Iconic Mediterranean Foods Every Traveler Should Try

Pasta, pizza, gyros, wine … some of the world’s most beloved foods have Mediterranean origins. If your stomach is starting to growl, you’re not alone; each year this picturesque region attracts millions of epicure travelers, ready to eat, drink and digest their way from one delicious destination to the next.

While there’s no taste testing included, come with us on a virtual tour as we explore nine Mediterranean foods every traveler should try.

Pizza Margherita

Perhaps one of the most crowd-pleasing foods to exist, it’s hard to go wrong with pizza. Luckily for travelers, the Mediterranean has no shortage of pies, especially in Italy. And, while the options are plentiful, there’s one variety of za vacationers won’t want to miss: Pizza Margherita.

Consisting of fresh dough topped with juicy tomatoes, thick slices of mozzarella and a healthy drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, Pizza Margherita is simplistic and delicious. Interestingly, this beloved dish is rumored to have historic roots as some claim it was created in honor of Italy’s unification, the red tomatoes, green basil and white mozzarella representing the colors of the country’s flag. 

Greek Salad

A refreshing side perfect for cooling off on those hot summer days, Greek salads have been a popular dish in the Mediterranean since the late 19th century when veggies like cucumbers, olives, onions and tomatoes were common ingredients in the average Grecian meal.

The Greek salad of today looks like early versions featuring a combination of ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, sliced red onion and sometimes a green bell pepper. Then, the dish is topped with a crumble of feta cheese and a dash of olive oil and served alongside slices of freshly baked bread.

Paella

In Spain, Paella and seafood go together like peanut butter and jelly. Originally made to feed groups of hungry agricultural workers, paella is a mishmash of tasty ingredients like rice, veggies, beans and meat served from a massive carbon steel pan.

While the dish can be made using a variety of meats including chicken, snail, rabbit and duck, the modern version often features fresh seafood like jumbo shrimp, mussels and calamari. Pair this with onions, peppers, garlic, tomatoes, parsley and more and travelers will find themselves enjoying a memorable feast. 

Fish

With 28,600 miles of coastline, it’s no surprise fish is an extremely common dish throughout the Mediterranean region. Whether it’s fried, stewed, grilled or baked, visitors can expect to include plenty of omega-3 fatty acids in their diet during their travels.

Common types of fish found throughout the Mediterranean include sea bass, swordfish, mackerel, tuna and sardines.

Ratatouille

No, we’re not talking about the hit 2007 film, before there was Remy the prodigy rat chef there was Ratatouille, a delicious vegetable stew that makes for the perfect companion to any meat or fish dish. Often found in France and Greece, this classic meal consists of chopped eggplant, sweet bell peppers, red onions and zucchini, smothered in a tantalizing garlicky tomato sauce.

Further enhancing ratatouille’s flavor are powerful herbs like oregano and basil, and sometimes a touch of white wine. To fully round out the meal, travelers can reach for the breadbasket as crusty bread is a favorite accompaniment.

Gyros

A street food adored around the world, gyros can trace their origins back to destinations like Turkey, Greece and the Middle East. Also referred to as kebabs and shawarma, this unmistakable comfort food consists of thin slices of meat topped with fresh veggies and sauces, all stuffed into a handheld pita bread.

Making this conveniently portable food even better are tangy sauces like tzatziki and tahini. Plus, with meat substitutes like falafel, gyros can be a vegetarian-friendly treat too.

Baklava

A decadent delight found throughout the eastern Mediterranean, travelers with a penchant for sweets will want to sink their teeth into baklava, a traditional pastry that tempts with its rich flavor and flaky texture.

Thought by some to be nearing the point of “too sweet’ (as if that’s even possible), this fan-favorite dessert is made from layered phyllo dough paired with finely ground nuts, spices like cinnamon and cardamom and a sugary lemon juice syrup to top it all off.

Moussaka

Often referred to as the national dish of Greece, Moussaka is a sweet and savory layered creation consisting of eggplants, spiced meats and a creamy bechamel sauce. Interestingly, while many associate Moussaka with a Grecian delicacy, records show the meal dates back to the 13th century when it was widely served throughout the Middle East.

Not so different from the lasagna we know and love today, Moussaka is akin to a hearty casserole, pairing nicely with sides like salad, grains and roasted veggies.

Wine

Wine is a big deal in the Mediterranean. So big in fact, that we’ve written entire articles about it in the past. From the Rosés of France and the reds of Spain to the many flavors of Italy and the Assyrtikos — a regional white wine — of Greece, the Mediterranean is an oenophile’s paradise.

And, as if they were quite literally made for each other, perfectly complementing Mediterranean wines is Mediterranean fare including popular dishes like salads, lamb, beef, seafood and more.