Most Mediterranean spots serve decent hummus and falafel—tasty enough, filling enough, and promptly forgotten. But these are the ones you’ll scheme to revisit, maybe even fibbing that you discovered them yourself. While there’s no single secret to greatness, our picks boast vibrant flavors, authentic textures, and soulful ambiance. Some dazzle with smoky grilled octopus, others with flaky spanakopita or lamb so tender it melts. Meet Cincinnati’s finest.
Aladdin’s Eatery Hyde Park
$ | (513) 871-8333 | WEBSITE
To no one’s surprise, the hummus at Aladdin’s Eatery is quite generous in portion. Each plate’s about as big as a dinner plate and perfect for when you want to share something savory with the table. Each order comes with a mound of smooth chickpea dip, and our top pick is their baba ganoush version, which cleverly combines smoky eggplant with creamy tahini. It’s topped with a drizzle of olive oil, then finished with a sprinkle of paprika that adds color like the genuine article.
Five Stars mediterranean restaurant
$ | (513) 538-5003 | WEBSITE
Despite a name that sounds a bit generic, the food at Five Stars Mediterranean Restaurant is anything but forgettable. Many of the classic Lebanese dishes showcase authentic family recipes, including chicken tawook, kafta platters, and stuffed grape leaves, but the best ones are slightly more refined, like the chicken shawarma. It has tender, juicy meat with perfectly balanced spices, creamy hummus spread throughout, and a generous portion of fresh tabbouleh for good measure.
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe – Kenwood
$ | (513) 964-4005 | WEBSITE
This Kenwood cafe run by a Mediterranean-focused team splits its menu of dishes by dietary preference, but the vegetarian options are what you should prioritize. They’re abundant and flavorful enough to satisfy even the most dedicated meat-eaters, so come with an open mind. The whipped feta is a miniature wonder—it’s a fantastic and unfussy appetizer enhanced with fresh herbs that add a subtle tang.
The lamb stands out as a hearty choice, while the chicken kabobs justify their higher price with exceptional quality. Generous portions leave you satisfied without that heavy, greasy feeling, and the friendly staff, including attentive cooks like Angela, ensures a seamless experience. During specific hours, the wine discount adds nice value to a meal that already feels worth every penny.
Greenhills restaurant Mediterranean Grill
$ | (513) 954-5281 | WEBSITE
This Cincinnati Mediterranean grill is run by passionate owners, which might explain why their classic gyro wouldn’t look out of place on a street corner in Athens. It’s generously portioned with perfectly seasoned meat, but the pita stays just a little warm and pillowy. We also love that the falafel here is crispier than expected and comes with creamy tahini and fresh herb garnish.
Artemis Mediterranean Bistro
$$ | (513) 802-5500 | WEBSITE
Sure, Artemis Mediterranean Bistro has excellent lamb kabobs, but we’ve made plenty of trips here just for their vegetarian stew. The dishes here are mostly classic, but keep your eyes out for the most flavorful of them all—the okra casserole. It’s hearty and rich but still balanced, and loaded with vegetables so tender they could double as a main course. The best part is the big burst of authentic Mediterranean spices that shines through with each bite.
Kinneret Grill
$$ | (513) 827-6154 | WEBSITE
Kinneret Grill is the top-ranked spot on our 12 Best Mediterranean Restaurants guide, so it’s not surprising that the kosher offerings at this Cincinnati eatery are also on point. Even though falafel can be pretty divisive in general, the perfectly crispy version here is a subtle twist that’s easy to get behind. The mellow, earthy flavor of the chickpeas complements the tender-soft interior, which is rich and savory from careful frying.
The grilled chicken laffa wraps are another standout—the smoky, charred notes of the chicken pair beautifully with the warm, pillowy flatbread. At around $12-16 for most mains, everything feels reasonably priced for the quality. The atmosphere is clean and cozy with Israeli touches, like the large overhead photo of the Kinneret that adds a lovely artistic vibe. Owner hospitality shines through, making the whole experience welcoming from start to finish.
Whether you’re grabbing the lunch special or ordering seconds of the burgers and schnitzels, this place earns its kosher seal of approval with fresh, excellent food across the board.
Aladdin’s Eatery + Lounge
$ | (513) 381-0395 | WEBSITE
If you’re a fan of healthy Mediterranean food that doesn’t skimp on flavor, consider Aladdin’s Eatery + Lounge your new favorite spot. This inviting restaurant serves dishes that are perfect for those who want to eat well without sacrificing taste. The menu rotates with seasonal specials and clearly labels allergens, with options like dairy-free hummus and vegan moussaka.
The carrot cake is the standout of the dessert selection and is packed with extra moisture from the shredded carrots, walnuts, and cream cheese frosting. At around $18-$25 per entree, it’s a reasonable price for such carefully prepared food in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with comfortable seating and soft lighting.
Sebastian’s
$ | (513) 471-2100 | WEBSITE
We’ve had our share of disappointing gyros around town, but not this one. Sebastian’s is a long-standing Greek spot with a menu that sticks to the classics—the triangle gyro is the go-to order, and the baklava is a must for dessert lovers.
Choosing between the tzatziki and the Greek salad feels like picking a favorite child, but our top pick is the gyro platter, essential for anyone craving authentic flavors—it comes with perfectly seasoned meat and that thick, creamy sauce we can’t get enough of.
Babas Shawarma Grill
$ | (513) 827-9143 | WEBSITE
Babas Shawarma Grill is a Cincinnati Mediterranean spot that wholeheartedly embraces the authentic flavors and generous portions tradition. These dishes are crafted like hearty, satisfying meals: robust and flavorful on the outside, tender and perfectly seasoned within. The chicken shawarma wrap is our go-to—it tastes like what would happen if a bustling Mediterranean market condensed its best offerings into one warm, delicious package.
Zorbas Greek Restaurant
$ | (513) 574-2111 | WEBSITE
It’s true—one of Cincinnati’s best Greek meals lives in an unassuming spot. But not just any spot, Zorbas Greek Restaurant (the owner’s warm hospitality makes you feel welcome, even near closing). Their kitchen turns out flavorful dishes like Moussaka with Meat and Lemon Chicken, all cooked to perfection. The sides, including rice and potatoes, complement everything beautifully.
The Philly gyro with banana peppers and feta is the most famous, but the mouth-watering Greek fries—crispy outside, fluffy inside—get our gold medal.
Tikka Grill In Jungle Jim’s
$ | (513) 752-0500 | WEBSITE
Stepping into Tikka Grill is like walking into a bustling Mediterranean market that smells of grilled lamb and fresh herbs. The counter is simple and clean with warm lighting, and their menu is full of authentic, flavorful classics. We’re fans of most of their dishes, including the chicken shawarma and stuffed grape leaves, but it’s the lamb gyro we’re still dreaming about. It’s piled with tender meat and fresh tzatziki, then wrapped in warm pita—a satisfying take on a Middle Eastern staple.
The Aperture
$$$ | (513) 872-1970 | WEBSITE
This Mediterranean hotspot channels a bustling urban bistro, and their dishes—arranged on rustic wooden boards like culinary masterpieces—look like they’ve been crafted with precision, too. Flavors lean creative like grits with scallops or hamachi shoulder, but our favorite is the pastrami. Packed with smoky spices, tender meat, and savory juices layered throughout, it’s all the best parts of a classic deli sandwich with zero chance of a boring bite.
