Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Upper East Side-Yorkville
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
The Hummus & Pita
High-volume build-your-own Middle Eastern bowls and pitas with proven consistency near City Hall.
Notable Picks
8.1
The Hummus & Pita Co. runs a busy counter on Chambers Street where build-your-own bowls, pitas, and platters move quickly at lunchtime. With hundreds of cross-platform reviews and steady foot traffic from nearby offices and City Hall, it’s the most volume-validated Middle Eastern option in the ZIP, trading polish for speed, customizability, and generous portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lebanese Cauliflower, Chicken Shawarma Bowl, Original Hummus Shake
What Makes it Special: High-volume build-your-own Middle Eastern bowls and pitas with proven consistency near City Hall.
8.1
Korali Estiatorio is a whitewashed Greek dining room opened in 2015 that leans into whole fish, mezze, and grilled meats in a setting meant for slower, more polished dinners. It’s the move when you want a proper sit-down Mediterranean meal on the Upper East Side with a real wine list and table service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Octopus, Lamb Chops / Paidakia, Horiatiki Salad
What Makes it Special: Upscale Greek spot focused on whole fish, grilled chops, and polished service.
#3
Libbi
8
A newer Upper East Side kosher dairy Mediterranean spot from the Abaita team, designed for a polished sit-down meal with a menu that swings from brunch-forward plates to more chef-y mains. The smart order is one signature sweet/savory anchor and one shareable mid-plate so it feels intentional, not like you’re sampling at random.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pancakes with figs and orange marmalade, Spicy tomato pizza with shiitakes, Cheesy pasta gratin
What Makes it Special: Abaita team’s polished kosher dairy Mediterranean with a brunch-to-dinner swing.
Worthy Picks
#4
Q Halal Food
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A small Yorkville halal cart that’s at its best in the over-rice lane—juicy meats, fluffy rice, and sauces that do the heavy lifting. Keep it clean with one platter and a clear sauce call so the flavors stay balanced.
Must-Try Dishes:
Combo over rice platter, Falafel over rice platter, Lamb over rice
What Makes it Special: A tight, over-rice-focused halal cart with standout sauces.
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Balila Lebanese Restaurant is a small Lebanese cafe on Third Avenue known for its shawarma, vegetarian mezze, and notably generous portions at modest prices. Early reviews point to warm service and homestyle flavors that make it an appealing option for casual neighborhood lunches and low-key dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Shawarma Plate, Moujadara, Eggplant Salad
What Makes it Special: Casual Lebanese cafe emphasizing shawarma, hearty vegetarian mezze, and big portions.