16 Mediterranean Restaurants That Stand Out In Los Angeles

Los Angeles does Mediterranean food with swagger, from smoky wood fired spreads to breezy plates built for beach days. Whether you are plotting a big celebratory dinner or a casual pita run, this list puts the heavy hitters on your radar.

Expect mezze that crowds the table, kebabs with serious char, and vegetable dishes that actually steal the show. Bring friends and an appetite because sharing is the move here.

1. Bavel

Big, buzzy, and built for sharing, Bavel is where dinner becomes a mini event. Order puffy pitas, silky hummus, and the lamb neck shawarma that sends smoky aromas across the table.

You will keep passing plates until the conversation fades and the food takes over.

Vegetables shine too, like grilled oyster mushrooms and bright salads layered with herbs. Cocktails lean aromatic and spice kissed without overwhelming the meal.

It is the place you book for a wow night, then remember days later.

2. Saffy’s

Saffy’s rides the flame, and you can taste it in every bite. Pitas arrive hot and blistered, begging for hummus, smoky eggplant, or garlicky toum.

Kebabs come deeply charred yet still juicy, a perfect match for tangy pickles and herbs that spark brightness.

The room hums with carefree energy, great for date night or friends who want one more plate. Portions encourage sharing, so you will eat a little of everything.

Expect to leave smelling faintly of smoke and very happy.

3. Kismet

Kismet is the friend who makes vegetables feel glamorous. Plates look simple but land with bright acidity, crunchy textures, and gentle spice.

You will nibble through jeweled rice, crisp salads, and roasted carrots with labneh, feeling somehow lighter and fuller at once.

The room stays cheerful, perfect for daytime hangs that drift into dinner. Natural wines keep things crisp and unfussy.

When you want Mediterranean flavors without heaviness, this is the move every time.

4. Maydan

Maydan is built for the order everything moment. The hearth anchors the room, perfuming warm breads and blistered vegetables with wood smoke.

Mezze arrives in a colorful wave, from creamy labneh to zippy muhammara, and suddenly the table is a joyful mess.

Grilled meats land with perfect char and soft centers. Bring a crew, pass plates fast, and embrace sauce drips.

It feels like a celebration even on a Tuesday, and that is the point.

5. Dune

Dune proves small places can hit big. The falafel is emerald green inside and shatter crisp outside, tucked into pita with herbs and pickles that crunch back.

Hummus is silky and generous, making every bite feel balanced and complete.

Lines move quickly, and service stays kind. Grab a plate, claim a sunny seat, and let tahini drip where it wants.

It is everyday perfection, the kind that sneaks into your weekly routine.

6. Mizlala

Mizlala is the shawarma solution when you want flavor without fuss. Order chicken with golden edges or beef spiced just right, then load up on tangy salads and pickles.

Pitas are soft, sauces plentiful, and everything feels designed for easy weeknight eating.

The menu travels well, so takeout is a strength. Portions are generous but not sleepy.

You will finish satisfied and still ready to move, which is exactly the point here.

7. Marouch

Marouch is comfort in classic form. Mezze spreads arrive first and suddenly you are hunting for more table space.

Tabbouleh pops with lemon, baba ghanoush smolders with smoke, and garlicky toum waits for grilled meats that arrive sizzling and proud.

It is old school in the best way, with warm service and plates meant for sharing. Bring extra friends or promise leftovers.

Lean into the traditions and the place loves you back.

8. Skaf’s

Skaf’s is the mixed plate you do not overthink. Order the combo, watch the grill smoke, and brace for juicy skewers over rice with bright salad and hummus.

The flavors are direct and welcoming, like a home cooked meal served fast.

It is friendly, affordable, and ideal on a busy day. Leftovers reheat beautifully, though you might not have any.

When cravings call for Lebanese comfort, this place answers quickly.

9. Greekman’s

Greekman’s keeps things fun and a little cheeky. Start with a drink, then slide into meze like tangy tzatziki, grilled halloumi, or octopus kissed by smoke.

The menu encourages grazing, which makes conversation flow and time disappear.

Plates land fast, and nothing feels heavy. Bright herbs and lemon keep flavors lifted.

It is the spot for nights that begin casually and end with one more round and one more plate.

10. Mazal

Mazal is a dip lover’s dream. The table fills with creamy hummus, nutty tahini, vibrant beet salads, and herby chermoula until there is barely space for bread.

Warm laffa tears easily, soaking up everything and inviting another round.

Ordering is simple because most dishes play well together. Bring friends and surrender to the spread.

Before long, you will realize hours passed and you are still snacking happily.

11. Pita ‘Bu

Pita ‘Bu feels like a mini vacation. Think mezze by the water, crisp salads, and fish that tastes like it barely left the grill.

The vibe stays casual and sunny, perfect for lunch that accidentally becomes late afternoon.

Order a spread and let the bread keep coming. Lemon, herbs, and olive oil do the heavy lifting.

If Mediterranean by the beach is the fantasy, this place makes it real.

12. Tel Aviv Fish Grill

Tel Aviv Fish Grill proves seafood belongs center stage. Choose a whole fish, watch it blister on charcoal, then surround it with salads and dips that keep each bite bright.

The sides are not afterthoughts, they are half the fun.

Expect crunchy cabbage, tangy carrot slaw, and warm pitas to swipe through tahini. It is a feast that feels light and celebratory.

When shawarma fatigue hits, this resets everything.

13. Mini Kabob

Mini Kabob is microscopic and mighty. The grill perfumes the sidewalk, and the skewers taste like dedication.

Order ahead, show up on time, and claim your treasure box of juicy meats, saffron rice, and punchy pickles.

It is more takeout than sit down, but quality runs restaurant level or better. Portions feel generous, and sauces matter.

Plan around it, because this tiny legend rewards the effort every single time.

14. Raffi’s Place

Raffi’s Place is hospitality at scale. Skewers arrive longer than your forearm, resting over mountains of butter kissed rice with charred tomatoes rolling around.

The vibe is celebratory, perfect for birthdays, reunions, and any excuse to feed many.

Order family style and do not hold back. Beef soltani, juicy chicken, and a shower of herbs keep plates lively.

You will leave full and grinning, planning the next visit before the check lands.