Discover the top-rated dining experiences
Discover the best Chinatown restaurants with mediterranean options. Highly rated spots with authentic mediterranean menu items.
Chinatown's Premier Mediterranean Destinations
Chinatown offers a surprisingly diverse culinary landscape that stretches far beyond traditional flavors to include a wealth of Mediterranean and international influences. This curated selection highlights the neighborhood's eclectic spirit, featuring everything from the Spanish tapas at Boqueria Soho and Middle Eastern staples at Ba‘al Cafe & Falafel to the fresh Mediterranean plates at 19 Cleveland and Antique Garage. Diners can also explore a wide range of global tastes, including Japanese specialties at Bayard Sushi, Thai dishes from Appethaize, and classic American fare at spots like Bite and Neat. Whether you are craving Italian comfort food or sophisticated seafood, these destinations offer a unique cross-cultural dining experience in the heart of the district.
23 restaurants in Best Chinatown Restaurants with Mediterranean Options | Top Rated
- Bite — American · rated 5/5: Bite serves as a vibrant sanctuary where the morning air is perfumed with the aroma of freshly baked pita and the earthy warmth of Middle Eastern spices. Guests gather over colorful mezze plates and bubbling pans of shakshooka, while golden-fried Moroccan cigars and velvety hummus platters bring a sun-soaked Mediterranean spirit to every table. It is a place where the simple joy of a perfectly crafted egg sandwich or a flaky, buttery mallawach transforms a casual meal into a rich, sensory journey.
- Boqueria Soho — Spanish · rated 4.6/5: Stepping into this vibrant corner of Soho feels like being transported to a bustling Barcelona market, where the air hums with the energy of shared conversations and the rhythmic clatter of small plates. Golden light spills over marble counters as the kitchen turns out a parade of smoky pimentón-dusted tapas and bubbling pans of paella, inviting guests to lose themselves in a communal celebration of bold Spanish flavors and flowing cava.
- Ba‘al Cafe & Falafel — Middle Eastern · rated 4.6/5: Ba‘al Cafe & Falafel is a sun-drenched sanctuary where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted cumin and the irresistible fragrance of chickpeas crisping in the fryer. Golden, herb-flecked falafel offers a satisfying crunch that gives way to a tender, steaming center, served alongside velvety hummus and zesty pickles that capture the soulful, sun-kissed essence of Levantine
- 19 Cleveland — Mediterranean · rated 4.5/5: Sun-drenched and draped in lush greenery, this airy Nolita escape captures the spirited energy of a Tel Aviv afternoon through its vibrant, herb-forward flavors and chic, open-air feel. The kitchen transforms seasonal ingredients into a tapestry of shared plates, where the warmth of fresh-baked pita meets the smoky char of the grill and the bright tang of citrus-infused cocktails, creating a communal celebration of Mediterranean soul.
- Bayard Sushi — Japanese · rated 4.5/5: Bayard Sushi invites diners into a serene, wood-accented sanctuary where the rhythmic precision of the chef’s blade transforms the day’s freshest catch into vibrant, edible art. Each bite offers a masterclass in balance, from the delicate tang of perfectly seasoned rice to the buttery richness of marbled tuna that dissolves effortlessly on the palate. The intimate atmosphere hums with a quiet sophistication, making every meal feel like a private celebration of Japan’s most storied culinary traditions.
- Neat — American · rated 4.4/5: Neat reimagines the classic American tavern as a polished sanctuary of amber light, dark wood, and the rhythmic clink of crystal against a marble bar. The kitchen transforms familiar comforts into art forms, balancing the smoky depth of charred oak with the vibrant brightness of seasonal harvests to create bold, honest flavors. It is a space designed for the art of lingering, where masterfully poured spirits and soul-warming dishes invite guests to savor a sophisticated take on the American spirit.
- Appethaize — Thai · rated 4.4/5: Step into a vibrant sanctuary where the air hums with the fragrance of crushed lemongrass and toasted chilies, instantly transporting diners to the spirited heart of Bangkok. The kitchen masterfully balances the fiery kick of bird’s eye chilies with the velvety sweetness of coconut milk, crafting dishes that dance across the palate with bright, herbaceous notes. This modern haven invites guests to linger over aromatic curries and wok-fired delights, capturing the soulful, complex essence of Thai culinary heritage in every bite.
- Antique Garage — Mediterranean · rated 4.3/5: Housed in a repurposed mechanic’s shop, this bohemian sanctuary invites guests to dine amidst a curated collection of gilded mirrors and velvet-clad antiques under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. The air hums with live jazz and the fragrant steam of Mediterranean mezze, creating a transportive experience where old-world charm meets the vibrant, sun-drenched flavors of the Aegean.
- Zara Pizza — Italian · rated 4.2/5: Step into a warm, flour-dusted sanctuary where the intoxicating aroma of wood-smoke and bubbling San Marzano tomatoes signals a true devotion to the craft of the perfect pie. Each pizza emerges from the glowing oven with a beautifully charred, leopard-spotted crust, topped with hand-torn basil and creamy mozzarella to create a vibrant dining experience that captures the soulful essence of a neighborhood Italian kitchen.
- La Nonna — Italian · rated 4.1/5: La Nonna transports diners to the heart of a rustic Italian home, where the comforting scent of slow-simmered ragù and toasted garlic wafts through a space glowing with candlelight and old-world charm. Silken, hand-shaped pastas and vibrant seasonal plates celebrate the timeless art of the family table, inviting guests to linger over bottles of ruby-red wine and crusty, hearth-baked bread. The atmosphere hums with a soulful warmth, turning every meal into a heartfelt embrace that honors the rich, culinary traditions of the Mediterranean.
- Ten Bells — Seafood · rated 4/5: This intimate, candlelit haunt invites guests to linger over chilled platters of briny oysters and bowls of salt-dusted Marcona almonds, capturing the spirited essence of a classic European wine bar. The air hums with conversation as small plates of smoky papas bravas and savory chorizo empanadas emerge from the kitchen, offering a rustic tapestry of flavors that turn a simple evening into a communal celebration.
- Banzarbar — Seafood · rated 4/5: Tucked away like a hidden gem, Banzarbar invites guests into an intimate, dimly lit sanctuary where the briny scent of freshly shucked oysters meets the savory aroma of sizzling wagyu skewers. The kitchen masters the art of the elevated bite, reimagining nostalgic comfort through golden pork katsu sandos and indulgent French onion rings that pair perfectly with the bar’s adventurous spirit. It is a vibrant crossroads of global flavors and refined relaxation, where every dish is designed to spark conversation and linger on the palate long after the final toast.
- Soho Diner — American · rated 3.8/5: Bathed in the nostalgic glow of pink neon and polished chrome, this modern reimagining of the classic American eatery captures the tireless energy of the city that never sleeps. Guests slide into plush vinyl booths to indulge in elevated comfort classics, where the sizzle of the griddle and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee create a soulful sanctuary of warmth amidst the urban bustle.
- Despaña — Spanish · rated 3/5: This vibrant Spanish enclave pulses with the savory aroma of aged Ibérico ham and piquant chorizo, drawing guests into a space that feels like a bustling Madrid market. Artisanal bocadillos take center stage, featuring crusty bread piled high with everything from golden wedges of traditional tortilla to delicate bonito and honey-drizzled Mallorquín specialties. Each bite offers a transportive journey through Spain’s rich culinary landscape, blending rustic tradition with a lively, contemporary energy.
- Squires Diner — American: Squires Diner captures the timeless charm of a neighborhood gathering spot, where the rhythmic sizzle of the griddle and the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee create an inviting, sun-drenched hum. Plates of golden-yolked eggs, crispy bacon, and velvety hollandaise-draped Benedicts emerge from the kitchen alongside hearty bowls of spicy Tex-Mex chili and savory steaks, offering a soulful embrace of classic American comfort.
- Kiki's — Greek: Bathed in an atmosphere of effortless Mediterranean charm, this vibrant taverna invites guests to linger over a kaleidoscope of silken dips and sun-ripened flavors. From the sharp tang of barrel-aged feta to the earthy richness of fava and smoky eggplant, every plate celebrates the rustic simplicity of the Greek islands through vibrant, soul-warming ingredients. Crisp, herb-flecked salads and briny olives round out a communal dining experience that feels like a sun-drenched afternoon on the Aegean coast.
- Da Nico — Italian: Da Nico invites guests into a vibrant space where the air is thick with the comforting scent of hand-stretched dough and bubbling mozzarella. Artisanal pizzas emerge from the heat with perfectly charred crusts, ranging from the classic simplicity of a bright Margherita to the bold, sweet-and-spicy harmony of honey-drizzled pies and velvety vodka-sauced creations. Whether sharing a crisp, herb-dusted focaccia or savoring the seasonal layers of a Quattro Stagioni, diners find a lively sanctuary where traditional Italian soul meets a spirited, modern flair.
- Bayard Sushi — Japanese: Bayard Sushi invites diners into a bright, tranquil space where the art of the salad is elevated through vibrant textures and the freshest coastal flavors. Each dish celebrates a delicate balance of creamy avocado, sun-ripened mango, and spice-kissed seafood, offering a refreshing experience centered on bowls that are as visually stunning as they are nourishing.
- Lovely Day — Thai: Lovely Day feels like a sun-drenched neighborhood retreat where the comforting warmth of a hearty Irish breakfast meets the vibrant, zesty crunch of Southeast Asian-inspired fare. Diners can transition from fluffy, farm-fresh omelettes to crisp green papaya salads and delicate summer rolls, all served in an inviting space that hums with a relaxed, creative energy. It is a place where fresh, market-driven ingredients are transformed into bright, flavorful plates that feel both soul-satisfying and refreshingly unexpected.
- Little Rascal — Middle Eastern: This spirited neighborhood haunt invites guests into a world of bold Mediterranean flavors, where the table becomes a vibrant mosaic of shared plates and tangy Turkish pickles. Golden-fried halloumi croquettas and crisp feta phyllo rolls offer a satisfying crunch against velvety swirls of house-made dips and smoky roasted cauliflower. It is a place where the warmth of traditional lentil soup meets the brightness of grilled artichokes, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and celebratory.
- La Contenta — Mexican: La Contenta pulses with a vibrant energy, drawing guests into a warm space where the bright, zesty notes of hand-mashed guacamole meet the comforting aroma of slow-simmered green pozole. The kitchen transforms traditional staples into soulful art, from the crisp, golden crunch of drowned chicken taquitos to the earthy, delicate fold of a mushroom tetela. It is a place where every shared plate of bubbling cheese fondue or citrus-kissed fish tacos feels like a festive celebration of deep-rooted flavors and spirited hospitality.
- Butler — American: Butler hums with the vibrant energy of a neighborhood hub, where the scent of freshly toasted grains and artisanal coffee fills a bright, sun-drenched space. Mornings invite guests to linger over jewel-toned acai bowls and creamy avocado toast, while the afternoon brings a shift toward bold, savory flavors like succulent rotisserie chicken and spicy gochujang pork tucked into crusty bread. Whether grabbing a flaky breakfast empanada on the go or settling in for a vibrant delicata squash salad, every dish feels like a thoughtful, elevated take on daily nourishment.
- Boni & Mott — Italian: Boni & Mott captures the essence of a sun-drenched coastal escape, where the vibrant, salt-kissed flavors of the Mediterranean are elevated by refined culinary artistry. Glistening plates of hamachi crudo and tender, charred octopus give way to the comforting warmth of fragrant seafood paella and citrus-glazed lamb, creating a sensory journey that feels both sophisticated and soulfully relaxed.



















