The Mediterranean food category may seem overly broad, as that sea touches on cultures as different as the Greek, Spanish, Lebanese, north African and Italian, and we have restaurants serving all those cuisines in the South Bay. 
They do have much in common, such as the sun-drenched flavors of olive oil, eggplant, tomatoes, seafood, and citrus. All those elements and more are present at Mediterraneo, as well as something much more rare – the ambiance of an eatery that could have been lifted from a Spanish resort town and dropped in Hermosa. Mediterraneo has the feeling of authenticity partly because the servers here know this cuisine and can make recommendations that enhance the dining experience, from which course might best follow the one you have selected to the perfect glass of wine to complement your meal.
Mediterraneo: #73 Pier Avenue HB. 310-318-2666.
Runner-up: Open Sesame, 2640 N. Sepulveda, MB. 310-545-1600.
