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See the full story · 2 sourcesYelp ranked the best Mediterranean restaurants in the country based on customer reviews. David Silverman/Getty Images
Mediterranean restaurants are experiencing strong growth across the US.
Yelp identified the best Mediterranean restaurants in the country based on customer reviews.
The No. 1 spot in the US is found in Scottsdale, Arizona.
From creamy hummus to inventive shawarma bowls, Mediterranean cuisine continues to grow in popularity across the country.
While other cuisines within the fast-casual sector saw sales slow in 2025, Mediterranean concepts experienced significant growth, Restaurant Business reported, citing Technomic data. Brands including Cava, Nick the Greek, and the Great Greek Mediterranean Grill each saw sales increase by more than 20% in 2025.
The growing interest in Mediterranean food — which comes amid the popularity of the Mediterranean diet, routinely named as one of the healthiest ways of eating — extends beyond nationwide chains.
Yelp analyzed reviews from its elite members, who most consistently share high-quality reviews on the site, to identify the top Mediterranean restaurants across the US, with the No. 1 spot going to a restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona.
All businesses were marked open on Yelp and have a passing health score as of June 23, 2026.
Here are the 15 best Mediterranean restaurants in the US in 2026, according to Yelp.
15. Middle East Cafe in Berkeley, California
Middle East Cafe. MyMy T./Yelp
What to order: Lamb shank, Gheymeh
What customers are saying: "If you're looking for a good falafel, you have to try this place! They make it as a wrap, and it is about a foot long! Huge and simply delicious! There's parking in the back, a great bar, and a wonderful patio area in the back! There's a market next door where you can get great sweets and other market products! Definitely an experience, and I must try! We'll definitely be back," wrote Yelp user May K.
Learn more about Middle East Cafe here.
14. Barbouzard in Washington, DC
Barbouzard. Jeremiah B./Yelp
What to order: Hanger steak, grilled octopus
What customers are saying: "From the moment we walked in, the service was warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. The food was absolutely exceptional! Every dish was bursting with rich, authentic flavor and made with incredible attention to detail. The presentation was just as impressive as the taste, beautifully plated and thoughtfully crafted, making the entire experience feel elevated and special," wrote Yelp user Rowan H.
Learn more about Barbouzard here.
13. Paolina in Brooklyn, New York
Paolina. David N./Yelp
What to order: Falafel pita, fries
What customers are saying: "This is the best falafel I've had. The falafel itself comes out warm and fresh, with a very crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, and when paired with all the other toppings, you get a very refreshing bite. I love the hummus, the crunchy vegetables, and the soft pita bread. Together, this creates an amazing bite and a very large sandwich," wrote Yelp user Mark S.
Learn more about Paolina here.
12. Olive Kabab and Gyro in Fort Worth, Texas
Olive Kabab and Gyro. Bigge S./Yelp
What to order: Beef shawarma plate, gyro sandwich
What customers are saying: "Was in Fort Worth on a Costco run and was craving Mediterranean food and stumbled across this place. Walking in, you could tell this place was going to be good. I ordered the Kafta Kabab plate, and it did not disappoint at all! Very tender, flavorful, big portions! I haven't had Mediterranean this good in years since I've been here in Texas. Will make the drive from Denton to here for this place," wrote Yelp user Christian N.
Learn more about Olive Kabab and Gyro here.
11. Shawarma Stop in Morrisville, North Carolina
Shawarma Stop. Shawarma Stop/Yelp
What to order: Chicken shawarma wrap, spicy muhammara chicken wrap
What customers are saying: "Quick service even though a busy lunch crowd. Plenty of seats and very clean. Most authentic and flavorful chicken shawarma wrap. The pickle added just the right amount of crisp to the wrap. Side of fries and lemonade made it perfect," wrote Yelp user Shane C.
Learn more about Shawarma Stop here.
10. Stephanos Greek & Mediterranean Grill in Las Vegas
Stephanos Greek & Mediterranean Grill. Stephanos Greek & Mediterranean Grill/Yelp
What to order: Chicken kebab plate, chicken souvlaki wrap
What customers are saying: "Stephanos popped up as somewhere locals love. Thought I'd give them a try as they have good reviews. Happy to say this spot did not disappoint. The salmon bowl was absolutely delicious. I think it is the best bowl I have ever tried! That says a lot, as I always have bowls at different spots. They are also generous with the portion. Customer service was excellent. I asked the worker for recommendations, and he recommended the salmon bowl and said it was popular. Inside, they have a lot of tables and have AC blasting to combat the Vegas heat," wrote Yelp user Bianca G.
Learn more about Stephanos Greek & Mediterranean Grill here.
9. Mama Mezze in New York
Mama Mezze. Mama Mezze/Yelp
What to order: Whipped feta, mushroom hummus
What customers are saying: "Mezze is such a gem. The food is incredibly fresh, full of flavor, and beautifully presented[.] Every dish tastes like it was made with real care and authentic Mediterranean touch. The fattoush was super fresh and delicious, and the crispy zucchini had the perfect crunch. The shish taouk was a standout tender, perfectly grilled, and packed with flavor. The atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, and the staff is genuinely friendly and attentive. It's the perfect spot for a cozy, satisfying meal. Definitely a place I'll be coming back to," wrote Yelp user Karina R.
Learn more about Mama Mezze here.
8. Purslane in Milwaukee
Purslane. Ran C./Yelp
What to order: Meze trio, Ali Nazik beef kebab
What customers are saying: "Purslane might be my most favorite restaurant in ...
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