Florida’s Best Kept Secret – New Mediterranean Restaurants To Try Now

November 13, 2023November 13, 2023 WHF 11 Views 0 Comments

If you’re a foodie on the hunt for new flavors, Florida’s best-kept secret might just surprise you. It’s the wave of new Mediterranean restaurants that are popping up all over the state, serving mouthwatering dishes that are both healthy and delicious.

This article is about unveiling Florida’s hidden culinary gems, focusing on the fresh and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Known for its healthy ingredients like olive oil, fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, Mediterranean cuisine has been gaining popularity not just for its health benefits, but also for its rich and diverse flavors.

From Miami to Orlando, from Tampa Bay to Jacksonville, new Mediterranean eateries are adding a dash of exotic taste to Florida’s already diverse food scene. So, get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey as we explore these newly opened restaurants that are bringing the authentic tastes of the Mediterranean right to our sunny state.

The Allure of Mediterranean Cuisine

Mediterranean cuisine has always been synonymous with a vibrant mix of flavors, fresh ingredients, and an array of health benefits. It is not just a type of food; it’s a lifestyle that promotes overall wellness and longevity.

Understanding the Health Benefits and Unique Flavors of Mediterranean Food

As the Mayo Clinic explains, the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest eating habits globally. It is rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, which are all key components of a balanced diet:

Lean Proteins: Mediterranean cuisine is known for its use of lean meats like fish and chicken, providing essential proteins without the high saturated fats found in other meat sources.
Fruits and Vegetables: These are staples in Mediterranean dishes, offering a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber for optimal health.
Whole Grains: Whole grains are used extensively in Mediterranean cooking, supplying the body with necessary complex carbohydrates and fiber.
Healthy Fats: Olive oil, a mainstay in Mediterranean cuisine, is a source of monounsaturated fats, known to reduce levels of harmful cholesterol.

The unique flavors of Mediterranean food come from the use of fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs and spices. It’s a culinary tradition that celebrates simplicity, quality, and the natural taste of each ingredient.

How Mediterranean Cuisine is Broadening Florida’s Food Scene

The introduction of more Mediterranean restaurants is significantly transforming Florida’s food scene. Known for its diverse culinary landscape, Florida is now embracing the healthful and flavorful offerings of the Mediterranean diet. As these restaurants pop up across the state, they bring with them a fresh wave of culinary diversity that Floridians and tourists alike are excited to explore.

Web search results highlight the variety of Mediterranean restaurants now available in the state. From Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine in Orlando, noted for its popularity on TripAdvisor, to Mazza Restaurant in Pembroke Pines, which offers authentic Greek & Lebanese cuisine as mentioned on their website. Additionally, PX Grill in Fort Lauderdale serves quality Mediterranean food, further broadening the culinary scope of the region, as stated on their website.

The state’s food scene has always been a melting pot of various cultures, and the addition of Mediterranean cuisine only enhances its richness. The unique blend of flavors, the health benefits, and the sheer variety of dishes that Mediterranean cuisine offers are attracting more and more people. This growing interest is not just broadening Florida’s food scene – it’s revolutionizing it.

As Mediterranean restaurants continue to flourish, they bring a piece of the Mediterranean lifestyle – one that is centered around good food, health, and community – to sunny Florida.

Spotlight on Newcomers: Exciting New Mediterranean Restaurants

Florida’s food scene is always evolving, and recently, several new Mediterranean restaurants have opened their doors. Each of these restaurants brings something unique to the table, enriching Florida’s food scene with distinctive flavors and dining experiences.

1. Predalina, Tampa

Nestled in the bustling heart of Water Street Tampa, Predalina offers a high-end Mediterranean dining experience that opened its doors in July 2021. The restaurant is elegantly designed, providing an upscale atmosphere that complements its sophisticated menu. Predalina is known for dishes that are both visually appealing and delicious. Here’s what makes Predalina stand out:

Upscale dining experience
Sophisticated menu
Located in a lively area of Tampa (source)

Must-Try Signature Dishes at Predalina

Predalina’s menu, as highlighted by Creative Loafing Tampa, is a reflection of the rich and diverse Mediterranean cuisine. Here are some signature dishes that define this restaurant:

Branzino Fillet: This standout dish is served with a medley of seasonal vegetables. It’s a testament to Predalina’s commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients.
House-made Hummus: A classic Mediterranean staple, Predalina’s hummus is creamy, flavorful, and served with warm, freshly baked bread.

Recommendations for First-Time Visitors at Predalina

For those visiting Predalina for the first time, here are some recommendations that will give you a comprehensive experience of what they offer:

Starters: Begin with their House-made Hummus for a light and flavorful start to your meal.
Main Course: Follow it up with the Branzino Fillet, a true embodiment of Predalina’s sophisticated menu.
Dessert: Finish off your meal with their Pistachio Gelato for a sweet end to your dining experience.

2. Unnamed Restaurant, South Florida

A new Mediterranean restaurant by a ‘Top Chef’ alum has recently opened in South Florida. This restaurant brings a touch of celebrity status to the local food scene. With its roots in Chicago, the restaurant offers a unique blend of Mediterranean cuisine with a twist of Chicago culinary culture. Here’s why this restaurant is special:

Founded by a ‘Top Chef’ alum
Has roots in Chicago
Adds a touch of celebrity status to the local food scene (source)

Must-Try Signature Dishes at the Unnamed Restaurant

As per Eater Miami, this new Mediterranean restaurant in South Florida offers a menu that reflects the rich and diverse flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, infused with Chicago-inspired culinary techniques. Here are some signature dishes that define this restaurant:

Chicago-Style Lamb Ribs: A Mediterranean take on the classic Chicago-style ribs. The lamb ribs are marinated in a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, and slow-cooked to perfection, rendering them tender and flavorful. They’re then glazed with a house-made sauce that adds a sweet and tangy finish, elevating the overall taste.
Mediterranean Flatbread: This house-made flatbread is topped with an array of fresh Mediterranean ingredients such as Kalamata olives, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. It’s baked to a perfect crisp, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Recommendations for First-Time Visitors

For those visiting this unnamed restaurant for the first time, here are some recommendations that will give you a comprehensive experience of what they offer:

Starters: Begin with their Mediterranean Flatbread for a light and flavorful start to your meal. It’s served warm, making it a perfect appetizer to share with the table.
Main Course: Follow it up with the Chicago-Style Lamb Ribs, a true embodiment of the restaurant’s unique culinary fusion. The ribs are served with a side of roasted vegetables and a refreshing tzatziki sauce.
Dessert: Finish off your meal with their Baklava Cheesecake. It’s a fusion of traditional Greek baklava and creamy cheesecake, providing a sweet end to your dining experience.

3. AVA MediterrAegean, Orlando

AVA MediterrAegean is a fine dining restaurant in Orlando & Winter Park that prides itself on offering a multi-sensory dining experience. This restaurant is known for bringing dining experience and pleasure together in a refined and spirited atmosphere that is both modern and comfortable. Here’s what makes AVA stand out:

Offers a multi-sensory dining experience
Known for bringing dining experience and pleasure together in a refined and spirited atmosphere (source)

Must-Try Signature Dishes at AVA MediterrAegean

According to elitetraveler.com and lemonhearted.com, AVA MediterrAegean offers a menu that reflects the rich and diverse flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Here are some signature dishes that define this restaurant:

Moussaka: A traditional Greek dish made with layered eggplant, potato, and minced meat, topped with béchamel sauce and baked to perfection.
Grilled Octopus: This dish showcases the restaurant’s commitment to fresh seafood. The octopus is grilled to a perfect char and served with Kalamata olives, offering a flavorful experience.

Recommendations for First-Time Visitors at AVA MediterrAegean

Based on reviews from Opentable and Tripadvisor, for those visiting AVA MediterrAegean for the first time, here are some recommendations that will give you a comprehensive experience of what they offer:

Starters: Begin with their Grilled Octopus for a light and flavorful start to your meal.
Main Course: Follow it up with the Moussaka, a true embodiment of AVA MediterrAegean’s sophisticated menu.
Dessert: Finish off your meal with their Baklava, a knockout modernized rendition of the traditional phyllo and spiced nut dessert as mentioned in the MICHELIN Guide.

4. Meza, Orlando

Meza Mediterranean Grill serves Orlando with fresh Lebanese cuisine with many vegetarian and vegan options. This restaurant is a great option for those who enjoy healthy, flavorful food. With a menu that features a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, Meza Mediterranean Grill caters to a wide range of dietary preferences. Here’s why Meza is unique:

Fresh Lebanese cuisine
Lots of vegetarian and vegan options
Take out available (source)

Must-Try Signature Dishes at Meza Mediterranean Grill

Based on the search results from various sources including the restaurant’s official website and customer reviews on Yelp, Meza Mediterranean Grill offers a menu that reflects the rich and diverse flavors of Lebanese cuisine. Here are some signature dishes that define this restaurant:

Falafel: This traditional Middle Eastern dish is made from ground chickpeas and spices, deep-fried to perfection, and served with a tangy tahini sauce.
Tabbouleh Salad: A refreshing salad made with finely chopped parsley, tomatoes, mint, onion, and bulgur, and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Recommendations for First-Time Visitors at Meza Mediterranean Grill

Based on recommendations from TripAdvisor, for those visiting Meza Mediterranean Grill for the first time, here are some suggestions:

Starters: Begin with their Falafel for a light and flavorful start to your meal.
Main Course: Follow it up with the Vegetarian Stuffed Grape Leaves, a true testament to Meza Mediterranean Grill’s commitment to cater to various dietary preferences.
Dessert: Finish off your meal with Baklava, a traditional Mediterranean sweet pastry, for a sweet end to your dining experience.

These new establishments are not just additions to Florida’s food scene; they are enhancing it with their unique takes on Mediterranean cuisine. Each restaurant offers a distinct dining experience, adding to the state’s culinary diversity and making the Mediterranean lifestyle more accessible to Floridians.

Embracing the Mediterranean Escapade in Florida

With warm weather and a laid-back lifestyle, Florida is the perfect place to embrace the Mediterranean way of living. These new restaurants offer a taste of the region’s vibrant culture through their food, bringing people together to enjoy good company and great cuisine.

Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience or a casual meal with friends and family, these Mediterranean restaurants in Florida are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you with a memorable culinary experience. So why not spice up your next meal by trying one of these new establishments? You never know, it may become your new favorite dining spot in the Sunshine State. Bon appétit!