In Fort Lauderdale, where beach traffic can make you feel like you’ve aged a decade between lunch and dinner, finding a Mediterranean escape is essential. Whether you’re dodging A1A gridlock or seeking a post-sunset feast, these 12 spots—all within a quick drive or leisurely stroll—offer the perfect antidote to coastal congestion.
Boathouse At The Riverside
$$ | (954) 377-5494 | WEBSITE
This renovated boathouse has plenty of outdoor seating, breezy waterfront views, and a relaxed upscale vibe that makes it feel like a perfect spot for meals or drinks. The garlic shrimp and Panini sandwiches here are great, but it’s the Yucatan Mahi Mahi that has us rethinking everything we once knew about fish dishes.
This wonderful creation of things like perfectly cooked mahi mahi served on a plank of fried yuca with creamed avocado has us oddly grateful for waterfront locations that fit in small spaces.
Pita Plus (ORB)
$ | (954) 241-2011 | WEBSITE
There are a bunch of Mediterranean spots in Fort Lauderdale. There are even a few places that claim to have the best shawarma—but Pita Plus is the only one you need. Their falafel is super crispy on the outside and soft inside, and we could eat their pickled carrots by the pound. Service is really quick and friendly, so it works well for takeout, and if you want to add a pita plate and hang out, there’s convenient parking around the back, too.
Ferdos Grill
$$ | (954) 492-5552 | WEBSITE
We’d cross a few city blocks for Ferdos Grill’s warm cheese pistachio dessert, where creamy cheese and crunchy nuts melt into the sweet syrup. But all it requires is finding their Fort Lauderdale location. Don’t miss the tender lamb shank that’s served with aromatic rice, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges, or really any family-style platter they bring to your table here.
Theos Estiatorio
$$$ | (954) 404-3040 | WEBSITE
If you’re trying to decide where to go for a meal that feels both special and unpretentious, just head to Theos Estiatorio, which has become our go-to spot in Fort Lauderdale when we want something reliably wonderful. This restaurant’s menu is as vibrant as the Aegean Sea, featuring outstanding dishes like perfectly cooked calamari, whole Branzino with lemon potatoes and Brussels sprouts, and a Greek salad that tastes like sunshine.
The wine list is interesting, mainly Greek wines, but other choices are available, and the bustling atmosphere makes every visit feel like a celebration. Whether you’re marking an occasion or simply craving modern Greek cuisine done right, Theos Estiatorio delivers a fantastic experience with friendly service that makes you feel like a regular.
Sheker Agha
$ | (786) 602-9565 | WEBSITE
There’s a good chance of a wait here—but you already are used to that for authentic Serbian food, so what’s a few more minutes if amazing cevapi are involved? Other dishes like karadjordjeva snicla and pljeskavica are great as well, but we all know you’re here for those homemade pita breads. Get several orders, and don’t forget to try the gurmanska pljeskvaca.
Greek Islands Taverna
$$ | (954) 565-5505 | WEBSITE
Fair warning, this is mainly convenient as a quick drive from downtown, rather than a (very) scenic stroll. But we can’t stress enough that this Greek Islands Taverna is worth a little extra effort. There’s a savory trio of lamb chops, short ribs, and saganaki perfection. Flavor profiles are already locked in. And both options for starters—grilled octopus or Greek salad—are excellent. Dine-in? Phenomenal. Takeout? Also, phenomenal.
Spazio
$$ | (954) 559-0222 | WEBSITE
We can’t think of a more perfect reprieve after a long day than a steaming hot plate of lobster mac and cheese. Particularly from this vibrant spot that features iPad menus showcasing their delicious options. Here you’ll find welcoming atmosphere filled with friendly servers like Rosi and Jaque, who make great recommendations and serve jumbo cocktails while live music plays.
Izgara Middle Eastern Cuisine
$ | (954) 475-8990 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of great Mediterranean spots just steps from Fort Lauderdale’s bustling streets—which, to be honest, can feel like a chaotic food fair turned into a city block. But make Izgara a priority. It’s perfect for date nights with its intimate setting, great for casual lunches thanks to its flavorful falafel, and ideal for any day in-between because they serve an absolutely phenomenal lamb kebab sandwich.
Pita Xpress Mediterranean Grill
$$ | (954) 251-1799 | WEBSITE
It’s safe to say after being out in the world all day, sometimes we just want to enjoy fresh flavors and the comfort of a welcoming space. At this casual Mediterranean spot in Fort Lauderdale, you can do just that. Spend quality time with their standout falafel, which includes perfectly cooked chicken shawarma and a tender kabob in pita complemented by a refreshing cucumber salad that brightens every bite.
Mini Pita Mediterranean Cafe
$ | (954) 451-5118 | WEBSITE
While South Florida rarely sees the kind of weather that makes you want to hibernate, whenever you’re craving something that feels like a warm embrace, it’s time to head to Mini Pita Mediterranean Cafe. If you find yourself in Fort Lauderdale and walk through its doors, you’ll discover generous portions of lamb, koshari, gyro platter, and Greek salad that are as comforting as they are flavorful.
Gather your group, order the galaktoboureko for dessert, and forget that you ever had to worry about where to find incredible Mediterranean food. The staff like Shaiana, Flow, and Ursus make you feel so at home with their warm, knowledgeable service that you’ll want to stay long after your meal is finished, especially since they’re open late and handle all kinds of arrivals with ease.
Evelyn’s
$$$$ | (754) 336-3100 | WEBSITE
Almost everything at this upscale Mediterranean spot with stunning ocean views is phenomenal—and surprisingly affordable. Perfectly prepared saffron lobster rolls could satisfy any seafood craving, sumac fries with their ideal crispness rival those of a high-end bistro. And that buzzed-about tender Wagyu Beef continues to be among the best of the best.
Gyroville Fort Lauderdale ( Cypress Creek)
$ | (954) 982-2526 | WEBSITE
Take about three steps into the Cypress Creek location and discover one of the better things to ever happen to a strip mall. What Gyroville Fort Lauderdale lacks in fancy decor it makes up for in friendly service and tasty Mediterranean food, particularly their traditional gyro and gyro rice bowl.
