We’ve all been there. You’re craving something fresh and flavorful, but your go-to spot is unexpectedly closed. The good news? Mesa’s Mediterranean scene is thriving with authentic gems that are open and ready to serve. From family-run tavernas to modern mezze bars, here are the 12 spots we’d happily return to any night of the week.
Cafe Azul
$ | (480) 898-8300 | WEBSITE
A casual Mediterranean spot in Mesa, Cafe Azul is conveniently located in a hotel, open until 10:00 pm for late arrivals. The turkey wrap and burger with perfect French fries were delicious, and the breakfast burrito was basic but satisfying, served with salsa. The food is tasty and authentic, though portions could be larger for the price. The staff’s energy was a bit off, but they were helpful and accommodating.
The location is fantastic, accessible through the hotel lobby or parking lot, making it a great spot by the pool to relax, ticking all the boxes for a quick and convenient meal.
The Great Greek Mediterranean – Gilbert, AZ
$ | (480) 680-4578 | WEBSITE
There’s something about The Great Greek Mediterranean’s warm, sun-drenched patio that makes us feel like we’re in an alternate reality where the Arizona heat is always gentle and Greek rice bowls are a routine part of our week. The skewers are the highlight, and the steak skewers from the kids’ meal are undoubtedly our favourite. Yes, the portions have enough hearty goodness in them to make any appetite surrender happily, but it’s a satisfying meal that we’ll never tire of.
We love The Great Greek Mediterranean for a relaxed family dinner after a busy Saturday of errands, although the restaurant is open with friendly staff ready to go the extra mile so you can bring your furry friends whenever you like.
M.V.Pita Mediterranean Grill
$ | (480) 247-9399 | WEBSITE
M.V.Pita Mediterranean Grill is part of the family-owned Greek restaurants in Mesa, but it’s the only Mediterranean grill we know that’s mixing traditional recipes with creative weekly specials, and also with generous portions. The menu still features remarkable lentil soup, savory hummus with pita and the like, plus you’ll also find Mediterranean style chicken alongside the most valuable pita and delicious baklava.
Given it’s doing phenomenal things, you want to stop by even for a quick lunch break.
Green Corner Restaurant
$ | (480) 835-2313 | WEBSITE
The Mediterranean-powered Greek-influenced spot in Mesa is The Place To Be. With sun-drenched interiors not unlike a cozy Mediterranean courtyard and seating for every kind of situation, it serves its lamb and mixed meat plate goodness to a big, buzzy, and blow-out crowd with consummate ease. Weekends are just like any other day, with lunch served midday until 3pm and dinner from 5:30pm until 10pm.
Princess Pita Mediterranean Restaurant & Catering
$ | (480) 894-1499 | WEBSITE
Princess Pita isn’t just one of the best Mediterranean restaurants in Mesa. It’s one of the best restaurants in Mesa full stop. The corner bistro is where you want to be at this lovely family-owned spot, where the combo plates arrive steaming hot, and a smile will form on your face as you take another bite of pistachio baklava. Come for a solo afternoon break with Turkish coffee, or head to the market section with family to take home desserts and Mediterranean goods.
tacos y huaraches el gordo #1
$ | (602) 581-1178 | WEBSITE
Tacos y huaraches el gordo #1’s menu reads like the top shelf of a taqueria. The Sargent burrito is like ‘heaven’, the quesabirria tacos are notably ‘naked’, and the meats are freshly barbecued daily. But off paper this much-heralded Mexican spot in Mesa is dynamic in different ways. There’s a clean environment and a delightful atmosphere, as well as the counter—and those seats are best used to enjoy the heartier parts of the menu. Chile Relleno, Carne Asada, and the like.
It’s open with Monday thru Thursday specials.
Milano’s Pizzeria
$ | (480) 325-1600 | WEBSITE
Milano’s Pizzeria is a family-friendly spot in Mesa, filled with parents bringing their kids for a fun dinner consisting of excellent make-your-own pizzas, and comforting, hearty spaghetti. Visit on a weekend for some of the best Mediterranean-Italian fusion you can find in Arizona and order plenty from the bar—there’s a reason it’s a highlight.
Pita Jungle – Mesa
$ | (480) 615-7482 | WEBSITE
The food at this Mediterranean spot in Mesa is delicious. Their $12.95 Happy Hour deal featuring the lamb burger with a side of cilantro hummus and a drink is undoubtedly the tastiest deal in town. In every sense of the word. The atmosphere is warm and cozy and makes you want to chat with everyone around you, even on a busy evening.
Pita Jungle – Mesa Red Mountain
$ | (480) 590-6058 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of reasons to visit Pita Jungle – Mesa Red Mountain, but the lavash pizza at this excellent Mediterranean spot in Mesa is the kind of thing you should happily travel across the Valley to get your hands on. From the fresh, generous toppings that cover every crisp piece of crust, to the side of creamy hummus, the pita chips, and the turmeric cauliflower rice that comes with it, it’s moving and memorable stuff.
Flaming Kabob
$ | (480) 813-6555 | WEBSITE
At Flaming Kabob, you can get a generous house tray for four adults for under $40, at lunch or dinner, any day you crave authentic Mediterranean flavors. If that’s not reason enough to head over to Mesa’s East Valley after a day at home or work, then we don’t know what is. But, just in case, we’ll give you some more: the combo for two with hummus, grape leaves, falafel, and kafta.
Pita Jungle – Dana Park
$ | (480) 339-3595 | WEBSITE
From the jalapeño cilantro hummus to the California Beach shawarma wrap, everything at Pita Jungle – Dana Park is something that you’ll want to eat. Again. And again. And again. This casual Mediterranean spot with eclectic décor and a welcoming atmosphere isn’t just a Mesa favorite but an Arizona one. On date nights or girls nights out, it’s open for dinner, and, whether you come in for a light bite or a full meal, you’re going to be ending your day in the best possible way.
Niros House Mediterranean Kitchen
$ | (480) 654-8117 | WEBSITE
Niros House Mediterranean Kitchen serves lunch and dinner daily, and thanks to their commitment to authentic preparation, the Mediterranean food is even better than you’d expect from a strip-mall spot. You’ve got a flavorful chicken schwarma wrap with hummus and pita, a generous gyro platter that wouldn’t look out of place at a family feast, and a baklava that’s a very sweet ending to any meal.