Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Lower East Side

171 restaurants available nearby

1. Cecconi's Dumbo

4.5

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • DUMBO

Booked 215 times today

Cecconi's Dumbo, nestled in the picturesque DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, offers a sublime Mediterranean dining experience that harmonizes beautifully with its stunning waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline. This restaurant is celebrated for its "delicious Mediterranean classics like the Roman style gnocchi and risotto" that transport diners straight to Italy with each bite. Reviewers consistently rave about the authenticity and quality of the cuisine, noting dishes like "octopus, tuna tartare Cecconi’s style, and zucchini Fritti" as must-tries. A guest highlighted, "If you wanna taste real Italian food, this is the place!" With its "fabulous view and great service," Cecconi's Dumbo promises not just a meal, but a memorable Mediterranean feast that's always "on point."

A photo of Piccola Cucina Estiatorio restaurant

2. Piccola Cucina Estiatorio

4.7

Exceptional(1606)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • SoHo

Booked 78 times today

Piccola Cucina Estiatorio, nestled in the vibrant SoHo neighborhood of New York City, is a gem for lovers of authentic Mediterranean cuisine, with a special focus on Sicilian and Greek dishes. Diners rave about the "authentic, delicious Italian cuisine" and the "best tiramisu and cannolis." The atmosphere is described as "cozy" and "charming," providing a delightful backdrop to every meal. Frequent guests highlight the consistent quality, saying it's the "best Italian restaurant in NYC" and praise its "amazing food and service." Whether it's the "stunning experience all around" or the "best grilled calamari ever had," Piccola Cucina Estiatorio stands out as a must-visit for an authentic Mediterranean dining experience right in the heart of the city.

3. Oceans - New York

4.8

Exceptional(1799)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Union Square

Booked 73 times today

At Oceans in Union Square, New York, the Mediterranean cuisine is a spectacular showcase of authenticity and innovation. Executive Chef Andy Kitko expertly crafts dishes inspired by the bountiful shores of the Mediterranean, creating a menu that dazzles with the freshest catches and seasonal ingredients. Diners rave about the restaurant’s culinary excellence, with one patron exclaiming, "Amazing!!! 10/10. Would recommend to anyone looking for a delicious meal with a spectacular atmosphere." The commitment to quality and consistency at Oceans makes every meal memorable, ensuring that each visit is a delightful experience of Mediterranean flavors. Whether it's the perfectly grilled branzino or the inventive seafood specials, Oceans is a gem that continually captivates the hearts of New Yorkers and visitors alike.

4. Little Owl

4.7

Exceptional(4301)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • West Village

Booked 91 times today

Nestled in the charming West Village of New York, Little Owl is a celebrated haven for Mediterranean cuisine, offering a delightful array of bold, seasonal dishes. Since 2006, this corner gem has been lauded for its big pork chops and warm, familial ambiance, making it a go-to for both locals and visitors. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the meals, with one guest noting, "The food was absolutely delicious! My husband and I had the grilled fish of the day over crispy lobster paella and it was perfection." The restaurant's commitment to excellent service and a cozy setting further enhance the dining experience, making every visit memorable. As a neighborhood favorite, Little Owl stands out for its superb Mediterranean offerings and inviting atmosphere, earning glowing recommendations across the board.

5. Fossetta

4.5

Awesome(2)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Lower East Side

Booked 8 times today

Fossetta is a natural wine bar and restaurant in the Lower East Side. Charlene Santiago (formerly of The John Dory Oyster Bar and Reynard) and Josh Even (Tosca Cafe in SF, Breslin Bar & Dining Room, The Spotted Pig) have curated a menu of Sourdough Focaccia, Antipasti, and House-Made Pastas influenced by the flavors of Italy and the Mediterranean. The oft-changing wine list features natural wines from small producers from around the world. Large garage doors provide a casual indoor/outdoor European appeal. Come for a glass of wine and snacks, or enjoy a full dinner, or celebrate a special occasion. Open for Lunch and Brunch as well! We also offer family-style dinners for groups of 9 or more. Please email hello@fossetta-nyc.com for large party inquiries.

6. Barbounia

4.6

Exceptional(3965)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Gramercy Park

Booked 85 times today

Located in the heart of Gramercy in New York City at 20th Street and Park Avenue South, Barbounia's atmosphere and design, which complement and attract a fashion, music and entertainment clientele, takes you off the busy streets of Manhattan and transcends you to the middle of the Mediterranean. With a spectacular open kitchen, tall arched ceilings divided by Moorish columns, large wooden communal tables, and pillowed banquettes; you feel the magnificent energy emanating from the kitchen, staff and patrons.

7. Palma

4.8

Exceptional(3332)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Greenwich Village

Booked 57 times today

Nestled in the picturesque Greenwich Village, Palma stands out as a beacon of Mediterranean excellence. Celebrated for its authenticity and organic approach, Palma has been delighting diners since 2001 with its sumptuous menu that highlights housemade pastas, fresh seafood, and seasonal produce directly sourced from local markets and its own garden. The ambiance, described as "transporting you to Italy," coupled with a "spectacular" garden seating, enhances every dining experience. Reviewers consistently praise Palma, with one noting, "The food is authentic, the service is genuine and the ambiance transports you to Italy." It's not just a meal; it's an enchanting Mediterranean escape right in the heart of New York.

8. Cathédrale

4.4

Awesome(2495)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • East Village

Booked 46 times today

Cathédrale in East Village, New York, is a beacon of French-Mediterranean cuisine, where Chef Jason Hall and Ralph Scamardella create dishes that are "simply divine" and burst with authentic French flavors. The restaurant is renowned for its "exquisite" fine dining experience that blends Southern French culinary traditions with subtle hints of Italian, Spanish, and Greek influences. Guests rave about the "amazing" Ribeye Steak au Poivre and the "delicious" Bouillabaisse 'Tetou', highlighting the quality and authenticity that Cathédrale brings to each plate. The ambiance is described as "beautiful" and "luxurious", making it a top destination for those seeking a genuine French dining experience in NYC.

A photo of Zaytinya - New York restaurant

9. Zaytinya - New York

4.5

Awesome(566)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • NoMad

Booked 111 times today

At Zaytinya in NoMad, New York, the essence of Mediterranean cuisine is brought to life through a symphony of flavors from Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon. Esteemed chef José Andrés ensures each dish reflects authentic Mediterranean traditions while introducing innovative twists. The restaurant's ambiance, described as "modern upscale casual," complements the exquisite mezze selection, making dining at Zaytinya a holistic sensory experience. Guests rave about the "incredibly flavorful food" and the "excellent service," with special mentions of the hummus and cauliflower as must-try dishes. Whether it's for a vibrant breakfast or a lively dinner, Zaytinya promises an unforgettable Mediterranean feast in the heart of New York.

10. Pera Soho

4.4

Awesome(1736)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • SoHo

Booked 23 times today

Pera Soho in the vibrant SoHo neighborhood of New York offers a Mediterranean culinary retreat that stands out for its authenticity and quality. This restaurant brings the essence of the Istanbul neighborhood to life, where cuisine and culture converge. As one diner raved, it's a place where the "salmon, portobello gyros, burger, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, dips, calamari, and assorted appetizers and desserts were beyond fabulous!" The unique blend of traditional recipes and innovative Mediterranean ingredients creates signature dishes that keep guests returning. The atmosphere, described as "perfect" by another guest, along with the heated outdoor courtyard, makes Pera Soho an ideal choice for a genuine Mediterranean dining experience.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
jayvip
New York City •67 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
a cozy place with a home cooked food feeling. perfect for a quiet dinner
More info
FossettaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Lower East Side
•
4.5
C
Cassondravip
New York City •40 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Very fresh, delicious food. Recommend the scallops appetizer, set on a bed of mashed potatoes - melts in your mouth. Meatballs, any appetizer with eggplant. pear, radicchio and walnut salad makes you forget it's winter. The lamb chops are extraordinary and of a quality only a restaurant can get. Black cod Livorno - luscious!! Palma's pastry chef is exceptional - you can taste the actual ingredients without being overwhelmed by the sugar. Attentive, but not intrusive, staff. Charming, romantic setting, with fresh flowers everywhere!!
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PalmaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• Greenwich Village
•
4.8
O
Olivia
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Johnny is the best! And the food was delicious as always :)
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Plado - East Village, NYCPrice: Expensive• Tapas / Small Plates• East Village
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
I’ve read some bad reviews, so I was a bit hesitant. But the experience was pretty good. We found food excellent: fresh oysters, beef tartar outstanding, very tasty burrata. Main course: excellent veal steak with mash. Service was attentive (maybe too much at some point), but we enjoyed it anyway. Nice ambiance
More info
CathédralePrice: Expensive• French• East Village
•
4.4
V
Victoria
New York City •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
Met a friend here before seeing a music gig at the Bowery Ballroom. Had the mushroom risotto and burrata salad, which were excellent. Great staff, too. I highly recommend!
More info
LENAPrice: Expensive• French• Lower East Side
•
4.5

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Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Lower East Side

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171 restaurants available nearby

1. Cecconi's Dumbo

2. Piccola Cucina Estiatorio

3. Oceans - New York

4. Little Owl

5. Fossetta

6. Barbounia

7. Palma

8. Cathédrale

9. Zaytinya - New York

10. Pera Soho

See what locals rave about

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