6 places to indulge in flavourful and healthy Mediterranean meals
Representative Image. Pic/iStock
The Mediterranean region has been as famous for its food as its beaches. Spread across a number of culturally distinct nations, the cuisine is rich in its use of olive oil, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Owing to its relatively healthier dishes, the Mediterranean diet has been voted the best diet (for overall health) for 2021, as per the U.S. News and World Report's annual ranking. If you are always looking for healthier alternatives, we’ve curated for you a list of 6 places to savour some of the best flavours of this cuisine in the city.
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Comfort food
Olive Bar and Kitchen is among the most popular spots serving Mediterranean food in the city. The restaurant offers a number of salads including the classic Olive Caesar Salad (INR 475). For something heavier, indulge in Ricotta and Goat Cheese Tartine (INR 575), or Mushroom and Corn Baked Phyllo (INR 825). Their range of pastas, from Goat Cheese and Potato Cannelloni (INR 800) to Lamb Bolognese with Fettuccine (INR 1050) is sure to impress all pasta lovers.
AT: 14, Union Park, Near Pali Hill Tourist Hotel, Khar, Mumbai
TIME: Mon-Sun 12- 11:30 PM
CALL: +917208478228
Log onto:www.olivebarandkitchen.com
Favourites
The Daily all Day Mumbai serves multi-cuisine dishes with several Mediterranean favourites. The inspired menu includes varied appetizers, from puff pastry shells (Mediterranean Spiced Lamb, Mushroom, and Leek) to brioche pockets (Veggie, Pork). Top choices for mains include Hearty Quinoa Steak (INR 450), Oven Toasted Tomato and Olive Stuffed Ravioli (INR 450), Moroccan Lamb (INR 500), and Shrimp and Bacon Risotto (INR 525). The eatery’s wide variety of flatbreads is popular among patrons as well.
AT: Ground Floor, Behind Shoppers Stop, SV Road, Linking Road, Bandra West
TIME: 12-11:30 PM Monday to Sunday
CALL: 9920446633
Mediterranean flavours
With multiple outlets across the city, Suzette Creperie and Cafe offers an extensive menu rooted in Mediterranean flavours. Their salads and wraps are full of typical ingredients including feta, sun dried tomatoes, zucchini, avocado, basil, pine nuts, and mozzarella. Choose from the hearty salads or opt for a buckwheat crepe, savoury or sweet (INR 190 onwards). Their indulgent sandwiches include Vert (INR 700) with feta and sundried tomato and Parisien (INR 710) with Spanish BBQ ham.
AT: Multiple Outlets (Lower Parel, BKC, and more)
TIME: 9-10 PM Monday to Sunday
Vegetarian delight
Ithaka proves that Middle Eastern food isn’t just about meaty dishes. The restaurant, serving exclusively meatless Lebanese food, is a haven for vegetarians. Fans of hummus will find here seven different versions including Harrisa (INR 350), PeriPeri (INR 350), Za'atar oil (INR 350), and more. You can start off with traditional salads, Fattoush (INR 295) or Lebanese Mint Salad (295) followed by Falafel with a twist (INR 450) or Vegetable Moussaka (INR 450). Ithaka’s wafer-thin Lebanese pizzas (INR 475 onwards) are a must try if you like thin crust pizzas.
AT: Janta Industrial Estate, S.B Road, Opposite High Street Phoenix Mall, Lower Parel
TIME: 12- 3 PM, 6- 9 PM Monday to Sunday
CALL: 2492101
Tapas overload
The Little Door offers a not-so-little tapas menu with favourites including PatatasBravas (INR 273), Bruschetta (INR 273), Croquetas (INR 393), and Pinchos (INR 423). The Mediterra (INR 363) with sumac, zatar, and pita croutons is the best option for those craving a fresh salad. Recommended mains here include the Funghi pizza (INR 603) and Turkish Lamb Kebap (INR 363). If you are fond of falafel, do not miss out on Creamy Avocado Hummus (INR 363) served with falafel, pita, and roasted veggies.
AT: B 31, Ground Floor, Shree Siddhivinayak Plaza, New Link Road, Veera Desai Area, Andheri West
TIME: 5- 11:30 PM Monday to Saturday, 12- 11:30 PM Sunday
CALL: 8068974821
Middle eastern decadence
Famous for middle-eastern fare, Bayroute offers a sumptuous menu with dishes from all over. One can find here Lebanese, Egyptian, and Turkish, among others. The Falafel Shawarma (INR 535) and Lamb Shawarma (INR 495) fresh khubz bread are to die for while QuinoaTabbouleh (INR 495) and Moutabal (INR 525) are the chef’s specials. Other recommended mains are Koshari (INR 655), Prawn Pilaf (IR 895), and Labneh Manakeesh (INR 495).
AT: Multiple outlets
TIME: 12:30- 11:30 Monday to Sunday
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