Best Upscale Mediterranean Restaurants in Lower East Side | Upscale Mediterranean Food

18 restaurants in Best Upscale Mediterranean Restaurants in Lower East Side | Upscale Mediterranean Food

• De-vino Wine Boutique — Mediterranean · rated 5/5: Soft amber lighting casts a warm glow over floor-to-ceiling racks of global vintages in this intimate sanctuary dedicated to the art of the vine. Guests linger over curated flights and artisanal pairings, discovering hidden gems from small-batch vineyards within a sophisticated space that feels like a private, well-appointed cellar. This refined retreat blends the elegance of a boutique shop with the soulful relaxation of a neighborhood wine bar, where every glass serves as a passport to the world’s most storied wine regions.
• Bibi Wine Bar — Mediterranean · rated 5/5: Bibi Wine Bar hums with a spirited energy, where the smoky scent of flame-grilled chorizo and the crisp snap of boquerones set the stage for an evening of shared discovery. The kitchen balances playful nostalgia with bold sophistication, serving up everything from velvety mushroom croquettes and spicy patatas bravas to a decadent kimchi grilled cheese that perfectly complements a curated glass of wine. It is a warm, inviting sanctuary designed for lingering over eclectic small plates and vibrant conversation in a stylishly relaxed setting.
• Skin Contact — Mediterranean · rated 5/5: This intimate enclave pulses with the energy of a modern salon, where the amber glow of natural wines illuminates a space designed for slow sipping and spirited conversation. The kitchen mirrors this raw, expressive philosophy, turning out seasonal plates that highlight bold textures and fermented tang to perfectly complement every funky, unfiltered glass.
• Maretta — Italian · rated 4.8/5: Maretta transports guests to a sun-drenched Italian escape, where the scent of fresh lemon and sea salt drifts through a bright, airy space designed for lingering over shared plates. Hand-rolled pastas and coastal-inspired dishes celebrate the vibrant simplicity of the Mediterranean, paired with crisp wines that evoke the effortless elegance of a seaside afternoon.
• Sami & Susu — Mediterranean · rated 4.7/5: Tucked into a cozy corner, this vibrant neighborhood haunt captures the soulful essence of a Mediterranean kitchen, where the air is perfumed with the scent of toasted za'atar and slow-simmered stews. Guests linger over bright, citrus-forward small plates and velvety dips that celebrate the bold traditions of the Levant, all served in an atmosphere that feels like a warm, sun-soaked invitation to a family table. It is a place where rustic simplicity meets culinary artistry, creating a dining experience that is both deeply comforting and exhilaratingly fresh.
• NYC Falafel Co — Middle Eastern · rated 4.6/5: The air hums with vibrant energy as the intoxicating aroma of toasted cumin and sizzling chickpeas spills onto the sidewalk, inviting passersby into a bright, modern space. Each bite offers a masterclass in texture, from the shatteringly crisp exterior of golden falafel to the cool, creamy swirl of house-made hummus and the sharp, bright pop of pickled vegetables tucked into warm, pillowy pita.
• Douska — Mediterranean · rated 4.5/5: Nestled on bustling Delancey Street, Douska is a cozy sushi haven offering an inviting blend of fresh sushi, sake, and small plates. With a sushi bar and minimalist decor, it’s perfect for both an intimate lunch or a relaxed dinner. Open daily, it promises a delightful culinary experience, accentuated by its warm, freshly made dishes and a fine selection of wines and desserts. Suitable for adult patrons, reservations are welcome.
• Kafana — Mediterranean · rated 4.4/5: Stepping into Kafana feels like entering a lively village tavern where the air hums with spirited conversation and the savory scent of grilled meats over open flames. Rustic wooden tables groan under the weight of vibrant mezze and slow-simmered stews, inviting guests to linger over glasses of crisp wine in a space that radiates the soulful, sun-drenched warmth of the Mediterranean coast.
• Zerza Mediterrano — Mediterranean · rated 4.3/5: Nestled inside Essex Market, Zerza Mediterrano offers a relaxed setting to savor authentic Moroccan and Mediterranean fare. Known for its delicious lamb shank with couscous, falafel sandwiches, and chicken tagine, Zerza also caters to vegetarian and vegan preferences. With a cozy atmosphere and mouthwatering mint tea, it’s perfect for solo diners and families alike. Visit for brunch, lunch, or dinner and enjoy a culinary journey to Morocco.
• Ankara #3 — Turkish · rated 4.2/5: Ankara #3 transports guests to the heart of Anatolia, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of charcoal-grilled meats and the comforting warmth of freshly baked pide. Vibrant meze platters burst with the colors of the Mediterranean, offering a tapestry of smoky eggplant, zesty herbs, and cooling yogurt that invites slow, communal dining. It is a lively haven of Turkish hospitality, where every flame-kissed kebab and honeyed bite of baklava tells a story of rich culinary tradition.
• Horus Cafe — Middle Eastern · rated 4.2/5: Discover the culinary delights of Horus Cafe in New York! This relaxed restaurant specializes in delectable Egyptian, Mediterranean, and Moroccan dishes, complemented by impeccable hookah flavors. With a cozy ambiance and friendly staff, it's perfect for groups, wine lovers, and sports enthusiasts alike. Open daily from 12 PM to 4 AM, Horus Cafe offers brunch, lunch, and dinner options, along with cocktails and desserts. Explore it at 93 Avenue B, New York.
• Kafana — Mediterranean · rated 4/5: This rustic Balkan gem transports diners to a candlelit tavern in Belgrade, where the air is heavy with the intoxicating aroma of char-grilled meats and the lively hum of shared stories. Soulful platters of smoky ćevapi and roasted peppers anchor the table, paired perfectly with robust regional wines and the sharp, fruit-forward kick of traditional rakija. It is a spirited sanctuary of Serbian hospitality, offering a warm, transportive escape that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
• Rebel Cheese — Mediterranean · rated 4/5: This vibrant culinary boutique reimagines the traditional creamery experience, inviting guests into a world where artisanal craftsmanship meets bold, contemporary flair. Sensory delights abound as velvety cave-aged bries and chèvres infused with balsamic fig or strawberry basil are paired with the unexpected crunch of chocolate graham sourdough and savory accoutrements. It is a sophisticated haven for flavor seekers, offering a refined yet daring journey through a curated collection of sweet and savory innovations.
• Bin 141 — Seafood · rated 4/5: Nestled in the heart of the East Village, Bin 141 offers a delightful fusion of Mediterranean, Moroccan, and European cuisines. This family-friendly restaurant, located at 43 Avenue A within Ageloff Towers, delights customers with vegan and gluten-free options, as well as crowd favorites like smoked salmon benedict and delectable desserts. With a cozy, casual ambiance, a full bar featuring happy hour specials, and fast service, it's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Discover this neighborhood gem loved by locals and visitors alike.
• Wolfnights — Middle Eastern: This high-energy urban haunt transforms the art of the wrap into a gourmet spectacle, where house-made doughs in vibrant hues are pressed and grilled to order. Inside, the air is thick with the scent of sizzling proteins and exotic spices, as bold Mediterranean-inspired fillings and unexpected crunchy textures are layered into hand-held feasts that pulse with the spirited essence of city life.
• Douska — Mediterranean: Bathed in a warm, convivial glow, Douska invites guests to linger over vibrant shared plates that burst with the rustic, herb-scented essence of the Mediterranean. The air hums with spirited conversation and the rhythmic clinking of raki glasses, creating a soulful neighborhood sanctuary where traditional flavors are elevated by a contemporary, creative touch.
• NYC Falafel Co — Middle Eastern: The scent of toasted cumin and fresh cilantro wafts through this vibrant urban outpost, where the rhythmic sizzle of the fryer produces golden, herb-flecked falafel with a perfectly crisp exterior. Each warm pita becomes a canvas of textures, layering savory fritters with velvety tahini, zesty pickled vegetables, and a kaleidoscope of house-made sauces that capture the bold, sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean. It is a soulful, fast-paced sanctuary that brings the bustling energy of a traditional street-side stall to the heart of the city.
• Sami & Susu — Middle Eastern: Bathed in the warm glow of the Lower East Side, this intimate neighborhood gem hums with the energy of a Mediterranean kitchen where the aroma of toasted za'atar and slow-braised meats fills the air. Guests gather around small tables to share vibrant, spice-forward plates and crusty breads, pairing heritage-inspired flavors with a curated selection of natural wines for an experience that feels both nostalgic and effortlessly modern.