According to a recent report in The New York Times, consuming a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, fish, nuts, fruits and vegetables can lower your risk for heart disease. In a study conducted at the University of Barcelona, participants who followed Mediterranean diets and reduced their consumption of commercially made desserts, processed meats and dairy products, showed improvement in heart condition. Try these five New York Mediterranean restaurants for a delicious, heart-healthy meal. For a true Mediterranean diet, skip the fried falafel and try vegetables roasted in olive oil or grilled fish with plenty of legumes.
Mazzat
Mazzat’s cozy atmosphere makes it the perfect place to spend an evening sharing taps with friends. The restaurant offers an extensive tapas and appetizers menu featuring a variety of healthy bean spreads, such as hummus ($5), baba ghanouj ($5.50) and foul moudammus (fava bean puree, $5) served with whole-wheat pita.
208 Columbia St., Brooklyn
Athena Mediterranean Cuisine
This family-owned Brooklyn restaurant offers fresh, authentic Greek fare. Try the Mythia Saganaki ($13.95), a dish made with steamed mussels, tomato sauce, olive oil, red onions, feta and ouzo, and a side of grilled vegetables ($6.95) for a balanced Mediterranean meal.
535 6th Ave., Brooklyn
Bodrum
Bodrum offers a delicious fusion of Greek, Turkish, Lebanese, Italian and French flavors. The restaurant serves affordable lunch specials, including grilled salmon served with arugula and tomato salad ($12.50) as well as a dinner menu. Try the braised leeks ($5.95) and Moroccan fish tagine ($19.95), fish preserved with lemon, olives and vegetables, served with Turkish rice ($19.95).
584 Amsterdam Ave.
Taboonette
Taboonette, located right off University Place, is a Mediterranean restaurant know for its “Mediterranean pocket food,” pita pockets stuffed with a variety of delicious ingredients. Try the pita filled with salmon, za’atar oil, garlic, tzatziki and arugula salad ($9.85, or $11.25 for a rice plate) or the Kruveet, a dish of roasted cauliflower, grilled eggplant, hummus, tahini and cilantro ($7.75 for pita, $8.95 for a rice plate).
30 E. 13th St.
Extra Place
This hidden East Village eatery specializes in organic döner kebabs wrapped in homemade pita. Try the seafood kebab with Maine lobster, shrimp and scallops ($15) or the vegetable kebab with mushrooms, tomatoes and feta ($8). Various Mediterranean appetizers are also served, including Greek sardines ($10) and a hummus platter ($7).
8 Extra Pl.
Caitlin Schnack is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].
