The phrase “Mediterranean cuisine” covers an incredibly vast and diverse culinary landscape. From the sun-drenched shores of Greece and the spice markets of Morocco to the coastal tavernas of Turkey and Spain, the flavors are as varied as the cultures themselves. So its no small feat to curate a list of New Jersey’s Best Mediterranean Restaurants.
The spots on our list have mastered the art of char-grilled meats and perfectly whipped hummus. Many of them use generations old family recipes that delicately balance complex spices with lemon, olive oil, and garlic. From authentic Turkish kebabs to fresh seafood, the Best Mediterranean Restaurants in New Jersey showcase rich, diverse flavors. These are the Top 20 spots to visit in 2026.
Quick Click Guide: Select an NJ Region below to find The Best Mediterranean Restaurants nearby.
| 2026 Featured Listings | North Jersey | Central Jersey | Jersey Shore | South Jersey |
More from Best of NJ
New Jersey’s Best
Mediterranean Restaurants of 2026
Featured From Hudson County:
Solaz
Where: 25 River Drive South, Jersey City
Details: Solaz is for anyone who wants to take their dinner and their golf swing to the next level. This Jersey City waterfront destination offers Mediterranean cuisine from Culinary Director Celebrity Chef David Burke alongside. The menu encompasses modern Mediterranean flavors, fusing Greek, Moroccan, Spanish, Italian, and French cuisines. Popular items include pitas, spicy harissa, honey cumin roasted carrots, and lemon burrata pasta. In addition to sit-down dinner, an elevated cocktail experience is available from the bar. Just be sure to save room for their homemade banana baklava parfait and tiramisu donuts with pistachio mascarpone. Besides unforgettable dinner service, Solaz is also home to Full Swing Golf Suites. These simulators are designed for seasoned golfers, newcomers, and friends looking to have some fun. The golf simulator menu offers handheld options like flatbreads, lamb sliders, and burgers, plus cocktails and mocktails.
| Visit Their Website | Reserve a Table | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 551-355-3800 |
Featured from Monmouth County:
Marmara Mediterranean Cuisine
Where: 3710 US-9, Freehold
Details: You might not expect to find one of Monmouth County’s best Mediterranean Restaurants inside the Freehold Raceway Mall. And yet, Marmara has been captivating locals since it opened in 2023 in the space Ruby Tuesday once occupied. The restaurant serves a menu with Turkish, Greek, and Middle Eastern influences. Patrons can expect a particular focus on grilled meats, classic dips, and large salads. Menu highlights include their namesake Marmara Mediterranean Salad, Lamb Gyro, Grilled Shrimp Kebab, Chicken Chops, and Turkish Ravioli. (Dumplings with spiced ground lamb, served with garlic, yoghurt, and dried mint flakes.) We also recommend starting off with their hummus served with fried pastrami. Every dish on the menu can be paired with one of their non-alcoholic cocktails or specialty drinks. Popular options include their Turkish Coffee, White Chocolate Mocha, and Baklava Milkshake.
| Visit Their Website | Reserve a Table | Order Online | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 732-808-2727 |
Featured From Bergen County:
Kilim Mediterranean
Where: 645 Kinderkamack Rd, River Edge
Details: Kilim focuses on fine Turkish cuisine in a white tablecloth setting that feels both elegant and intimate. The restaurant boasts having “food with attitude”, but that doesn’t stop the wait staff from being exceptionally warm and friendly. (Everyone feels like a VIP here.) Besides traditional appetizers like stuffed grape leaves and artichoke heart, the menu boasts charcoal-grilled kebabs, steak, seafood, and more. For the most authentic experience, we recommend ordering the stuffed cabbage or their signature Turkish Dumplings. The latter fills dumplings with lean ground beef, black pepper, onion, and egg, then serves them with yoghurt. They also serve chicken and shrimp-based Chef’s Specials. Both Sautes come in a white wine and cream sauce with garlic, pepper, onion and mushroom. Besides sit down dinner service, Kilim is available to book for group events and also offers special occasion catering.
| Visit Their Website | Order Online | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 201-262-4400 |
North Jersey
Barka Mediterranean
Where: Mountain Lakes
Details: This upscale seafood and steakhouse is also popular for its raw bar, particularly their seafood tower. Featuring clams, colossal shrimp, oysters, and lobster, this tower comes in variations for either two or four guests. But it’s the steaks, chops, and fish market entrees that really steal the show. Signature dishes include the Lamb Chops Rack, Angry Lobster, Loup de Mer “Branzino”, and our recommendation, the Seafood Pappardelle. The latter is grilled white whole fish served with Greek style asparagus and lemon potatoes.
Naxos Estiatorio
Where: Woodland Park
Details: Traditional Greek dishes are the focal point of the menu at Naxos Estiatorio. So it’s no surprise the ambiance and decor is intentionally designed to instantly transport guests to the Greek islands. The restaurant merges old-world cooking techniques with contemporary, fine dining twists to create a unique dining experience. Their raw bar lets patrons build their own seafood tower. Meanwhile, classic seafood entrees include Faroe Island Salmon, Swordfish Kebab, Grilled Shrimp Kyklads, and Lobster “Makaronada”.
Torshi Mediterranean Grill
Where: Kearny
Details: Torshi may say Mediterranean grill in the name, but the menu actually blends Mediterranean and Egyptian cuisine. Popular dishes include shawarma, falafel, and their customizable build your own bowl option. They also serve all the most popular, traditional sandwiches including pita pockets with chicken shawarma or falafel, and gyro sandwiches. Just be sure to save room for dessert, as Torshi offers both rice pudding and baklava. This casual spot is also popular for their highly affordable family meals to go.
Zeugma Grill
Where: Montclair
Details: Zeugma Grill offers a fusion of Mediterranean and European flavors. Executive Chef Restaurateur/Owner Can Alp and Executive Chef Malik Tuncer are originally from Turkey. In fact, Can and Malik studied Gastronomy and Culinary Arts at Beykent University in Istanbul and also interned in Paris. Popular dishes include the Charred Grilled Artichoke, Grilled Lamb Rock, and Mushroom Manti. (Handmade dumplings filled with a trio of mushrooms in a warm yogurt sauce that are fermented for 16 hours.)
Central Jersey
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.
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”.
Jersey Shore
Golden Horn Mediterranean
Where: Tinton Falls
Details: This BYOB Tinton Falls treasure is popular for Turkish cuisine and an assortment of mocktails. In fact, their robust drink menu is one of the best around, featuring homemade lemonades, fresh juices, and milkshakes. We recommend either the Banana milkshake or Raspberry lemonade. As for the food menu, head straight to the “Turkish Oven” section for a selection of signature favorites. Options include the Lahmacun (Meat Pie), Feta, Spinach, or Mozzarella Cheese Pide, and classic Ground Lamb Pide. For dessert, try out the Lotus Cheesecake.
Kostas Grill
Where: Tuckerton
Details: This casual eatery brings a taste of Greece to Tuckerton. Kostas perfectly encapsulates the friendly, neighborhood vibe of a family-owned restaurant. Despite the easy-going atmosphere, the menu provides authentic, homemade Greek dishes like their popular gyro pita and platter. For something a little different, we recommend starting with their Greek Mac n Cheese. To make it, they blend spinach, feta, kefalograviera cheese, and golden bread crumbs and mix it with macaroni. Try the Baklava Sundae for dessert.
Mermaids Restaurant
Where: Cape May
Details: This wildly popular seaside spot is perfect for casual lunches and family dinners. Mermaids is open seasonally, serving a full menu of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Locals love eating on the large outdoor dining deck, which features a retractable roof, all summer long. Popular menu staples range from the Mermaid breakfast wrap and breaded clam strips to the crab-stuffed flounder. Mermaids is also popular for their ice cream, which includes fun flavors like Peanut Butter Ripple and Mint Chocolate Chip.
Ruhani Kitchen
Where: Egg Harbor Township
Details: Ruhani’s menu fuses Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. In practice, this includes dishes like Baba Ghanoush, Zaalouk, Lebanese Lamb Chops, Persian Spiced Lamb Shank, and Afghani Saffron Kebab. Ruhani also offers a number of bread-based plates, such as Manakish and Zaatar Flat Bread with Figs. The two types of cuisines actually blend well, emphasizing aromatic spices to accent char-grilled meats and vegetables. To end the meal, we recommend their Saffron Pistachio ice cream or traditional Halwa.
Santorini
Where: Wildwood
Details: From the outdoor seating to the cocktails, to the live sports on TV, Santorini is a great spot to hang out. Much of the seasonal menu is sourced from local fisheries and farmers markets, ensuring every dish is fresh. The menu leans heavily into Greek and Italian flavors, featuring starters like Fried Burrata and Spicy Feta Dip. Fan-favorite entrees include Chicken Santorini (sautéed with shrimp, tomatoes, and peppers) and lamb shank as well as Chicken Parmigiana. We also recommend their selection of fresh pastas.
South Jersey
Blue Fig Garden
Where: Cherry Hill
Details: Turkish and wider Mediterranean flavors combine at Blue Fig Garden (which also has a North Jersey location in Wayne). Their wide-ranging menu stretches from popular starters like falafel and cheese phyllo rolls to entrees like lamb kebab. But we recommend two entrees in particular. The first is their Old Fashioned Oven Brick Sautee, a mixture of beef, grape tomatoes, onion, pepper, and house sauce wrapped in pita. The other is their Blue Fig Signature Dish, combining chicken, beef, and adana kebabs with lamb chop and grilled vegetables.
Estia Taverna
Where: Marlton
Details: Estia is an upscale restaurant for authentic Greek dishes. The restaurant is part of a multi-generational, family owned restaurant group. The Pashalis family operates four Estia Taverna locations — the others are in Florida and Pennsylvania — as well as the Pietro’s Pizzeria brand. As for the menu, popular options include starters such as Greek meatballs, shrimp saganaki, and spanakopita. For dinner, we recommend either the lamb chops mixed seafood orzo. Or, for something different, try out their swordfish souvlaki.
Click Here To See More Best of New Jersey Lists.
Jersey’s Best Mediterranean Restaurants FAQs
Naxos Estiatorio (Woodland Park) merges old-world cooking techniques with fine-dining twists and a build your own seafood tower. Likewise, Estia Taverna in Marlton offers an upscale atmosphere and traditional Greek dishes like shrimp saganaki and swordfish souvlaki.
Kilim Mediterranean (River Edge) serves charcoal-grilled kebabs and traditional Turkish meatballs. Meanwhile in Montclair, Zeugma Grill fuses Turkish and European flavors, crafted by chefs who studied Gastronomy in Istanbul.
Oasis Restaurant in Cranford specializes in traditional Moroccan cuisine. Their menu features authentic couscous, fragrant tagines, and unique Moroccan burgers made with chicken or lamb.
Torshi Mediterranean Grill in Kearny merges Mediterranean and Egyptian cuisine, serving shawarma, falafel, and affordable family meals. Similarly, Ruhani Kitchen in Egg Harbor Township fuses Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, from Lebanese Lamb Chops to Afghani Saffron Kebab.
Blue Fig Garden in Cherry Hill offers a casual menu blending Turkish and wider Mediterranean flavors. We highly recommend their “Old Fashioned Oven Brick Sautee” wrapped in a pita, or their Blue Fig Signature Dish.
Top Photo: © Solaz / Facebook
