Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Pasadena
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Kokos Mediterranean Cafe
The garlic sauce locals dream about between visits
Notable Picks
8.4
This family-owned gem has been a Pasadena institution for over 20 years, serving authentic Armenian-Lebanese cuisine with lightning-fast service. The owner Koko personally ensures quality in every shawarma wrap and kebab plate, while locals line up for the legendary garlic sauce.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Kebab Plate, Chicken Shawarma Wrap, Homemade Garlic Sauce
What Makes it Special: The garlic sauce locals dream about between visits
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Hidden Gems Heaven
This women-owned Mediterranean restaurant in Playhouse Village specializes in authentic Lebanese kebabs and mezze with a focus on sustainability. Fresh ingredients and careful spicing distinguish the lula kebab and charcoal-grilled meats, while generous portions and friendly service create a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lula Kebab Plate, Chicken Kabob, Beet Salad
What Makes it Special: Women-owned with commitment to compostable containers and plant-based options
Worthy Picks
#3
CAVA
7.8
Fast-casual Mediterranean chain offering customizable grain bowls and pitas with quality ingredients and modern sensibility. Build-your-own format features fresh roasted vegetables, house-made dips, and protein options with over 50 million possible combinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Harissa Avocado Bowl, Chicken Shawarma Pita, Crazy Feta
What Makes it Special: Chipotle-style customization with Mediterranean flavors and premium ingredients
7.5
A SoCal Mediterranean chain that hangs its hat on open-flame charbroiling—every protein marinated in-house and cooked to order with antibiotic-free chicken and Cedar River Farms beef. The fast-casual format works well for families wanting scratch-made kabobs and sides without a long sit-down commitment. Reviews run polarized at this Paseo location, so stick to the core kabob plates where the grill technique delivers the most reliable results.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charbroiled Chicken Kabob Entrée, Hummus, Beef Koobideh Kabob Entrée
What Makes it Special: Every protein is marinated in-house and charbroiled over an open flame to order, using only antibiotic-free chicken and Cedar River Farms beef.