Want to try the Mediterranean diet in 2024? Here are 9 meals to eat at Charlotte restaurants

Maddie Ellis
·3 min read

Looking to eat healthy in 2024 with the help of Charlotte restaurants? Consider adopting foods from the Mediterranean diet — which doesn’t mean consuming solely Greek food. It’s a lifestyle that prioritizes nutritious fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats while cutting out processed foods, added sugar and red meat.

Inspired by the traditional foods of people from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, who are found to be in good health with few chronic conditions, studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet can promote heart health, support healthy blood sugar levels and support brain function. And, according to the U.S. News & World Report, it ranks as the #1 diet overall.

To follow it, here are some basic guidelines:

  • Emphasize eating healthy carbs from vegetables and fruits, protein from seafood and fish, and healthy fats from olive oil, legumes and nuts.

  • Consume poultry, eggs, cheese and yogurt in moderation.

  • Avoid red meat, added sugars, processed meat, refined grains, refined oils and other processed foods.

Historically, the Mediterranean diet has called for moderate amounts of red wine. However, recent reports have indicated that any amount of alcohol may be unhealthy, so there is some debate about whether red wine still belongs on the Mediterranean diet.

In the Queen City, here are healthy Mediterranean diet-inspired dishes to try next time at your favorite restaurants:

Chapter 6

Location: The Line in South End, 2151 Hawkins St, Suite 120., Charlotte, NC 28203

Cuisine: Western Mediterranean

Dish to try: Octopus and chorizo, with grilled tomatillo, roasted sunchokes, Fresno chile, cilantro and sunchoke chips.

Hellenic

Location: 1436 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

Cuisine: Greek

Dish to try: Lamb Souvlaki Skewers with pita and tzatziki.

Hellenic Greek Kitchen and Bar on South Boulevard.
Hellenic Greek Kitchen and Bar on South Boulevard.

Ilios Noche

Location: 11508 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Dish to try: Mediterranean grilled striped bass, served with arugula, lemon and capers.

Kabab-Je

Location: 2233 Matthews Township Parkway, Matthews, NC 28105

Cuisine: Lebanese/Mediterranean

Dish to try: Mixed Grill Seafood Kebab, with charcoal-grilled shrimp, salmon and scallops.

Kid Cashew

Location: 1608 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Dish to try: Woodfired portobello gyro, made with hummus, garden greens, tomato, basil and vegan chipotle sauce on a toasted pita.

Jasmine Grill

Location: 5033 South Blvd Charlotte NC, 28217

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Dish to Try: Tilapia in Garlic Sauce, marinated grilled tilapia filets that are bathed in garlic sauce. Served with rice and one side of your choice.

Limani

Location: 6902 Phillips Pl Ct, Charlotte, NC 28210

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Dish to try: Splurge on the pre-fixe lunch menu, where you’ll get a three-course meal including your choice of appetizer such as a trio of Greek spreads (Tzatziki, Ktipiti & Skordalia), a main course including Loup de Mer and a dessert choice that includes yogurt with Greek thyme honey.

Mariposa

Location: 500 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Cuisine: Global

Dish to try: Hearth-roasted mushrooms, served with house-made focaccia, boursin, pickled shallots and thyme bechamel.

YAFO Kitchen

Location: 720 Gov Morrison St, Charlotte, NC 28211

Location: 1331 Central Ave. Suite 101, Charlotte, NC 28205

Location: 1231A East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

Cuisine: Mediterranean fare with Middle Eastern flavors

Dish to try: Make your own bowl or sandwich with Harissa Salmon, veggie toppings and sauces such as tzatziki, or try a featured entree like the stuffed avocado bowl, served with Amba Chicken Salad over a bed of Kale Color Crunch.