The best Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants in Singapore

When the godfather of modern Lebanese cuisine chef Greg arrived in Singapore for his culinary debut, he brought with him a piece of the historical city of Beirut. Tucked away in the lush enclave of Robertson Quay, Ummi Beirut presents a gastronomic experience that is boldly unique without straying far from its roots. Even the dazzling interiors and ever-evolving playlists are designed to mimic the sights and sounds of the energetic souks of Beirut.

Opening each meal is a repertoire of mezzes, both cold and hot. Try the crunchy hazelnut falafel ($24), spicy lemon-glazed lamb makanek sausages ($28) and the comforting eggplant fatteh ($32). And if you’re in good company of meat-loving folks, the smoked-kissed Butcher’s Mix Grill ($68) guarantees a lavish spread. Those looking to imbibe are treated to a range of Lebanese-inspired tipples ($26) along with some Lebanese winemakers that go by the glass (from $20).

Coupled with the practice of cooking from scratch and the warm Lebanese hospitality, the restaurant whips up delicious food that is seemingly touched with a mother's love – after all, Ummi also means mother in Arabic.

It's hard to go wrong at Alaturka Mediterranean & Turkish Restaurant. Around since 2005, the restaurant was awarded the Michelin Guide Singapore Bib Gourmand in 2016 to recognise it for bringing the authentic taste of Turkey to Singapore. Sample the Turkish heritage and culture yourself with dishes such as the Meze Tabagi (from $25), which will immediately introduce you to Alaturka's specialities of hummus, babaganoush, saksuka (eggplant ragout), yumurta salata (egg salad), ezme (mashed tomato salad) and havoc salata (grated carrots in garlic yoghurt). Get the popular Ispanaklı Pide ($22) for a spinach and cheese combination and the Alaturka Platter (from $79 for two) for all the best grilled meats in the house. 

Charcoal-grilled kebabs and mezzes are the star at Shabestan, which has been reliably serving authentic Persian and Middle Eastern cuisine since 2013. Start your meal with the Appetiser Platter ($46) for the chef's selection of five appetisers; or the Mirza Ghassemi ($28) for the traditional Iranian appetiser of grilled aubergine, distinct to the Northern Iran and Caspian Sea region. Meat lovers should jump on the Lamb Kubideh ($43) or Shah Pasand Chicken ($45), a special recipe from the Gulf for tender boneless chicken breast marinated in saffron and Persian herbs. Persian cuisine has always been famous for its rich stews, and Shabestan offers a hearty variety, with chef specials being the Lamb Khoresht-E-Bamieh for lamb cubes and okra in a tomato-garlic sauce.

Founded by Lebanese Master Chef Mohamad Slim, Byblos Grill is inspired by his cross-cultural culinary adventures around the world, and offers separate Lebanese and Turkish menus. A signature is the Byblos Mixed Grilled ($46.90) for a hearty combination of lamb kofta, lahem mashwi (grilled lamb cubes), chicken kofta, shish tawouk (chicken skewers) and lamb chops. Other popular meat options include the Lamb Kofta ($26.90) served with grilled vegetables and lebanese rice, and Byblos Beef Steak ($29.90) with baked potato and vegetables.

Probably not found anywhere else in Singapore is the Lebanese stew, Kibbeh Labhn ($26.50), for marinated minced lamb with pine nuts cooked in fresh tomato and coriander sauce, served with vermicelli rice and salad. There are plenty of vegetarian options too, including the Lebanese Moussaka ($21.90) with eggplant and chickpeas, and the moreish Borek ($15.90) for filo pastry stuffed with feta cheese.

Artichoke is a Middle Eastern-inspired new school bebab and meze Bar helmed by chef-owner Bjorn Shen, and totally in line with his usual rebellious personality and outlandish cooking style. The food is fun and creative, drawing inspiration from Middle-Eastern flavours and ingredients all served against a backdrop of 60s soul and 90s hip-hop. In fact, Chef Bjorn calls it ‘the least authentic Middle Eastern joint in the area’. 

For the full Artichoke experience, the Big AF (Artichoke Feed) tasting menu ($69 per person) is designed for the whole table to share. For a la carte, indulge in innovative skewers and large plates which include favourites like the Lamb Buryan ($40, dinner only), featuring coal-roasted ribs, shoulder and neck, served with pita. Wash it down with Artichoke’s cocktails, each reminiscent of Turkey’s vibrant neighbourhoods and history. 

Who said vegetarian food was boring? Certainly not at Original Sin. Named after the Sistine Chapel's famous fresco in the Vatican City and established in 1997, this restaurant is Singapore's first and only Mediterranean and Italian vegetarian restaurant. Here, you can try vibrant and colourful meat-free dishes, including the Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad (with roasted pumpkin, beetroot, cauliflower, onion, baby spinach and feta) sharing Mezze Platter ($27) featuring hummus, beetroot and walnut dip, capsicum and almond dip, served with fried feta, falafel balls, tzatziki and pita bread. For classic comfort food, go for the Moussaka ($32) for baked layers of eggplant, potato, tomato, Middle Eastern spiced lentils, topped with béchamel. 

Roman for sea in the middle of the earth, the Mediterranean region has been the main thoroughfare for trade, over the centuries, with different culinary traditions of the traders absorbed by local populations. Artemis Grill’s seasonal menu is inspired by this diverse Mediterranean heritage, complete with the 100-year old olive tree the bar circles. As a cherry on top, this contemporary Mediterranean-inspired rooftop restaurant and sky bar offers sweeping panoramic vistas from its 40th floor location. From the vibrant Poached Pear & Ancient Grain Salad ($22) to the hearty Moroccan Lamb Chops ($48), every dish at Artemis does the Mediterranean proud. 

Modern Middle Eastern-cum-Mediterranean restaurant Fat Prince pays homage to the rich Middle Eastern café culture, serving quirky cocktails and kebabs since 2016, brought to you by The Dandy Collection (think Neon Pigeon, Firangi Superstar, California Republic). Ozzie Chef Simon Bell helms the kitchen, doling out hearty plates that are perfect for sharing or solo leisurely grazing. Come for a leisurely brunch of classic Shakshuka with pita chips ($30) or Challah French Toast with mango, maple syrup, kaya butter ($28), or book yourself in for a fun-filled dinner with a large variety of Mezze, such as the Artichoke & Herb Hummus ($14); wagyu Adana Kebab Tartare 2.0 ($19); Okra Falafel Salad ($16) with kale, bacon, mihalic cheese; and Cured Kingfish ($28), to name a few options.

Much like the pistachio nut that is full of nutritional goodness, Pistachio Grill’s promise is that to serve a healthier version of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food. Influenced by chef Elelimi’s training in Ayurveda, food here is free of artificial or processed ingredients such as food colouring, improvers or premixes.

For a taste of the restaurant's best, go for chef specials like the Jordanian Lamb Mansaf, a slow-cooked lamb shoulder with yoghurt (from $165, requires 1-day advance pre-order) For more traditional dishes, the Sultan's Delight (Hünkar Beğendi) features the classic Ottoman dish of tender lamb, cooked in a rich tomato stew, and served with smoky tasting eggplant with cheese (from $42). The dish was said to be requested by Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, when she visited the Topkapi palace in the mid-19th century.