Since we live in Europe and love the sea, the Mediterranean is where we spend most of our time during our travels. We eat a lot of local food while we’re there—a lot!
The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest diets, and the food is oh-so-delicious. So, we’ve decided to bring out our pictures of the food we ate and make the ultimate shortlist (or long list?) of dishes you must try while visiting the area (or even at your local Mediterranean restaurant.)
Pimientos Padron
Pimientos Padron are small green peppers that are typically fried in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. These bite-sized delights are mostly mild, but every so often, you’ll encounter a spicy one, adding an element of surprise to your meal. They’re a perfect appetizer, especially when enjoyed with a glass of local wine.
Spanish Paella
Spanish Paella is a vibrant dish bursting with flavors and colors, typically cooked in a wide, shallow pan. It’s made with rice, saffron, and a variety of ingredients like seafood, chicken, and vegetables. This iconic Spanish dish is a must-try for anyone visiting the Mediterranean coast.
Mussels Appetizer
Mussels appetizers are a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, often prepared simply to highlight their natural flavor. They are usually steamed in white wine, garlic, and herbs, creating a deliciously fragrant dish. Served with crusty bread (sometimes with rice), they are the perfect start to a seafood feast.
Pot Of Mussels
A pot of mussels is a communal dish, meant to be shared among friends and family. Steamed in a broth of white wine, garlic, and parsley, the mussels open up to reveal tender, flavorful meat. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that embodies the communal spirit of Mediterranean dining.
Grilled Sardines With Lemon
Grilled sardines with lemon are a popular beachside snack in many Mediterranean countries. The sardines are fresh and simply seasoned, allowing the smoky flavor from the grill to shine through. A squeeze of lemon adds a burst of acidity that perfectly complements the fish.
Canarian Fish And Chips
Canarian Fish and Chips offer a delightful twist on the classic British dish. The fish, often locally caught, is lightly battered and fried to crispy perfection. Paired with chunky fries and a tangy mojo sauce, it’s a comforting and delicious meal.
Grilled Sardines
Grilled sardines are a staple of Mediterranean seaside dining, enjoyed for their simplicity and flavor. The sardines are typically seasoned with olive oil and salt before being cooked on an open grill. Their smoky, rich taste is enhanced with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Shrimp Tapas
Shrimp Tapas are a delightful and versatile part of Mediterranean cuisine, served in countless variations. Whether grilled, sautéed in garlic, or served cold in a salad, the shrimp are always fresh and flavorful. These small plates are perfect for sharing and pair wonderfully with a cold glass of local beer.
Pork Medallions
Pork medallions are tender and juicy, often served with a variety of sauces and sides. These succulent pieces of pork are typically grilled or pan-seared, locking in their natural juices. They make for a hearty main course that is both satisfying and flavorful.
Frappes And Cocktails
Frappes and cocktails are essential for cooling off in the Mediterranean heat. A frappe, with its creamy coffee flavor and icy texture, is perfect for a mid-afternoon refreshment. Cocktails, often made with local spirits and fresh fruits, are ideal for sipping while watching the sunset over the sea.
Fried Seafood And Mussels
Fried seafood and mussels bring the bounty of the sea straight to your plate in the most delicious way. Lightly battered and fried until golden, the seafood remains tender and flavorful inside. This dish is perfect for sharing and pairs excellently with a cold, crisp white wine.
Tuna Steak
Tuna steak is a delicacy in Mediterranean cuisine, known for its rich flavor and firm texture. Typically seared on the outside and rare in the middle, it’s served with a variety of sauces and sides. Fresh and flavorful, it’s a must-try for seafood lovers.
Mussels With Lemon
Mussels with lemon is a simple yet delightful dish that highlights the fresh taste of the sea. Steamed until just opened, the mussels are then drizzled with fresh lemon juice. The result is a light, flavorful appetizer that is perfect for any seafood lover.
Fresh Seafood
Fresh seafood is a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine, offering a taste of the ocean’s bounty. From fish to shellfish, the variety and freshness are unparalleled. Whether grilled, fried, or served raw, the seafood is always a highlight of any meal.
Shrimp Saganaki
Shrimp saganaki is a traditional Greek dish that combines fresh seafood with bold flavors. The shrimp are cooked in a rich tomato sauce with feta cheese. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for sharing.
Pancakes With Strawberries
Pancakes with strawberries are a delightful breakfast treat in the Mediterranean. The pancakes are often thinner, more like crepes, and are topped with fresh, sweet strawberries. A drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch.
Paella Snack
A paella snack is a smaller, more portable version of the traditional Spanish dish. These bite-sized portions are perfect for enjoying on the go or as a quick appetizer. Packed with the same rich flavors and ingredients, they offer a taste of Spain in every bite.
Grilled Dorada
Grilled Dorada is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, celebrated for its simplicity and flavor. The fish is often seasoned with just olive oil, salt, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. The result is a tender, flaky Dorada that is both healthy and delicious.
Sardines and Pimiento Padron
If you spend some time in Spain you’ll notice some tapas are more popular than others. It varies by region. Sardines and pimientos padron are very popular on the coast.
Grilled Prawns
Grilled prawns are a quintessential Mediterranean dish, known for their sweet, succulent flavor. They are typically marinated in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before being grilled. Served with a side of lemon wedges, they are perfect for a light and flavorful meal.
Souvlaki Skewers
Souvlaki skewers are a popular Greek and Cypriot street food, consisting of marinated meat grilled on a skewer. Often made with pork, chicken, or lamb, the meat is juicy and full of flavor. Served with pita bread and tzatziki, it’s a delicious and convenient meal.
Baklava
Baklava is a sweet, rich pastry that is synonymous with Mediterranean desserts. Made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey, it’s a sticky, crunchy treat. Each bite is a perfect blend of sweetness and texture, making it a favorite for those with a sweet tooth.
Seafood Platter
A seafood platter is a feast for the senses, offering a variety of the freshest catch. From oysters and clams to shrimp and crab, the platter is often served with lemon wedges and dipping sauces. It’s a perfect way to sample the diverse seafood offerings of the Mediterranean.
Shrimp And Papas Arrugadas
Shrimp and papas arrugadas is a dish that pairs tender shrimp with Canarian-style wrinkled potatoes. The potatoes are boiled in salty water until they form a wrinkly skin, then served with a spicy mojo sauce. This combination is a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Pork Chop
Pork chops in the Mediterranean are often grilled or pan-seared to perfection. They are typically marinated with herbs, garlic, and olive oil, which infuse the meat with flavor. Served with a side of vegetables or potatoes, they make for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Pinchos
Pinchos are small, flavorful snacks that are perfect for sharing. These bite-sized portions can include everything from grilled fish to cured meats. Pinchos are a great way to sample a variety of flavors and are often enjoyed with a glass of wine or beer.
Frappe
A frappe is a refreshing iced coffee drink that is especially popular in Greece and Cyprus. Made with instant coffee, water, sugar, and milk, it’s shaken until frothy and served over ice. It’s the perfect pick-me-up on a hot Mediterranean day.
Gyros
Gyros are a beloved Greek and Cypriot street food, consisting of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat, usually pork or chicken, is thinly sliced and served in a pita with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce. It’s a flavorful and filling meal that’s perfect for eating on the go.
Meat And Cheese Platter
A meat and cheese platter is a common sight in Mediterranean cuisine, often served as an appetizer or light meal. It typically includes a selection of cured meats, such as prosciutto and salami, and a variety of cheeses. Paired with olives, bread, and wine, it’s a delightful way to start a meal.
Serrano Ham Sandwich
A Serrano ham sandwich is a simple yet delicious treat found in many Mediterranean cafes. The sandwich typically features thinly sliced Serrano ham, a type of dry-cured Spanish ham, on crusty bread. Sometimes it’s enhanced with tomatoes, olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a refreshing and hydrating fruit that’s perfect for the hot Mediterranean climate. Often served chilled, it’s a favorite snack during the summer months. Its sweet, juicy flesh is a delicious way to cool down and enjoy a healthy treat.
Mussels, Fried Fish And Shrimp
A combination of mussels, fried fish, and shrimp offers a delightful taste of the sea. Lightly battered and fried, the seafood remains tender and flavorful. This mixed platter is perfect for sharing and pairs wonderfully with a cold beverage.
Small Fried Fish And Shrimp
Small fried fish and shrimp are popular snacks in Mediterranean beach towns. The fish and shrimp are lightly coated in flour and fried until crispy. Served with a squeeze of lemon, they are a delicious and addictive treat.
Feta and Grilled Apricot Salad
Refreshing salad made with fresh veggies, grilled apricots, and feta cheese. It’s a divine combination for your taste buds–a must-try.
Souvlaki And Greek Salad
Souvlaki and Greek salad is a classic combination that’s both delicious and healthy. The souvlaki skewers are grilled to perfection, while the salad is made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. Drizzled with olive oil and oregano, it’s a meal that captures the essence of Greek cuisine.
Canarian Tapas
Canarian tapas are small dishes that reflect the unique flavors of the Canary Islands. These can include papas arrugadas, spicy chorizo, pimientos padron, and fresh seafood. They are perfect for sampling a variety of tastes in one meal.
Salmon Salad
Salmon salad is a healthy and delicious option often found in Mediterranean menus. The salad typically features fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, olives, and grilled or smoked salmon. Dressed with olive oil and lemon, it’s a light yet satisfying meal.
Seafood Paella
Seafood paella is a must-try dish when visiting the Mediterranean. This rich and flavorful rice dish is cooked with saffron, seafood, and a variety of vegetables. Each bite is a taste of Spain’s culinary tradition, best enjoyed with a glass of sangria.
Fresh Dragon Fruit And Passion Fruit
Fresh dragon fruit and passion fruit are exotic treats often enjoyed in the Mediterranean. The vibrant colors and unique flavors of these fruits make them a delightful snack or dessert. They are not only tasty but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
Mixed Seafood And Fish
A mixed seafood and fish platter offers a variety of tastes and textures from the sea. This dish often includes grilled fish, shrimp, calamari, and mussels. It’s a seafood lover’s dream, providing a delicious way to sample the ocean’s bounty.
Mediterranean Salad
A simple salad in the Mediterranean is a celebration of fresh, local ingredients. Commonly made with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and onions, it’s dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. It’s a light and refreshing dish that pairs well with any meal.
Grilled Shrimp
Grilled shrimp are a favorite in Mediterranean cuisine, known for their sweet and succulent flavor. Marinated in olive oil, garlic, and herbs, they are grilled to perfection. Served with a wedge of lemon, they make for a delicious and healthy meal.
Grilled And Fried Sardines
Grilled and fried sardines are a popular dish along the Mediterranean coast. The sardines are simply seasoned and cooked until crispy, bringing out their natural flavors. They are best enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon and a cold drink.
Tapas
Tapas are small, flavorful dishes that are perfect for sharing. These can range from olives and cheese to more elaborate seafood and meat dishes. Enjoyed with a drink, tapas are a social and delicious way to experience Mediterranean cuisine.
Gelato
Gelato is a creamy and rich ice cream that’s a staple in Mediterranean desserts, especially in Italy. Made with fresh ingredients, it comes in a variety of flavors, from classic chocolate to exotic fruits. It’s a perfect treat to cool down on a hot day.
Portuguese Cod
Portuguese cod, also known as bacalhau, is a beloved dish in Mediterranean cuisine. The cod is often salted and dried, then rehydrated and cooked in various ways, such as baking or grilling. It’s a flavorful and versatile ingredient that’s central to many traditional Portuguese recipes.
Beef Carpaccio
Beef carpaccio is a sophisticated and flavorful appetizer in Mediterranean cuisine. Thinly sliced raw beef is drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice, then topped with arugula and shaved Parmesan. It’s a light and elegant dish that’s perfect for starting a meal.
Lamb Ribs
Lamb ribs are a delicious and hearty dish found in many Mediterranean countries. They are often marinated with herbs and spices, then grilled or roasted to perfection. The result is tender, flavorful meat that’s perfect for a satisfying meal.
Mussels In Wine Sauce
Mussels in wine sauce is a classic Mediterranean dish that highlights the freshness of the seafood. The mussels are steamed in a broth of white wine, garlic, and herbs, creating a fragrant and flavorful sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Mussels With Chips
Mussels with chips, also known as moules-frites, is a popular dish in Mediterranean coastal regions. The mussels are cooked in a savory broth and served with crispy fries on the side. It’s a delightful combination that’s perfect for a casual meal.
Grilled Halloumi
Grilled Halloumi is the staple of Cypriot kitchen. It’s a unique cheese served grilled. Try it with local salads or garlic bread. Also pairs well with watermelon as a refreshing treat.
Shrimp Paella
Shrimp paella is a flavorful and colorful dish that’s a staple in Spanish cuisine. The rice is cooked with saffron and a variety of spices, then mixed with succulent shrimp and vegetables. It’s a festive and satisfying meal that’s perfect for sharing.
Pin and save this article as we keep adding to it as we try more delicious Mediterranean food during our travels!
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