Remember when Mediterranean meant that one gyro spot after soccer practice? The one with sticky baklava fingers and parents debating who owed for the extra pita? Those simple feasts are gone, but Forest Hills has grown up. Here, the communal table is set with something richer—a spread of eight spots where the old neighborhood spirit meets 2026’s vibrant flavors. Let’s pull up a chair.
Theodora
$$$ | (929) 692-6360 | WEBSITE
Theodora serves the ideal menu style for group dining: a sharing format. The ceviche and laffa don’t come in sharing form, but are still worth ordering as well. There’s also a solid selection of creative cocktails, if you want to give your Mediterranean self a little East Coast flair (while drinking the Chantico, which—trivia fact—has been around the bar since the restaurant opened). This place is warm but just classy enough to feel like a proper dinner out with your people.
Çka Ka Qëllue
$$ | (212) 213-2082 | WEBSITE
When you’re looking for a distinctive meal that feels like a warm gathering, your best bet is to head for authentic Mediterranean flavors. And since not everyone is prepared for the adventurous Skenderbeg kind of experience, Çka Ka Qëllue serves as a perfect introduction (cozy atmosphere, shareable dips with bread, and tasty cocktails like the Balkan 75).
The tasting menu can get pricey, so load up on heartier items like the mixed grill platter and sesame baked cheese so everyone leaves satisfied (and not too stuffed). And if you want a story to tell later, mention how the space gets a bit hot and stuffy—it adds to that nostalgic, family-kitchen feel.
Nura
$$$ | (347) 672-1222 | WEBSITE
Don’t let the floral arrangements fool you—this Mediterranean spot has a solid lineup of dishes to satisfy any craving. And with its spacious, open design, Nura makes group dining feel effortless. Try the grilled prawns or rotisserie chicken for the classic stuff, or the scallops if you’re ready for something a bit more elevated. Also, the garlic naan works perfectly for sharing and having a focused conversation about how underrated good bread can be.
Evenings can get busy, so come during the off-hours to secure a table without the wait. Speaking of, the wheelchair accessibility and accommodating service mean everyone can relax and enjoy the meal, so you can get a break from all that dietary restriction worrying.
Çka Ka Qëllu
$$ | (718) 933-6194 | WEBSITE
This Albanian gem isn’t for the timid diners who stick to spaghetti and meatballs wherever they go, or those who shy away from grilled platters, branzino, sesame-baked feta, or the kinds of olives that challenge their usual palate. Bring friends ready to embrace authentic flavors, grab a cozy table inside where the decor tells stories of Albanian heritage, and don’t skip the mixed grilled platter.
And if anyone in your party is watching their budget, know that Çka Ka Qëllu offers remarkably fair prices for such generous, flavorful portions that make every bite worth it.
Oba Grill
$$ | (718) 339-0013 | WEBSITE
When you walk into Oba Grill, you can almost taste the Mediterranean flavors from the door. This is one of the most welcoming dining spots in Forest Hills, and it’s perfect if you’re looking to share a meal with friends, or want to feel like you’re getting both generous portions and a friendly atmosphere in the same place. But Oba Grill is more than just a convenient location. The Mediterranean food holds its own, and the service is consistently attentive.
Mixed grill, shepherd salad, lamb chop, anything from the chef’s choice appetizers—order it.
Sami & Susu
$$$ | (646) 559-2856 | WEBSITE
Nothing says date night quite like a cozy Mediterranean spot. Actually, it’s pretty sad to think of just one person enjoying all those dips alone. Sami and Susu would not approve. Anyway, date nights at Sami & Susu involve intimate tables filled with creative Mediterranean food classics. The labneh and muhammara dips with warm pita are the best way to kick off the meal, along with a smooth glass of wine from their solid selection.
Pahal Zan
$ | (718) 793-7177 | WEBSITE
For years, Pahal Zan has been the spot everyone in Forest Hills turns to for authentic Mediterranean takeaway. There’s always a steady stream of customers, so it’s safe to say you’re in good company (but you can still expect a brief wait during peak hours). Whether it’s a quick lunch break, a post-work pickup, or a healthy dinner solution, this place is a neighborhood staple, churning out fresh falafel and lamb kebabs as fast as you can enjoy them.
All the essentials are on the menu—dips, salads, and pita sandwiches—and the lamb kebab pita sandwich basically sets the standard, so do yourself a favor.
Dagon
$$$ | (212) 873-2466 | WEBSITE
There’s a little something for everyone at Dagon, including the flavorful goat cheese omelette for the brunch crowd, excellent mezze platters for sharing, and a standout burger for those craving something familiar. And despite being one of Forest Hills’ best Mediterranean spots, you won’t need to book weeks ahead or wait endlessly for a table.
And with its energetic atmosphere and generous portions that feel more like a lively neighborhood gathering than a formal dining room, it’s usually not too hard to grab a spot for you and your friends to enjoy dishes like the Japanese eggplant confit or the memorable Silan dessert.
