You don’t need us to tell you that Westminster is serious about its pho and banh mi—but it’s also a pretty good place to be a Mediterranean food lover. Whether you crave falafel, shawarma, or you just want to break out of a gyro rut, these spots can help. And meat lovers, this list is for you, too. Because when you want authentic Mediterranean flavors, you can do much better than a dry pita.
Fresh Off The Boat Fish Grill
$ | (714) 716-5363 | WEBSITE
This Westminster counter spot has a lineup of Mediterranean dishes with such a variety of fresh flavors that the occasional satisfied sigh is warranted. Use the pita with garlic sauce—with that creamy, tangy homemade dip—to scoop up heaps of Greek salad and cauliflower bites, and let the contentment commence. Keep this place in mind for a takeout dinner or casual weekday lunch on the cozy side porch.
Papa K’s Mediterranean Kitchen
$ | (714) 760-4126 | WEBSITE
Some of the best Mediterranean food around the area is hiding in a Westminster family-run kitchen. Papa K’s should not just become your savior for a post-work craving or a family dinner pitstop after running errands all afternoon. This spot is worth a trip any time for their seafood lineup, which includes plates piled with perfectly grilled shrimp and chicken shawarma accented with homemade pita bread and baba ghanouj.
STUFFED-USA-egyptian pie
$$ | (714) 483-4657 | WEBSITE
STUFFED-USA-egyptian pie is a self-proclaimed “authentic Egyptian” restaurant that specializes in savory pies. You’ll find fillings like the popular Soujouk with its spicy sausage, or the mixed meat option with its rich blend of flavors, all wrapped in a light and crispy crust. Also, the space has a clean, modern atmosphere with bright lighting that makes the colorful pies look even more inviting. Use that fact to impress anybody you bring here.
Luna Grill Newland Center
$ | (714) 377-2000 | WEBSITE
Luna Grill Newland Center in Westminster specializes in Mediterranean classics, many of which do include meat and/or seafood. But some of the most fantastic options here are vegetarian-based, like creamy hummus with warm pita, crispy falafel with tahini, fresh Greek salads with feta, and outstanding garlic bonfire shrimp (that you can order without the usual butter sauce it sometimes comes with). Chase it all with a mint lemonade, which happens to be refreshingly non-alcoholic, too.
Mom’s Products
$ | (714) 488-2360 | WEBSITE
Some of the best Mediterranean fare at this Westminster spot is vegetarian—the sun-dried tomato dip, complete with homemade pita chips, a generous scoop of hummus, and olives for briny contrast is a perfect example. Baked tofu with lemon and fresh herbs is another. And, you can always expect rotating specials like salad mix with seasonal vegetables and house-made dressings.
Be sure to add on some lemon pita chips to start, and don’t be afraid of the actual sampling encouraged by the friendly staff as you browse the fresh offerings.
Tres Muchachos Seafood Grill
$$ | (949) 220-7811 | WEBSITE
The vegetarian options in Westminster are few and far between, but we really like Tres Muchachos Seafood Grill’s entire menu. From artichoke hummus with warm pita to chile relleno stuffed with cheese, it all makes for a tasty meal. Say you’re in charge of planning dinner and you want to do something flavorful without resorting to basic tacos—this is your spot.
Adana Grill
$ | (714) 853-1206 | WEBSITE
Weighing in at a full pound each, the Adana kebabs at Adana Grill are substantial and packed with expertly seasoned meats and fresh savory sides. You can also add accompaniments that complement the flavors without overwhelming them, like chili hummus, tangy pickled vegetables, and warm pita bread. And while you could order virtually any meaty meal here and leave satisfied, you need the iskender kebap.
You’ll get a plate featuring tender slices of döner meat over pita, topped with tomato sauce and yogurt, all rich while still letting the meat speak for itself. It says “hey, I’m f*cking delicious,” by the way.
Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet
$$ | (562) 403-0000 | WEBSITE
Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet is a very satisfying and authentic stand-in for a trip to the Mediterranean, and it’s all buffet-style. Not only that, but they have a wide variety of nicely seasoned and fresh foods to fill your plate with, from creamy hummus to flavorful lamb dishes.
Taboon Express Los Alamitos
$ | (562) 493-4494 | WEBSITE
If your friends crave fast food, take them to Taboon Express anyway, and maybe just conveniently forget to mention that everything here is actually a healthier Mediterranean alternative. This place is a reminder that naturally flavorful things like their standout beef kebab wrap are seriously good no matter what you think about typical takeout. And the atmosphere in the limited seating area is like eating inside a cozy neighborhood spot.
The Kebab Shop
$ | (714) 656-4458 | WEBSITE
The Kebab Shop has a very satisfying kebab experience that’s perfect for digging into a generous portion with a grilled chicken wrap and green sauce that will end up coating your fingers with flavor. If you’re hungry for something larger, this consistently popular spot also serves the Kebabivore plate, with perfectly cooked beef, crispy crave fries, and tasty sauces like garlic and cilantro lime.
