Best Upscale Mediterranean Restaurants in Houston | Upscale Mediterranean Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Mediterranean Restaurants in Houston | Upscale Mediterranean Food

• Dimassi's Mediterranean Buffet — Mediterranean · rated 5/5: Step into a vibrant marketplace of Mediterranean flavors where the scent of warm, pillowy pita and toasted zatar fills the air. A kaleidoscope of fresh salads—from zesty chickpea to crisp kale Caesar—invites guests to build their own colorful plates alongside savory grape leaves and golden, herb-flecked falafel. This sun-drenched buffet experience celebrates the bounty of the region, offering a communal feast that feels both wholesome and indulgent.
• MKT BAR — Mediterranean · rated 4/5: MKT BAR serves as a lively urban sanctuary where the clink of craft beer glasses and the aroma of searing steaks create an inviting, high-energy atmosphere. Guests gather to share velvety bowls of hummus before diving into the bold, savory layers of the signature Kamtastic or a perfectly charred steak dinner, all paired with rotating local draughts or a crisp house sparkling wine. The space hums with a social vibrancy, making it the quintessential destination for a spirited happy hour or a relaxed, flavor-forward evening in the heart of the city.
• The Burger Joint — American · rated 4/5: This high-energy neighborhood haunt pulses with the irresistible aroma of sizzling patties and the convivial clatter of a bustling kitchen. Global inspirations take center stage as classic burgers are reimagined with bold flair, layering everything from pungent kimchi and spicy chilies to smoky brisket and zesty Mediterranean toppings. It is a vibrant celebration of the handheld feast, where every charred, juice-dripping bite invites diners to explore a world of flavor in a relaxed, urban setting.
• Grato Italian Restaurant — Italian · rated 4/5: Sun-drenched interiors and the comforting hum of a bustling open kitchen define this vibrant Italian eatery, where the scent of charred crusts and slow-simmered ragu fills the air. Hand-stretched pizzas emerge bubbling from the wood-fired oven to join plates of silky, house-made pasta, each dish celebrating the soulful simplicity of Mediterranean flavors. It is a place where modern elegance meets old-world warmth, inviting guests to linger over a glass of Sangiovese and the timeless joy of a shared meal.
• Fyzas Alhadi — Middle Eastern · rated 4/5: Fyzas Alhadi invites diners into a vibrant world of Mediterranean flavors, where the air is perfumed with the scent of toasted spices and fresh-chopped herbs. Velvety swirls of hummus and smoky baba ghanouj share the table with golden, crisp falafel and zesty cilantro potatoes, creating a tapestry of textures that celebrate traditional Middle Eastern hospitality. Whether diving into a bright, lemon-kissed taboulee or a hearty salad topped with tender gyro, every plate offers a refreshing journey through sun-drenched culinary traditions.
• Sweet Greek Grill — Greek · rated 4/5: Sun-drenched flavors and the irresistible aroma of herb-rubbed meats sizzling over an open flame define this vibrant eatery, where the warmth of Mediterranean hospitality fills a bright, welcoming space. Guests feast on tender souvlaki and crisp, olive oil-drizzled salads before finishing with golden, honey-soaked pastries that transport the senses to a bustling seaside taverna.
• Fadi's Mediterranean Grill — Mediterranean · rated 4/5: A vibrant Mediterranean sanctuary where the air is perfumed with aromatic spices and the tables are laden with the colorful bounty of a communal feast. Guests linger over plates of silken raw kibbeh, savory makanek, and tender stuffed kousa before indulging in the honeyed crunch of shaabiyat and refreshing splashes of house-pressed juices. This is a space where traditional flavors are elevated into a grand celebration, inviting diners to savor the rich, sun-drenched heritage of the Levant in every bite.
• Dimassi's Mediterranean Buffet — Mediterranean · rated 4/5: The air hums with the inviting scent of hearth-baked pita and aromatic zatar, drawing guests into a vibrant landscape of Mediterranean abundance. Plates are piled high with crispy, golden falafel and tender grape leaves, balanced by a refreshing kaleidoscope of salads that range from peppery arugula to hearty, herb-flecked chickpea medleys. It is a lively, communal feast where the bright, sun-kissed flavors of the Levant come together in a nourishing celebration of variety and tradition.
• Boheme — Mediterranean · rated 3/5: Steeped in an eclectic, artistic charm, Boheme unfolds as a soulful retreat where vintage-inspired interiors and a lush, sprawling garden terrace create an atmosphere of effortless cool. Global flavors dance across shared plates designed for lingering conversations, while artisanal cocktails flow freely under the soft glow of string lights and stardust. It is a vibrant crossroads of culture and comfort, where every evening feels like an intimate celebration of the unconventional.
• Baytown Seafood — Seafood · rated 2/5: This sun-drenched coastal retreat invites guests to linger over golden baskets of parmesan garlic fries and zesty buffalo cauliflower while the aroma of bubbling mozzarella and fresh basil wafts from artisanal pizzas. Crisp, vibrant salads like the Mediterranean or refreshing zoodles offer a garden-fresh contrast to the rich, savory depth of their signature red and white pies. It is a welcoming haven where casual seaside vibes meet a diverse array of elevated comfort foods, creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for sharing plates and savoring the moment.
• Empire Turkish Grill — Middle Eastern: The air at Empire Turkish Grill is thick with the intoxicating aroma of charred meats and warm spices, drawing guests into a vibrant space where the sizzle of the charcoal pit provides a rhythmic backdrop to the meal. Succulent kebabs and tender lamb chops are served alongside colorful arrays of zesty mezze and golden, stone-baked breads, creating a feast that honors the rich, sun-soaked traditions of the Mediterranean. Every visit feels like a spirited escape to a bustling Istanbul eatery, where bold flavors and genuine warmth turn a simple dinner into a celebratory experience.
• Busy Boy — Mediterranean: This high-energy neighborhood haunt hums with the rhythmic sizzle of the flat-top grill, where the mouthwatering scent of charred beef and aromatic Mediterranean spices fills the air. Generous portions of soulful comfort food—from towering burgers to succulent gyros—are served in a vibrant, unpretentious setting that captures the spirit of a true local institution.
• Island Grill — Mediterranean: Sun-drenched flavors and a laid-back tropical pulse define this vibrant escape, where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of pimento wood smoke and zesty lime. Guests unwind in a breezy, color-washed space as the kitchen crafts charred, spice-rubbed specialties and succulent seafood that capture the soulful, rhythmic heat of the islands.
• Cafe Hababi — Middle Eastern: Cafe Hababi invites guests into a sun-drenched sanctuary where the air is thick with the comforting aroma of freshly ground spices and rich, dark coffee. Vibrant plates of Mediterranean-inspired fare bring a burst of color to the table, offering a tapestry of bold, soulful flavors designed for lingering over long conversations. Whether tucked into a cozy corner or sharing a spread of savory small plates, the space hums with a gentle, welcoming energy that makes every visitor feel like an old friend.
• Just Falafel — Middle Eastern: Vibrant colors and bold Mediterranean flavors collide in this modern eatery, where the air is scented with toasted pita and zesty lemon. Guests dive into creative, shareable plates like loaded falafel nachos and jewel-toned beet avocado toast, or craft their own custom bowls overflowing with crisp tabbouleh and velvety, house-made hummus. This plant-forward destination reimagines traditional staples with a playful, contemporary spirit, offering a dining experience that is as fresh as it is inventive.
• Aladdin Mediterranean cuisine — Mediterranean: Step into a vibrant oasis where the air is thick with the savory scent of charred meats and warm spices, transporting diners to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean. Plates arrive brimming with silky, olive-oil-drizzled hummus and tender, flame-kissed kebabs, while baskets of pillowy, steam-filled pita invite guests to linger over a sensory journey of zesty citrus and fresh, aromatic herbs.
• Abu Ali — Middle Eastern: Stepping into Abu Ali feels like entering a bustling neighborhood sanctuary where the rhythmic chop of fresh herbs and the smoky aroma of skewers over open flames set a vibrant tempo. It is a place where golden falafel and velvety hummus take center stage, inviting diners to linger over communal platters in an atmosphere brimming with authentic charm and spirited conversation.
• Cafe Layal Midtown — Middle Eastern: Bathed in the neon glow of Midtown, this lively Mediterranean escape invites guests to linger over colorful mezze platters and aromatic hookahs on a sprawling, breeze-swept patio. The kitchen delivers a tapestry of Levantine flavors, from velvety hummus drizzled with golden olive oil to succulent, flame-kissed kebabs that capture the soulful essence of Middle Eastern hospitality. Whether for a sun-drenched lunch or a spirited late-night gathering under the stars, the atmosphere pulses with a convivial charm that makes every visit feel like a celebratory retreat from the city bustle.
• El Meson — Spanish: Stepping into this rustic haven feels like entering a storied Spanish inn, where the warm glow of wrought-iron lanterns illuminates a lively scene of shared plates and clinking wine glasses. The kitchen breathes life into tradition with vibrant, saffron-scented paellas and salt-dusted tapas, inviting guests to linger over bold Mediterranean flavors in an atmosphere of effortless, old-world charm.
• Dimassi's Mediterranean Buffet — Mediterranean: Step into a sun-drenched oasis of Mediterranean abundance, where the air is thick with the scent of toasted zatar and warm, pillowy pita bread pulled fresh from the oven. A vibrant tapestry of flavors awaits at the buffet, from the earthy crunch of golden falafel and tangy hand-rolled grape leaves to a refreshing garden of crisp kale Caesar and zesty chickpea salads. This communal feast invites guests to linger over a colorful mosaic of wholesome, herb-forward dishes that celebrate the timeless traditions of Middle Eastern hospitality.
• Niko Niko's — Greek: This high-energy Mediterranean landmark pulses with life, drawing guests in with the irresistible aroma of lemon-herb roasted meats and golden, flaky phyllo pastries. From the savory crunch of jumbo wings to the rich, melted indulgence of shrimp with kasseri, every plate celebrates a festive spirit where traditional Greek soul meets a playful, modern appetite.
• Agora — Mediterranean: Agora serves as a vibrant neighborhood sanctuary where the rhythmic hiss of the espresso machine and the deep, nutty aroma of freshly roasted beans create an inviting backdrop for connection. From the velvety micro-foam of a perfectly etched flat white to the effervescent, creamy kick of a nitro cold brew, each pour celebrates the precision of artisanal coffee culture. Whether you are lingering over a bold double espresso or sharing a frothy hot chocolate with the little ones, the space hums with an effortless warmth that turns a simple caffeine fix into a soulful daily ritual.
• Arpi's Phoenicia Deli & Coffee House — Middle Eastern: This vibrant Mediterranean hub hums with the energy of a Levantine marketplace, where the rich scent of freshly ground Turkish coffee mingles with the savory aroma of slow-roasting shawarma. Guests navigate a bustling counter filled with jewel-toned salads and golden, honey-drenched pastries before settling into sun-drenched nooks to savor authentic flavors that feel both soulful and timeless.
• Istanbul Grill — Middle Eastern: The air at Istanbul Grill hums with the vibrant energy of a Mediterranean bazaar, thick with the smoky perfume of succulent kebabs charring over glowing embers. Guests are invited to linger over colorful platters of silk-smooth hummus and zesty salads, savoring a culinary journey that celebrates bold spices and the timeless warmth of authentic Turkish hospitality.
• Oporto Fooding House — Mediterranean: This sun-drenched, industrial-chic sanctuary hums with the vibrant energy of a Lisbon market, where the scent of charred octopus and wood-fired bread wafts from a bustling open kitchen. Guests gather around rustic tables to share an array of soulful petiscos and chilled glasses of Vinho Verde, finding themselves transported to the Portuguese coast through every bold, garlic-kissed bite and communal pour.
• Sorrento Ristorante — Italian: Bathed in the warm glow of Mediterranean charm, this elegant retreat captures the sun-drenched spirit of the Amalfi Coast through its vibrant atmosphere and artfully plated coastal classics. Fragrant citrus and fresh herbs dance through the air as guests indulge in silken house-made pastas and salt-crusted seafood, all served amidst a backdrop of sophisticated, old-world hospitality. Every meal feels like a leisurely escape to a seaside villa, where the bright flavors of Southern Italy and a perfectly chilled glass of wine invite you to linger long into the evening.
• Helen in the Heights — Greek: Sun-drenched and spirited, this modern Greek taverna transports diners to the Mediterranean with its bright, airy atmosphere and the intoxicating scent of charred octopus and oregano-dusted meats wafting from the open kitchen. The experience celebrates the rustic soul of regional Greece, where vibrant mezes and robust wood-grilled specialties are shared over carafes of Hellenic wine in a setting that feels like a perpetual summer afternoon.
• Sixty Vines — Mediterranean: Sunlight streams through expansive windows into a chic, greenhouse-inspired sanctuary where sixty sustainable taps pour a curated selection of global vintages directly into your glass. The air hums with lively conversation as diners linger over vibrant, farm-to-table shared plates and hand-stretched pizzas, creating a sophisticated yet effortless escape into the heart of wine country.
• CAVA — Mediterranean: Sun-drenched Mediterranean flavors come alive in this vibrant, modern space where guests craft personalized bowls and pitas from a kaleidoscope of zesty dips, fire-grilled proteins, and crisp, seasonal greens. The air hums with energy as the scent of toasted spices and fresh herbs invites a sensory journey through the bold, bright tastes of the coast.
• La Griglia — Italian: La Griglia captures the essence of a sophisticated Italian escape, where the warm glow of the dining room sets the stage for a masterclass in artisanal Mediterranean craft. The kitchen breathes new life into time-honored traditions, balancing the crisp, golden layers of Carciofi alla Giudia with the decadent, melt-in-your-mouth richness of Taleggio cuscini and Wagyu carpaccio. Each plate offers a curated journey through coastal flavors and rustic textures, where the briny depth of mussels Marechiaro meets the playful elegance of a savory shrimp and crab ‘cheesecake.’