Delicious, healthy, and abundant—these are the three most common adjectives we associate with Mediterranean cuisine. But what foods are we talking about when we refer to this cuisine? With over 20 culturally diverse countries lining its shores, the Mediterranean Sea is the cradle of some of the unique and varied dishes in existence. So, before exploring the best Mediterranean delights in Los Angeles, it’s helpful to clarify some common questions:
What are typical Mediterranean foods?
Typical Mediterranean foods include olive oil, fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and seafood. Dairy products like feta and Greek yogurt are common, as are nuts, seeds, fresh herbs, and spices. Meats such as lamb and chicken are often grilled or roasted. Pita and other flatbreads are staples, often served with dips like hummus and tzatziki. Wine is a popular beverage. These ingredients create the diverse and healthy Mediterranean cuisine.
What is considered a Mediterranean dish?
Common dishes include Greek salad, ratatouille, hummus, and grilled fish with roasted vegetables. In this article focuses on Northern African cuisine, the Middle East, and Southeast Europe, excluding countries like Italy, France and Spain, whose cuisines, while Mediterranean, are distinct.
Best Mediterranean Restaurants In Los Angeles
Now that you know what Mediterranean food is all about, let’s dive in and discover the best spots around the city to feast with some of its authentic and flavorful delights.
1. Crossroads Kitchen
Crossroads Kitchen, led by Chef Tal Ronnen, is a beloved vegan hotspot in LA, renowned for its captivating Mediterranean-inspired dishes and innovative cocktail program. Despite its entirely plant-based menu, its stunning presentation often surprises diners. Gather friends to enjoy family-style dinners, weekday lunch deals, and weekend brunches.
📍 Location: 8284 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
💸 Price: $50-$100
🍽️ Must try: Carbonara, Calamari, Caccio e Pepe
2. Bavel
In the heart of Los Angeles, this upscale Middle Eastern gem in the Arts District stands out as one of the best Mediterranean spots in the city. Known for its unwavering consistency, the restaurant exudes an ambiance of sophistication and festivity, complemented by impeccable service and an array of outstanding dishes. Feast on indulgent creations like spicy duck ‘nduja hummus, succulent whole roasted lamb neck served on laffa bread, and creamy farm cheese adorned with za’atar and oil.
📍 Location: 500 Mateo St #102, Los Angeles, CA 90013
💸 Price: $50-$100
🍽️ Must try: Duck, Oyster Mushroom, Malawach
3. Greekman’s
In Silver Lake, this lively Greek spot, formerly Freedman’s, boasts charming décor with miniature marble busts and hanging grapevines. Its blue and white outdoors patio, offers a delightful setting, perfect for sipping chilled island whites after a few ouzo shots. Some of the highlights from its fans include tender grilled octopus, juicy lamb chops on tangy tzatziki, and irresistible feta-stuffed phyllo pockets. Opt for drinks and a few bites at Greekman’s for a memorable evening without breaking the bank, at one of the top Mediterranean restaurants in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 2619 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
💸 Price: $30-$50
🍽️ Must try: Lemon Potatoes, Souvlaki, Octopus
4. Anwar’s Kitchen
Anwar’s Kitchen, situated in DTLA Fashion District, offers 100% Halal-certified Mediterranean dishes crafted by Palestinian-American social media sensation Anwar Jibawi and his mother, Amal. Their recipes, a blend of tradition and innovation, are made from scratch, with many passed down through generations. Since its opening in 2020, the restaurant has served fast-casual cuisine seven days a week, available for dine-in, take-out.
📍 Location: 217 E 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
💸 Price: $10-$20
🍽️ Must try: Gyro, Baklava, Chicken Shawarma
5. Open Sesame
At Open Sesame in Beverly Grove, every dish is generously portioned for sharing, with the option to bring your own wine for a small corkage fee. The menu at this Lebanese restaurant, features halal-certified favorites like Chicken Tawook, Lamb Chops, and Fried Cauliflower, all prepared fresh daily. With a commitment to using the freshest ingredients and catering to various dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and raw options, Open Sesame promises flavorful and wholesome dining experiences.
📍 Location: 7458 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
💸 Price: $20-$30
🍽️ Must try: Shawarma, Baba Ganoush, Tabbouleh
6. Tabla By Sofi
Tabla by Sofi offers a distinctive take on traditional Greek cuisine in Los Angeles’ vibrant Midcity neighborhood. The menu features a blend of cherished, high-quality Greek imports and fresh, organic local ingredients. This combination enables the chefs at Tabla by Sofi to craft dishes that remain true to Greek traditions while highlighting the exceptional proteins and produce found along the Southern California coast.
📍 Location: 8108 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048
💸 Price: $30-$50
🍽️ Must try: Lamb Souvlaki , Vegetable Moussaka, Flaming Paidaki
7. Casablanca Moroccan Kitchens
Originally a food truck, this Moroccan restaurant, nestled in Melrose, offers a delightful dining experience since its restaurant opening in February 2020. The dining area, concealed behind an unassuming shop front, immerses guests in Moroccan charm with vibrant fabrics and colors. Live music and a captivating belly dancer enhance the experience, while popular dishes like Lemon Chicken Tagine and Baklava tantalize the taste buds, making it a must-visit spot among Mediterranean restaurants in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 6919 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038
💸 Price: $50-$100
🍽️ Must try: Lamb Tagine, Chicken Pastilla, Seafood
8. Pita ‘Bu
This laid-back Israeli spot near Surfrider Beach, offers tasty mediterranean food in los angeles, with a 100% pescatarian menu including pitas, plates, and dips. Their smooth tahini and smoky baba ganoush with falafel, are a fan favorite. This restaurant is the perfect choice for a casual beachside bite!
📍 Location: 22935 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
💸 Price: $20-$30
🍽️ Must try: Falafel, Fish tacos, Hummus
9. Koko’s Middle Eastern
Hailing from Aleppo, Syria, Chef Eli Janesian and his wife Talin, now call Los Angeles home. After relocating, they assumed ownership of Koko’s, a longstanding Middle Eastern restaurant established in 1996. Must-try dishes include Lamb Chops, Shish Kebab, and Frog Legs, showcasing the culinary prowess of this dynamic duo. Every item on their menu is bursting with flavor, and you can tell that they use the freshest ingredients. Koko’s is among the top Mediterranean restaurants in Los Angeles, offering an unforgettable dining experience.
📍 Location: 16935 Vanowen St, Van Nuys, CA 91406
💸 Price: $30-$50
🍽️ Must try: Kebab, Lamb, Eggplant
10. Loukà Beverly Hills
Seeking a luxurious fine-dining experience? Loukà Beverly Hills presents a selection of classic and regional Greek dishes that have been elevated and refined for a unique culinary adventure. Family-owned, Loukà is dedicated to delivering authentic Greek tradition and hospitality in a chef-driven setting.
📍 Location: 340 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
💸 Price: $50-$100
🍽️ Must try: Greek Salada, Octopus, Lamb
11. Moun Of Tunis Restaurant
Just steps away from El Compadre, an iconic Mexican spot, this longstanding Tunisian-Moroccan eatery has been whisking patrons away to North Africa since 1977. Embellished with Moorish design motifs, it features live belly dancing and communal feasts offering brik (a Tunisian hand pie), harira (Moroccan chickpea stew), couscous, and a variety of vegetarian-friendly Middle Eastern fare. Every meal culminates in a refreshing cup of black tea paired with bastila—a Moroccan dessert comprised of layers of fried pastry and crème anglaise, generously dusted with powdered sugar.
📍 Location: 7445 1/2 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046
💸 Price: $30-$50
🍽️ Must try: Couscous, Brik, Lamb with honey
12. Marouch
Operating since 1982, Marouch is one of Hollywood’s longest-standing Armenian/Lebanese restaurants, serving as a pillar of the community. Renowned for its delectable shawarma, the real magic of Marouch lies in its mezze offerings including smoky-sweet muhammara to the spicy sugok, and the generously-sized bowl of hummus overflowing with ful. Marouch is a must-visit destination for those seeking authentic Mediterranean food in Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 4905 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029
💸 Price: $30-$50
🍽️ Must try: Lentil Soup, Baba Ganoush, Kebab
13. Tel Aviv Fish Grill
At this Israeli restaurant in Tarzana, every dish, particularly the seafood options, exudes a light and fresh flavor profile. Their whole-fried white bass, minimal in breading, effortlessly pulls off the bone and is served with tangy lemon garlic dip and a mezze spread. For solo diners, the golden fish schnitzel is a delightful choice.
📍 Locations:
- 17201 Ventura Blvd – Encino
- 12450B Burbank Blvd – Valley Village
- 23349 Mulholland Dr. – Woodland Hills
💸 Price: $20-$30
🍽️ Must try: Sea Bass, Salmon, Hummus
14. Superba Food + Bread
At Superba’s two locations in Hollywood and Venice, the cuisine dazzles with fresh vegetable breakfasts and irresistible baked goods, staying true to its name, Superba Food + Bread. However, it’s the captivating ambiance that steals the show.
Their patio invites to indulge in a delicious outdoor brunch, savoring olives and losing themselves in novels amidst citrus trees and lively yellow-striped umbrellas, evoking a Mediterranean-inspired atmosphere.
📍 Locations:
- 1900 Lincoln Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
- 6530 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
💸 Price: $30-$50
🍽️ Must try: Tuna Sandwich, Chilaquiles, Croque Madame