Towson’s ‘Mediterranean’ scene is as diverse as the 2,500-mile coastline it represents—from Spanish tapas to Lebanese mezze. Forget vague group chat debates. Here are 16 spots where the term earns its deliciously broad meaning, one plate at a time.
Savory Grille
$ | (443) 296-5035 | WEBSITE
At some point during a meal here everyone experiences what we call “The Savory Grille Moment”—the inevitable realization that this place’s Mediterranean comfort food is absolutely satisfying. The crispy, perfectly seasoned catfish might be the source of the epiphany. Or it could be the flavorful chicken cheesesteak. Perhaps the wings will be the culprit. Their $12 cheesesteak is just that good.
And with a clean, well-maintained space that works equally well for a quick solo lunch as it does for a casual dinner with friends, any reason to visit Savory Grille is the best one.
KM Island Cuisine Restaurant
$ | (443) 478-8817 | WEBSITE
KM Island Cuisine occupies a cozy storefront that feels like a place you might grab a quick bite during a busy workday in Towson. But you should take a moment to settle in—the Jamaican food on the compact menu deserves your full attention. Everything is made with care, from the fresh Ginger Pineapple drink that starts your meal to the well-seasoned Curry Chicken served with generous portions.
The tender Jerk Chicken pairs wonderfully with its spicy marinade, and the flaky Jerk Chicken Patty will make you wonder, Why don’t I eat more patties? And because the staff is so kind and friendly, there’s no excuse for you not to visit during the workweek.
Halal Boys Towson
$ | (410) 570-7554 | WEBSITE
This Mediterranean spot in Towson has layers. Halal Boys Towson’s lively, no-frills atmosphere is perfect for a quick lunch when you want to pair their popular lamb over rice with a crisp salad and that addictive white sauce. But it’s also ideal when you’re running errands and need a convenient, filling meal that won’t break the bank (shoutout to all you value-seeking legends).
Their juicy, well-seasoned chicken over buttery rice with that tangy, smooth white sauce is excellent—and is the fuel you need to power through the rest of your day. The friendly owner and staff provide that royal treatment that keeps you coming back, even with the cash-only policy.
Ouzo Bay
$$$ | (443) 708-5818 | WEBSITE
Ouzo Bay often comes up in conversations about where to eat if you find yourself in Towson for a business meeting or family celebration. But even if you’re not marking a special occasion, Ouzo Bay’s excellent Mediterranean dishes like beautifully presented grilled octopus, remarkable lamb spaghetti, and sublime raisin bread make it worth a visit.
It’s a great spot for a dinner with associates, a solo bite at the bar, or a weekend meal when you want to swap ordinary fare for delightful sea bass or creative chicken kebab.
Yomna’s Halal Cart
$ | (443) 824-2134 | WEBSITE
Despite its name, resist the urge to only get the chicken over rice at this Baltimore cart—there are plenty of other Mediterranean specialties that deserve a spot in your takeout container. The lamb gyros are an excellent wrap of tender meat, fresh vegetables, and tangy sauce that only gets better once the side of creamy dill sauce joins the party.
The falafel over rice is a must-order as well, because there aren’t many carts in the area to get these perfectly seasoned chickpea patties and the ones here are delightfully crispy. Whatever you end up ordering, meals never feel rushed—which is great because you’ll want some time to just enjoy sitting at an outdoor table after eating a whole plate of falafel over rice.
The Black Olive
$$$ | (410) 276-7141 | WEBSITE
With a name like The Black Olive, it’s not surprising this Fell’s Point spot has Mediterranean classics like hummus and tzatziki. But hiding among the familiar spreads are standout dishes, like the delicate sardine wrapped in grape leaf and the rich, flavorful lamb meatballs.
The Arctic char is a glorious fish fillet with crispy skin and tender flesh, like a perfectly roasted salmon that found its Mediterranean roots, and their Rockfish and filet mignon have an excellent charred flavor and pair perfectly with the creamy, tangy spreads on cucumbers.
The Black Olive has plenty of room for groups in its rustic wooden dining rooms, so you and some fellow food lovers will have space to tackle the large seafood platter that comes with Arctic char, Rockfish, grilled shrimp, and sardines.
Kabab Villa
$ | (443) 251-5454 | WEBSITE
Kabab Villa has been a Towson favorite for years, so it’s basically a DMV institution. And this compact Mediterranean spot is one of the area’s best places for classic Middle Eastern dishes. The creamy and flavorful chickpeas are one of our favorite takes on the traditional side dish. It’s also the perfect way to kick off a meal of juicy lamb chops, tender chicken kababs, and chicken shawarma wraps that are packed with flavor.
Though the simple setup, clean space, and efficient service don’t totally make you forget you’re in a strip mall, it’s probably enough to charm you into coming back for more of those large portions at good prices.
The Kabul Fresh Grill
$ | (667) 212-3303 | WEBSITE
This Towson spot is one of the best places for Afghan food in Maryland. Juicy chicken kebabs loaded with flavor are tender and savory perfection. Crispy-edged Afghan burgers or chicken over rice infused with aromatic spices and full of wonderful taste are both so delicious that a single bite could instantly put a bad day on pause.
The servings are generous and the simple take-out space near the parking garage doesn’t get too busy, so it’s great for a spontaneous meal with friends that includes some of Kabul’s delicious affordable cuisine.
Ouzo Beach
Ouzo Beach is a Greek-influenced Mediterranean spot in Towson that could be somewhere in Miami. This lively restaurant is all cool vibes and stunning water views, and when the sun sets over the patio, sipping a signature cocktail can feel like a day on the beach. The diverse menu has plenty of options like light bites and grilled dishes, but the standouts are anything involving the grilled calamari, the tender octopus, or the fantastic dip trio with its perfect textures.
Most people come for the vibrant atmosphere, but it’s worth the wait for a table—the sweet and flaky baklava can help you end on a high note.
Sip & Bite
$ | (410) 675-7077 | WEBSITE
Like that classic comfort food you could eat a thousand times and never tire of, Sip & Bite is one of the most reliable spots in Towson. The food at this cozy Mediterranean diner always makes us happy—particularly staples like the pricey but standout crab balls, and the sweet potato pancakes with fruit and whipped cream. The small dining room feels a little bit like eating in your favorite aunt’s kitchen, so expect to be sitting comfortably with regulars.
But those regulars are having a wonderful meal, which means this welcoming place is consistently enjoyable whether you’re here for a quick breakfast, or on a lazy Sunday with the person you share the newspaper with.
Cypriana
$$ | (410) 837-7482 | WEBSITE
Whether you’re craving the Mezze Madness prix fixe menu or just want to order a single lamb chop, there’s no wrong choice at this cozy family-owned spot in Towson. Every bite of the grilled Haloumi cheese and sesame roasted feta is perfectly balanced and flavorful, while the galaktoboureko is baked to a golden crisp that could inspire its own paint swatch.
Though the Sunday evening street food menu is a testament to Cypriana’s value-driven offerings, we’re big fans of grabbing a table when the owner makes rounds and just savoring the experience right there.
Jordanian Halal Food Truck
$ | (443) 432-9232 | WEBSITE
Towson locals and Baltimore visitors have been flocking to this Jordanian-owned food truck for their Chicken over Rice for years. And for good reason, the seasoned chicken has a perfect savory crust, tender interior, and gets plenty of aromatic warmth from spices that clearly know their craft. But it’s also worth trying dishes that showcase authentic Middle Eastern flavors, like the mixed chicken and lamb with rice, both of which get a generous drizzle of their spicy sauce.
They consistently deliver generous portions at very reasonable prices—around $11—often with enough for leftovers the next day. Nicole and Muhammad always make time for customers with genuine kindness, making the experience feel like visiting family. For fresh, great-tasting meals when you’re too tired or busy to cook, this friendly family business is the go-to spot.
Ammoora
$$$ | (410) 872-6600 | WEBSITE
Ammoora offers a dining experience marked by beautiful decor, knowledgeable and attentive staff, and well-prepared food and beverages. The menu showcases culinary artistry with dishes reminiscent of high-end Middle Eastern home cooking, including perfectly seasoned lamb kebabs and vibrant mezze platters. The space feels luxurious yet inviting, with warm lighting and elegant textiles that create an incredible atmosphere ideal for celebrating special occasions.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger over dinner, especially when paired with their excellent service and carefully crafted beverages. Ammoora provides an authentic experience that keeps guests returning to this Baltimore gem.
Costiera
$$ | (443) 438-4363 | WEBSITE
Buzzy, has delicious food, and is fairly easy to get in—finding a restaurant that falls in the center of this triple Venn diagram is no easy feat. Enter Costiera. Somehow, despite how good the food is and how busy this place seems to be all of the time, it’s actually pretty easy to snag a reservation at a reasonable dinner time even if it’s the week of.
The menu has appetizers like the must-order pumpkin pasta (creamy and savory with a hint of spice), entrees like swordfish meatballs in a bright lemon sauce, and a very tasty chicken paella. They also have a bright and airy interior with unique flatware, which is exactly where we want to spend an evening eating some ricotta doughnuts.
Twist Fells Point
$$ | (410) 522-4000 | WEBSITE
Twist Fells Point has been a local favorite since before it even hit those “best of” lists, which isn’t that surprising considering this Fells Point spot offers genuine Mediterranean hospitality in one of the most charming neighborhoods in Towson. But this beloved place is also a great Mediterranean-American restaurant. The steak salad is what a perfect lunch would taste like if it made a wish to become a salad.
Their Mediterranean chicken panini full of seasoned chicken is perfect for sharing, and they have an incredible line-up of pastas like the shrimp linguini. And despite the place being always cozy, you’ll be seated in a timely fashion, have a relaxed dinner with thoughtful servers like Mounsir and Mohamad who bring the check exactly when you’re ready to leave. Which, after meeting the owner’s mother, will be never.
Amman Halal Food
$ | (423) 712-2991 | WEBSITE
For a halal cart tucked outside the Rubenstein child health building, Amman Halal Food has surprisingly good food. The menu with Mediterranean influences has a lot going on, but some of the highlights are the tasty falafel, soft pita, flavorful sauces, and some fantastic lamb over rice. The lamb over rice version is a good choice for something filling and the perfect size to satisfy your cravings after a long day at the hospital.
And if you want to enjoy friendly service without having to wait in some long line, Amman also has quick service—usually about five minutes.