Best Coastal Mediterranean Restaurants in Dallas: Breezy, Olive-Oil Drenched, Seaside Serenity

Feb 12

3 min read

Outdoor restaurant with grilled octopus dish, lemons, and lemonade. Blue and white decor. Dallas skyline. Text: Best Coastal Mediterranean Restaurants in Dallas. — Explore the best coastal Mediterranean restaurants in Dallas, featuring delightful dishes and stunning skyline views.

Dallas’ coastal Mediterranean dining scene brings the sun-soaked flavors of the Aegean, Adriatic, and North African shores right to the heart of Texas. Imagine savoring grilled octopus drizzled with lemon-infused olive oil, or indulging in a saffron-kissed seafood stew that perfectly captures the essence of coastal cuisine. With airy patios adorned with azure tiles and decor that echoes both Greek taverna vibes and Moroccan seaside charm, these restaurants offer a breezy escape from the everyday. This guide celebrates the Best Coastal Mediterranean Restaurants in Dallas, showcasing must-visit destinations where fresh, vibrant dishes meet innovative culinary artistry. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed meal under the sun or an elegant evening inspired by coastal traditions, these dining spots promise an unforgettable taste of the Mediterranean along with Texas-sized hospitality.

Dallas’ Top Picks: Best Coastal Mediterranean Restaurants in Dallas – Your Guide to Seaside Charm

1. Medina Oven & Bar

A platter of pita bread, olives, and four colorful dips, arranged on a white plate with herbs, set on a wooden table.

Specialty: Shrimp Couscous and Goat Cheese Cigars wrapped in phyllo.
Highlights: Nestled in Victory Park, this Moroccan-Mediterranean gem features a communal oven imported from Morocco and jewel-toned decor reminiscent of a Marrakech market. The outdoor patio, draped in lantern light, pairs perfectly with citrus-marinated seafood and merguez lamb sausage.
Location: 2304 Victory Park Ln, Dallas, TX

2. Ephesus Mediterranean Grill

An array of Mediterranean dishes on a white wooden table, featuring grilled meat, rice, salads, and tea, creating a colorful, inviting spread.

Specialty: Hunkar Begendi (lamb simmered in red sauce over smoked eggplant purée) and Seafood Family Platter.
Highlights: A halal-certified standout offering Turkish and Greek coastal classics. The Feta Rolls and Zucchini Pancakes are ideal starters, while the sprawling platters evoke the communal spirit of Mediterranean seaside feasts.
Location: 10455 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX

3. Café Izmir

A bowl of rice topped with grilled meat, red tomatoes, green peppers, and yogurt sauce. The background is a soft blue.

Specialty: Pomegranate Shrimp and Saffron Chicken Kabobs.
Highlights: A Lower Greenville institution with live Spanish guitar music and a lantern-lit patio. The menu blends Persian and Greek influences, featuring dolmas, grilled lamb chops, and garlic-free hummus for romantic date nights.
Location: 3711 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX

4. Baboush

Grilled steak topped with sauce and sesame seeds on colorful plate, garnished with greens and grilled vegetables, red background.

Specialty: Apricot Lamb Tagine and Moroccan Seafood Bastilla.
Highlights: Uptown’s answer to a Marrakech bazaar, Baboush dazzles with mezze platters, harissa-spiced dishes, and belly dancing nights. The airy dining room and happy hour cocktails evoke coastal Moroccan elegance.
Location: 3636 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX

5. Avra Estiatorio

Hand holding a glass plate of assorted sushi, featuring salmon, tuna, and condiments. Bright setting, appetizing and colorful display.

Specialty: Spanakopita and Grilled Octopus with Santorini fava puree.
Highlights: Opening in 2025, this upscale Greek import from New York will occupy a glass-enclosed conservatory in Uptown’s The Crescent. Expect fresh sashimi, halloumi, and Avra Chips (crispy zucchini and eggplant).
Location: 300 Crescent Ct, Dallas, TX

6. Élephante

Hands reach for a vibrant dish of assorted Asian appetizers with chopsticks and fingers. Garnished with orchids on a dark table.

Specialty: Whipped Eggplant Dip and Wood-Fired Seafood.
Highlights: Slated for a Fall 2025 debut, this coastal Italian-Mediterranean hybrid from Santa Monica will feature breezy rooftop dining, family-style seafood dishes, and cocktails inspired by the Amalfi Coast.
Location: 2323 Cedar Springs Rd, Dallas, TX

Must-Try Dishes

Seafood Stars: Medina’s Shrimp Couscous, Café Izmir’s Pomegranate Shrimp.
Lamb Specialties: Ephesus’ Hunkar Begendi, Baboush’s Apricot Lamb Tagine.
Vegetarian Delights: Avra’s Spanakopita, Baboush’s Spicy Hummus.
Sweet Endings: Ephesus’ Kazandibi (Turkish flan), Café Izmir’s Baklava.

Dining Experiences for Every Mood

Upscale & Romantic

Avra Estiatorio: Glass conservatory dining with Greek wines and sashimi.
Café Izmir: Lantern-lit patio and live music for intimate evenings.

Casual & Communal

Ephesus Mediterranean Grill: Family-style platters and halal-friendly feasts .
Élephante: Rooftop seafood spreads with California-Mediterranean fusion .

Thematic & Vibrant

Medina Oven & Bar: Moroccan market vibes and imported clay ovens .
Baboush: Belly dancing nights and mezze under hanging lanterns .

Why Coastal Mediterranean Cuisine Thrives in Dallas

Dallas’ love for coastal Mediterranean fare stems from its diverse immigrant communities and emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Restaurants like Baboush and Café Izmir honor ancestral recipes with locally sourced herbs and Gulf seafood, while newcomers like Avra and Élephante elevate the scene with luxe, globally inspired concepts . The city’s warm climate and patio culture also mirror the alfresco dining traditions of Mediterranean coasts, making dishes like grilled octopus and lemon-drenched salads feel right at home.

Explore More Mediterranean Flavors

Ziziki’s: Greek classics like Moussaka and Grilled Lamb Chops .
Sachet: Modern small plates like Lamb Kefta and Harissa-Roasted Carrots .