Whether you’re craving a traditional Mediterranean-style meal, or looking for a hearty yet health-conscious dining experience, here is a roundup of some of the best Miami Mediterranean restaurants and dishes.
The Drexel
Co-founded by Anastasia Koutsioukis and Ahmet Erkaya, The Drexel is a Coastal Mediterranean restaurant characterized by elevated yet uncomplicated European flavors.
Drawing inspiration from old world cooking techniques to ideate fresh, innovative recipes, The Drexel’s culinary offerings and vision are influenced by the couples’ travels throughout the Mediterranean and Chef Nano Crespo’s expertise on the grill and Mediterranean cooking.
Some of their must-try Mediterranean dishes include, Mussels with saffron broth, fennel, tomato; Lamb Chops with tzatziki and cucumber salad; the Heirloom Tomato Salad with avocado, hearts of palm, and kalamata olives; Wild Prawns with fresh herbs and lemon; and the Whole Sea Bream with salmoriglio and lemon.
Address: 1436 Drexel Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Mandolin Aegean Bistro
Next on this list of Best Miami Mediterranean Restaurants is Mandolin Aegean Bistro – one of the Magic City’s most iconic dining destinations inspired by the coastal towns and seasonal cuisine of the region that unites Greece and Turkey.
Mandolin’s intimate, understated garden terrace and menu of simple, rustic, and authentic dishes will transport you to the Greek Isles while enjoying an expansive Mediterranean meal.
Some dishes you don’t want to miss include A Whole Mediterranean Sea Bass grilled with x-virgin aegean olive oil, lemon, and oregano; Beef Souvlaki served with house cut fries and grilled pita; Grilled Octopus; Baked Feta with diced tomato, smoked chili flakes and Turkish peppers; and the Chicken Kebab with orzo pilaf and maroulosalata.
Address: 4312 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137
Mr. Mandolin
Mr. Mandolin is yet another Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece by Anastasia Koutsioukis and Ahmet Erkaya, this concept being inspired by the street food cultures of Greece and Turkey.
Serving as a neighborhood gathering spot, Mr. Mandolin offers fast and casual service while still emphasizing the importance of clean, quality driven food.
The menu includes an array of Gyros and Kebabs, along with a variety of Dips ranging from Hummus, Tzatziki, and Charred Eggplant.
Mr. Mandolin’s culinary offerings bridge the cultural diversities and similarities between the street food of Turkey & Greece at an affordable price.
Addresses: 2319 N. Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33127; 7301 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138
Pura Vida Miami
Pura Vida is a popular Miami Mediterranean Restaurant with an extensive health-focused menu that draws inspiration from Co-Founder, Omer Horev’s Mediterranean roots.
New to the band’s offerings are the Mediterranean Salad and Simple & Fit Plates.
Both dishes have quickly become crowd favorites since their recent launch this past month. The Mediterranean Salad features a roma and cherry tomato blend, sliced cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, arugula, marinated olive tapenade, crumbled feta, and lemon vinaigrette.
Alternatively, the new Simple & Fit Plates allow guests to build their own bowl with their choice of base and choice of protein.
Each plate is then topped with Pura Vida’s onion & pepper mix, sesame, and soy ginger, and comes with the brand’s new house salad mix of arugula, kale, fennel, tomato, cucumber, red onion, sunflower seeds, and new gluten-free lemon vinaigrette.
Locations: South Florida, including South Beach, West Ave, Edgewater, Miami Design District,, West Palm Beach, Aventura, Bay Harbor, Las Olas, Brickell, Sunset Harbour, Miracle Mile, and South Miami