50 Best Mediterranean Restaurants near Lake Forest

“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.“

“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 the food and I highly recommend“

“I had an outstanding experience at DonerG, where they beautifully blend the authentic flavors of Turkish cuisine with vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. I opted for the Original Fladenbrot sandwich with beef, and added chicken as well. Both meats were incredibly well-seasoned, tender, and bursting with flavor. You can truly appreciate the freshness and quality of the ingredients in every bite. The ambiance of the restaurant was welcoming and warm, making it an ideal spot whether you're grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a meal with a larger group. Special mention to Eduardo and Saadi, who were attentive and provided excellent service, making the entire experience even more enjoyable. I’ll definitely be returning for another delicious meal!“

“Excellent food amazing service“

“customer service definitely recommend it“

“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!“

“Great healthy food! Service was great.“

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

“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!“

“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.“

“we are from Alaska so we maybe fresh fish snobs... but this was absolutely delish, fast, and priced great. highly recommend so glad we stumbled upon ot!“

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

“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!!!💋💋💋💋“

“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!“

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

“Villy Heaven truly lives up to its name — a little piece of heaven for food lovers! From the moment we walked in, the warm ambiance and welcoming staff set the tone for a fantastic dining experience.“

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

“Great food Great atmosphere“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“Just so happen to be in this area decided to give this spot a try. I’m glad I came and will definitely return in the future. The food looks and tastes fresh with just the right amount of each ingredient. The portion was slightly more than expected but I’m a big back so no worries there. Jose was awesome and explained the menu since it was my first time. I got the San Diego with lamb/beef meat choice and it was delicious not dry and full of flavor!Overall I loved everything!!!“

“wonderful food - never had a bad meal here. Their lentil soup is fantastic.“

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

“Fantastic authentic food and service. Can't wait to go back.“

“We had a fantastic experience at The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill in Ladera Ranch! The food was incredible—fresh, flavorful Greek salad, tender meat and chicken, perfectly spiced rice, and delicious tzatziki. We loved it all and will definitely be back. A big thank you to Alejandro, who made the experience feel even more classy and special!“

“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! 👍👍“

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

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

“Great service and reasonable prices“

“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.“

“I was craving Greek food, needed something quick, and I found this place based on reviews. Everything we ordered (combination gyro, Greek salad, combination plate) was on point and fresh, and the waiter who took my order was very friendly and polite. I would definitely go back again soon.“

“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!!“

“Zov’s is a very nice place, with a friendly atmosphere and staff, and great food!!“

“Stopped in on a lark after arriving at Orange County Airport and having some time to kill. Great vibes, eclectic music 🎶 in the background, really kind and engaging service and a breakfast bowl that delivered a tasty vegetable and protein packed punch. Locals and regulars greeted warmly by the staff and us non-locals soon made to feel like we belonged as well. Hung out over coffee and played a board game with my wife —not rushed out. Really good experience.“

“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!“

“Best food I’ve had in a long time!!“

“We had my mom’s 50th birthday party here and it was spectacular! Rod and his staff worked very well with us, answering all of our questions and tailoring to our requests. They did everything we asked for and made my mom’s night so special. If you have a big event, I definitely would recommend this place! Thank you again Rod and team for making my mom’s important night so special!!!“

“Rarely do I find a restaurant where I want to try everything on the menu!! My friends and I had lunch here a few weeks ago; a few had been there before and they loved it. I was excited to try it. I ordered the Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpeas Bowl with added protein of grilled shrimp. It was absolutely delicious and so fresh…the shrimp was done perfectly. We also shared the cauliflower and dates appetizer. I was a little skeptical at first about the interesting combination, but they were fantastic…and addicting! I liked the overall atmosphere of the restaurant and the service was excellent too. My husband and I will be dining there tonight, and he is excited because there are several GF items he can try. I highly recommend this restaurant for their fresh and delicious foods!“

“Very authentic! If you want The taste of authentic Greek food...highly recommended! Don't forget the Greek beer! Ya Mas!“

“🫓 Fresh Lebanese Manoucheh fresh and still warm from the oven
🥒 Fatteh with Vegetable Plate: Specialty breakfast of garbanzo beans mixed with yogurt, tahini sauce, garlic, lemon, olive oil, and toasted pine nuts topped with baked pita chips. Served with olives, pickles, radish, mint, and tomatoes. It’s a light breakfast option packed full of flavor and refreshing way to start the day.
🍽️ Beef Shawerma Plate: Thinly sliced beef, tomato, onion, parsley, pickles, and tahini sauce served with hummus, salad, rice, and bread. This was the hubby’s favorite. Best beef Shawerma! Packed full of flavor and tender. Also best hummus! Fluffy and not too lemony.
🌙 Kashkaval Cheese Crescent: Kashkaval cheese, sesame seed and black caraway seed. If you love cheese like I do, you’ll love this! It’s like a cheesy calzone! Dip it into hot sauce for a kick!
🍟 Loaded Fries Bowl: French fries, garlic paste, ketchup, and coleslaw, topped with chicken or beef. Ordered chicken which was flavorful and tender. Love me some good loaded fries!
🫓 Arayes: Grilled pita pocket stuffed with seasoned ground beef, onion, and spices. Best way to describe it is a quesadilla but filled with meat instead of cheese. Dip it into the hummus for a twist.
🌯 Sheesh Tawook Wrap: Grilled chicken breast, garlic paste, Mediterranean spices, and pickles. Nice light lunch with flavorful chicken wrapped up with garlicky and pickle flavor.
🌯 Beef Shawerma Arabi: Thinly sliced beef, tomato, onion, parsley, pickles, and tahini sauce, served with french fries. This is my favorite! It’s like a Lebanese steak burger and fries!“

“Caspian Mediterranean Kitchen is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. Previously located in Irvine Orange County, it has been relocated to Foot Hill Ranch less than a year ago. When I visited this new location for the first time, I was completely surprised by the incredibly pleasant ambiance. I ordered two dishes, one was Baghala Polo with lamb, and the other was chicken kebab with rice. I must say, they were among the most delicious Baghala Polo and chicken kebabs I have ever tasted. The staff was all kind and professional. Our server, Ali, was very courteous and skillfully served us. The restaurant was managed by a beautiful girl named Doryaneh, who provided us with a tour of the new establishment and graciously answered any questions we had." Although Caspian Mediterranean Kitchen distance from our home was a bit far, it was truly worth the journey, and I will definitely go there again with friends. Additionally, as I am planning to host a large party in the coming weeks, I have also placed a catering order with them. If you intend to have Mediterranean food, especially Persian cuisine, make sure to visit here; you won't be disappointed.“

“they go out there way to deliver a beautiful curry, Rice nan, onion bahgee everything beautiful as always..10 out of 10 for everything...Col Carno“

“Been coming here for years for lunch with co-workers. Come here once in a while with my wife for dinner. The place had a kind of Parisian bistro atmosphere in the evenings. There are many Persian delights on the menu, but I come for the Fesengen. Service is always friendly and excellent. Sometimes I call it in and pick it up on my way home to eat at home.“