Dublin may not be Rhode Island, but wander its streets long enough and you’ll find a similar, welcoming truth: everyone here is a neighbor in search of a great meal. And when the craving for sun-drenched flavors strikes, these 18 Mediterranean spots become your culinary hometown.
Jimmy V’s Grill & Pub Grandview
$$ | (614) 485-9090 | WEBSITE
Head to this patio-centric spot when you’re looking for a relaxed meal with friends or something to enjoy outdoors with your pup. The juicy, flavorful-but-balanced pub burger that anchors the menu is worth the napkin pile, and all the classic options are solid, though we’re partial to the crispy-sweet potato fries. Specials like seasonal patio drinks pop up here and there, so keep an eye on the staff’s recommendations.
Greek Express
$ | (614) 888-7728 | WEBSITE
Quick-service Mediterranean spots are everywhere in Dublin, but if you’re looking for a reason to spend a little cash for some seriously satisfying food, Greek Express is the place to do it. It’s the kind of restaurant where a falafel gyro with banana peppers and feta is followed by sides that leave nothing to the imagination (i.e., lentil soup, Greek salads, French fries).
Greek Express also offers a convenient drive-through option, making it a great start to a slightly less expensive grab-and-go type of evening.
614Gyro
$ | (614) 525-0570 | WEBSITE
614Gyro has been a Columbus staple for years. Cozy and focused on quality, it’s the kind of place where the owner always welcomes you with a smile. If you’re grabbing takeout, order the $7.99 gyro with spicy tzatziki sauce to start. Then go all-in with the lightly battered fries done to perfection, or a Swiss cheeseburger with garlic aioli. Then, settle into the friendly atmosphere and lazily enjoy each bite between sips of your drink—we call that satisfaction.
Agape Mediterranean
$ | (614) 407-1015 | WEBSITE
Agape Mediterranean is where you go for generous plates and genuine smiles. You can just as easily grab a quick gyro to go, or settle in for a leisurely feast of grilled kebabs and fresh salads. In short, Agape delivers hearty, satisfying Mediterranean classics, all in a bright, bustling space filled with positive energy—very welcoming, in the most authentic, feel-good way.
Come for a reliable weeknight dinner if you’re craving something flavorful and filling, or for a cheerful group meal where everyone leaves happy. Oh, and the staff’s consistent kindness and skill make every visit a pleasure, so you know you’re in good hands.
Zaytoon Mediterranean Grill
$ | (614) 363-4131 | WEBSITE
If Zaytoon Mediterranean Grill could be summed up in two words, it would be fresh and generous—and we mean this in the best way possible. A small olive tree greets you at the interior front door, beautifully capturing the essence of their name, “Olive.” At the heart of it all is the food, a vibrant Mediterranean spread of perfectly balanced flavors and generous portions.
The bowl with rice, chicken, and meat is a must-order with fluffy rice, tender chicken, savory meat, and every ingredient tasting remarkably fresh. There’s also a lot of buzz around their fries, which you can pair with excellent pita and hummus if you’re feeling indulgent.
Anna’s Greek Cuisine
$$ | (614) 799-2207 | WEBSITE
This cozy Greek spot is a pleasant place to dig into a plate of moussaka and soak up the family-owned atmosphere. The menu is a straightforward lineup of authentic Greek classics. You can go for the hearty pastitsio with, as the description promises, a filling portion or lean lighter with the amazing salads and hummus. But even if you order the salad, get a side of the Greek potatoes—these simple yet elevated accompaniments are worth the extra carbs.
Many regulars come for the all-in-one lunch plate, featuring favorites like the flavorful Aegean chicken or the Pasta Samos, and stay for the delicious Greek coffee and baklava that everyone is eager to return for.
Shawerma Bite
$ | (614) 389-2184 | WEBSITE
The shawarma at Shawerma Bite has become a real legend in Dublin’s Mediterranean scene. And while it’s not a fancy sit-down spot, everybody in town and their coworkers have been grabbing wraps here since it landed on the best-of lists. The menu stays consistent (you’ll always find that famous chicken shawarma ready to go), but we’ve recently loved adding crispy fries inside the wrap or going double-wrapped with the tomato basil option (simple, but a game-changer).
With generous portions and friendly staff, it’s a perfect, satisfying option when you’re craving something hearty.
Brassica in the Short North
$ | (614) 867-5885 | WEBSITE
Brassica serves up one of our favorite Mediterranean meals in the area: the classic pita and hummus combo. It’s got fluffy, warm pita bread and creamy, flavorful hummus, all coming together in a satisfying bite. Pair it with a fresh baba ganoush to round out the meal as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the Short North (the restaurant sits right in the heart of the bustling district).
Make sure to plan ahead: the wait time can stretch a bit, especially for the falafel, but the consistent quality makes it worth it.
Eat Greek
$ | (614) 553-7273 | WEBSITE
Cozy authenticity is in—and Greek cuisine, in all its vibrant glory, is back, baby. Eat Greek, which has been serving Dublin since it opened, recently got a refresh, brightening a space that used to be a little cramped. They’ve leaned into their namesake “fresh Greek food” and jumped on the gyro-and-generous-portions train—and we’re into it. There’s also standout, flavor-packed falafel, creamy baba g, flaky spanakopita, and skyscraper-height chicken shwarma rice bowls.
There’s a warm, welcoming atmosphere—perfect for sitting with family and enjoying a platter of tender lamb chops alongside a fresh, crisp salad—as well as quick service and genuine hospitality. Hit Eat Greek up for lunch before your day gets busy, or if you want to treat your kids or friends and have a few extra dollars ready for a truly satisfying meal.
Pita Hut Grill
$ | (614) 433-0996 | WEBSITE
This bright, clean Mediterranean spot in Dublin serves fresh, flavorful dishes made right before your eyes, from gyros and chicken shawarma to their must-try falafel. The best way to experience the full range of their offerings is to ask the owner for a personalized recommendation—he provides warm welcomes and spot-on suggestions that cater to various dietary needs.
But if you’re just looking for a quick, satisfying meal, you can still stop by and order a falafel bowl or a gyro, perhaps with a side of their perfectly seasoned fries. Stop by is the key word here—it’s a popular spot with loyal customers, so you might have to wait a few minutes for a table during peak hours, but the friendly staff and reasonable prices make it worth it.
Brassica in Upper Arlington
$ | (614) 929-9997 | WEBSITE
Head to Brassica to unwind with a bowl of their fantastic falafel (best when fresh) and some of the most incredible pita bread you’ll find anywhere. While Mediterranean cuisine is the main attraction here, the french fries are downright excellent: they’re crispy and golden, the seasoning has just the right amount of salt, and they pair perfectly with the customizable options because, yes, they let you build your meal here.
They have various seating options when it gets busy, so you can watch folks navigating the parking lot as you take another bite of your flavorful meal and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere.
Crazzy Greek ( Polaris )
$ | (614) 888-9670 | WEBSITE
Bring your friends to Crazzy Greek (Polaris), and they’ll thank you for the best gyros in the city. Bring your family here on a busy weeknight, and they might want to make it a weekly tradition. Bring anyone here, really, and you’ll earn their gratitude, satisfaction, and all of the above. Everything on the menu is fantastic, with huge portions of tilapia, comforting lentil soup, crispy onion rings, and golden fries.
Settle into a friendly booth in the warm family-owned space, enjoy your food, and watch the regulars come and go with their takeout orders ready in under ten minutes.
Rodos Greek Taverna
$ | (614) 396-7761 | WEBSITE
With a menu featuring everything from gyros and moussaka to steaks and burgers, this taverna in Worthington brings Mediterranean warmth to Dublin year-round. Come with friends and start the evening with their unbeatable happy hour specials. Rodos also has amazingly economical nightly deals that go beyond the popular Monday $10 Gyro night. Foodwise, there’s plenty to choose from, but the gyro with its large portions and the hearty moussaka are two satisfying dishes worth saving appetite for.
Even if you don’t want a full dinner, though, you can still come here to enjoy the very nice ambiance. Get the avocado hummus for a lighter start or a round of fresh appetizers, paired with a glass from their drink selection while Demetri offers his attentive recommendations.
Aladdin’s Eatery Clintonville
$ | (614) 262-2414 | WEBSITE
Aladdin’s Eatery Clintonville serves Mediterranean-inspired comfort food in portions that could feed a family—or at least a hungry friend. The appetizers, like warm pita with olive oil and za’atar, are simple but satisfying, but it’s really all about the generous combo plates here. The grilled tuna salad pairs fresh greens with perfectly seared fish, while other options feature hearty falafel and vibrant vegetable stews.
The desserts are memorable and delicious too—we like the baklava with honey syrup that’s sweet, slightly floral, and has a hint of cinnamon to balance the rich layers of phyllo and nuts. Eat in the cozy space (it’s table service) or take your order to-go and enjoy shamelessly (and comfortably) at home.
Kabob Time Mediterranean Halal Food Truck
$ | (614) 556-6202 | WEBSITE
This campus institution is known for its huge portions, which makes sense, since the owner arguably perfected the formula for late-night eats. It also happens to be a favorite spot for students, which for us, is reason enough to grab a meal here. Unsurprisingly, the regulars know what they’re talking about: while any gyro on the menu is a solid choice, go with the classic version that’s juicy, slightly charred, and also comes wrapped in warm fluffy pita.
Sip a soda, and try not to get any tzatziki on your clothes.
Food Hamati
$ | (614) 659-7713 | WEBSITE
Since this is Dublin and you’re surrounded by chain restaurants at every turn, you don’t have to settle for generic fare to get your Middle Eastern fix. Case in point: Food Hamati, a family-friendly spot tucked into a renovated storefront that’s perfect for a casual dinner. But what to choose? The tender chicken kabob platter with fluffy rice and grilled vegetables, or the generously stuffed meat shawarma wrapped in warm pita?
You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but if you’re feeling indecisive, get the creamy hummus appetizer: chickpeas are blended with just the right amount of tahini and a squeeze of lemon, creating a smooth, garlicky dip that’s perfect for tearing off pieces of fresh pita bread. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with a sweet mint tea (for newcomers, that’s traditional Middle Eastern hospitality), or even a simple glass of ice water.
After ordering, settle into one of the basic yet welcoming booths and watch as your hot meal arrives promptly from the kitchen.
Cafe Istanbul Dublin
$$ | (614) 792-9190 | WEBSITE
Cafe Istanbul Dublin wants to be the Mediterranean spot you’d find on vacation—sprawling patio with long wooden tables, friendly servers who remember your name, and unpretentious vibes (think relaxed dinners that stretch for hours). But they don’t just serve your average kebabs, hence the standout dishes like the perfectly grilled lamb chops and the shrimp with authentic Turkish spices.
Order a full meal or share small plates, and don’t overlook the fresh, fluffy, herby, and overall phenomenal bread served with oil. Also, try one of their Turkish specialties, like the popular falafel or the stuffed grape leaves—they pair perfectly with the scenic river views, especially in the fall. Don’t leave without trying the desserts that remind you of being in Turkey.
Olive & Lime Cafe
$ | (614) 826-3020 | WEBSITE
This Dublin spot isn’t as bustling and boisterous as somewhere in Athens or Istanbul, but Olive & Lime Cafe still does the Mediterranean tradition justice. You won’t need to order much more than the spicy hummus and a few other shareable things, like the outstanding beef and lamb kafta platter, to feel satisfied. And the clean, welcoming interior—with its larger-than-expected seating—is a great place to enjoy a family meal or simply relax after placing your order at the counter.