The Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Denver

For some reason, there has been a lot of chatter about Denver's food scene online - or rather, the perceived lack thereof. As a Colorado native, I will admit that there are pockets of Denver that lack in options and there are a lot of breweries clouding the restaurant scene, but you can find good food in Denver. I've traveled around the United States quite a bit and honestly I think Denver has some great options, even when it comes to Mediterranean cuisine. You just need to know where to look.

Not only am I a foodie, but I am a lover of Mediterranean food - after all, I am half Turkish. The Denver metro area has a lot to offer when it comes to Mediterranean cuisine, whether it's Greek, Turkish, Israeli, Moroccan, or even more European. While the Mile High City doesn't offer as much variety as places like New York City, Los Angeles, or Boston, there are solid places around here that are worth recognizing. Just like with my other articles about various Denver food spots, my advice when it comes to eating anywhere in Denver is to not pigeonhole yourself to Denver proper. Look at the entire metro area and don't be afraid to venture outside the tourist spots.

Cafe Paprika

Location: Aurora (Aurora Hills)

This small spot tucked in a Aurora shopping mall is a great spot if you're looking for Northern African cuisine. Operating since 1993, chefs Abdellah and Chakib have served Moroccan-forward food including bastilla, harrira, salads, shawarma, kebabs, and even tajine.

Chef Zorba's

Location: Denver (Congress Park)

This Greek diner has been operating since 1979 and offers just about everything from all-day breakfast to Greek classics like salads, Mediterranean bowls, falafels, spanakopita, gyro sandwiches, calamari, kabobs, and moussaka. Top it off with a flaming saganaki cheese and you're all set.

Baghdad Restaurant

Location: Denver (University Hills)

If you're looking for authentic Iraqi flavors, Bagdad Restaurant is the perfect spot for you. With an expansive menu including baba ghanoush, dolma, fattoush, makhlama, shakshuka, kabobs (including kufta), and shawarma, this is an unassuming, small spot is one of the only spots in the Denver metro area offering authentic Iraqi food.

The Athenian Restaurant

Location: Aurora (Kingsborough)

Taking over an old Pizza Hut buffet in 2000, The Stathopoulos family opened this beloved neighborhood spot that serves authentic Greek food. Since opening, the family boasts about their fully made from scratch menu including calamari, saganaki, souvlaki, tiropita, spanakopita, falafels, moussaka, gyros sandwiches, and a variety of Greek-themed platters. The Athenian can be a bit pricey depending on what you get, but you're definitely paying for a friendly experience and great food.

Pete's Kitchen

Location: Denver (Congress Park)

If you've met a Denver local, you've likely met someone who can tell you about Pete's Kitchen. Operated by Pete's Restaurants that includes spots in University Park and Wash Park, this original diner has been operating since the 1940s. From classic breakfast to Greek sandwiches, burgers, souvlaki, kabobs, and sides, you haven't truly seen a Denver staple until you've dined at Pete's.

FelFel Mediterranean

Location: Denver (Hampden South)

FelFel is a Mediterranean spot that boasts all things fresh. Proud to serve healthy food that can also be vegetarian or gluten-free, this spot offers classics like Mediterranean plates, bowls, sandwiches, and salads. You can even get a whole chicken, lentil soup, and a falafel burger. They are even a certified Halal restaurant.

Ultreia

Location: Denver (Union Station)

One of the few Spanish restaurants on the list, Ultreia specializes in Spanish tapas and Portuguese petiscos. Part of the Crafted Concepts restaurant group, this restaurant has been recognizes by the James Beard Foundation including the winner of the Best Chef Southwest in 2013. If you want to enjoy things like an Iberian board, pan con tomate, bacon-wrapped dates, piri piri tartare, Moorish spiced ribs, and Iberico pork, look no further than Ultreia.

Mazevo Mediterranean Eatery

Location: Denver (Berkeley)

Mazevo is a bit of a Mediterranean mish-mash of flavors from locations including Greece, Lebanon, Morocco, and Türkiye. With dishes like labneh, hummus, baba ghanoush, lentil soup, fattoush, falafels, dolma, shakshuka, kebabs, shawarma, and gyros, Mazevo is a great place to get something you love or try something new. You can even get vegetarian or vegan offerings like harissa cauliflower or beet salads.

Ash'Kara

Location: Denver (LoHi)

Receiving recognition from the MICHELIN Guide two years in a row, Ash'Kara fully embraces North African and Middle Eastern flavors. Chef Reginald Dotson brings these vibrant flavors utilizing the restaurants wood-fired oven to bake pita breads to order, along with adding smokiness to proteins and vegetables. With a menu including labneh, hummus, baba ghanoush, saganaki, kofte kebabs, artichoke salads, and tagine, you are sure to find something you want to try. You can even opt for a 3-course MICHELIN menu.

Jerusalem Restaurant

Location: Denver (University)

Nestled in a corner in the heart of The University of Denver's Pioneer campus, Jerusalem Restaurant offers a 24/7 menu featuring Middle Eastern classics. Often touted as the best Middle Eastern food in Denver, this spot was founded in 1978 by Said and Urayb Wahdan, immigrants from Jerusalem. The family has been serving traditional recipes such as fouel, sambusa, kibbeh, lentil soup, saffron rice, kabobs, gyros, shawarma, and a variety of Middle Eastern desserts. The outside may not look like much, but it's one of the best spots in Denver.

Safta

Location: Denver (RiNo)

Nestled into The Source Hotel in the River North Art District, Safta is part of Pomegranate Hospitality led by chef Alon Shaya. It is also considered to be the current winner for the best Mediterranean and Israeli food in Denver. Receiving recommendation from the MICHELIN Guide, the menu includes classics such as hummus, lamb-forward dishes, labneh, tabbouleh, falafels, fattoush, and kabobs. You can even enjoy less common finds like matzo ball soup, borekas, Israeli salad, borekas, latkes, and muhammara. Safta can be pricey, but it's definitely an experience that is unlike other spots in the Denver metro area.

Honorable Mentions:

• Jasmine Syrian Food (Aurora)
• Sahara Mediterranean Restaurant (Greenwood Village)
• Bosphorus (Englewood)
• Istanbul Cafe and Bakery (Denver)
• Shish Kabob Grill (Denver)
• Gyroz (Aurora, Denver)
• Crave Mediterranean (Glendale)
• Phoenician Kabob (Denver)
• Yahya's Mediterranean Grill & Pastries (Denver)
• Sonny's Mediterranean (Denver)
• Ali Baba Grill (Golden)