The Mediterranean diet is repeatedly lauded for its health benefits. Earlier this year, it was crowned the healthiest diet for the seventh year in a row by the US News & World Report, thanks to its emphasis on nutrient-dense whole foods, healthy fats, greens, and minimal meat consumption. “Numerous studies have shown that [the Mediterranean diet] reduces the risk of chronic health conditions, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes while promoting longevity and improving quality of life,” noted the publication.
So it’s no surprise that the diet is becoming more popular in the US. If you’ve adopted Mediterranean-inspired eating habits, or you’re simply interested in eating more Mediterranean-style foods, below we’ve listed some of the best restaurants in the US to check out for delicious plant-based Mediterranean cuisine.
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Is the Mediterranean diet better than the American diet?
The Mediterranean diet is inspired by countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, like Spain, Greece, Morocco, and Italy. It emphasizes a high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, all of which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, as well as antioxidants—plant compounds that help tackle free radical damage in the body. Over time, free radical damage increases the risk of chronic diseases, like heart disease and cancer.
The Standard American Diet, on the other hand, typically includes a higher amount of processed and fast foods, which are high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium. Unlike those on the Mediterranean diet, common foods in the American diet are associated with an increased risk of chronic disease. Processed meats like bacon and hot dogs, for example, are classified as Group One carcinogens by the World Health Organization.
But another major asset of Mediterranean dishes is how tasty they are. The Mediterranean region encompasses a variety of countries and cultures, each with its own culinary traditions. This diversity results in a rich array of flavors and cooking styles, from Italian pasta and Greek souvlaki to Spanish paella and Middle Eastern falafel.
9 top plant-forward Mediterranean restaurants in the US
Hungry? Here’s where you can order some of the best Mediterranean-style cuisine across the US.
1 Pura Vita
Los Angeles, CA
For authentic Italian fare, you can’t beat Los Angeles’ Pura Vita. The restaurant—which has two spots, one in West Hollywood and one in Redondo Beach—specializes in Southern Italian dishes, all of which are made with nourishing, plant-based ingredients. Check out options like the Caprese salad with cashew mozzarella and heirloom tomatoes, the Eggplant Parmigiana with macadamia Parmigiano, and the Lasagna Pura with spinach and crimini mushrooms.
Find it here
Crossroads Kitchen
2 Crossroads Kitchen
Multiple locations
Crossroads Kitchen is one of Hollywood’s hottest celebrity restaurants, so expect to do some star-gazing while you indulge in delicious Mediterranean-style dishes like Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms, Truffle Mushroom Bianca pizza, and House Made Italian Sausage. If you’re not in West Hollywood, don’t worry—the restaurant also has a spot in Calabasas and another in Las Vegas.
Find it here
Bloom Plant Based Kitchen
3 Bloom Plant Based Kitchen
Chicago, IL
Expect beautifully presented mains and a buzzy atmosphere at Chicago’s Bloom Plant Based Kitchen. There’s something for everyone on the menu, including those trying to stick to a more Mediterranean-inspired way of eating. Check out options like the Yuca Gnocchi with mushroom sofrito and the Spring Risotto which comes with kohlrabi, sugar snap peas, and smoked paprika.
Find it here
Anixi
4 Anixi
New York City, NY
If you love the taste and texture of real meat, but you’re trying to eat less of it (as is the way on a Mediterranean diet!), Anixi needs to be on your list of spots to try in New York City. The menu features options like Grilled Steak Shish Kabob (made with Chunk Foods vegan steak) and Crispy Lamb Cigars, all of which are inspired by the cuisines of Greece, Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon. If you prefer to keep your choices whole food-based, there’s also a delicious Wild Mushroom Kabob on offer, as well as plenty of hot mezze options, like Artichoke Tots and Ricotta and Spinach Borek Rolls.
Find it here
Nish Nush
5 Nish Nush
New York City, NY
Nish Nush is a falafel-lovers dream. The New York restaurant is vegetarian, but it isn’t short on vegan choices. The Red Hot Chili Sandwich with roasted pepper falafel and hummus is a must-try, but if you’re going with friends, sharing platters is a great move. The Vegan Shawarma Platter, for example, comes loaded with soybean shawarma, sautéed cherry tomatoes, onions, harissa, amba, and tahini.
Find it here
Fig & Lily Garden
6 Fig & Lily Garden
Morristown, NJ
Every dish at Fig & Lily Garden tastes as good as it looks—which is pretty darn good. It’s not a completely vegan spot, but it has plenty of delicious plant-based fare on offer, including Papillon Vegan Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, Garden Falafel, and the Eggplant Medley. This is a great choice if you’re looking to eat out with a group of friends or family with different dietary needs and preferences.
Find it here
Mesa Verde
7 Mesa Verde
Santa Barbara, CA
Everything at Santa Barbara’s Mesa Verde is vegan, so if you just want plants, there’s no need to sift through the menu looking for something suitable, which is always a good start. The entire menu is inspired by Mediterranean ingredients—good luck choosing between options like Polenta Fries, the Mushroom Umami Burger, and the Green Plant Bowl. Mouthwatering desserts include Bird Nest Baklava and Strawberry Cheesecake.
Find it here
Julie Goes Green
8 Julie Goes Green
Los Angeles, CA
You can’t go wrong with Italian, especially if it’s from Los Angeles eatery Julie Goes Green. The vegan spot offers everything from minestrone soup to pizzas and pasta loaded with fresh, flavorful ingredients. Options like the Fettucine Alfredo with house cashew cream sauce and mushrooms and the Fresh Botanic Garden Pizza with California-grown tomatoes caught our eye straight away.
Find it here
Oda Mediterranean
9 Oda Mediterranean
Chicago, IL
To taste a mouthwatering, unique blend of traditional Turkish and Georgian comfort food, head to Chicago’s Oda Mediterranean. It’s not entirely vegan, so make sure to check the menu closely before you order. Standout plant-based options include Lobio & Mchadi, which is a Georgian bean stew with cornbread and pickled vegetables, and the Mini Eggplant Roulades with walnut pesto.
Find it here
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
