Mediterranean Restaurants in Singapore

A guide to Mediterranean restaurants in Singapore

Mediterranean food comes from the countries around the Mediterranean Sea, from Spain to Lebanon. Mediterranean restaurants in Singapore tend to focus on seafood, olive oil, vegetables and sharing plates. This guide explains what to order, how to choose and where to find similar food in the city.

What is Mediterranean food?

There is no single Mediterranean cuisine. The name covers the cooking of southern Europe, North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean. Still, these kitchens share a few habits:

• Olive oil is the main cooking fat.
• Fish, shellfish and vegetables appear often.
• Herbs such as oregano, thyme, parsley and mint add flavour.
• Bread, grains and beans fill out the meal.
• Small plates are made for sharing.

Regional styles

• Greek: grilled meats, feta cheese, fresh salads and tzatziki, a yoghurt and cucumber dip.
• Spanish: tapas, or small plates, plus paella, a pan-cooked rice dish with seafood or meat.
• Italian: pasta, risotto, cured meats and wood-fired pizza.
• Southern French: herbs, tomatoes, olives and fish stews such as bouillabaisse.
• Eastern Mediterranean and North African: hummus, falafel, flatbreads and slow-cooked tagines.

Where to eat Mediterranean food in Singapore

Lolla is a Mediterranean restaurant in the Marina Bay & CBD area. This part of town has many restaurants within a short walk, so it is easy to fit dinner into a day of sightseeing.

Because the list is short, try these related pages too:

• Greek: Alati is in Marina Bay & CBD, and Blu Kouzina is in Dempsey, Tanglin & Holland. See Greek for more.
• Spanish: Kulto and Basque Kitchen by Aitor are both in Marina Bay & CBD. See Spanish for more.
• Italian: see Italian for pasta, pizza and more.
• Middle Eastern: Artichoke is in Bugis & Kampong Glam, and Fat Prince is in Chinatown & Tanjong Pagar. See Middle Eastern for more.

What to order

• Small plates: order three or four plates for every two people, then add more if you are still hungry.
• Grilled seafood: octopus, prawns and whole fish are common. Ask what is fresh that day.
• Dips and bread: hummus, tzatziki or taramasalata, a fish roe dip, with warm flatbread.
• Rice and grains: paella, risotto or a herb salad with bulgur wheat.
• Dessert: try baklava, a layered pastry with nuts and honey, or a simple olive oil cake.

How to choose and book

• Check the style. "Mediterranean" can mean Spanish, Greek, Italian or Middle Eastern food. Read the menu to see which region leads.
• Ask for counter seats. Some small-plate restaurants have seats facing the kitchen. They are fun for couples who like to watch the chefs.
• Book ahead. Small restaurants fill up on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Mention your diet. Mediterranean menus often have good vegetarian choices. Ask about dishes with pork, shellfish or dairy. See Vegetarian & Vegan for more tips.
• Know rough costs. Dinner with several sharing plates may cost around S$60 to S$150 per person. Prices change, so check menus first.
• Dress neatly. Smart casual clothes suit most sit-down restaurants in the city centre.

FAQs about Mediterranean restaurants in Singapore

What is the difference between Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food?

They overlap. Mediterranean food covers the whole coast of the sea, including Spain, Italy and Greece. Middle Eastern food covers places such as Lebanon, Turkey and Iran, with dishes like hummus, kebabs and flatbreads.

Is Mediterranean food healthy?

It is often light, with olive oil, vegetables, fish and beans. Restaurant dishes can still be rich, so balance fried plates with salads and grilled food.

Is Mediterranean food good for vegetarians?

Usually, yes. Dips, salads, grilled vegetables and grain dishes are common. Check stocks and sauces with staff.

Which area is best for Mediterranean food?

Marina Bay & CBD is a good place to start. The places listed above in this area serve Mediterranean, Greek and Spanish food. Dempsey also has a Greek option.

Do I need to book a Mediterranean restaurant?

Book for weekend dinners. Small sharing-plate restaurants have limited seats.