Mediterranean

Vinay P., M1

The Mediterranean might be thousands of miles away, but there are plenty of options for its food right here in town. The Vine is my personal favorite with its hot beef, soft pita, and creamy hummus.

Incredible Turkish spot that offers contemporary takes on Old World Turkish classics.

Burgers and shawarma close to campus.

Fast-casual Mediterranean food, fairly close to campus in Maryland Plaza.

Lovely date night spot by James Beard semifinalist Ben Poremba, offering upscale Mediterranean small plates on delicate china dishes, in a renovated 1930s Standard Oil filling station. In warm weather, sit under the string lights on their expansive but uncrowded patio. Try the smoked trout toast, hummus, roasted carrots, caponata, and freshly baked bread from their outdoor stone oven.

Sit outside and people watch passersby in the Loop while you enjoy shawarma, salad and rice, and hookah if you wish. Huge portions (coming from someone with a big appetite), so if you want to stretch your pocketbook, plan on eating half and taking home leftovers!

Family-owned Kurdish restaurant serving sakuska, pilau, and life-changing dolmas. Jenar Mohammed, a longtime home cook, along with her family, opened Sultān, their first restaurant, to rave reviews last year.

The unofficial favorite lunch talk caterer here at WUSM, The Vine serves up beef and chicken shawarma, hummus, pita, baked eggplant, fattoush salad, taboul, and other cravable items.