Bergen County may be known for its abundance of Italian restaurants, but it also has numerous Mediterranean restaurants that make you feel as though you’re at a restaurant halfway across the world. I’m very picky when it comes to any time of Mediterranean food because my dad is Greek and famous for his stellar spanakopita. However, because I’m obsessed with Mediterranean food and too lazy to make it myself, I’ve gone on a search to find the best Mediterranean restaurants in Bergen County. After many meals (and many calories) over the years, I’ve finally found my favorite Mediterranean restaurants in Bergen County
1) Mezza
Located in Westwood, NJ, Mezza is the hit destination for tender meat, crumbly pita bread, and creamy hummus. This upscale restaurant provides everything from the Mediterranean Ocean! The flavors are perfectly cultivated to create tasteful masterpieces that melt in your mouth. The pita bread is made daily and cooked to create a crispy exterior with a moist interior. Mezza distributes dishes ranging from spicy to comfort. This restaurant is family friendly and will leave you feeling like you are in the Mediterranean. The décor within the restaurant puts your right in Europe. If you ever have a few dollars to spare and a heavy craving or hummus and pita, check out Mezza in Westwood.
2) Varka
Located in Ramsey, NJ, Varka is the perfect restaurant for a night out. Their upscale ambiance and highly rated Greek food are heavenly. My favorite dish is their Greek spreads, which includes tzatziki, tarama, melitzanosalata, skordalia, and htipiti served with fresh pita bread. I highly recommend going to Varka with a larger group because there are so many great options that are easy to share with friends. Although it can be a little pricy, their food is definitely worth every dime you pay.
3) It’s Greek to Me
It’s Greek to Me has six locations throughout Bergen County: Clifton, Cliffside, Englewood, Fort Lee, Ridgewood, and Westwood. They offer a variety of dishes that are a mix of traditional Greek food, as well as a more Americanized adaption. Their décor accurately represents their cuisine, which is translated through their Greek Island theme with a hint of American culture. The best part about their restaurant is that they deliver, so you can enjoy your meal from the comfort of your couch!
4) Mediterraneo
Mediterraneo is located in the heart of Ridgewood and has some of the best Mediterranean food I’ve ever had. One of the best parts about Mediterraneo is the fact that they strive for authenticity. While many of the other places on this list have leaned towards a Mediterranean fusion style, Mediterraneo keeps it quite traditional. Not only is their food traditional, it is also rated highly by many. Best of Bergen (Fine Dining) rated Mediterraneo the best Mediterranean restaurant in 2017. If you’re ever near Ridgewood I would highly recommend checking this place out!
5) Hummus Elite
I discovered Hummus Elite a few years ago when I went to Englewood for the first time. The restaurant only has a few tables and is family owned. The intimate atmosphere is really nice because it’s never crowded, and everyone who works there is extremely personable. As you can probably guess, most of their dishes involve hummus in some way, and they never fail to live up to my expectations. The New York Times wrote a stellar article about the restaurant and goes into specifics as to how they make their hummus.
6) Juicy Platters
Juicy Platters is a great option if you’re on a budget or with a large group of people. Currently they are located in Fair Lawn and Hackensack, but they are looking to open new locations in the near future! Similar to Chipotle, Juicy Platters lets you choose a base, protein, toppings, and sauce, as well as other sides and drinks. Their flexible menu is great when you and your friends can’t seem to decide where to get lunch because everyone can find something they like.
7) Mazza Falafel
Mazza Falafel is located in Hackensack, NJ. Not only are they available on UberEats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, but this tasty location offers the best bang for your buck. Their falafels are perfectly cooked to a crisp with a soft interior, and the hummus is to die for. This restaurant gives family comfort with high end food. Every meal created here gives a deep sense of the Mediterranean with a nice homey feel. The workers are so gracious, and everyone of them wants you to enjoy your food. When you are in the area come get some hummus and pita, it will satisfy your taste buds.
8) CAVA
CAVA is located in Paramus, NJ. CAVA is also located in many states in the U.S. CAVA is the Chipotle of Greek food. It offers a wide variety of bowls to satisfy everyone tastes. There are vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and many more options for those with dietary restrictions. The environment is clean and comfortable. It is a very casual environment for you and your friends to head to when you have some free time in your day. The food is very affordable and delicious. Whenever you want a quick Greek bite on the go, head to CAVA in Paramus.
Whether you are on the go, want a family, or even a very fancy Mediterranean meal in Bergen County, there is defiantly a place for you. All of the locations above are delicious and have their own spin on your favorite Mediterranean meals. Now stay funky, fresh, and tasty.