8 Best Mediterranean Restaurants near Beacon

“After passing car dealerships, a Mavis Discount Tire, a laundromat, a Family Dollar, and a Car Wash, I arrived at the Sri Lankan promised land.Red Pepper Diner is a small brick building that looks more like a house or apartment building than a restaurant, but I find these types of restaurants generally have the most character.I walked in at 5:35pm to avoid a dinner rush, but when I opened the brown door, the place was dead. It was only 2 other patrons and I.I stood there awkwardly for a bit as there was no host stand or anything, and just took in the ambiance: Colored tablecloths, the walls littered with paintings and newspaper clippings with glowing reviews of the place, and a TV playing Sri Lankan ASMR sounds and cooking visuals. It felt more like a spiritual center or a spa than a restaurant.After about 30 seconds, the owner came out and met me with a big smile and a “Just for 1?”He welcomed me to sit anywhere, and I opted on taking a 4 top in the corner as it had the least amount of seating.He was doubling as my waiter, and I asked him what the move was. He kind of recommended everything ahahaha so I just went with one of the House Specialties (Deviled Pork), as I wanted something Sri Lankan authentic, and the Sri Lankan Special Fried Rice because who doesn’t like fried rice…I also got an appetizer sampler because I’m a beast. I know what you're thinking, yeah fine, I was a little chunksterWhen I asked the owner if this was too much food, he furrowed his brow and said “No! Just take whatever you don’t eat to go…” This was the exact answer I wanted as we both know this was way too much food for one person ahaha. Sometimes I just want someone to tell me what I want to hear. Respect.After ordering and sipping on an Authentic Sri Lankan beer, the food began to roll in. The appetizer sampler was my first victim, with the Vegetable Spring Roll being the standout.Next was the Sri Lankan fried rice with an egg on top, and the presentation was beautiful. It was an amalgamation of fried rice with shrimp, calamari, and chicken garnished with spring onions, fried onions, and fresh coriander sprigs. It was DELICIOUS.After I demolished fried rice, the owner came over and picked up the clean plate and said, “Look, no oil. Our ingredients the best!” in his heavy accent. He wasn’t lyin though!The deviled pork came last, and it was essentially just pork with sauteed onions, peppers, and Traditional Sri Lankan spices. I love how simple, yet flavorful these dishes were. It was filled with flavors my tastebuds have seldom come across, but was fantastic.It was at this point I think the owner saw me taking pictures of the food with my Canon G7X camera, and really turned the hospitality up to 11 ahahahaha.I was pretty full at this point as I had just MOGGED two entrees and an appetizer sampler, but he brought out an authentic Sri Lankan dessert called Kiri Pani for me to try.Kiri Pani is a buffalo curd with a palm sugar syrup. It wasn’t for me to be honest ahahaha. My tastebuds felt violated. I did the thing where I kind of mash it around to make it look like I ate more than I did.The food was really starting to settle, so I was FULL at this point. And after that Kiri Pani I just wanted the check, but he brought out another Sri Lankan dessert.I felt like the grinch judging the Who Pudding competition where they are just stuffing desserts in his face as he is just trying to survive ahahaha.But actually, it was super nice and thoughtful. He came over and explained to me what it was but I was so focused on locking in to eat this next dessert that I didn’t really hear him.It was something light wrapped in a green little tortilla that tasted coconut flavored. I finished all of it because I’m a warrior, and because it was pretty tasty.I got the check and the owner came up and gave me his business card, and asked me to write reviews on Yelp and google ahahahaha like bro that’s literally why I’m here. I got a quota to hit.IG @jnov_Tiktok @jnov__reviews“

“Enjoyed my food here a lot!! The presentation was great and the food came fast. Lots of flavor. Tasted authentic as well. The inside was cute and small. Little seating but felt cozy. Restaurant was right downtown along with other shops and restaurants.“

“The food was delicious. We started with appetizers- hummus and the beets with goat cheese were excellent. The branzino was so fresh. We also took gyro to go that was very yummy. Everything was presented beautifully and carefully prepared. The desserts were homemade and excellent. This is second time there and we will be going back!“

“Delicious food!! The service is super friendly and pretty quick... It's kind of a tiny place, so if you get there at the wrong time, you don't get a seat. However, there is a park with a gazebo right across the street, so not a problem when it's warm. I feel like you get a lot for what you pay, and it's always been fresh and delicious.“

“We have eaten a SOTANO several times and always have a great meal. The food is well prepared, fresh and nice portions. The service is excellent, our servers HERNAN O and JAVIER were very attentive, friendly and provided excellent service. Also the owner PATRICION was very gracious and friendly. We highly recommend the escargot, snitzel , potato leek soup and flan.“

“We were there for happy hour, where oysters in the shell were a dollar each, and even some specialty drinks were half off. The oysters were absolutely delicious. The staff checked on us regularly and we’re super friendly and accommodating. The atmosphere was great being right on the waterof the Hudson river. I would recommend this place if you are not afraid to spend some money on dinner.“

“We decided to stop here for the first time tonight and we were not disappointed. Our food was delicious and the Owner and worker were amazing to us. We forgot to order chicken tenders and I told the man and he ran right to the kitchen to get that order in asap and also added in fries for free. Then to top it off he brought over some tomato soup for me and my family to try which was delicious, and gifted my daughter a brownie because she said the food was delicious. We will be back soon. If you chose this spot you won’t be disappointed. ?(I didn’t catch your name but I wanted to say thank you sir for your kindness. People like you are what makes this world a great place)“

“There aren't many vegan options in the mall and I was really happy to find a great one. The falafel at Mediterranean Xpress is very fluffy and delicious, as is the rice. When he offered me yogurt sauce and I began to decline, he immediately offered me tahini sauce and specified that it's dairy-free. He knew what's up. Very happy and thankful for the awesome service and big, delicious plate of food I got for a great price. I was just passing through but if I end up in Poughkeepsie again, I'll definitely stop by here again for a meal.“