Here’s a flavorful tour of seven must‑try Mediterranean spots across Los Angeles—each one brimming with regional specialties, warm hospitality, and vibes that’ll make you feel like you’ve hopped across the sea without ever leaving the city. From the plant‑based elegance of Crossroads Kitchen to the Levantine comfort of Open Sesame, these kitchens showcase the diversity of Mediterranean cooking: Greek, Israeli, Lebanese, and beyond. You’ll find hand‑pressed pita, wood‑grilled meats, vibrant mezze spreads, and inventive cocktails, all served up in settings ranging from hidden courtyards to buzzy Silver Lake storefronts. Dive in, pick your next outing, and prepare for a culinary Mediterranean cruise that hits all the highlights.

1. Crossroads Kitchen (Mid‑City)

This Hollywood‑adjacent gem is proof that vegan fare can be every bit as rich and satisfying as its meat‑and‑dairy counterparts. Chef Tal Ronnen’s Mediterranean‑inspired menu dazzles with dishes like spicy duck “n’duja” hummus, whole‑roasted artichokes, and handcrafted flatbreads—paired with an inventive cocktail and wine list. The space itself feels chic and convivial, with dark leather banquettes and glowing lanterns setting the tone for both date nights and celebratory dinners. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, and be sure to save room for the decadent, dairy‑free “cheesecake” topped with seasonal fruit.

2. Bavel (Arts District)

From the minds behind Top Chef‑lauded Bestia comes Bavel, a Levantine playground of bold flavors and communal dining. Here you’ll dig into house‑made pita alongside duck‑fat‑fried chickpeas, harissa‑spiced lamb neck, and silky hummus crowned with crisp parsley and tons of olive oil. The airy industrial‑chic interior—exposed brick, soaring ceilings, and clustered plants—makes it feel both modern and timeless. Don’t miss the roasted cauliflower with tahini and the whole roasted fish when it’s on the menu. Weeknight prix‑fixe specials and weekend brunch book up fast, so plan ahead.

3. Greekman’s (Silver Lake)

A sun‑soaked Silver Lake patio and old‑world‑style Greek plates await at Greekman’s. Think tzatziki‑drizzled lamb chops, feta‑packed phyllo triangles, and grilled octopus charred just right, all served under leafy awnings and café lights. The friendly staff pour ouzo shots and share stories of family recipes, making every visit feel like it’s in someone’s backyard. It’s one of the city’s top‑rated Greek spots on OpenTable, so snag a reservation early, especially on weekends.

4. Anwar’s Kitchen (Downtown LA)

Hidden amid the Fashion District’s bustle, Anwar’s Kitchen dishes out Palestinian‑American home cooking with a fast‑casual twist. Founded by social‑media star Anwar Jibawi and his mother, Amal, the restaurant turns out silky chicken shawarma, fluffy lamb kebabs, and crisp falafel—each served in warm pita or over fragrant rice. Sides of creamy hummus and bright tabbouleh round out the spread. With friendly service and prices that won’t break the bank, it’s become a lunchtime favorite for office crowds and food‑hall explorers alike.

5. Open Sesame (Beverly Grove)

Open Sesame brings classic Lebanese comfort to Beverly Grove in a casual, BYOB‑friendly space. Here, family recipes shine in dishes like garlic‑braised chicken tawook, tender lamb chops marinated in herbs, and crispy fried cauliflower drizzled with tahini. The mezze platter—a selection of babaganoush, mjaddara lentils, and tabbouleh—is perfect for sharing. BYO wine for a modest corkage fee, and don’t skip their house‑made baklava or creamy rice pudding for dessert.

6. Tabla by Sofi (West Hollywood)

What began as a popular Greek food truck has become Tabla by Sofi, a West Hollywood mainstay known for fresh takes on Hellenic classics. Greek imports like pistachio‑studded yogurt and imported olives meet California‑grown produce in dishes such as grilled octopus with fava bean purée, lamb‑kefta meatballs, and flaky spanakopita. The bright, plant‑filled dining room and patio make for a relaxed yet refined atmosphere—ideal for weekend brunch or a leisurely dinner.

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7. Momed (Atwater Village)

This Atwater Village newcomer serves Israeli street‑food with real flair. Brightly spiced shawarma bowls, pillow‑fluffy laffa wraps stuffed with shawarma-spiced cauliflower, and creamy jibneh cheese dips keep locals coming back. The airy, modern space features counter seating and a window into the kitchen, so you can watch pita bake in the brick oven. Don’t overlook their rotating market‑style bowls—each one an artful assembly of grains, greens, pickles, and proteins.

Los Angeles’s Mediterranean dining scene is as vast as the sea itself, but these seven restaurants stand out for their dedication to authenticity, creativity, and hospitality. Whether you’re plant‑based, craving traditional Greek meze, or hunting for the best shawarma in town, this list has you covered. So grab a friend, or make it a solo feast—there’s no wrong way to explore the flavors of the Mediterranean right here in LA.