Best Mediterranean Restaurants in East Village (10009)
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Pylos
A classic Greek taverna experience with consistently strong seafood and mezze.
Notable Picks
#1
Pylos
8.7
A longstanding East Village Greek taverna that leans upscale without losing the comfort-food core—best when you treat it as a focused tour of seafood, grilled meats, and bright mezze. It’s a reliable “real dinner” pick for dates and out-of-town guests who want classic flavors executed with polish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled octopus, Lavraki (whole grilled branzino), Spanakopita
What makes it special: A classic Greek taverna experience with consistently strong seafood and mezze.
#2
Cafe Mogador
8.5
A warm, always-busy Moroccan mainstay that’s at its best when you order like a regular: one tagine, one grilled plate, and a couple of classic spreads to start. It works equally well for brunch crowds and weeknight dinners when you want steady, spice-forward comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken tagine with preserved lemon and olives, Lamb tagine, Moroccan mint tea
What makes it special: Moroccan comfort classics that stay craveable across brunch and dinner.
8.3
A high-volume Lebanese-Mediterranean room that’s built for sharing: spreads, grilled meats, and bright salads in a lively, reservation-friendly setting. It’s a strong choice when you want reliable crowd-pleasers with enough menu range to satisfy both picky eaters and spice seekers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tableside shawarma, Hummus and mixed dips, Shish taouk
What makes it special: Big, shareable Lebanese-Mediterranean menu with proven reliability at scale.
#4
Ayat
8.2
A Palestinian table that shines when you lean into grilled meats, fresh breads, and shareable spreads that reward a family-style order. The room has a lively, communal feel—best for groups who want bold seasoning and a lot of food on the table quickly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma, Kofta kebab, Fresh pita with dips
What makes it special: Palestinian comfort food built for big, shareable spreads and grills.
A neighborhood tapas-and-paella spot with a relaxed East Village rhythm—best when you order a few small plates, then anchor with a pan of paella or a pasta. The patio/backyard setup makes it feel like a longer hang, and the menu works well for sharing without turning dinner into a production.
Must-Try Dishes:
Paella, Patatas bravas, Pulpo a la gallega
What makes it special: Tapas-plus-paella flexibility with an easy patio/backyard vibe.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A Mediterranean-leaning small-plates and cocktails spot where the best move is a tight, shareable order—two or three savory plates plus one comfort anchor. It’s a strong date-night option when you want stylish energy more than big-portion value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gnocchi, Crispy artichokes, Seasonal small plates
What makes it special: Cocktail-forward Mediterranean small plates that reward disciplined ordering.