There are many options for Mediterranean food in Asheville that will please your pallet and bring a variety of culinary traditions from Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, and Morocco to North Carolina! Mediterranean restaurants in Asheville offer traditional Greek food, Moroccon, Lebanese inspired dishes, and creative fusions from many Mediterranean regions, including Middle Eastern fare. (Feature photo: Rezaz Pan Mediterranean, now closed)
Mediterranean Food
Mediterranean cuisine is one of the healthiest diets in the world with a colorful variety of fresh greens, vegetables, oils, lean protein, nuts, and grains. Most notable ingredients include fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and sumac, chickpeas, lentils, pine nuts, couscous, flatbreads like pita and lavash, tomatoes, olives, seafood, lamb, chicken, yogurt, and fresh cheeses like feta and halloumi.
Small plates or tapas are meant to be shared! Popular dishes include kebabs, Greek gyros, paella, chicken shawarma, ratatouille, spanakopita, baba ganoush, hummus, falafel, tahini, yogurt sauces like tzatziki to dip or spread, and fresh salads like tabouleh and fattoush. Don't forget baklava for dessert!
Looking for vegan options? Many Mediterranean dishes are vegan by nature or easily modified without compromising great flavor. See our Top Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Asheville for more.
Best Restaurants for Mediterranean Cuisine in Asheville
Baba Nahm, Downtown Asheville
This Mediterranean eatery in downtown Asheville offers a Middle Eastern-inspired menu of Israeli street food with easy grab and go convenience. They offer gluten-free options, and the entire menu… read more
This Mediterranean eatery in downtown Asheville offers a Middle Eastern-inspired menu of Israeli street food with easy grab and go convenience. They offer gluten-free options, and the entire menu is free of chemicals and preservatives. Try the chicken shawarma and bring home some Gozleme flatbread!
Jerusalem Garden Cafe
Transport your senses to faraway lands with authentic made-from-scratch Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes from this Patton Avenue restaurant. On Friday and Saturday nights, enjoy belly… read more
Transport your senses to faraway lands with authentic made-from-scratch Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes from this Patton Avenue restaurant. On Friday and Saturday nights, enjoy belly dancing and live music. Lunch and dinner every day. 78 Patton Avenue.
Gypsy Queen Cuisine
This Eastern Mediterranean eatery in West Asheville serves up a fresh cuisine of soups, salads, dips, wraps and bowls. Feast on tabouleh, hummus, baba ganoush, wraps with beef, lamb, falafel and… read more
This Eastern Mediterranean eatery in West Asheville serves up a fresh cuisine of soups, salads, dips, wraps and bowls. Feast on tabouleh, hummus, baba ganoush, wraps with beef, lamb, falafel and more. Fun sides include fried brussels, grape leaves and Lebanese fries. Mon-Sat 11 AM-9 PM, Sunday 11 AM-8 PM. 807 Patton Ave
Isa's Bistro
Isa’s Bistro features a seasonally inspired menu, Executive Chef Peter Crockett brings culinary finesse to the table with an innovative Asheville twist to international favorites. Located downtown… read more
Isa’s Bistro features a seasonally inspired menu, Executive Chef Peter Crockett brings culinary finesse to the table with an innovative Asheville twist to international favorites. Located downtown, the pet-friendly, covered patio is perfect for outdoor dining and people-watching. The café at Isa’s features incredible pastries made daily in-house and pair perfectly with a latte or cappuccino.…
Zambra
Voted #1 Romantic Restaurant by Travel & Leisure, this Western Mediterranean tapas restaurant in downtown Asheville sets the mood for love. Enjoy the warm ambiance while indulging in farm-to-… read more
Voted #1 Romantic Restaurant by Travel & Leisure, this Western Mediterranean tapas restaurant in downtown Asheville sets the mood for love. Enjoy the warm ambiance while indulging in farm-to-table tapas and exotic fine wine. Be sure to make reservations, they book up on weekends. 85 W Walnut St
The Scarlet Bee
Tapas style Mediterranean restaurant is ideal for sharing with your group and trying new things! Enjoy small plates you can eat with your hands along with a creative, herbal-focused menu of house… read more
Tapas style Mediterranean restaurant is ideal for sharing with your group and trying new things! Enjoy small plates you can eat with your hands along with a creative, herbal-focused menu of house sodas, tonics, and cocktails. Try their shatta spicy dip, chicken shawarma, and beef kebabs. Order the baklava for takeout to enjoy at home! 853 Merrimon Avenue
