Tennessee might be famous for hot chicken and barbecue, but a growing number of Mediterranean restaurants across the state are serving up bold flavors that deserve just as much attention. From Nashville to small towns like Lebanon and Maryville, these spots bring authentic tastes from Greece, Palestine, Egypt, and beyond right to your table.
Whether you’re craving perfectly seasoned shawarma, fresh-baked pita, or rich baba ghanoush, these 12 restaurants prove that Mediterranean cuisine has found a delicious home in the Volunteer State.
1. Jerusalem Reebar Restaurant — Nashville
Walking into this Nashville gem feels like stepping into a family kitchen where recipes have been passed down through generations. Jerusalem Reebar Restaurant brings Palestinian cooking traditions to Music City with dishes that honor authentic flavors without cutting corners. The family behind this spot didn’t just open a restaurant—they created a space where their heritage shines through every plate.
Shawarma here isn’t just meat on a spit. It’s marinated with a blend of spices that makes each bite savory and satisfying, wrapped in warm pita that’s soft enough to fold but sturdy enough to hold all the fillings. Falafel comes out golden and crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, with just the right amount of herbs mixed in.
Pair it with their baba ghanoush, which has that smoky eggplant flavor balanced perfectly with tahini and lemon.
Mixed grill plates are where you get to try a little bit of everything—juicy chicken, tender lamb, and perfectly charred vegetables all on one platter. The portions are generous, so come hungry or plan to take leftovers home. Everything tastes fresh, like it was made with care rather than rushed out of a kitchen.
What makes this place stand out is how welcoming it feels. You’re not just another customer—you’re a guest in their space. The staff takes time to explain dishes if you’re unfamiliar with Palestinian cuisine, and they genuinely want you to enjoy your meal.
It’s the kind of restaurant that makes you want to come back and try something new each time.
2. ZamZamz Mediterranean Grill — Memphis
Memphis knows good food, and ZamZamz Mediterranean Grill fits right into that tradition with a menu that focuses on freshness above all else. They bake their bread daily, which might sound like a small detail until you taste the difference. That warm, soft pita fresh from the oven changes everything about how a gyro or falafel wrap comes together.
Gyros here are packed with seasoned meat that’s been grilled just right—crispy edges, tender inside, with tzatziki sauce that’s cool and tangy. The falafel has a satisfying crunch when you bite into it, and the inside stays moist and flavorful. These aren’t frozen patties reheated in a microwave; they’re made fresh and you can tell.
Grilled plates let you mix and match proteins with sides like hummus, rice, and salad. Everything on the plate has a purpose, and nothing feels like filler. The flavors are bold without being overwhelming, and the portions make sure you leave satisfied.
If you’re the type who likes to try a little of everything, the combo platters give you that variety without having to order multiple dishes.
What’s nice about ZamZamz is how approachable it is. You don’t need to be a Mediterranean food expert to order here—the menu is straightforward, and the staff can guide you if you’re unsure. It’s casual dining done right, where the focus stays on good food rather than fancy presentation.
3. Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe — Franklin
Franklin’s downtown area has plenty of dining options, but Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe brings something different to the table with its fresh, casual approach to Mediterranean cooking. This isn’t a place where you need reservations or have to dress up—it’s the kind of spot where you can grab lunch between errands or meet friends for a relaxed dinner.
The menu covers all the classics you’d expect from a Mediterranean cafe. Gyros come loaded with your choice of grilled chicken, lamb, or beef, wrapped tight with fresh veggies and tzatziki. Feast platters let you sample multiple items at once, which is perfect if you can’t decide or want to share.
Salads here aren’t boring afterthoughts—they’re loaded with ingredients like feta, olives, cucumbers, and tomatoes, all tossed with dressings that actually have flavor.
What makes Taziki’s work well in Franklin is how it balances quality with convenience. You order at the counter, but the food doesn’t taste like typical fast-casual fare. Everything still feels made with care, and the ingredients taste fresh rather than pre-packaged.
The portions are solid without being overwhelming, so you can finish your meal without needing a nap afterward.
The downtown Franklin location makes it easy to stop in before or after exploring the shops and historic sites nearby. It’s also a good option if you’re looking for something lighter than the usual Southern comfort food that dominates the area. The atmosphere is bright and clean, with a casual vibe that works for solo diners, families, or groups.
Taziki’s proves that Mediterranean food doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. Sometimes simple, fresh, and flavorful is exactly what you need.
4. Pasta & Pita — Columbia
Columbia might not be the first place you’d expect to find authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food, but Pasta & Pita has been serving up traditional flavors in this cozy spot for a while now. The restaurant feels like a hidden gem—the kind of place locals know about but visitors might miss if they’re just passing through town.
The menu covers both Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, giving you options whether you’re in the mood for something familiar or want to try something new. Fresh ingredients are clearly a priority here, and you can taste the difference in dishes that rely on simple, quality components. The pita bread is soft and warm, perfect for scooping up hummus or wrapping around grilled meats and vegetables.
Traditional flavors take center stage without being watered down for a broader audience. If you order something with garlic, you’re getting garlic. If a dish is supposed to have a kick, it delivers.
That authenticity is what keeps people coming back, especially those who’ve traveled to the Mediterranean and want to relive those food memories without leaving Tennessee.
The atmosphere is casual and comfortable, not trying to be anything more than a neighborhood restaurant where you can get a good meal. Service is friendly, and the staff seems genuinely happy to explain dishes or make recommendations if you’re unsure what to order. It’s the kind of place where you feel welcome whether you’re a regular or a first-timer.
5. Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe — Jackson
Jackson’s Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe brings the same fresh, approachable Mediterranean menu to West Tennessee that has made the chain popular across the region. This location fits right into Jackson’s growing restaurant scene, offering something lighter and more varied than the typical meat-and-three joints that dominate the area.
The menu here mirrors what you’ll find at other Taziki’s locations, which is actually a good thing if you know what to expect. Gyros, grilled plates, and fresh salads make up the core offerings, all prepared with ingredients that taste like they haven’t been sitting around for days. The grilled chicken is seasoned well and stays moist, the lamb has that rich flavor without being greasy, and the vegetables actually have some crunch to them.
One of the best things about Taziki’s is how customizable everything is. You can build your meal around what you’re actually craving—lighter options like salads and wraps if you want something quick, or heartier feast platters if you’re really hungry. The sides are solid too, with options like basmati rice, roasted vegetables, and pasta salad that complement the main dishes without being boring filler.
The Jackson location has a casual, modern vibe that works for lunch meetings, family dinners, or just grabbing something to eat when you’re out running errands. Service is usually quick, which is helpful if you’re on a time crunch but still want something better than a drive-through burger.
6. Babylon Restaurant — Johnson City
Johnson City’s Babylon Restaurant brings Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors to the Tri-Cities area with a menu that goes beyond the basics. This spot has built a reputation for serving food that feels authentic rather than Americanized, which isn’t always easy to find in smaller Tennessee cities.
The restaurant’s approach focuses on traditional cooking methods and spice blends that give dishes their distinctive character. Grilled meats come out tender and well-seasoned, with char marks that add flavor without drying things out. Rice dishes are fluffy and fragrant, often cooked with aromatics that make them interesting enough to eat on their own.
Appetizers like hummus, baba ghanoush, and stuffed grape leaves give you a chance to sample different flavors before committing to a main course.
What sets Babylon apart is the attention to detail in preparation. These aren’t shortcuts or pre-made components heated up and plated—dishes taste like someone took time to cook them properly. The lamb is actually tender, the falafel has the right texture, and the sauces have depth beyond just being creamy or spicy.
Small details like fresh herbs, quality olive oil, and homemade pita make a noticeable difference.
The atmosphere is welcoming without being overly formal. You can come in for a casual lunch or bring a group for dinner without feeling out of place either way. The staff knows the menu well and can help navigate options if you’re not familiar with Mediterranean cuisine or have dietary preferences to work around.
7. Murfreesboro Kabob — Murfreesboro
Kabobs done right require proper seasoning, careful grilling, and quality meat—all things Murfreesboro Kabob takes seriously. This local Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurant has built its reputation on grill plates that deliver flavor without relying on heavy sauces to cover up bland meat. When you order kabobs here, you’re getting the real deal.
The menu focuses on what the restaurant does best: grilled meats on skewers, served with rice, vegetables, and traditional sides. Chicken kabobs are juicy and well-marinated, with spices that add complexity without overwhelming the natural flavor of the meat. Beef and lamb options bring richer, more robust flavors, especially when they’re charred just right on the grill.
The vegetables that come alongside aren’t just decoration—they’re grilled with the same care as the meats.
Portions are generous, which makes sense given that this is the kind of food meant to be filling and satisfying. You’re not paying for tiny portions on oversized plates here. The rice is fluffy and seasoned, the salads are fresh, and the pita bread is warm and soft.
Everything on the plate has a purpose, and nothing feels like it’s just there to take up space.
Catering is also a big part of what Murfreesboro Kabob does, which speaks to how well their food holds up when prepared in larger quantities. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting an event, their platters maintain the same quality you’d get dining in.
The restaurant keeps things straightforward—no pretense, just good food cooked properly. For Murfreesboro locals or MTSU students looking for something beyond pizza and burgers, this spot delivers Mediterranean flavors that actually satisfy.
8. The Egyptian Taste Restaurant — Maryville
Finding Egyptian cuisine in Tennessee isn’t easy, which makes The Egyptian Taste Restaurant in Maryville something special. This smaller-town spot brings flavors from Egypt that you won’t find at your typical Mediterranean restaurant, with dishes centered on traditional cooking methods and rich, layered spices that define Egyptian food.
Egyptian cuisine has its own identity separate from other Mediterranean styles, and this restaurant doesn’t try to blend everything together into a generic menu. Dishes here feature ingredients and preparations specific to Egyptian cooking—think slow-cooked stews, spiced rice dishes, and appetizers that showcase the country’s culinary traditions. The flavors are bold and complex, built on spice combinations that have been used in Egyptian kitchens for generations.
The menu might feel unfamiliar if you’re used to Greek or Lebanese food, but that’s part of the appeal. Trying something new is half the fun, and the restaurant does a good job of making dishes approachable even if you’ve never had Egyptian food before. The staff can explain what’s in each dish and help you choose based on your preferences, whether you like things mild or spicy, vegetarian or meat-heavy.
What’s impressive is that this level of authenticity exists in Maryville, a town not typically known for international cuisine. The Egyptian Taste Restaurant fills a niche that didn’t exist before, giving locals and visitors a chance to experience a different side of Mediterranean and North African cooking.
If you’re in the Maryville area and want to try something genuinely different, this restaurant offers an experience you won’t find at chain Mediterranean spots.
9. Taverna On The Green — Cookeville
Cookeville’s Taverna On The Green adds Mediterranean and Greek flavors to a town where dining options often lean heavily Southern. This restaurant brings a different energy to the local food scene, with a menu that covers Greek classics alongside broader Mediterranean dishes that appeal to various tastes.
The Greek influence shows up clearly in dishes like moussaka, spanakopita, and souvlaki, all prepared with attention to traditional flavors. Grilled meats and seafood get the Mediterranean treatment with olive oil, lemon, and herbs that enhance rather than hide the main ingredients. Salads come loaded with feta, olives, and fresh vegetables, dressed simply so the quality of the ingredients shines through.
What makes Taverna On The Green a good fit for this list is how it represents small-town Tennessee restaurants that are expanding dining options beyond the usual chains and barbecue joints. Cookeville isn’t Nashville or Memphis, but that doesn’t mean residents and visitors should have to settle for limited choices. This restaurant proves that quality Mediterranean food can thrive outside the big cities.
The atmosphere leans more upscale than casual, making it a good choice for date nights or special occasions while still being approachable enough for a regular dinner out. The setting is pleasant, and the service typically matches the slightly more refined vibe. You’re not rushing through your meal here—it’s meant to be enjoyed at a comfortable pace.
10. Pyramids Grill — Lebanon
Lebanon’s Pyramids Grill operates from North Castle Heights Avenue with a menu built for both dine-in and delivery, making Mediterranean and Greek food accessible whether you want to eat out or stay home. The restaurant has figured out how to make their dishes travel well, which isn’t always easy with Mediterranean food that relies on fresh ingredients and proper temperatures.
The menu covers the standards you’d expect—gyros, grilled chicken plates, Greek salads, and various combinations that let you mix proteins and sides. What matters is that these dishes maintain their quality whether you’re eating in the restaurant or having them delivered to your door. The gyro meat stays flavorful, the pita doesn’t get soggy, and the vegetables stay crisp enough to be enjoyable rather than wilted.
Delivery-friendly doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or freshness. Pyramids Grill packages food thoughtfully, keeping hot items separate from cold ones and making sure sauces don’t leak all over everything. It’s the kind of attention to detail that makes a difference when you’re eating at home and want the meal to feel like more than just generic takeout.
The location in Lebanon makes it convenient for locals who want Mediterranean food without driving to Nashville or Murfreesboro. It’s also positioned well for travelers heading through the area who want something better than fast food but don’t want to sit down for a full restaurant experience.
Pyramids Grill fills a practical niche—good Mediterranean food that works for your schedule, whether that means eating in, taking out, or having it delivered.
11. Cafe Med — Germantown
Germantown’s Cafe Med brings authentic Mediterranean cuisine to an area known for its more upscale dining scene. This restaurant fits the neighborhood well, offering quality Mediterranean food in a setting that feels a step above your typical casual spot while still being approachable and welcoming.
The menu covers Mediterranean classics with an emphasis on doing them right. Gyros come with properly seasoned meat and fresh toppings, pitas are soft and warm, and chicken shawarma is marinated with spices that give it real flavor. Baba ghanoush has that smoky eggplant taste balanced with tahini and lemon, and it’s served with enough pita to actually enjoy it without running out.
Baklava for dessert is sweet and flaky, with layers of phyllo dough and honey that satisfy without being overly heavy.
What sets Cafe Med apart is the consistency. You can order the same dish multiple times and expect it to taste the same each visit, which sounds simple but isn’t always the case with restaurants. The kitchen clearly has standards they maintain, and the quality doesn’t drop whether you’re there for lunch or dinner, weekday or weekend.
The Germantown location attracts a mix of locals and visitors from surrounding areas who want reliable Mediterranean food in a comfortable setting. The atmosphere is pleasant without being stuffy, and the service is attentive without hovering. It’s the kind of place that works equally well for a casual meal or a slightly more special occasion.
12. Gyro Tabouli — Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro’s Gyro Tabouli keeps things straightforward with a menu focused on Mediterranean staples done well. The name tells you exactly what to expect—gyros and tabouli are front and center, along with other Mediterranean dishes that round out a menu built for both regulars who know what they want and newcomers exploring Mediterranean food for the first time.
Gyros here are solid, with meat that’s been properly seasoned and grilled, wrapped in pita with fresh vegetables and tzatziki sauce. Tabouli salad is bright and fresh, with parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur wheat dressed in lemon and olive oil. It’s the kind of dish that tastes healthy without being boring, and it pairs well with richer menu items if you want some balance on your plate.
The restaurant also offers falafel, hummus, and various combination plates that let you sample multiple items without ordering half the menu. Portions are reasonable—enough to fill you up without leaving you uncomfortably stuffed. The focus stays on fresh ingredients and straightforward preparation rather than trying to reinvent Mediterranean cuisine with fusion twists or unnecessary complications.
What makes Gyro Tabouli work is how it serves the Murfreesboro community, including the large MTSU student population looking for affordable, tasty food that’s different from pizza and burgers. The casual atmosphere and quick service make it easy to grab lunch between classes or stop in for dinner without a big time commitment.