New York City, a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, offers an incredible array of dining experiences. Among its vibrant food scene, Mediterranean cuisine shines brightly, bringing the sun-drenched flavors of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East to the heart of the Big Apple. From family-style eateries to elegant dining rooms, these exceptional Mediterranean restaurants, recognized by our inspectors, promise an unforgettable culinary journey. Get ready to explore the Best Mediterranean Food Nyc has to offer!
Indulge in Mediterranean Flavors at These Top NYC Restaurants
Meadowsweet (Williamsburg)
Located in Williamsburg, Meadowsweet elevates American cuisine with delightful Mediterranean touches. Their menu boasts inventive dishes like the addictive fried artichokes, perfectly paired with peppery arugula and a creamy vinaigrette. For a heartier option, the crisped black bass, served with a parsley root velouté and a side of green apple cabbage with smoky bacon, is a must-try. Meadowsweet also features an impressive drinks menu, including creative cocktails, a curated wine list, and a global beer selection, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed yet refined Mediterranean dining experience in NYC.
Cervo’s (Chinatown)
Nestled in Chinatown, Cervo’s offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can explore the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, particularly Spanish-influenced fare. The knowledgeable staff are experts at pairing dishes with their brilliant Spanish wine list. Delight in their flaky squid empanadas, bursting with flavor, or the savory Serrano ham served with tender butter beans and zesty Meyer lemon. Don’t miss the mussels escabeche, swimming in a luscious olive oil broth, ideal for dipping with their house-made sourdough bread. Cervo’s is a gem for experiencing authentic Mediterranean tastes in NYC.
Floret (Nolita)
Don’t mistake Floret for just another hotel restaurant; this groovy Nolita spot is a fully realized dining destination in its own right. While the menu may seem unassuming at first glance, featuring vegetable-forward appetizers, pastas, and proteins, the Mediterranean and Asian influences woven into the cooking are truly delicious. Expect confidently prepared dishes like grilled maitake mushrooms with ramp purée, creamy whipped ricotta, and crispy fried bread, all served by a casual yet attentive team. Floret offers a unique and flavorful take on Mediterranean cuisine in NYC.
Whipped feta with pistachio and dill, a signature appetizer at Shuka, a top Mediterranean restaurant in NYC.
Lola Taverna (Soho)
Lola Taverna in Soho breaks away from the typical Greek restaurant clichés, offering a refreshing and whimsical approach to Greek cuisine. The chef infuses each dish with a playful twist while maintaining exceptional flavor and quality. Standout dishes include the innovative spanakopita spring rolls, the fun chicken gyro bao buns, and the comforting moussaka, available in both lamb and vegetarian options. Visit on Sunday to enjoy their well-priced supper and half-price wine deals. Lola Taverna is a must-visit for a modern and exciting Mediterranean dining experience in NYC.
Shuka (Soho)
Shuka, also located in Soho, is a vibrant spot perfect for sharing and exploring Eastern Mediterranean flavors. Start your culinary journey with their delectable whipped feta, enriched with pistachio and dill, or the bright and refreshing fattoush salad. For a taste of something different, try the roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with yogurt, mint, pickled sultanas, and Urfa peppers. Dinner options are equally enticing, with dishes like the hen of the woods mushroom lahmajoun, a flavorful flatbread with labneh and harissa, and the savory shakshuka, featuring spicy lamb meatballs and poached eggs simmering in a rich tomato sauce. Shuka is a top choice for experiencing the diverse and delicious world of Mediterranean food in NYC.
King (Soho)
King in Soho offers a unique dining experience with its small, daily-changing menu crafted from fresh ingredients sourced directly from the greenmarket. This restaurant showcases the beauty of simple, seasonal Mediterranean cooking. Enjoy dishes like the perfectly textured warm tagliarini with a rich tomato sauce, or the expertly cooked lombatello (hanger steak) chargrilled with rosemary, served with braised rainbow chard and a delightful anchovy and oregano salsa. King is a testament to the power of fresh ingredients and skillful execution in Mediterranean cuisine in NYC.
The culinary team at King restaurant, renowned for its Mediterranean cuisine and fresh, market-driven menu in NYC.
Upland (Flatiron)
Upland in Flatiron is a restaurant where everything seems to come together perfectly. The setting is both urbane and cozy, with vintage floors and walls adorned with glowing jars of preserved lemons and backlit wine bottles. The menu features Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a Californian twist. Sample the sprouted fava-bean falafel with tahini-garlic-cashew sauce, or the estrella pasta with hearty chicken livers and herbs. For a sweet finish, the yuzu soufflé with calamansi curd is a must-try. Upland offers a sophisticated and comforting Mediterranean dining experience in NYC.
Il Fiorista (Flatiron)
Il Fiorista, also in Flatiron, is brought to you by owners Alessandra and Mario De Benedetti, who bring their Italian sensibility to the heart of NYC. This restaurant beautifully blends Italian flavors with Mediterranean influences. Indulge in their expertly prepared squid ink pasta, anelli al nero, with tender calamari, chili, and fennel, or savor the seasonal roasted honeynut squash tart with chestnut purée and shaved black truffle. Il Fiorista is a celebration of Italian-Mediterranean culinary artistry in NYC.
LamaLo (NoMad)
LamaLo in NoMad exudes a casual and welcoming vibe, making it perfect for a relaxed yet flavorful Mediterranean meal. Despite its laid-back atmosphere, reservations are recommended as it’s a popular spot. The menu is designed for sharing, and the daily spread is a highlight, featuring an array of dips like smoky baba ganoush, lemony hummus, charred cabbage, spinach and artichoke dip, and a cauliflower tabbouleh, all served with traditional lafta bread. LamaLo is ideal for a communal and delicious Mediterranean dining experience in NYC.
The inviting and urbane interior of Upland restaurant in NYC, known for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Pera (Midtown East)
For flavorful Turkish cuisine with a contemporary touch, Pera in Midtown East is a fantastic choice. The menu is filled with simple, high-quality, and subtly updated Turkish dishes. Try the warm hummus with pastirma, the lentil and bulgur tartare, or the refreshing watermelon salad with feta, tomatoes, and olive oil. For a satisfying main course, the tender chicken adana with crispy fries is a crowd-pleaser. Pera provides a delightful and accessible way to enjoy Turkish-Mediterranean food in NYC.
Legacy Records (Midtown West)
Legacy Records in Midtown West offers remarkable dishes prepared with great care and attention to detail. While the menu draws inspiration from across the Mediterranean, its heart lies in Italian cuisine. The crudi selection is outstanding, featuring options like red snapper with cilantro-citrus emulsion and bay scallop. The torchio pasta with surf clam, saffron, and lemon balm is another highlight. For dessert, don’t miss the intriguing meringata with a boozy Venezuelan rum cake. Legacy Records offers a sophisticated and memorable Mediterranean dining experience in NYC.
Discover the Best Mediterranean Cuisine in NYC
From the vibrant flavors of Greece and Turkey to the sun-kissed ingredients of Italy and Spain, NYC’s Mediterranean food scene is as diverse and exciting as the city itself. These restaurants, each with their unique charm and culinary approach, represent some of the best Mediterranean food NYC has to offer. Whether you’re a local food enthusiast or a visitor eager to explore the city’s gastronomic delights, these Mediterranean gems are sure to provide a delicious and unforgettable dining experience.
