Taste The Spirit Of The Mediterranean At 13 Florida Restaurants

Sun-soaked flavors, fresh ingredients, and coastal charm come alive at Florida’s Mediterranean-inspired restaurants.

These dining spots capture the essence of the region, serving everything from wood-fired seafood and savory tapas to aromatic pastas and crisp, refreshing salads.

Each restaurant offers its own take on Mediterranean hospitality, where meals are meant to be savored and shared.

1. Helena Modern Riviera: Orlando’s Mediterranean Jewel

Stepping into Helena feels like teleporting to the French Riviera without leaving Orlando. The seafood paella here sings with saffron and ocean-fresh treasures.

Blue and white décor channels Mediterranean seaside vibes, while the outdoor terrace practically begs you to linger over a glass of crisp rosé. Their olive tapenade might just change your life—seriously.

2. Olive & Sea: Fort Lauderdale’s Coastal Dream

Locals whisper about Olive & Sea’s legendary hummus – silky smooth and topped with fragrant olive oil that could make a Greek grandmother weep with joy.

The restaurant’s whitewashed walls and azure accents transport you straight to Santorini.

Try their grilled octopus, charred to perfection and drizzled with lemon. Weekend brunches here feature shakshuka that’ll make you question all other breakfast options.

3. Del Mar Mediterranean: Naples’ Seaside Sensation

Ever tasted a falafel that crumbles just right? Del Mar’s version achieves that perfect balance – crispy exterior giving way to herb-flecked chickpea goodness.

Family-owned since 2010, this Naples gem sources ingredients from local farmers whenever possible.

The sea bass baked in parchment paper arrives at your table with theatrical flair as servers unfold the steaming package. Their house-made baklava features honey from Florida apiaries.

4. Estiatorio Milos: Miami Beach’s Greek Paradise

Fresh fish displayed on ice greets you upon entering this upscale Miami Beach establishment. Each morning, fishermen deliver their catches directly to Milos’ kitchen.

The restaurant’s signature dish? Whole fish grilled with nothing but olive oil, lemon, and oregano – Mediterranean simplicity at its finest.

Don’t miss their paper-thin zucchini chips served with tzatziki. For special occasions, the private dining room overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.

5. Petra Mediterranean: Tampa’s Spice Market

Hidden in a Tampa strip mall, Petra serves lamb kebabs that could make you weep with joy. The meat, marinated for 24 hours in a secret family blend, practically dissolves on your tongue.

Colorful mosaic lamps cast hypnotic patterns across the dining room while belly dancers perform on weekend evenings.

Their meze platter offers a greatest hits of Mediterranean appetizers – the baba ganoush has a smoky depth that comes from properly charring the eggplants.

6. Lilac: Tampa Bay’s Modern Mediterranean

Chef Adam’s grandmother’s recipes meet modern techniques at this Tampa Bay hotspot. The lavender-infused lemonade (a nod to the restaurant’s name) refreshes perfectly after a day in Florida sun.

Exposed brick walls showcase local artists’ Mediterranean-inspired works. Their harissa-glazed lamb chops arrive sizzling atop a bed of jeweled rice studded with pomegranate seeds and pistachios.

7. AVA MediterrAegean: Orlando’s Coastal Fusion

Wood-fired ovens visible from every table at AVA produce flatbreads with perfectly blistered crusts. The restaurant’s name combines “Mediterranean” and “Aegean,” reflecting their coastal fusion approach.

Hanging gardens cascade from the ceiling, creating an atmosphere that’s both earthy and elegant. Their seafood towers feature Florida stone crabs alongside Mediterranean specialties.

8. Amare: Orlando’s Italian Riviera Experience

Fresh pasta made daily draws crowds to this Orlando gem where the chef hails from Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Golden-hour light filters through floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing diners in a warm Mediterranean glow.

The tiramisu arrives dramatically – servers pour hot espresso over chocolate shells that melt to reveal the creamy dessert beneath.

9. Spice Road Table: Epcot’s Mediterranean Magic

Waterfront dining at Epcot’s Morocco pavilion offers authentic flavors without passport requirements. Small plates encourage sharing – the way Mediterranean meals were meant to be enjoyed.

Moorish architectural details and hand-painted tiles surround diners as they sample spiced lamb kefta and harissa chicken.

Sunset views over the lagoon pair perfectly with their Moroccan mint tea service. Servers share stories about ingredients and traditions while you dine.

10. Byblos Mediterranean Grill: Key West’s Hidden Gem

Conch Republic meets Constantinople at this Key West treasure where Mediterranean meets Caribbean. Palm trees sway outside while inside, the scent of grilling shawarma fills the air.

Family recipes passed down through generations result in the island’s most authentic falafel. The owner visits every table, often sharing stories about growing up in Lebanon.

11. Kalamata Kitchen: Jacksonville’s Greek Family Table

Three generations work side by side at this Jacksonville institution where the moussaka recipe hasn’t changed since 1976.

Regulars know to order the avgolemono soup – a chicken and rice concoction brightened with lemon that cures whatever ails you.

Live bouzouki music on Friday nights turns dinner into a celebration. Their Greek coffee comes with a complimentary fortune telling if you ask nicely.

12. Athena By The Sea: Lauderdale-By-The-Sea’s Coastal Classic

Ocean breezes carry the scent of grilling fish at this beachfront taverna where fishing boats deliver daily catches to the kitchen door. The octopus hanging to dry outside isn’t decoration – it’s tomorrow’s special.

Dancing on tables after midnight isn’t uncommon here (especially after a few glasses of ouzo).

Their grilled whole fish is served simply with olive oil and lemon – Mediterranean minimalism that lets quality ingredients shine. Fourth-generation family recipes make their baklava exceptionally authentic.

13. Levant Market & Cafe: Gainesville’s Middle Eastern Bazaar

Half market, half restaurant, this Gainesville treasure lets you shop for imported ingredients after your meal. Students from nearby universities crowd in for affordable lunch specials.

The owner’s grandmother still makes the phyllo dough by hand for their spanakopita. Coffee is served Turkish-style – grounds settled at the bottom of tiny cups accompanied by sticky-sweet baklava.