How to Find an Authentic Mediterranean Restaurant
The best way to find an authentic Mediterranean restaurant is to ask for the opinions of anyone you may know from that region of the world. In many cities, Mediterranean stores and restaurants can be found within close proximity of each other, allowing you to scan the most popular. Reading restaurant reviews can also be an effective way to find high-quality restaurants.
1. Speak to your Mediterranean friends, coworkers and neighbors. One of the best ways to find authentic cuisine is to ask the opinion of the inhabitants of a region. A person who has grown up in the Mediterranean will instantly be able to tell the difference between a dish made authentically and one using the wrong cooking methods or ingredients.
2. Drive by a Mediterranean area in town. Many localities have specific streets dedicated to a particular cultural region. Walk or drive by to see if the restaurants are busy. The more authentic restaurants tend to enjoy a greater amount of business.
3. Ask Mediterranean store owners where they enjoy dining. Whether you're in a carpet store or a Mediterranean grocery store, ask the opinion of the owners about the region. They will often have their favorites and can guide you to more authentic options.
4. Read restaurant reviews in your local newspaper. Restaurant reviewers typically take the time to research the authenticity of particular cuisines. The difference often boils down to the use of specific spices, the duration of the cooking time and the way that various foods are mixed together and presented. Scan the newspaper restaurant reviews on a regular basis to see if a Mediterranean restaurant has been reviewed.
5. Look for reviews online. Enter your location into a search engine along with "Mediterranean restaurant" to find lists of restaurants. Read the reviews posted by individual diners to find a consensus. Pay close attention to individuals who identify themselves as Mediterranean because their opinions about the authenticity of the food will generally carry more weight.