The 15 Best Mediterranean Restaurants In LA

Papa Cristo's has been serving authentic and tasty Greek food on Pico Boulevard since 1948. What began as a market designed to offer the finest Greek imports and ingredients to the Greek community has since evolved into a flourishing restaurant and catering business. The vibrant menu served at Papa Cristo's Taverna features high-quality imported and culturally accurate ingredients. Everything is served family-style so that families and groups can easily share and enjoy a taste of everything.

Bring a large group and indulge in a smattering of hot and cold appetizers before diving into the incredible selection of sandwiches, kebabs, classic Greek salads, and impressive entrees. The traditional Plaki dish is a local favorite, featuring a flaky baked filet of sole served with sautéed veggies and lemon. The bakery at Papa Cristo's also has some delicious offerings. Cater to your sweet tooth with the cinnamon-forward baklava or grab some chewy loukoumi candy for a sweet treat later in the day.

Looking for a luxurious, fine-dining experience? Loukà Beverly Hills offers an array of classic and regional Greek dishes that have been elevated and refined to create a one-of-a-kind experience. Louka is family-owned and operates on a mission of bringing authentic Greek tradition and hospitality to a chef-driven restaurant. Whether you sit at a table or an elegant bar, the entire atmosphere is sure to inspire and impress.

The menu at Louka is extensive and diverse, offering an array of Greek classics as well as modern twists on old favorites. The paithaikai lamb chops are a must-try, offering superior farms grilled lamb chops served with latholemono (a traditional Greek lemon olive oil) and patates tiganites, which is a Greek take on thin and crispy French fries. Pair with a selection from the list of fine wines, craft cocktails, and beer on draft for a perfect date night spot.

After making a major name for itself in Miami, Mandolin Taverna has since opened up a stunning and spacious location in DTLA'S Arts District. LA's Mandolin Taverna is located in the garden of the Los Angeles Soho Warehouse, boasting a massive patio that is complete with twinkling lights, cozy furniture, and a transportive outdoor bar. The restaurant continues inside, but if you're looking for a romantic setting in the heart of downtown, stick with a table on the patio.

The menu is inspired by classic coastal Greek cuisine, featuring everything from grilled octopus to beef souvlaki. Start off with the tangy and spicy baked feta meze served with tomatoes, smoked greek chili flakes, and spicy pickled Turkish peppers. The entrée selection showcases high-quality favorites like the whole Mediterranean sea bass with olive oil, lemon, and oregano. If you're able to save room for dessert, the baklava is a decadent dish that caters to any craving.

Tabla by Sofi brings a unique twist to classic Greek cuisine in the bustling Midcity area of Los Angeles. The ingredients across the menu are sourced from a combination of treasured high-quality Greek imports as well as fresh, organic local favorites. This coupling allows the chefs at Tabla by Sofi to create dishes that are authentic to Greek tradition yet also showcase the beautiful protein and products available on the southern California coast.

Whether you are in the mood for a smattering of classic Greek mezes like the Dolmathes Yalantzi (grape leaves stuffed with rice and fresh Greek herbs) or Spanakopita, which is a filo pastry stuffed with feta and spinach, this spot has it all. You can also go for something more contemporary like a pizza-style Greek flatbread. Best of all, Tabla by Sofi hosts an awesome happy hour Tuesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., featuring $10 gyros and $7 wine.

Whether you're in need of a home delivery for lunch or a quick, grab-and-go Mediterranean meal, XENiA puts a modern twist on classic favorites. XENiA is located in the heart of Culver City, and everything from the sauces to the marinades to the pickles is made in-house. The vegetables are farm-fresh and locally sourced, resulting in contemporary dishes that rotate with the seasons. Though XENiA is most popular for lunch or a light dinner, those throwing a large gathering or party can also turn to this modern Mediterranean spot for catering.

The menu is simple, with patrons being able to choose between salads and bowls, pita sandwiches, and tasty plates. One of the best things about XENiA is the fact that you can build your own meal exactly to your liking, choosing between proteins like free-range chicken, Angus beef, or vegan roasted sweet potatoes. That said, the warm pita with tzatziki is the ultimate starter.

Located on Hollywood Boulevard in the bustling East Hollywood neighborhood, Kismet LA is another fantastic spot for dine-in or to-go Mediterranean fare. Sit down with a group of friends to enjoy the many appetizers and other small bites Kismet LA has to offer tapas style. From spiced harissa olives and spicy pickled with a variety of fermented chilis to shaved summer squash salad served with chevre, preserved lemon, and marjoram, the starters, and small bites are some of the most exciting dishes on the menu.

While the appetizer menu is undeniably delicious, you would be remiss not to try some of the wood-fired entrées as well. Check out the eggplant stuffed with peppers, walnuts, and black mint or the Moroccan spiced carrots seasoned with cilantro and ginger for some excellent vegetarian dishes. Alternatively, enjoy the impeccable preparation of the clams in a Meyer lemon broth served with a fig leaf, charred spring onions, and celery for a balanced and bright seafood favorite.

Just as the name suggests, Joe's Falafel specializes in crispy falafel dishes that are a true favorite among LA locals. Everything at Joe's Falafel is made fresh daily, highlighting traditional dishes from Turkey, Greece, and the Middle East. Despite being a tasty crowd-pleaser, health is also at the forefront of priorities, ensuring that you can feel great about the food you're eating. Located in Studio City, Joe's Falafel has gone beyond being a local favorite to even being a national gem after being named in "Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S." twice.

Though the falafel is definitely the main attraction, other popular choices include the chicken shawarma sandwich, the beef kabob plate, and the gyro bowl. The vegetarian combo plate is a great appetizer for those hoping to get a taste of everything, and the spicy fava beans make for a great side dish.

Middle Eastern cuisine is known for its bright flavors and crave-worthy creations. At Adana Restaurant in Glendale, Middle Eastern food shines thanks to quality ingredients and an authentic approach. Though the menu features a blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, Armenian classics definitely steal the show. When it comes to starters, the Armenian eggplant dip and lebni are ideal appetizers.

If you're looking for something on the lighter side, the Persian salad is bright and lemony, but the chopped salad has a bit more flavor thanks to the use of bacon bits and feta cheese. That said, the kabob sandwiches are the real stars of the show at Adana. Choose from meats like chicken or beef and pair your meal with crispy French fries for a filling and satisfying to-go lunch. Though Adana is only open for take-out during lunch, patrons are able to dine in during dinner.