50 Best Mediterranean Restaurants near Laguna Beach

“Literally a hole-in-the-wall, but with GREAT Mediterranean food. Limited seating with an ocean breeze. Pricey, but worth it!

Parking: Don't drive to this place. Make your plans to enjoy Laguna Beach on foot, parking in one of the paid garages, and walk to this place. It's worth it!“

“Great food Great atmosphere“

“We had an absolutely stellar experience at Studio Mediterranean. We were lucky enough to meet the chef too. We were delighted by the attentiveness of all the staff, start to finish. We enjoyed great service, with a lot of intention & attention to detail. SM really went above and beyond to create the ultimate experience in fine dining. I absolutely loved the blend of Greek Mediterranean with a twist, like a California flare. Everything was presented in a beautiful understated manner, and incredibly savory. The decor and aesthetic is unmatched, and it was a welcomed surprise from the old Studio, that was closed for so many years. The chef has reimagined what Studio is. I truly appreciate all of the detail and thought that was involved. Especially with the build out itself, which was executed to maximize the absolutely stunning and sweeping views that only can be offered at the Montage Laguna Beach. Incredible place to go for a celebration, a romantic date, or a family gathering. Sitting at the bar is also wonderful, as is the lounge area. The food was truly delicious! It was very nice for me as a vegan to have plenty of options. The beans, salads, rice, dates, everything was spectacular. I look forward to coming back again very soon. Make it a whole evening by getting there before sunset, & enjoying the sunset views. Along with delicious food, you have an ambience and the general atmosphere that you can only get in this part of Laguna Beach. If you appreciate beautiful interior design, aesthetic, and architecture, this restaurant is for you.“

“Danielle S went above and beyond during our visit. When the gyro was unavailable, she made a thoughtful customer-focused decision. She handled the situation confidently, showed great judgment, and clearly put customer satisfaction first. Her decision-making and leadership mindset show she has the potential to be a strong supervisor or manager in the near future.“

“Authentic Italian cuisine at its finest! The pasta dishes are homemade and divine. The service is top-notch and the staff is friendly. Can't wait to go back!“

“Always like coming here for a quick, fresh lunch while I’m working on UCI campus. I especially like the salads - falafel on a Mediterranean salad is delicious. Very friendly staff!“

“First time trying this place and overall I had good experience. Food was very good. I tried a new dish which is kofte wrapped in eggplant. Also tried lentil soup and their dessert. Service was very good. Restaurant looked very clean. There’s plenty of parking in front of the restaurant.“

“We used Kebab Craft to cater my wife’s surprise birthday party and couldn’t have been happier with the food. We had 50 guests and did the 3 the protein option with the chicken, gyro, and grilled veggies. Everything arrived fresh and tasted amazing. The amount of food was more than ample and nobody left hungry. I was repeatedly asked where the food came from because people were so impressed with how good everything was. I’ve never been to the actual restaurant, so I can’t speak to that, but I can’t imagine anything but high marks there too. I certainly wouldn’t hesitate using them for your Mediterranean catering needs.“

“I highly recommend that you stop to eat here whenever you can. Amazing five star food. Staff is amazing, welcoming and friendly and helpful. Amazingly clean restaurant too. You will not be disappointed unless you pass them by and don't stop in.“

“I used to eat there, but I recently discovered that new management is now running the business. The food tastes better, and the menu options have expanded. I've visited the place three weeks in a row, and my stomach definitely appreciates it. The Doner, Kebab, Lahmacun, and their homemade lemonade come highly recommended.“

“I love coming to this location. My go to meal is the chicken and koobideh plate. Every time I order it it taste so good and fresh. Their service is great, they have a good attitude and the food is always ready pretty fast.“

“Fantastic service with very a friendly and attentive staff.
Went for my son's birthday as he was craving shawarma. He got the lamb and his girlfriend got the beef shawarma. Both of them said it was very tasty.

I had the chicken curry stew and have leftovers. It came with a Greek green salad and basmati rice. So delicious and such deep flavors.

We'd come back again for sure and since my son and his girlfriend live in the area, they are adding it to their spots too.

Highly recommend it.“

“Exelent servís the food is exelent“

“Buen servicio de Alex 👍🏼 y la comida muy rica“

“Absolutely love Bravo Avo! Everyone who works here is genuinely kind and so attentive to every little detail…not just when taking your order, but in how they care for the entire restaurant. It’s spotless, welcoming, and beautifully maintained. The new look is stunning, great move on the lighter colors; they’ve truly leveled it up! And the food? Still top-tier, fresh, and full of flavor. This is what a family-run business is all about, all heart, quality, and pride in everything they do. The best in Foothill Ranch, hands down!“

“Healthy food that is actually very tasty! It is clean and the service friendly and professional.“

“Me and my gf moved to lake forest recently and there are tons of Mediterranean options but this location has been are favorite so far. Fresh hot food, good folks behind the counter and decent prices for large portions. We’ve gotten the beef & lamb gyro, beef shish & chicken shish plate, falafel and the pita tzatziki side… ALL GOOD! They know what they’re doing here, highly recommended 🤤“

“I highly recommend that you stop to eat here whenever you can. Amazing five star food. Staff is amazing, welcoming and friendly and helpful. Amazingly clean restaurant too. You will not be disappointed unless you pass them by and don't stop in.“

“Very nice outdoor seating, great food, music. Nice place and close your o the surrounding neighborhoods!“

“Very good kebab wraps ( falafel or beef/lamb with salad. The garlic aioli was pretty delicious and tasty too. Staff are friendly and helpful.“

“I LOVE cava and my experience here with Julia made it even better!!! Thank you Julia for your patience with how particular I am and being knowledgeable about what’s in the food!!! You are amazing!! They better make you a manager soon or whatever you want you deserve!!!💋💋💋💋“

“Excellent Little Restaurant in Newport Beach. I had the Ground Beef and Ground Chicken Kabob. Was Awesome. Their Garlic Sauce they served with my meal was really good. The folks in here were super friendly. Thank you for a great experience and meal.“

“I Loved The Chicken Very Tasty & Yummy I Wish They Had More Locations Here In California“

“Just popped in and ate here for the first time tonight. I ordered the shawarma chicken bowl. It was soooo good!!! Like hands down! So good 😊“

“One of our favorite Mediterranean spots, their bowls and wraps are so delicious. I love how customizable the bowls are and the variety of toppings. My move is a bowl with half rice / salad and half fries as the base, half chicken and gyro for the protein, and all the toppings. The fries are McDonald’s-level good imo. I also highly recommend trying all the sauces at the sauce station - my faves are the dill tzatziki and the cilantro jalapeño. Yum! Service was also great at this location, Namrata was patient and friendly answering all our questions :)“

“Better than Halal Guys. Yeah I said it. Go taste for yourselves.“

“Small place cooking Mediterranean food which was both affordable and quite good in taste. Kind of fast food restaurant that you are pleased to discover.I personally recommend this pace.Quality of ingredients: 4*Taste: 5*Ambiance: 4*Service: 4*Price/quality ratio: 5*“

“This is one of the best Persian restaurants in Southern California. Not only is the food absolutely amazing, but the atmosphere and service truly set it apart. Everyone is incredibly friendly and welcoming, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.

Mr. Morteza, the manager, is exceptionally kind and attentive. He takes the time to care for guests, offering thoughtful recommendations and explaining the ingredients and flavors with genuine passion.

Highly recommended. Once you try it, you will likely become a regular—just like I did.“

“Cava is the ultimate Mediterranean destination for fresh, flavorful meals tailored to your taste. If you love the freedom to create your own dishes, Cava offers a “build-your-own” bowl experience, similar to Chipotle, where you can choose from a variety of grains, proteins, dips, and toppings to craft a meal that’s truly your own. Every ingredient is carefully prepared to highlight the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, from tender grilled chicken and slow-roasted lamb to crisp vegetables, savory spreads, and zesty dressings.

For those moments when time is tight, Cava also offers chef-crafted bowls that are ready to enjoy, combining perfectly balanced flavors in convenient, satisfying meals. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty, light, or packed with bold Mediterranean spices, there’s a bowl for every appetite.

What sets Cava apart is its commitment to fresh ingredients, customizable options, and authentic flavors, making it more than just a meal—it’s a culinary experience. Perfect for a quick lunch, a relaxed dinner, or even meal prep for the week, Cava makes it easy to enjoy wholesome, delicious Mediterranean food exactly how you like it.“

“Al Fresco Dining at Aveo Table + Bar located at the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point. Loved the 7 Curry Pancake and Local Fisherman's Halibut. They need to bring those Apple Fritter donuts on the menu!“

“I Loved The Chicken Very Tasty & Yummy I Wish They Had More Locations Here In California“

“The food is the best thing that happened to Irvine. It is fresh, crisp, clean eating. Thank you and keep it up!“

“Wow wow wow, my first time here, I had beef Soltani, it was the best Soltani i ever had, brave owner and staff“

“This is the find of the decade! Virtually hidden on a tiny street adjacent to the Coast Highway, the eclectic, artistic interior is as welcoming as the attentive and super friendly staff. Indoor and outdoor dining options, comfy furniture, a hip buzzy adjacent bar lets you know immediately you are in for a uniquely Newport Beach experience that you won’t want to leave. But all of this is nothing compared to the cuisine. The wide variety of ostensibly Middle Eastern menu items are comprehensive to meet virtually any dietary needs from vegan to Ketovore, but the competency across the board is astounding!! Lentil soup, yellow veggie curry, kabob, steak Diane - everything shines on its own merit. I planned to have one of the divine sounding desserts but alas, the portions were so generous that we had to take a rain check. Here’s hoping for a downpour!“

“Best Tacos in Town! Love this place for tacos and burritos!“

“We stopped by Lemon & Thyme on a whim after our daughter’s swim lesson, and I’m so glad we did. From the moment we walked in, our server, who I believe may have been the owner, was one of the most warm, vivacious people I’ve ever met. He greeted us with the biggest smile and gave us the kind of service that instantly makes you feel at home.

He made us feel so welcomed, like we were family. The level of thoughtfulness was above and beyond,he even brought out extra treats like french fries and ice cream for our toddler, which absolutely made her night. It’s rare to experience that kind of genuine hospitality.

And the food? Incredible. The spicy rigatoni was easily one of the best I’ve had in a very long time. I added shrimp to it and… chef’s kiss. It was rich, flavorful, perfectly spicy. honestly one of the best meals I’ve had since moving to SoCal. My husband ordered the salmon and that was just as delicious.

Between the amazing food and the unforgettable service, this place really left an impression. I already know I’ll be back, next time for a little bestie dinner date. This might officially be my new go to spot for rigatoni, and I can’t wait to come back and try more of the menu.“

“Don’t like the fact they raised the prices, but the food is still the bomb though!“

“Great Greek salads. Get the Chicken and fried pitas.“

“I love the food and I highly recommend“

“Nick the owner is a great guy and the staff are super friendly and nice. Food portions were big and fresh. Thanks again for everything coming back everytime we go back to Cali! 👍👍“

“This restaurant is absolutely phenomenal. The atmosphere is warm and friendly which is evident from all interactions with every staff member. The food and service are excellent in every sense of the word. The bread and baklava were made fresh! The Turkish Delights were phenomenal. The owner and staff went to great lengths to make us feel comfortable and welcome, explaining the menu items in detail. We are so excited to have come across this gem!!! It is the type of culinary and cultural experience that my husband and I treasure. We will be coming again soon, both with and without friends! We can’t wait to try some of the items on the patio grill. :)“

“Amazing food and the staff were so incredibly nice! I keep telling everyone about it. I’m coming BACK.“

“Everything was delicious!! Thanks for the great service Manuel Hernandez“

“The older guy who is the cook in the back (overweight, bald, tan, always looks out from the kitchen when customers enter) has delayed starting pickup orders twice in a row now until the customer arrives in person. It is clearly intentional. Great restaurant and food, but the cook is not doing his job. Not okay. Please speak with him.

The female cashier is awesome. Always good experiences with her.“

“Great service and reasonable prices“

“It was my first time here, and the food is delicious. Love the simple & quaint decor. Definitely will be back!“

“Amazingly wholesome food. I came across this local business and it was so well prepared, you could taste the love and care that goes into their meals. I spoke with the owner as I was waiting for my food and you can tell that he really cares about his customers and preparing quality food. They cater too! If you are staying at the Hilton, you must try out this place!“

“I eat here multiple times a week. You’d be hard pressed to find a place around here with fresher food. All of the ingredients are fresh and clean. The pasta is to die for, I eat way too much of it. I really love how clean they cook here. No processed sugars or seed oils. I eat very clean and it’s typically hard for me to eat at restaurants. It’s so nice knowing I can walk into this restaurant and pick out whatever I’d like to eat. The bowls are super yummy too and the tomato’s are always very fresh. Must try!!“

“This food truck is tucked in the same lot as George’s Episcopal Church. Pro tip: map the church so you don’t get lost. There are several eateries in that lot, but don’t get distracted just look for the green food truck and you’ll know you’ve found the right spot!

I came here right after my workout and ordered food to go. OMG, I had no idea the tacos were humongous! They are literally the size of my palm spread out! Jeeesuz!

I ordered three tacos:

Gobernador: I didn’t get to it until the next day, but the shrimp were so big and juicy, and that Chipotle aioli? Pure genius. I could put that on everything!
Octopus: The only one I ate fresh that day and oh my goodness, flavor explosion! The melted cheese, the seasoning, the texture… everything about it is 10/10!
Spicy Shrimp: I accidentally doubled up on shrimp tacos so I saved this one for the next day too, still delicious, still worth it.

Service can take a little while since there’s only one person taking orders and they’re cooking everything fresh in the truck, but trust me , it’s absolutely worth the wait!

Who would’ve thought a little food truck could make such a big impact? Don’t sleep on this hidden gem please come and taste the goodness for yourself!“