Totally Mouthwatering Mediterranean Spots in Miami/Ft. Lauderdale
Savory meats, creamy cheeses, and peppy seasonings are at the heart of some of the most delicious Mediterranean food in the Miami and Ft. Lauderdale areas. When you are craving the delicious flavors that originated near the warm Mediterranean Sea, check out one of our favorite restaurants for a taste right here in South Florida. Here are eight of the best Mediterranean restaurants in Miami.
Maroosh Mediterranean Restaurant
223 Valencia Ave Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 476-9800
We love the cozy, authentic dining room at Maroosh, but we love the food even more. Our favorites here are the Dolmades Yalantzi, a grape leaf stuffed with tasty meat or veggies, and the Mixed Grill Platter filled to the brim with succulent meats perfect for a crowd. Save room (if you can) for a sweet dessert like Maroosh’s Nutella Baklava or the rich Milk Pudding.
Photo credit: Yelp.com
Faraon
7369 NW 36th St Miami, FL 33166
(786) 495-4166
This homestyle spot leans into its Lebanese roots to deliver some of the best Mediterranean food in town. Grab a table for dining or snag the intimate corner spot for a hookah experience. The Dip Mix Platter is a perfect way to taste four unique flavors including the creamy Baba Ganouj and the spicy Muhammara scooped up into fresh pita bread. And we also love their Arabic Lemonade’s hint of mint and rosewater, but Faraon’s also offers Arabic coffee and tea to go along with their full menu.
Shaddai Fine Lebanese Cuisine
9519 S Dixie Hwy Miami, FL 33156
(786) 401-7714
For a Lebanese and Middle Eastern Feast, look no further than Shaddai. A bigger-than-life size mural adorns one wall and authentic decor makes this sleek spot a destination location for excellent food. We crave Shaddai’s Appetizer Platter so we can nosh on any five of our favorite dishes like their sirloin-dotted Hummus and the vegetarian Mjaddarah topped with a light yogurt sauce. Dinner favorites include Shaddai’s buttery Lemon Chicken as well as their delicious Rack of Lamb.
Greek Islands Taverna
3300 N Ocean Blvd Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
(954) 565-5505
This adorable Greek restaurant delivers amazing seafood and classic Greek fare that everyone in town loves. From the classic blue and white check tablecloths to the stunning photos of Greece adorning the walls, authentic Greek hospitality and food feel straight from the Mediterranean. Some of the best flavors here come from seafood options like the Grilled Octopus, the Garides Tou Sotiri (baked shrimp) and the Grouper Plaki, a delicious baked fish swimming in a garlicky tomato sauce.
Layali Miami Lebanese Restaurant & Hookah Lounge
11402 NW 41st St Ste 115 Doral, FL 33178
(305) 403-0188
Created as a destination spot that evokes the sultry Lebanese nights, Layali offers an upscale, elegant dining experience complete with weekly belly dancers and nightly hookah and even karaoke with a live DJ during the week. The food is outstanding at Layali too, but our favorites here are the Shanklish cheese appetizer and the Lamb Kebabs. Don’t miss out on the fun cocktails here as well as the Habibi made with delicate orange blossom flavors or the playful Lychee Martini.
Mandolin Aegean Bistro
4312 NE 2nd Ave Miami, FL 33137
(305) 749-9140
Housed in a lovingly restored old home by its Greek owners, the Mandolin Aegean Bistro will transport you to a seaside spot where Greece meets blue waters with its iconic turquoise blue doors and whitewashed walls. Guests swear by the traditional foods here crafted with seasonal flavors from Greece and Turkey like the Mussels in white wine, Grilled Halloumi, Lamb Chops over Orzo Pilaf and the tasty Beef Souvlaki. Dine out on the patio for an authentic experience while you sip on a refreshing Athenian Spritz or a fruity Karpouzi Fresco.
Shawarma Mediterranean Grill
11752 SW 88th St Miami, FL 33186
(305) 596-3121
This casual counter-service spot is a great place to order up some delicious and inexpensive Mediterranean food. Their namesake shawarma offerings like the beefy Kafta Wrap are seasoned perfectly while the Shawarma Salad is a unique way to enjoy the savory seasonings in these long-roasted meats. But this spot also offers an extensive menu so guests here can sample dozens of dishes with gorgeous flavors.
Shiraz Bistro & Market
9630 SW 77th Ave Miami, FL 33156
(305) 273-8888
Shiraz is the perfect spot to snag a tasty dinner along with a few groceries to take home so you can try out a few ingredients in your own kitchen. Specializing in Turkish, Persian and Mediterranean foods, visitors at Shiraz can test out unique dishes like the Kibbe made with minced meat and pine nuts or the savory Persian stews made with okra, eggplant or the popular Fesenjon cooked up with chicken, walnuts and pomegranate sauce.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink, check out our Miami and Ft. Lauderdale page, here!