Hart’s is a tiny place in Bed-Stuy with great, unpretentious food and a constantly changing menu.

Barcha is a Latin-Mediterranean restaurant in East Harlem that's great for a casual date or friend hang.

The Lexington Social is a wine and tapas bar in East Harlem.

When you want excellent dips and breads, head to Shukette in Chelsea for labne, pita, and other Mediterranean dishes from the Levant region.

Turquoise is a kosher seafood spot in Fresh Meadows where you should go eat a lot of fish and Mediterranean appetizers.

Rothschild TLV is an upscale Israeli spot on the UES with a lot of high-quality steak options.

Leland Eating & Drinking House serves excellent small plates, fresh focaccia, and hot cocktails from its corner shop in Prospect Heights.

Mar Mar is a Syrian spot in Staten Island that has great muhammara and belly dancing shows on weekends.

Ten Hope is a Mediterranean spot in Williamsburg with a massive, dog-friendly backyard that’s great for drinks and snacks.

Pomp & Circumstance is a small Mediterranean spot in Williamsburg that’s a good place to get drinks and a light bite with a date.

Seven Seeds is an all-day Mediterranean spot inside The Williamsburg Hotel.

Kindred serves natural wines and Mediterranean food in a small East Village space that’s great for casual dates.

Satis Bistro is a Mediterranean spot in Jersey City with an attractive space that you should keep in mind for a casual date.

Il Fiorista is an attractive all-day Mediterranean spot in Nomad that you should use for drinks and a light bite at the bar.

Cathedrale is an enormous, overpriced French restaurant from the people behind Tao - and, despite the sprawling space, it isn’t that fun.

Dar 525 is a great spot for bottomless brunch in Williamsburg without burnt french toast or obnoxious 20 somethings.