Hong Kong's best Mediterranean restaurants

This Greek taverna comes from the same folks who brought us Ho Lee Fook, Belon and New Punjab Club. Styled as a casual neighbourhood hangout, Artemis & Apollo serves classic Greek dishes, from mezzes such as taramasalata, to grilled meat souvlaki. Another highlight is the charcoal-roasted Steki tou Ilia lamb chops on the bone. The taverna also features an exclusively Greek wine list, as well as an ample selection of ouzo. Another reason to visit? There's a courtyard in the back, making this the perfect spot for a breezy al fresco meal.

The original opened in Quarry Bay in 2018, now with the new opening in Tai Hang — one of the city's hippest districts — Ask for Alonzo comes with more of the same delicious food inspired by the Mediterranean provinces of Italy, in a space that is more open and modern than the original. The shopfront opens up onto the street, not only lending a fitting Mediterranean al fresco vibe, but also allowing the buzz of chatter to drift outward as a lure to passers-by. Inside, the space bears a modern, simple motif; nothing too fancy – in true trattoria style – but sufficiently stylish nonetheless. The menu is similarly straightforward, split into starters, mains, pasta and risotto dishes, desserts and side dishes. 

Aziza's a small, family-run joint that has been bringing delicious and affordable Egyptian and Middle Eastern flavour to Kennedy Town since 2017. Their second and newest location in Sai Ying Pun also has hand painted murals and a menu that includes all the expected Middle Eastern and North African favourites. The hummus is some of the freshest and best we’ve had in a long time, with a healthy dose of garlic satisfying our taste buds. The halloumi is halloumi, in that, halloumi is always good. What we really appreciate is the expert charring that brings out the full buttery, salty flavour of the cheese without making it too rubbery. A thumbs up all round from wallets and stomachs alike. 

Located on the fifth floor of Rosewood Hong Kong, the tapas-inspired gastro market Bayfare Social is opening its doors to groups of patrons looking for a leisurely meal and an aesthetic view to accompany it. Headed by Chef de Cuisine Álvaro Ramos, the vibrant, lively eatery is the perfect place for learning tapas, a bustling social setting inspired by Europe’s vibrant, bustling plazas.  Boasting an extensive array of food and drink for value prices, Bayfare social is the all-in-one venue for quality food at affordable prices Hong Kong rarely offers nowadays.

Launched by the team behind Brazilian-Japanese restaurant Uma Nota, Bedu is a Middle Eastern restaurant and bar inspired by the nomadic Bedouin tribes that wandered across the deserts of North Africa to the rocky sands of the Middle East. Their journey guided by the stars has influenced the rich culinary traditions and cooking methods that have been passed down through generations. The menu features plenty of spice-centric sharing plates as well as cocktails and mocktails crafted from seasonal, exotic produce and botanicals.

This stylish number is a great place to eat and be seen. Israeli chef Asher Goldstein serves sharing plates inspired by the flavours of the Middle East. Expect vibrant mezes, such as the hummus with tender lamb neck ragu, and baked haloumi with pomegranate molasses. To go with the food, the restaurant also features a carefully curated wine list, courtesy of sommelier Simone Sammuri.

An everyday Lebanese canteen located just off the escalator in SoHo, Maison Libanaise is inspired by the cultural renaissance of 1960s Beirut, known as the 'Paris of the Middle East'. The ground floor offers an array of takeaway items while the first floor restaurant offers a dine-in experience with a menu of traditional Lebanese mezze dishes. One of this venue's best (or worst) kept secrets is its killer alfresco rooftop. The rooftop dining space, dubbed La Buvette, offers an escape from the bustle of Central without actually leaving. The grilled lamb dishes and Levantine dips like the baba ghanoush, hummus and labne are on point.

Australian foodies should be well acquainted with the Maloufs. Patriarch Greg is regarded Down Under as the father of modern Lebanese cuisine, taking his skills as far as London to Michelin glory. His nephew Alex oversees K-Town hotspot Catch and has since branched out next door with Mama Malouf, an ode to his mother’s cooking.The 30-seat dining room is elegantly but minimally decorated, featuring touches of 60s Beirut in the form of tile motifs and brick lattice work. The new school-meets-old school vibe is also reflected in the tight, clever menu. The Mama’s Mezza, a platter of silky hummus, lightly smoked and well-seasoned babaganouj, a perfectly balanced cucumber and tarragon labneh and pickled vegetables, is a true taste of Lebanese home.

Using quality ingredients to make rustic Italian fare combined with an unpretentious vibe, on top of budget-friendly pricing, this eatery is becoming the go-to place in Hong Kong. The first three floors of the Hennessy Road commercial building has been reshaped into a bar area and restaurant that serves barbecue ‘asador’ items and other dishes from northern Spain. Bedecked with lush greenery and teal-coloured walls lined with botanical illustrations, the decor at The Optimist seeks to deviate from the stereotypical wrought iron and terracotta tones usually associated with Spanish restaurant design.

Following on from the likes of Ho Lee Fook and Carbone —Black Sheep Restaurants' Osteria Marzia serves coastal Italian cuisine courtesy of chef Luca Marinelli, on the ground floor of The Fleming hotel. Inspired by the colourful and diverse cuisine of the nation’s scenic seaside regions, from Campania through Amalfi and Puglia to Southern Sicily, whose flavours vary along the coast. A menu representing these cooking traditions is proudly served in a lofty dining room, accented with aquamarine blues, teakwood furnishings and a subtle nautical design, reminiscent of a sunny maritime holiday in Italy.

Sharing is caring at Pica Pica, which specialises in Spanish dishes that are designed to be enjoyed family-style. The neighbourhood tapas joint is helmed by chef Edgar Sanuy, formerly of the highly rated BCN restaurant, who excels at adding playful modern touches to classic Spanish dishes. Try the black paella rice as well as the red prawn hotdog with grilled prawn head.

Serving authentic Lebanese cuisine in a comfortable environment with exquisite decoration, visitors to this restaurant can enjoy traditional Lebanese food made with high-quality ingredients, and plenty of signature cocktails and mocktails. Try the signature marinated lamb shank served with herbs sauce ($198), or the chef's special chicken ala tork, a half-chicken stuffed with rice and nuts ($178). Of course, they also offer a wide selection of kebabs grilled on charcoal. In addition to the food and drinks, watch belly dance performances on Thursday nights and live band shows on Fridays and Saturdays.

Time Out Hong Kong in partnership with Shahrazad Lebanese Dining Lounge & Bar