If you’re looking for top-notch Mediterranean cuisine, there are plenty of options in the heart of the Garden State. These phenomenal destinations showcase the distinct regional flavors of Greece and Turkey alongside the vibrant coastlines of Spain and Morocco. Without a doubt, these are The 10 Best Central Jersey Mediterranean Restaurants of 2026.
The spots on this year’s list range from a rustic-chic tavernas perfect for elegant date nights; to casual, high-energy spots serving trendy, protein-packed Mediterranean bowls. When you’re ready to experience what the best chefs in the culinary game are cooking right in your neighborhood, it’s time to visit The 10 Best Central Jersey Mediterranean Restaurants of 2026. Keep Scrolling to See the Full List.
The 10 Best Central Jersey
Mediterranean Restaurants
Avora Mediterranean Kitchen
Where: Somerville
Details: Avora specializes in Turkish cuisine, fusing Mediterranean flavors into authentic Turkish dishes. Popular dishes include the Shashlik Tenderloin Skewer, Shrimp Shish Kebap, and classic Mix Grill. The latter comes with an assortment of meats, plus rice and salad. They also make wood-fired pide (flatbreads), such as the popular Soujouk Pide (their take on a pepperoni pizza); as well as the Pastirma Pide (a flatbread topped with a heavily spiced, cured beef). The restaurant also stands out for its colorful walls and floral decor.
EVOO Mediterranean Cuisine & Café
Where: Old Bridge
Details: This family-owned spot is tucked inside the popular Shoppes at Old Bridge strip mall. But the hottest item on their menu is their classic Chicken Shawarma Wrap, which combines marinated chicken, veggies, and signature creamy sauce in a pita. Other menu favorites include the Beef Kebab Platter, Seafood Tagine (with red snapper, scallops, and shrimp), and Chicken Tzatziki wrap. Despite the popularity of their food, locals love EVOO for their freshly brewed and blended coffee drinks and Espresso nearly as much.
Kapadokya Mediterranean Grill
Where: Monmouth Junction
Details: Hard to pronounce but easy to love, Kapadokya (ka·puh·dow·kyuh) is named after the the Cappadocia region in Turkey. The restaurant modestly refers to itself as “A really good place to eat”, but they deserve more credit than that. From their Babaganush and calf’s liver to the stuffed grape leaves and Sigara Boregi, the menu features many Mediterranean favorites. For dinner, we recommend either the Gyro Doner (beef and lamb combo) or the Lamb Adana Kebab (char-grilled with red bell peppers).
Koy Grill
Where: East Brunswick | Englishtown
Details: Both the East Brunswick and Englishtown (or Marlboro, depending on the GPS) locations of Koy Grill specialize in casual Turkish cuisine. Locals love their various combo platters and, in particular, their signature Koy Ultimate Grill. This hefty platter, available for one or two people, offers an assortment of shish, adana, and gyro meat along with chicken chops and lamp chops all served with rice and pita. For dessert, Koy serves a variety of baklava (we recommend the walnut baklava) as well as hazelnut and pistachio gelato.
Mediterra Restaurant and Taverna
Where: Princeton
Details: Centrally located within Palmer Square and steps from the Nassau Street shopping district, Mediterra is a Princeton hot spot. The restaurant presents a rustic-chic atmosphere, and is popular for their outdoor patio dining and extensive wine list. Their menu takes inspiration from close to two dozen cultures all surrounding the Mediterranean, but emphasizes Spanish and Italian flavors. (They affectionately say their menu is inspired by “wherever the olive grows.”) Mediterra is open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.
Mira Mediterranean Grill
Where: Skillman
Details: If authentic, made-to-order Turkish recipes from a chef with over 20 years of experience sounds good, Mira Grill is the place to be. Chef Ekrem Bodur is no stranger to family-owned New Jersey restaurants: He previously worked with his brothers at their other restaurant, Efes Mediterranean Grill in Princeton, New Brunswick, and Jersey City. As for Mira Grill, the menu includes classic cold dishes like Babaganush and Stuffed Grape Leaves alongside traditional hot entrees like Lamb Adana Kebab and Chicken Pirzola.
Moaaz Mediterranean Grill
Where: Rahway | Metuchen (New)
Details: Moaaz has been a popular spot in Rahway since opening in late 2023. Their explosive success has led to rapid expansion, as both their Saddle Brook and Metuchen locations opened in 2026. The menu is highlighted by their trendy Mediterranean Bowls, which are packed with both protein and flavor. We recommend either the Boom-Boom Shrimp Bowl or the Egyptian Bowl. The latter comes with 3 bases, 3 proteins (Chicken Kebab, Lamb Kofta, and Beef Strips), 4 toppings, and two sauces. For dessert, try their Baklava.
Nostimo Restaurant
Where: Kenilworth
Details: Firmly focused on authentic Greek cuisine, Nostimo is popular for many of its traditional dishes. This includes favorites like gyros, spanakopita, traditional Greek salads, and Souvlaki platters. We recommend the Bifteki ground lamb, stuffed with feta cheese and tomatoes, served with lemon potatoes. Of course, their traditional Chicken Souvlaki is one of their most popular dishes. But for a true taste of Greece, we recommend either the Youvetsi (shrimps and scallops in tomato sauce) or Pastitsio (Greek macaroni and ground beef).
Oasis Restaurant
Where: Cranford
Details: Oasis specializes in Moroccan cuisine, which in itself is a blend of French, Arab, and Andalusian flavors. The restaurant’s menu is rooted in nature, meaning many of the ingredients and spices are naturally found in Morocco. Popular traditional dishes include couscous, various tagines, and kebabs all featuring salmon, chicken, lamb, shrimp, and more. They also serve Moroccan burgers made with choice of either chicken or lamb. Besides sit-down dinner service, Oasis is available to cater special occasions and events.
Zaytin Turkish Cuisine
Where: Warren
Details: The Turkish menu at Zaytin is as authentic as it gets. Promising home-cooked flavor and addictive “tasty meats”, they serve a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes. Popular options include the chicken and lamb shish kebabs, gyro platter, and stuffed eggplant. But locals know Zaytin is also an exceptional spot for homemade desserts and Turkish coffee. This includes their chocolate souffle, Kunefe, bakalava, and Paradise Soil (shredded dough with pistachio). Fun fact: The restaurant is named after the Turkish word for “olive”.
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Central Jersey’s
Best Mediterranean Restaurants FAQs
Oasis Restaurant (Cranford) specializes in Moroccan cuisine, which blends French, Arab, and Andalusian flavors. They offer traditional tagines, couscous, and unique Moroccan burgers made with your choice of chicken or lamb.
Moaaz Mediterranean Grill (Rahway | Metuchen) is popular for its trendy Mediterranean Bowls. For example, The Egyptian Bowl packs in multiple bases, proteins like Lamb Kofta, and fresh toppings.
Avora Mediterranean Kitchen (Somerville) specializes in authentic Turkish dishes, including their Soujouk and Pastirma wood-fired pides (flatbreads). Likewise, Mira Mediterranean Grill (Skillman) is led by a chef with over 20 years of experience crafting traditional Turkish entrees.
Mediterra Restaurant and Taverna is a Princeton hot spot. They offer an extensive wine list, outdoor patio dining, and a rustic-chic atmosphere featuring a Spanish and Italian menu.
Nostimo Restaurant (Kenilworth) is firmly focused on classic, traditional dishes. They are popular for their Souvlaki platters, gyros, and authentic specialties like Youvetsi (shrimps and scallops in tomato sauce).
Top (Hero) Photo: © Avora Meditteranean Kitchen / Website
