The best Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants in Singapore

Tucked away in the lush enclave of Robertson Quay, Ummi Beirut presents a gastronomic experience that is boldly unique without straying far from its roots. Even the dazzling interiors and ever-evolving playlists are designed to mimic the sights and sounds of the energetic souks of Beirut. 

Opening each meal is a repertoire of mezzes, both cold and hot. Try the crunchy hazelnut falafel ($24), spicy lemon-glazed lamb makanek sausages ($28) and the comforting eggplant fatteh ($28). And if you’re in good company of meat-loving folks, the smoked-kissed Butcher’s Mix Grill ($68) guarantees a lavish spread. Those looking to imbibe are treated to a range of Lebanese-inspired tipples ($26) along with some Lebanese winemakers that go by the glass (from $20).

Once you locate Aniba’s clandestine entrance, you’ll be whisked away to an immersive space fitted with a chef’s kitchen and stunning cocktail bar. The kitchen slings out sophisticated Middle Eastern plates with European and Asian flourishes, while the bar shakes up cocktails thoughtfully curated to pair with the dishes. Order the roasted eggplant carpaccio ($29), a savoury mix of tahini, silan, feta cheese, pistachios and rose petals. Have it on its own, or with one of their house-baked breads ($18) like the Jerusalem bagel, kubaneh or focaccia. The pani puri ($12) is a signature here, topped with fresh hamachi sashimi as well as candied mandarin and a yogurt-yuzu foam. But to complete the experience, you have to order the Jaffa Shore-line ($79) which features a plump grilled grouper doused in bouillabaisse and hummus cream.

It's hard to go wrong at Alaturka Mediterranean & Turkish Restaurant. Around since 2005, the restaurant was awarded the Michelin Guide Singapore Bib Gourmand in 2016 to recognise it for bringing the authentic taste of Turkey to Singapore. Sample the Turkish heritage and culture yourself with dishes such as the Meze Tabagi ($35.90), which will immediately introduce you to Alaturka's specialities of hummus, babaganoush, saksuka (eggplant ragout), yumurta salata (egg salad), ezme (mashed tomato salad) and havoc salata (grated carrots in garlic yoghurt). Get the popular Ispanaklı Pide ($24.90) for a spinach and cheese combination and the Alaturka Platter for all the best grilled meats in the house. 

Charcoal-grilled kebabs and mezzes are the star at Shabestan, which has been reliably serving authentic Persian and Middle Eastern cuisine since 2013. Start your meal with the Appetiser Platter ($48) for the chef's selection of five appetisers; or the Mirza Ghassemi ($26) for the traditional Iranian appetiser of grilled aubergine, distinct to the Northern Iran and Caspian Sea region. Meat lovers should jump on the Lamb Kubideh ($42) or Shah Pasand Chicken ($42), a special recipe from the Gulf for tender boneless chicken breast marinated in saffron and Persian herbs. Persian cuisine has always been famous for its rich stews, and Shabestan offers a hearty variety, with chef specials being the Lamb Khoresht-E-Bamieh for lamb cubes and okra in a tomato-garlic sauce.

Founded by Lebanese Master Chef Mohamad Slim, Byblos Grill is inspired by his cross-cultural culinary adventures around the world, and offers separate Lebanese and Turkish menus. A signature is the Byblos Mixed Grilled for a hearty combination of lamb kofta, lahem mashwi (grilled lamb cubes), chicken kofta, shish tawouk (chicken skewers) and lamb chops. Other popular meat options include the Lamb Kofta ($26.90) served with grilled vegetables and lebanese rice, and Byblos Beef Steak ($36.90) with baked potato and vegetables.

Probably not found anywhere else in Singapore is the Lebanese stew, Kibbeh Labhn ($18.90), for marinated minced lamb with pine nuts cooked in fresh tomato and coriander sauce, served with vermicelli rice and salad. There are plenty of vegetarian options too, including the Lebanese Moussaka (from $26.90) with eggplant and chickpeas, and the moreish Borek ($16.90) for filo pastry stuffed with feta cheese.

During the day, Zorba offers a brunch menu with Greek dishes such as shakshuka ($18), a toasted sourdough topped with sous-vide eggs, tomato sauce, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. You can also get honey and sundried tomato chicken sausages to go with the shakshuka for an additional $4.

The evening menu features Greek dishes such as hirines brizoles ($28) and garides saganaki ($26), which is pan-seared red sea prawns with tomato sauce and feta cheese. Do try the 12-hour slow-roasted lamb gyro wrapped in a grilled pita bread complete with feta cheese, cucumber, mango, and lemon and dill yoghurt ($32). The slow roast results in an extremely tender and juicy lamb that pulls apart easily, and the mango and lemon and dill yoghurt introduces a refreshing burst of flavours, elevating the overall dining experience.

Inspired by the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City, Original Sin is Singapore’s first and only Mediterranean and Italian vegetarian restaurant, established in 1997. Get the best of both cuisines with the Mediterranean pizza ($31) which is loaded with feta cheese, olives, spinach, semi-dried tomatoes, and Spanish onion. Or hit your daily fibre quota with the roasted vegetable quinoa salad ($22) – a vibrant medley of pumpkin, beetroot, cauliflower, onions, baby spinach and feta, drizzled with a tart lemon mustard dressing. Other mainstays include the mezze platter ($30) paired with a variety of dips for sharing; as well as the comforting moussaka ($32) featuring layers of baked potato and eggplant layers topped with a béchamel sauce.

Artemis Grill’s seasonal menu is inspired by this diverse Mediterranean heritage, complete with the 100-year old olive tree that the bar circles around. As a cherry on top, this contemporary Mediterranean-inspired rooftop restaurant and sky bar offers sweeping panoramic vistas from its 40th floor location. Start with the burratina with sundried pesto and grilled artichoke ($30) and try other highlights like the Iberico pork loin ($48) with chorizo and white bean cassoulet, or seared tuna steak ($44) with baby romaine. Retreat to the breezy rooftop bar after dinner to take in the stunning view of the city's skyline while sipping on a drink or two.

Arabian cuisine with a contemporary twist is the focus here, inspired by the concept of ‘karam’ or the spirit of generosity in Arab culture. Fittingly, the Karam menu ($75 per person) presents a communal dining experience, including a sharing mezze platter, soup, mains, and dessert. 

A dazzling array of nine dishes is served as part of the mezze platter – think cashew hummus and pumpkin walnut baba ganoush among other decadent spreads and sides. And before the mains are rolled out, the Lobster Shorbat Addas is served – a fragrant lobster soup with spices and lentils. Then, feast on the lamb loin skewer, which is flambéed by the table, or the whole Mediterranean Seabass for two, which is deboned, tangerine and sumac-crusted and served with a zingy zaatar yoghurt.

Influenced by Chef Elelimi’s training in Ayurveda, the food at Pistachio Grill is free of artificial or processed ingredients such as food colouring, improvers or premixes. For a taste of the restaurant's best, go for chef specials like the Jordanian Lamb Mansaf, a slow-cooked lamb shoulder with yoghurt (from $165, requires one-day advance pre-order).

For more traditional dishes, the Sultan's Delight (Hünkar Beğendi) features the classic Ottoman dish of tender lamb, cooked in a rich tomato stew, and served with smoky tasting eggplant with cheese (from $42). The dish was said to be requested by Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, when she visited the Topkapi palace in the mid-19th century.