These Mediterranean Cookbooks Bring Sun-Drenched Flavors Straight to Your Table

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Spring and summer are the perfect seasons to embrace the fresh, heart-healthy flavors of the Mediterranean diet — one of the most doctor-recommended eating plans around. Packed with vibrant produce, wholesome grains, seafood and rich, bold spices, it’s a deliciously satisfying way to eat well. Looking to bring those bold and flavorful tastes into your kitchen? We’ve rounded up the best Mediterranean cookbooks that make it easy to savor the sunny tastes of the coast, right from home.

1. ‘Plenty More’ by Yotam Ottolenghi

Celebrated chef Yotam Ottolenghi brings the vibrant produce-focused side of the Mediterranean diet to life in this stunning cookbook. Featuring over 150 plant-based recipes with bold flavors and colorful presentations, it’s a fantastic pick for vegetarians or anyone looking to add more greens to their plate. The only downside? Some ingredients may be harder to source if you’re outside a major city. ‘Plenty More’ is  is a must-have for vegetarians and omnivores alike.

Promising review: “Yotam Ottolenghi entranced me with his plant based cookbook Plenty. The photos are vibrant and evocative; true food porn. The recipes are laid out clearly. All the ingredients are easy to find and the dishes look and taste fantastic. And his accompanying text is interesting and inspiring.
I’ve shown and recommended Plenty to many people, and was in the process of doing so when a friend ordering it pointed out that there was a second Plenty. I ordered it on the spot.
Like Plenty, Plenty More entices from the cover, which is stunning and padded, which feels luxurious and decadent for a cookbook. The photos are as beautiful and droolworthy as in the first book, and the recipes are exciting to read. The recipes are divided into chapters differently than in Plenty, but just as sensibly.
I can’t recommend these books highly enough. Seriously, I need more stars!
If you want to be inspired by vegetables, eat healthier, be a better cook, impress your family and friends, or just sit on your couch and drool, buy Plenty and More Plenty.” – Claudine DeCarlisle

Shop now on Amazon at $15.50

2. ‘Mediterranean Every Day’ by Sheela Prakash

If you’re seeking approachable, weekday-friendly Mediterranean dishes, this book has you covered. With recipes that are both simple and flavorful, it’s a solid choice for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. The book includes plenty of one-pan meals and make-ahead options to keep things easy and stress-free. Also teaches how to stock a pantry.

Promising review: “Everything looks delicious. I’ve been reading it like a novel for the last hour, making a shopping list, and planning meals. Most but not all recipes have photos. Instructions make sense. The recipe intros/stories are interesting and helpful. Good variety of simple to more complex. Lots of meatless options but most of these recipes could easily accommodate shrimp or chicken or fish if you’re a meat eater like me. Addition of meat could also make many of the sides and appetizers into weeknight meals. Great section in pantry items to have. Most items in lists are easy to find and if not she provides good suggestions for alternatives.” –
Sheilah

Shop now on Amazon at $25.10

3. ‘Zahav’ by Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook

A James Beard Award-winning classic, ‘Zahav’ dives deep into the rich culinary traditions of Israeli cuisine. From pomegranate-glazed lamb to hummus that’s as smooth as silk, these recipes are both approachable and impressive. Best for foodies looking to elevate their home cooking game.

Promising review: “This is a lovely book filled with beautiful illustrations! It is honestly one of the highest quality cookbooks I have ever encountered. The images are clear, crisp, and relevant. There are stories to connect the reader to the food you are making- just like you are a family friend they are sharing a recipe with. The paper is thick, but not too thick. Overall great quality.

The recipes are clear and easy to follow. I can’t wait to try this food for my own family.” – K. Walker

Shop now on Amazon at $19

4. ‘Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking’ by Marcella Hazan

Marcella Hazan’s masterwork is often hailed as the bible of Italian cooking. It covers everything from simple pasta sauces to rich osso buco and more. Ideal for those who want to master the essentials of Italian cuisine.

Promising review: “In this Bible of Italian Cooking, Marcella Hazan painstakingly pours out her love and knowledge of authentic Italian food. Hazan reveals the secrets and imparts the wisdom of centuries, not just generations. She is a brilliant woman who does an exceptional job showing you how to cook one of the world’s finest cuisines. If you are new to Italian cooking, this is where you should begin. And possibly end.” – NorthernBelle

Shop now on Amazon at $29.70

5. ‘Arabesque’ by Claudia Roden

Claudia Roden’s ‘Arabesque’ is a must-have for anyone interested in Middle Eastern cuisine. The book features recipes from Morocco, Turkey, and Lebanon, blending aromatic spices and hearty, comforting flavors. Perfect for dinner party spreads or weeknight meals.

Promising review: “This is a truly amazing cookbook that I highly recommend to lovers of Middle Eastern food. I haven’t made every recipe, but the ones I have are so delicious. I am obsessed with preserved lemons and have tried two of the methods she provides. The grocery store has to stock more eggplant to keep up with how much of it I am roasting for these recipes. The lamb with lemon and egg sauce is to die for and so absurdly simple.

There are great options for big meals, fancy or not. There are a million different amazing dips and spreads. There are desserts that range from simple to filo rolling honey drizzling goodness. There are charming directions like “roast the eggplants in the hottest oven.” There are beautiful pictures. There’s a useful index.

I have quite a few cookbooks (and access to 8 million recipes online obviously) and I keep returning to this one for inspiration because it is just such a winner. I also rarely alter her recipes, which, for me, is a rare thing. Good ingredients paired with her straightforward methods just can’t go wrong. There is something really satisfying about cooking the dishes in this book because it’s almost like the food does the work instead of me- there’s not a whole lot of complicated prep, just the right combinations of a few ingredients.” – Alexandra

Shop now on Amazon at $28.50

6. ‘Bitter Honey’ by Letitia Clark

Transport yourself to Sardinia with Letitia Clark’s collection of stunning, flavor-packed desserts. From olive oil cakes to ricotta-stuffed pastries, these recipes are as indulgent as they are beautiful. Best for those who love baking with Mediterranean flavors.

Promising review: “I have thing for cookbooks and this is one of the most beautiful ones I own. I’ve only been to Sardinia once but this book fully took me back there- it’s rare that a cookbook fully transports you to a location. So far I’ve only made the fried sage leaves and roasted pecorino but they were amazing. There isn’t a single dish that I wouldn’t try.” –
sof

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7. ‘Mediterra’ by Ben Tish

From grilled octopus to spiced lamb chops, ‘Mediterra’ celebrates the vibrant, sun-soaked flavors of the Mediterranean with a focus on grilling and open-flame cooking. It’s a great pick for backyard BBQs or al fresco dinners.

Promising review: “This is such a beautifully written cookbook. I love everything about it–the text, the images, and the layouts. All the dishes I have made so far have been delicious. Chef Ben Tish’s recipes are rich in complexity and flavors while still approachable enough for home cooks to add to their daily repertoire. I can’t recommend his books enough!” – JW

Shop now on Amazon at $15.30

8. ‘Sababa’ by Adeena Sussman

Adeena Sussman’s ‘Sababa’ is a love letter to the bold, bright flavors of Israeli cooking. From herby tahini dips to pomegranate-splashed salads, it’s packed with dishes that are simple yet packed with flavor.

Promising review: “These are totally new, different kinds of recipes for me but this is exciting to learn new and delicious recipes. The book is beautiful. The instructions are great. Delicious delicious delicious” – Christina

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9. ‘A Mediterranean Feast’ by Clifford A. Wright

A comprehensive collection of recipes from across the Mediterranean, this book focuses on hearty, family-style meals. It’s perfect for anyone looking to cook for a crowd or plan a memorable dinner party.

Promising review: “This is one of the most underrated, influential, and informative cookbooks I’ve ever read. The author is not only an author but an accredited culinary historian. This cookbook did a fantastic job journeying the reader chronologically from the Fall of the Roman Empire to the Muslim Moors in Europe to the Crusades. I’d recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand cuisine and why it is the way it is today.” –
David Tu Phu

Shop now on Amazon at $66

10. ‘Zaitoun’ by Yasmin Khan

Yasmin Khan’s ‘Zaitoun’ takes readers on a culinary journey through Palestine, blending personal stories with stunning recipes. Think spiced fish, za’atar flatbreads, and sweet date pastries. Ideal for those who love to explore cultures through food.

Promising review: “From simple to complex, this book offers recipes with flavors that distinguish Palestinian cuisine from its neighboring cultures. The author takes you on an exciting journey that will spark your curiosity and wet your appetite in ways that few other recipe books do. Simple advice, many alternatives offered in case the authentic tools or in some cases ingredients cannot be used, leads to great results. Find your new comfort food that’s healthy and full of flavor and cooking joy. It leaves a wonderful smell in your house too!.” – Sebastian B Huydts

Shop now on Amazon at $27.85

11. ‘Cooking with Italian Grandmothers’ by Jessica Theroux

Theroux spent a year traveling across Italy, learning recipes and stories from grandmothers who embody the essence of Italian cooking. This book is filled with heartwarming recipes like slow-cooked ragù, stuffed artichokes, and lemony ricotta cakes. It’s perfect for those who want to cook from the heart while mastering Italian comfort food.

Promising review: “This book is truly stunning. It was so impactful that as soon as my mother opened the front cover (I gave the book to her as a Christmas gift), she started crying for a good 10 minutes, exclaiming, “This is Art! This is a book of Art!” But beyond the sheer aesthetics of the book, she was moved to see how the women depicted in the book were so beautifully honored by Theroux, so much so that a heart-warming reverence seemed to literally emanate from the pages. The recipes are divine and will make your taste buds do somersaults in gratitude. The photography is gorgeous and the writing beautiful, with a good splash of humor. But what is most special about this book, and makes it stand part from so many cook books on Italian cooking, is that these recipes are given to you in the context of a series of funny, heart-warming stories about Theroux’s quest in Italy to learn Italian cooking from master grandmother chefs. Theroux’s relationships with these women are warming and insightful–and teach you as much about good cooking as about how to live a good life. I would recommend this book to anyone–it is the perfect gift for that food afficiando in your life who appreciates good food, good stories and good photography. But even moreso , Cooking with Italian Grandmothers is a wise book about living well.” – Sara Bear

Shop now on Amazon at $30.71 (used)

12. ‘Le Sud’ by Rebekah Peppler

‘Le Sud’ takes you on a culinary tour of the French Mediterranean coast with gorgeous photography and rustic, vibrant recipes. From rosemary grilled chicken to fig and almond tarts, each dish is a celebration of sun-soaked, Provençal flavors. This book is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

Promising review: “I’m obsessed with Mediterranean culture, specifically France. This cookbook not only has fabulous recipes that don’t require a lot of complicated ingredients, it’s also a joy to look at and read. The photographs and styling are elegant and colorful; they transport you to the south of France. Rebekah’s writing style is one of vast knowledge, but she also writes with swag and humor. I want to hang out with her! I have already mapped out what recipes I’m going to make this weekend. If you can’t actually be in le Sud, this lovely cookbook is the next best thing. I highly recommend!” – Nikki W.

Shop now on Amazon at $20.50

13. ‘Falastin’ by Sami Tamimi and Tara Wigley

From the co-author of Ottolenghi’s bestsellers comes ‘Falastin,’ a cookbook that explores the flavors of Palestine with deep cultural and historical context. The recipes are rich, aromatic, and deeply rooted in tradition — think maqluba, lentil and tomato soup, and za’atar-spiced flatbreads. Best for those who want to connect with the history behind the food.

Promising review: “As soon as Falastin arrived I immediately had no less than 20 recipes marked that I want to make. There are a lot of ingredients that will make a trip to the nearest Middle Eastern grocery, spice shop, or online order necessary, unless you already have spices like sumac and za’atar in your pantry. This is one of my favorite aspects of cooking… connecting with worlds outside of my own and food is the perfect medium for bringing people together.” –
Ehmuhlee

Shop now on Amazon at $19.50

14. ‘Med’ by Claudia Roden

Claudia Roden, the legendary cookbook author, brings her signature warmth and storytelling to ‘Med,’ a collection of recipes inspired by her travels around the Mediterranean. It’s a soulful, sensory-rich collection with dishes like orange blossom cakes, roasted fish with harissa, and spicy lamb kebabs. Great for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the cultural richness of Mediterranean cooking.

Promising review: “Home cooking. Very useful and inspirational book. Always discover something new to cook.

But it is heavy and therefore not so handy in the kitchen.
Sincerely recommended!” – Maria Agges

Shop now on Amazon at $42.30

15. ‘Ripe Figs’ by Yasmin Khan

Explore the flavors of the Mediterranean with recipes that celebrate small plates and shareable dishes. Perfect for anyone who loves grazing on mezze-style spreads. The book is not only a cookbook showcasing recipes but also stories of immigrants, meeting of cultures and cuisines of East and West through dishes, spices, trade and commerce.

Promising review: “A wonderfully written travel journal and cook book, along with a reminder of our common humanity. I was completely hooked after reading one of the first stories about the author’s visit to a drop-in center for migrant women. After the chef and one of the co-founders of the center asks her to taste the stew they were cooking for lunch to see if there was enough salt, the author reflects on how the gesture was meant to make her feel included. How many times have I shared that same experience with friends and family? I sent a copy to my mom for Mother’s Day, and started mentally planning a dinner party with my best friends where we can sample the recipes. Highly recommend.” – DT185656

Shop now on Amazon at $23.65

16. ‘The Mezze Cookbook’ by Salma Hage

Loaded with small plates and shareable dishes, this book is perfect for hosting dinner parties or casual gatherings. The book features over 135 recipes showcasing diversity of Middle Eastern dishes, from Lebanon and Iran to Turkey and Syria, are simple yet flavorful, making it easy to create impressive spreads.

Promising review: “I have another book by this author and she is great. Many middle eastern recipes but not all are the straight traditional interpretation. She does branch out into modern twists. With this book you could make a meal of sharing menus for your friends.” – cyberval

Shop now on Amazon from $36.20

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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Article has been updated on July 17, 2025