Huntington Beach’s Mediterranean scene often disappoints sun-kissed surfers and locals craving authentic dolmades. But exceptional spots exist beyond the boardwalk. This guide spans from cozy family-run tavernas to modern mezze bars, offering everything from smoky baba ghanoush to flaky spanakopita. For those seeking just gyros, check our Greek guide—but here, we celebrate the full Mediterranean tapestry.
Saffron Grill
$$ | (714) 843-0655 | WEBSITE
Saffron Grill’s portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the koobideh is worth the trip to Huntington Beach even if you’re coming from across town during peak traffic. It’s a cozy restaurant with warm lighting and a family-run feel that makes you feel right at home. Service is friendly, and the grilled dishes, hummus, and stews are satisfying. It’s a great place to gather with loved ones for a comforting meal. Order a sizzling plate of fesenjān and watch as every nearby table follows suit.
The Black Trumpet Bistro Tapas & Wine Bar
$$$ | (714) 842-1122 | WEBSITE
We aren’t including places that just do paella on this list. And The Black Trumpet Bistro also has roasted cauliflower, filet empanadas, lamb shank, black truffle risotto, brussel sprouts with Spanish chorizo, and sausage stuffed mushrooms. But we also won’t lie: we come here for the best lamb and duck paella in Huntington Beach. The lamb is braised until tender and flavorful, but still rich. Their decadent desserts and impeccable service are great too.
The sunset patio views are stunning, yet impressively cozy given how popular the spot gets. If you’re in the mood for a memorable meal, order the black truffle risotto. They’ve got a wine bar too.
Pita Feast
$ | (714) 375-2082 | WEBSITE
Pita Feast’s hummus is so creamy, you could use it to spackle drywall. But then you’d have people scraping your walls all day. So let Pita Feast spread it on their pita bread and enjoy it on a plate like a civilized person. Start with the chicken shawarma first. There are big portions of well-seasoned chicken piled high with fresh vegetables. You can skip the tabouli. The rice holds up as well as your excuses for why you were late to work after driving an hour to get here. Not well.
Dvine Mediterranean Experience
$ | (714) 274-9432 | WEBSITE
There are two Mediterranean spots in Huntington Beach: one near the intersection of Beach and Atlanta, and another just a short walk away. Both are great for kebabs, especially their shawarma chicken. It’s juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. And while kebabs are what Dvine is known for, you should also try their beef kebab and steak kabobs. Plus, there’s a little sauce station where you can add your own garlic sauce, herbs, and extras to whatever you order.
But be very careful with that garlic sauce—it’s so delicious you could probably eat it with a spoon.
Ouzo And Feta
$$ | (714) 951-9216 | WEBSITE
Ouzo And Feta is our favorite Mediterranean spot in Huntington Beach. If you’re coming here really hungry, order the grilled lamb chops. They come with two of everything (salad, pita, tzatziki), as well as a side of those fantastic shrimp skewers. It’s under $35, too. Service is warm and more welcoming than the live Greek music you can enjoy on Friday and Saturday nights in the corner of the dining room. We’ve had better baklava, but save room for dessert.
It’ll go great with their wine recommendations.
Zankou Chicken
$ | (714) 515-8960 | WEBSITE
From morning until night, Zankou Chicken is a standout Mediterranean spot. It opens early to serve Huntington Beach locals generous portions of tender chicken, fantastic falafel, and refreshing tabouli. At lunch, chicken kebabs and beef shawarma fly from the kitchen on bustling trays. These are all excellent, but if you want to convince someone that Orange County lacks great Mediterranean food, order the mouth-watering chicken with that signature garlic sauce and delicious hummus.
The restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families or solo diners, and our top choice for Mediterranean food in the area.
The Fresh Green Olive HB
$ | (657) 329-0439 | WEBSITE
The Fresh Green Olive HB doesn’t just stand out because of its aggressively green décor, but also because of the good chicken kabobs and mixed grilled plates, which are hard to find in Huntington Beach. Their mixed grilled plate is generously loaded with tender beef and well-seasoned chicken. It’s flavorful, savory, and we’d happily inhale three of them if they weren’t $24.
There’s usually soft music in the background on weekends from 7-9pm, but during the week, expect the sizzle of your skewers to be the loudest thing in the restaurant (second to the green walls, of course).
Kebab Planet – Huntington Beach
$ | (657) 244-8168 | WEBSITE
Kebab Planet’s massive, flavorful portions are unlike any other Mediterranean spot in Huntington Beach. If you’re not excited about generous, meat-focused meals (even when they’re a bit messy), this isn’t your spot. The menu stays consistent, making it easy to pick favorites. Fortunately, their two biggest draws—the classic beef doner with feta and the Doner Box with fries—have remained staples. The excellent doner might vary in sauce, but it’ll likely come loaded with extra meat.
Pretty much everything here comes with some variation of fresh, house-made sauces, which can make for a satisfying meal. So order wisely, or just come for a quick snack. The pickled cabbage and meat-and-salad options have never let us down.
Olive Pit Grill – Huntington Beach
$$ | (714) 316-5000 | WEBSITE
This Mediterranean spot in Huntington Beach is popular. And we see why. The moussaka is rich, portions are generous, and their roasted artichoke is delicious. But popularity comes with a price. You might wait 20 minutes for a table on a weekend, 15 minutes for water, and an eternity for the check. At least the kebabs are good and (unlike everything else) arrive on time. Most of the seating is inside, surrounded by warm lighting and wooden chairs.
It’s a clean and inviting setting for a casual January lunch with friends who aren’t in a hurry and appreciate well-seasoned rice with tzatziki.
Coach’s Mediterranean Grill
$$ | (714) 969-2233 | WEBSITE
This isn’t just a restaurant. But a meal at Coach’s Mediterranean Grill feels like stepping into a Mediterranean home. It’s culinary delight, in the most genuine way possible: tender lamb gyros and flavorful chicken shish kebabs next to a menu featuring lobster ravioli. The owner’s hospitality is the most memorable part. There’s an authentic warmth from staff like CJ and Jonny. Prioritize the lamb and beef gyros and the filet mignon.
Also, keep your appetite ready for calamari and combo kabobs in a space where you can watch Coach himself warmly engaging with customers. Go on a weekend evening, when the relaxing ambiance is guaranteed to be there. And bring your appetite.