Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Alphabet City
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Au Za'atar - East Village
Big, shareable Lebanese-Mediterranean menu with proven reliability at scale.
Notable Picks
8.3
A high-volume Lebanese-Mediterranean room that’s built for sharing: spreads, grilled meats, and bright salads in a lively, reservation-friendly setting. It’s a strong choice when you want reliable crowd-pleasers with enough menu range to satisfy both picky eaters and spice seekers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tableside shawarma, Hummus and mixed dips, Shish taouk
What Makes it Special: Big, shareable Lebanese-Mediterranean menu with proven reliability at scale.
#2
Ayat
8.2
A Palestinian table that shines when you lean into grilled meats, fresh breads, and shareable spreads that reward a family-style order. The room has a lively, communal feel—best for groups who want bold seasoning and a lot of food on the table quickly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma, Kofta kebab, Fresh pita with dips
What Makes it Special: Palestinian comfort food built for big, shareable spreads and grills.
A neighborhood tapas-and-paella spot with a relaxed East Village rhythm—best when you order a few small plates, then anchor with a pan of paella or a pasta. The patio/backyard setup makes it feel like a longer hang, and the menu works well for sharing without turning dinner into a production.
Must-Try Dishes:
Paella, Patatas bravas, Pulpo a la gallega
What Makes it Special: Tapas-plus-paella flexibility with an easy patio/backyard vibe.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A Mediterranean-leaning small-plates and cocktails spot where the best move is a tight, shareable order—two or three savory plates plus one comfort anchor. It’s a strong date-night option when you want stylish energy more than big-portion value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gnocchi, Crispy artichokes, Seasonal small plates
What Makes it Special: Cocktail-forward Mediterranean small plates that reward disciplined ordering.