Mediterranean Food in Fountain Valley & Huntington Beach: A Turkish Menu Guide

“Mediterranean” is how most people in Orange County search when they want hummus, a fresh salad and something off the grill. Turkish cooking sits right at the heart of that tradition. Turkey has a long Mediterranean coastline, and Istanbul has been a crossroads of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Balkan kitchens for centuries.

This guide walks through our full menu the Mediterranean way: what to start with, what to share, the lighter plates, the vegetarian picks and how to plan a visit from Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa and the rest of OC.

Is Turkish Food Mediterranean?

Yes. Turkish cuisine shares the core ingredients that define Mediterranean cooking, and it adds its own signatures: yogurt in almost everything, charcoal-grilled kebabs, smoky eggplant and red pepper. Here is how the two line up:

That is also why our home page greets you with “Taste of Mediterranean.” Istanbul is a city on two continents, and our story starts from that idea: a cozy Turkish restaurant where many Mediterranean flavors come together.

The Mediterranean Plate at Istanbul Grill

Our Mediterranean Menu at a Glance

Mezze: How to Start a Mediterranean Meal

Mezze are small plates meant for sharing, and they are the heart of a Mediterranean table. Order two or three for the table and scoop them up with pita while you decide on mains.

Tip: for two people, the Hummus plus Ezme combo gives you one creamy and one spicy dip. For a group, the Appetizer Sampler covers every cold mezze at once.

Salads and Soups

Mediterranean salads are simple: very fresh vegetables, good olive oil and acid. Ours follow that rule.

• Shepherd Salad ($11.99): Roma tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, bell peppers, sumac, oregano and parsley tossed with olive oil and lemon juice. The classic Turkish table salad.
• Arugula Salad (Roka Salata) ($15.99): arugula and field greens with dried cranberries, apricots, walnuts and crumbled feta, dressed with olive oil and orange juice.
• Mixed Green Salad ($9.99): assorted greens and iceberg lettuce with olive oil and lemon.
• Lentil Soup ($8.99): red lentils with garlic, celery, carrots and onions; the everyday soup of Turkey.
• Chicken Vegetable Soup ($8.99): chicken in a broth with carrots, garlic and mushrooms.

From the Charcoal Grill

Grilling is where Turkish food stands out among Mediterranean cuisines. Every kebab below is served with rice pilaf and seasonal vegetables.

Not sure which to pick? Our guide to the best Turkish food in Fountain Valley has a full kebab cheat sheet, and if you are wondering how doner compares to a gyro or shawarma, read Doner vs. Gyro vs. Shawarma.

Lighter Mediterranean Choices

Mediterranean food has a reputation for being fresh and balanced. If you want a lighter meal, here is how to order:

On weekdays, our lunch specials (Monday–Friday, 11 AM–4 PM) are another easy way to eat a smaller Mediterranean meal at midday.

Vegetarian Mediterranean Options

Many of the best Mediterranean dishes are naturally meat-free. Vegetarian guests can make a full meal from:

• Falafel Plate ($17.99): four chickpea croquettes with tahini sauce, garlic sauce and seasonal vegetables.
• Okra Stew (Bamya) ($19.99): fresh okra cooked with onion and garlic in tomato sauce, with rice pilaf and pita.
• All the cold mezze: hummus, babaganoush, labne, dolmas and ezme.
• Cheese Rolls, salads and Lentil Soup to round out the table.

Following a vegan or allergy-specific diet? Our FAQ covers dietary options, and our staff can tell you exactly how each dish is prepared. Note that labne, ezme and the Arugula Salad contain walnuts.

Mediterranean Food Near Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa and Nearby

We are on Newhope Street in Fountain Valley, close to the 405 and central to much of Orange County. Here are typical drive times:

For turn-by-turn directions and contact details, see our location page. Hungry after a late event? Check our late-night food guide, since the kitchen is open until 1 AM every night.

Ordering for Groups

Mediterranean food is made for sharing. These are the easiest ways to feed a table:

Prefer to eat at home? Order online for pickup or delivery, or call (714) 430-1434.

Plan Your Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Turkish food considered Mediterranean?

Yes. Turkish cuisine is one of the major Mediterranean cuisines, built on olive oil, lemon, fresh vegetables, chickpeas, eggplant, yogurt, herbs and grilled meat and fish. Turkey also has a long Mediterranean coastline.

Where can I find Mediterranean food in Fountain Valley?

Istanbul Grill California at 18010 Newhope St Ste D, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 serves Turkish Mediterranean food, including mezze, salads, soups, kebabs and grilled salmon, every day from 10 AM to 1 AM.

Is there Mediterranean food near Huntington Beach?

Istanbul Grill California in Fountain Valley is roughly a 10 to 15 minute drive from most of Huntington Beach, depending on traffic, and is open daily until 1 AM for dine-in, takeout and online ordering.

What are the best Mediterranean dishes to order for a first visit?

Start with hummus or the Appetizer Sampler, add a Shepherd Salad, then choose a kebab such as Chicken Shish, Adana or Doner. Finish with pistachio baklava.

What vegetarian Mediterranean dishes do you have?

Vegetarian options include the Falafel Plate, Okra Stew (Bamya), hummus, babaganoush, labne, dolmas, ezme, cheese rolls, salads and lentil soup.

What are the lighter options on the menu?

Lighter choices include the Fillet of Salmon with salad and rice pilaf, Chicken Shish Kebab, the Shepherd Salad, Lentil Soup and hummus.

Do you offer Mediterranean catering in Orange County?

Yes. Istanbul Grill California offers catering for offices and parties. See istanbulgrillcatering.com or call (714) 430-1434.