Can You Name All 21 Mediterranean Countries?

When people talk about Mediterranean food, they usually picture grilled fish, fresh herbs, and olive oil. But what many don’t realize is just how large and diverse the Mediterranean region really is.

The Mediterranean Sea touches 21 countries, each with its own take on the region’s shared food traditions. These Mediterranean cuisine countries stretch across Europe, Africa, and Asia—and their diets shape one of the healthiest, most flavorful ways of eating in the world.

What Do Mediterranean Cuisine Countries Have in Common?

Even with different languages, religions, and histories, the countries around the Mediterranean Sea share a core food philosophy:

• Simple ingredients
  
  
• Seasonal produce
  
  
• Seafood and legumes
  
  
• Olive oil as the main fat
  
  
• Wine with meals, not after
  
  

Meals tend to be relaxed, social, and centered around fresh, local foods. Seafood is a big part of the coastal diet, especially in places like Greece, Italy, and Spain. Grilled fish, octopus, and shellfish are common—not over-sauced or hidden, just prepared well.

That’s the approach we follow at The Black Olive, right here in Fells Point. Seafood. Simplicity. Wine. Nothing overdone.

The Full List: All 21 Mediterranean Countries

Here they are, grouped by region. How many do you recognize?

Southern Europe

These are probably the most well-known for Mediterranean food:

1. Spain – Known for tapas, paella, and olive oil
   
   
2. France – Especially the southern coast (think: Provence, bouillabaisse)
   
   
3. Monaco – Small, but firmly in the Mediterranean
   
   
4. Italy – Pasta, seafood, and regional wines from north to south
   
   
5. Slovenia – A small stretch of coastline, but part of the region
   
   
6. Croatia – Famous for grilled fish and sea urchin along the Dalmatian coast
   
   
7. Bosnia and Herzegovina – Only 12 miles of coastline, but it counts
   
   
8. Montenegro – Known for its Adriatic seafood dishes
   
   
9. Albania – Simple cooking with big Mediterranean influence
   
   
10. Greece – The heart of the Mediterranean diet. Grilled fish, olive oil, wine, herbs.
    
    

Western Asia (Middle East)

These countries bring spice, herbs, and ancient cooking traditions:

1. Turkey – A mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences
   
   
2. Cyprus – Similar to Greek cuisine, but with unique island traditions
   
   
3. Syria – Lots of mezze, grilled meat, and flatbreads
   
   
4. Lebanon – Rich with herbs, legumes, olive oil, and seafood
   
   
5. Israel – A blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors
   
   
6. Palestine – Local herbs, olives, and family-style dishes
   
   

North Africa

The southern coast of the Mediterranean adds depth and spice:

1. Egypt – Along the northern coast, you’ll find seafood and chickpeas
   
   
2. Libya – Known for couscous, fresh herbs, and fish
   
   
3. Tunisia – Spicy food, olive oil, and strong French influence
   
   
4. Algeria – A mix of Berber, Arab, and Mediterranean flavors
   
   
5. Morocco – Not technically on the Mediterranean diet pyramid, but its north coast touches the sea—and the food fits.
   
   

So What Ties It All Together?

Despite the differences, Mediterranean cuisine countries tend to favor:

• Fresh herbs over heavy sauces
  
  
• Vegetables and legumes over red meat
  
  
• Seafood instead of processed foods
  
  
• Wine that complements food—not overpowers it
  
  

These diets support long life and better health. That’s not a trend—it’s a way of life that’s lasted for centuries.

Why Mediterranean Cuisine Matters in Baltimore

Fells Point feels like a Mediterranean port town—close to the water, full of history, and alive with conversation. That’s why we’ve made it our home.

At The Black Olive, we stay close to the traditions of Greece and the wider Mediterranean region. We serve fresh seafood. We cook with olive oil, not butter. And our wine list brings together the best of Mediterranean vineyards—Greece, Italy, France, and beyond.

Whether you're visiting from Johns Hopkins or just walking the cobblestones of Fells Point, you're welcome to experience the Mediterranean table the way it was meant to be: outside, with good food, good wine, and no rush.

Visit us in Fells Point.
Order pickup or dine outside. Get in touch now!