.
From velvety hummus and fluffy pita to sizzling grilled kebabs and zesty tabbouleh, every bite feels like a mini vacation to the sun-soaked shores of Greece, Turkey, or Lebanon. I’ve spent years on a delicious journey, seeking out the most authentic, mouthwatering Mediterranean spots across the country—often guided by the scent of garlic and olive oil wafting through the air.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to this crave-worthy cuisine, I’m beyond excited to share my top picks. Trust me: your taste buds are in for a Mediterranean getaway you won’t forget!
1. Zahav – Philadelphia, PA
Holy hummus heaven! Chef Michael Solomonov’s James Beard award-winning restaurant changed my life the moment I tasted his silky-smooth chickpea masterpiece. The secret? He simmers the chickpeas until they practically dissolve!
Beyond the legendary hummus, Zahav’s lamb shoulder is slow-roasted for hours with pomegranate molasses until it practically falls apart with a gentle fork nudge. The space itself feels like a warm Jerusalem stone hideaway.
Pro tip: Make reservations months in advance or try your luck at the bar. Trust me, order the chef’s tasting menu for the full experience – I still dream about those crispy-edged halloumi cheese bites.
2. Bavel – Los Angeles, CA
Smoke wafted through the air as my server brought over the most magnificent grilled lamb neck I’d ever laid eyes on. Chefs Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis have created a Middle Eastern wonderland in LA’s Arts District that had me planning my return visit before I’d even paid the bill.
The space is breathtaking – soaring ceilings draped with hanging plants create an indoor garden vibe that perfectly complements the bold flavors. Their duck ‘nduja hummus nearly caused me to lick the plate clean (I restrained myself… barely).
Fun fact: The name “Bavel” is the Hebrew word for Babel, reflecting the restaurant’s mix of culinary traditions.
3. Oleana – Cambridge, MA
Tucked away in a converted Cambridge house, Chef Ana Sortun’s Turkish-inspired gem feels like dining in someone’s magical garden. I stumbled upon this place during a rainstorm and ended up having one of the most memorable meals of my life!
The Sultan’s Delight – slow-cooked tamarind beef over smoky eggplant purée – made me actually close my eyes to savor each bite. Their signature dessert, the Baked Alaska with coconut ice cream and passion fruit caramel, is worth the trip alone.
When weather permits, request a table in their enchanting back patio garden. The herbs you’ll taste in your food are likely grown just steps from your table!
4. Maydan – Washington, DC
Walking into Maydan feels like entering a secret ancient marketplace. The massive open fire pit in the center of the restaurant had me mesmerized – I couldn’t stop watching the chefs dance around the flames, grilling flatbreads and skewers to perfection.
My first bite of their turmeric-marinated chicken, kissed by fire and served with tangy garlic toum, nearly brought tears to my eyes. The cocktail program deserves special mention too – try the Aleppo Daiquiri with its subtle heat!
The name “Maydan” means gathering place in Arabic, and that’s exactly what it feels like: a community drawn together by incredible food and the primal comfort of cooking over fire.
5. Shaya – New Orleans, LA
Who would’ve thought the best pita bread I’d ever taste would be in New Orleans? Chef Alon Shaya’s modern Israeli restaurant pulls off a culinary magic trick – combining Louisiana ingredients with Middle Eastern techniques to create something entirely new.
The pita arrives at your table puffed and steaming, fresh from the wood-fired oven. Tear it open and dip it into their Mississippi Delta blue crab hummus for a mind-blowing flavor combo. I couldn’t stop smiling throughout the entire meal!
The restaurant’s bright, airy design with blue accents reminds me of Mediterranean seaside cafés. Despite winning a James Beard Award, the atmosphere remains refreshingly unpretentious.
6. Saba – Miami, FL
Miami’s scorching heat vanished the moment I stepped into Saba and tasted Chef Alon Shaya’s ice-cold labneh with olive oil. The creamy yogurt cheese, topped with fresh herbs and served with warm pita, transported me straight to the Mediterranean coast.
The blue and white color scheme perfectly complements the bright, zingy flavors on your plate. Their charred lamb chops with pomegranate and mint made me do a little happy dance in my seat – much to my dining companion’s amusement!
Don’t miss the harissa-roasted chicken, which somehow manages to be both comforting and exciting at the same time. A word to the wise: save room for the chocolate babka with caramelized banana ice cream.
7. Tusk – Portland, OR
Vegetable lovers, rejoice! My first visit to Tusk left me wondering if I could actually become vegetarian. This bright, plant-filled space feels like a 1970s California dream with its desert-modern aesthetic and record player spinning vinyl in the corner.
The menu changes daily based on what’s fresh at the farmers’ market. I still think about their rainbow carrot salad with dukkah and local sheep’s cheese that somehow made humble carrots taste extraordinary. Their flatbreads are the perfect vehicle for scooping up whipped feta and fermented chile sauce.
Named after a Fleetwood Mac album, Tusk maintains a cool, laid-back vibe while serving some of Portland’s most exciting food.
8. Sarma – Somerville, MA
Cocktails arrive with flower petals floating on top while servers weave through the vibrant, mosaic-tiled space carrying trays of colorful meze. Chef Cassie Piuma’s Turkish-inspired small plates at Sarma made me want to order literally everything on the menu – so that’s exactly what I did!
The sesame fried chicken with tahini remoulade converted even my fast-food-loving friend into a Mediterranean enthusiast. Don’t miss the special “off-menu” items that servers parade around the restaurant – these surprise dishes often sell out within minutes.
My favorite part? The warm hospitality that makes you feel like you’re at a friend’s dinner party rather than a restaurant. I’ve never left without making at least one new friend at the bar.
9. Ilili – New York, NY
Manhattan’s Flatiron District houses this Lebanese gem where I’ve celebrated more special occasions than I can count. The dramatic two-story space with intricate wooden latticework and plush banquettes sets the stage for Chef Philippe Massoud’s sophisticated Lebanese cuisine.
Their duck shawarma with fig jam and garlic whip on fresh-baked marquq bread is the stuff of legends. I always order extra to take home for midnight snacking! The brussels sprouts with fig jam, mint, and yogurt converted me from a sprouts-hater to an evangelist.
Ilili means “tell me” in Lebanese, which is fitting because I can’t stop telling everyone about this place. On weekends, the bar area transforms into a lively scene with DJs and craft cocktails.
10. Bestia – Los Angeles, CA
Housed in a former warehouse in LA’s Arts District, Bestia still requires reservations weeks in advance – and for good reason! My first bite of their house-made charcuterie nearly made me propose marriage to Chef Ori Menashe on the spot.
The industrial-chic space buzzes with energy as wood-fired pizzas emerge from the massive oven. Their bone marrow with spinach gnocchetti, crispy breadcrumbs, and aged balsamic is the kind of dish that haunts your dreams. I’ve literally planned trips to LA around securing a reservation here.
While technically Italian, the Mediterranean influences shine through in dishes like sea urchin pasta with Sardinian bottarga. Pro tip: save room for pastry chef Genevieve Gergis’s chocolate budino tart.
11. Zaytinya – Washington, DC
Blue and white décor instantly transports you to the Greek isles at José Andrés’ Mediterranean masterpiece. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with light while the open kitchen provides dinner theater as chefs prepare small plates designed for sharing.
I still daydream about their crispy brussels afelia with barberries and coriander seeds. The freshly made pita bread arrives at your table puffed like a balloon, steaming hot from the oven. Their innovative cocktail program deserves special mention – try the Mediterranean Gin & Tonic with cucumber, fennel, and dill.
Zaytinya means “olive oil” in Turkish, and true to its name, they serve some of the finest olive oils I’ve ever tasted, each with distinctive regional characteristics worth exploring.
12. Komi – Washington, DC
Splurge alert! My anniversary dinner at Chef Johnny Monis’s Greek-inspired tasting menu restaurant left me speechless – and that’s saying something! The unassuming townhouse exterior gives no hint of the culinary wizardry happening inside.
The multi-course odyssey begins with a parade of meze before culminating in their legendary goat shoulder, slow-roasted until fork-tender and served with fresh-made pita. I’m still trying to recreate their honey-drizzled loukoumades (Greek donuts) at home with zero success.
With just 12 tables and no menu (the chef decides what you eat), Komi creates an intimate experience that feels both exclusive and warmly welcoming. Worth every penny of the splurge!
13. Saffron – New Orleans, LA
Spice-scented air enveloped me the moment I walked into Chef Ashwin Vilkhu’s vibrant Indian-Mediterranean fusion spot in the Warehouse District. The bold move of combining these two cuisines results in unexpected magic – like their tandoori Gulf shrimp with preserved lemon and harissa.
Colorful murals and plush jewel-toned seating create a space that feels both exotic and welcoming. Their lamb chops, marinated in yogurt and pomegranate molasses before hitting the tandoor oven, caused an actual moment of silence at our typically chatty table.
Don’t skip the cocktails infused with cardamom, saffron, and rose – they perfectly complement the flavor-packed menu. I’m still dreaming about their saffron-pistachio kulfi for dessert!
14. Mourad – San Francisco, CA
Moroccan cuisine gets a California makeover at Chef Mourad Lahlou’s sleek SoMa district restaurant. The dramatic space with soaring ceilings, geometric light fixtures, and a stunning open kitchen had me snapping photos before I even saw the food!
The basteeya – a traditional Moroccan pastry filled with spiced chicken and almonds, dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar – changed my understanding of sweet-savory combinations forever. Their couscous is hand-rolled daily and steamed multiple times for perfect fluffiness.
I splurged on the family-style lamb shoulder with preserved lemon and it was worth every penny. The meat literally fell off the bone and the accompanying sides created a DIY feast that had our whole table making happy noises.
15. Reunion – Brooklyn, NY
Hidden on a quiet Williamsburg street, this Israeli café feels like stumbling into a local Tel Aviv hangout. Mismatched furniture, hanging plants, and vintage posters create a cozy vibe that made me want to linger for hours with a book and their incredible coffee.
The shakshuka here – eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce with peppers and feta – cured my hangover and possibly changed my life. Their sabich sandwich stuffs fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, hummus, and amba sauce into a pillowy pita pocket that requires multiple napkins but zero regrets.
Unlike fancier spots on this list, Reunion offers affordable Mediterranean comfort food that I crave weekly. The friendly staff remembers regulars’ orders, adding to the neighborhood charm.
16. Andros Taverna – Chicago, IL
Fire-kissed octopus tentacles arranged atop velvety fava bean puree signaled the start of an unforgettable Greek feast at this modern Logan Square taverna. Chef Doug Psaltis draws on his Greek heritage to create dishes that honor tradition while feeling thoroughly contemporary.
The restaurant’s clean lines, blonde wood, and potted olive trees create a soothing atmosphere that lets the food take center stage. Their house-made spanakopita arrives with the phyllo still crackling from the oven – each layer impossibly thin and crisp.
My absolute must-order: the grilled lamb chops with lemon-oregano potatoes. Somehow they achieve that perfect char while keeping the meat juicy and pink inside. Pair it with their drinks featuring small producers you won’t find elsewhere in Chicago.
17. Butcher & Bee – Charleston, SC
Southern hospitality meets Middle Eastern flavors at this Charleston hotspot where the whipped feta with fermented honey had me scraping the bowl with my finger when I thought no one was looking. The bright, airy space with reclaimed wood tables and local art creates a welcoming vibe.
Their mezze platters change seasonally, showcasing both Mediterranean classics and creative riffs using local South Carolina ingredients. The lamb kofta with grits instead of traditional rice blew my mind – a perfect example of how they blend culinary traditions.
Brunch here is legendary – don’t miss their shakshuka with pimento cheese or the za’atar biscuits with whipped cane syrup butter. I’ve literally scheduled flights to ensure I could fit in a meal here!
18. Ema – Chicago, IL
California sunshine meets Mediterranean flavors at Chef CJ Jacobson’s bright River North restaurant. The name means “mother” in Hebrew, and the shareable, mezze-style menu does feel like the best kind of home cooking – if your mom happened to be an incredibly talented chef!
Plant-forward dishes shine here, like their impossibly creamy hummus topped with crispy mushrooms and truffle honey. The space itself feels like a greenhouse with its abundant natural light, white-washed brick, and hanging plants creating a breezy coastal vibe in the middle of Chicago.
Their house-made stracciatella with vine-ripened tomatoes and za’atar made me momentarily forget I was in the Midwest. Don’t leave without trying their frozen Greek yogurt with olive oil and sea salt – a simple yet perfect ending.