Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Santee

Great food and drink choices, and wonderful staff!

Amazing Experience at insideOUT! I recently dined at insideOUT in Hillcrest, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the chic and inviting ambiance. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between upscale and relaxed, making it ideal for a night out. Our server, Grant, was absolutely amazing—attentive, knowledgeable, and incredibly friendly. He went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed, making the service nothing short of phenomenal. The food was exquisite, with every dish crafted to perfection. And let’s not forget the festive drinks—they were not only delicious but also beautifully presented, adding a fun and celebratory vibe to the evening. If you’re looking for a restaurant that offers top-notch service, delectable food, and a gorgeous setting, insideOUT is a must-visit. We’ll definitely be back!

Dining at Serea was an absolute delight from start to finish. The service was flawless, with every detail thoughtfully attended to, making us feel welcome and well cared for throughout the meal. The food is an inspired fusion of Mediterranean kebab-style cuisine and high-quality seafood ingredients, offering a fresh homage to Middle Eastern flavors. Each dish is beautifully crafted, showcasing a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. The presentation of the food deserves special mention. Our sea bass was arranged to appear as though the fish was making a sharp U-turn, adding a sense of dynamic movement to the dish—it was almost too beautiful to eat! Taste-wise, the swordfish kebab was sublime, melting in your mouth with each bite. The scallops in the risotto were equally remarkable—silky, tender, and perfectly balanced with the creamy rice.

Attended the 5-course Christmas Eve dinner. It was worth every penny- from start to finish it was coursed beautifully, ingredients were fresh and cooked perfectly to temp, plating was festive and colourful; and all this with just the right timed check-ins from my bartender/server James. The couple next to me did the wine pairing and everything was explained nicely and paired well... along with some fun history & stories- I opted for the cocktails which were creative and utilized some lovely ingredients as well as being well balanced.

Simply put, one of the best meals I have had the privilege of enjoying! Delightful server, Calvin, was very in tune with the timing of our meal and our needs. The fixed menu was perfect for Christmas Eve, as it kept the meal flowing and decision-making to a minimum. Every course was delectable from the scallop crudo, the creamed mushrooms, and the sea bass, to the date cake with walnut ice cream! Mezcal hibiscus cocktail was creative and tasty, as well! I will definitely be back!