Nearly every country bordering the Mediterranean has a strong seafood tradition, and a Mediterranean restaurant typically reflects that with grilled whole fish, octopus, calamari and prawns appearing alongside meat and vegetable dishes rather than as an afterthought. Because the category draws on Greek, Spanish, Italian, Middle Eastern and North African influences all at once, the specific seafood dishes on offer can vary a lot from one restaurant to the next, but fish generally has a real presence on the menu.

Mediterranean restaurants in London draw on the shared cooking style found across southern Europe, North Africa and parts of the Middle East, built around olive oil, fresh vegetables, grilled meat and fish, and a general emphasis on lighter, less heavily sauced cooking than some other cuisines. Rather than representing one single country, the category usually blends elements of Greek, Italian, Spanish, Lebanese or Turkish cooking depending on the restaurant.

Looking at the 11 mediterranean restaurant listings we track, the highest concentration is in Westminster (5), Camden (1), Haringey (1), Sutton (1), Tower Hamlets (1).

What's on the menu

Expect mezze-style small plates, grilled meat and fish, salads built around tomatoes, cucumber and feta, and plenty of olive oil and lemon in the cooking. Many menus are designed for sharing rather than individual courses, and vegetarian options tend to be stronger here than in some other cuisine categories.

You might also look for

Greek restaurant Middle Eastern restaurant Turkish restaurant

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mediterranean the same thing as Greek or Italian food?

Not exactly. Mediterranean restaurants typically draw on several coastal cuisines at once, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Lebanese or Turkish among them, rather than committing to just one, so the menu tends to be broader and less regionally specific than a dedicated Greek or Italian restaurant.

Are Mediterranean restaurants good for vegetarians?

Generally yes. The cuisine leans heavily on vegetables, pulses and olive oil-based dishes alongside meat and fish, so vegetarian options are usually more plentiful than at restaurants built primarily around a meat-focused cuisine.

How many mediterranean restaurant restaurants do you list?

11 mediterranean restaurants are listed in our directory right now, most heavily concentrated in Westminster (5).