Honolulu, HIMediterranean

Istanbul Hawaiʻi began as a farmers market stand before opening a Kakaʻako dining room for Turkish cooking. Chef Ahu Hettema and her mother Nili Yildirim prepare Turkish dishes with Mediterranean flavors, including mezze and grilled meats. Order several dishes to share, and look for the Turkish preparations that first made the stand a draw.

Olive Tree Café is a self-service counter in Kāhala built around fish, lamb and chicken souvlaki, a lamb patty and falafel. Founder Savas Mojarrad kept the menu compact and cooked each order fresh. Order the fish souvlaki for the counter’s central preparation.

Shaloha Pita makes Israeli street food on Waiʻalae Avenue, including shawarma, falafel, hummus and pita. Its takeout spread gives the pita a central role alongside several dips and salads. The kitchen also makes a schnitzel pita with hummus, Israeli salad, red cabbage slaw and tabbouleh. Order a pita with hummus and falafel, or the schnitzel if you want the bread as a full meal.

Yamas Mediterranean Cuisine is tucked into an Enchanted Lake plaza in Kailua. The super gyro brings a half pound of lamb and beef into a warm pita with tzatziki, with strips crisp and garlicky at the edges. Every pita comes with a side; take the garlic fries. Add the sampler platter for spanakopita and dolmades.

Lady Elaine brings Mediterranean flavors to a Mānoa dining room and bar. Ras el hanout rib-eye, harissa seafood stew, and paprika-dusted carrots show the kitchen's approach. Its menu draws freely from the region rather than following one traditional Mediterranean cuisine.