The food from the Mediterranean is considered to be some of the best and most healthy in the world, apparently, all those fresh ingredients and fats and oils can even lower inflammation and help protect the heart too.
It also happens to be incredibly tasty. From casual counter service to hip and chic sit down dining spots, here are some of the best Mediterranean Restaurants in Portland, Oregon…
1. Mediterranean Exploration Company – this stylish spot is one of the best Mediterranean-Middle Eastern restaurants in Portland
The Mediterranean Exploration Company is considered by many locals and tourists alike to be one of the best examples of Mediterranean and middle eastern cuisine in Portland.
With mouth-watering dishes that explode the palette and very reasonable prices, it is definitely worth a visit.
If you live in the area or are even just passing through, a meal from here is just what you are looking for, certainly give the Shawarma spiced cauliflower or the Moroccan brick chicken a try, and you will not be disappointed.
Busy most days and especially at the weekend it may be worth booking a table in advance, with great food and pleasant staff you can’t go wrong.
Address: 333 NW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
2. Nicholas Restaurant Lebanese and Mediterranean Cuisine – an upscale restaurant that blends Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine
A delightful family-owned restaurant with years of history and providing delicious food in 3 locations, this restaurant has some of the finest Mediterranean and Lebanese food anywhere in the United States.
Dishes such as Lamb Kabob, which is marinated in middle eastern spices and vegetarian options, you really cannot go wrong with a meal here.
Friendly owners and staff happily serve you alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to wash down your meal. Not to be missed when in the area. Ordering for takeaway is also available.
Address: 3323 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232
3. Habibi Restaurant – a small and casual Mediterranean place that offers a stylish interior and belly dancing
Another excellent option for dining out in Portland, Habibi restaurant is always a popular choice with locals. Numerous options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike you really cannot go wrong with this Lebanese flavored restaurant.
There are plenty of options on the menu to suit everybody’s taste, go spicy or just for simple Mediterranean food including their house specials Vegan Hummus or try the ever-popular Kafta sandwich.
The menu caters to all. With many years of experience, you can always rely on quality food either in-house or takeaway, and they will not let you down.
Address: 1012 SW, Morrison Street, Portland, OR 97205
4. Spitz Restaurant – a trendy Turkish chain restaurant where guests can try fresh food and local wine
Spitz is a Turkish-oriented restaurant and will not let you down in terms of service and the quality of the dishes served.
The food and the beers compliment each other. Portion sizes are generous and remarkably delicious, popular with regular customers.
The Wraps, Kebabs, and Hummus are a must-try. Spitz is a restaurant that, once you try, you will return for more incredible food. With locations also in 3 other US states, their reputation of high-quality dining is assured.
Address: 2103 N Killingsworth Street, Portland, Oregon 97217
5. Blu Olive Mediterranean Bistro – a family-run Greek bistro that serves traditional food
Blu Olive Bistro is a fantastic choice for a meal, Greek-style food is served with a smile, and Mediterranean hospitality is always guaranteed.
A very popular restaurant with Portland locals and visitors alike, the seafood and lamb are served in generous portions and are always fresh, giving you an authentic taste of greek culinary delight.
Serving drinks including beers, cocktails, and soft drinks they have everything you need.
Address: 240 NW Lost Springs Terrace #24, Portland, OR 97229
6. Eleni’s Philoxenia – an unassuming Mediterranean spot where you can try Cretan cuisine
A fantastic restaurant serving fresh Mediterranean food and drinks that will not disappoint.
Greek and Crete style dishes which have all the health that you expect from the region are served daily and with takeout options available.
Nice friendly staff who are always happy to offer suggestions from the menu if you are a bit unsure, you can’t go wrong here.
Address: 112 NW 9th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
7. Yalla – a unique Mediterranean smokehouse that features smoked meats and plentiful vegetarian dishes
There is something about this restaurant that keeps customers coming for more, the great choice of food and drinks or the polite and helpful staff, once you’ve been for a meal you will return again.
With praise that’s well deserved, if you are in the Portland area this is a place you should not miss if you wish to have a great Mediterranean meal, for healthy food and a vibrant atmosphere Yalla is a must-try.
The house specials include Braised Beef Pasta with a succulent sauce and the Kebabs (Beef and Lamb) are very much recommended by the regulars.
Address: 7850 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219
8. Baba’s Mediterranean Grill – a contemporary counter-serve with create-your-own Mediterranean cuisine and great vegan options
A great choice for a meal and open seven days a week this restaurant will also deliver and is happy to provide takeaway meals.
With a menu that can be customized towards your needs, they offer sensible and affordable prices yet still ensure top-quality food.
The Falafel and Shawmara are favorites with the locals. They also have many vegetarian and vegan options available, there is something for everybody here. Delivery is also available in the Portland area.
Address: 10215 NE Cascades Pkwy, Portland, OR 97220
9. Mamma Khouri’s – a highly recommended Mediterranean-style eatery that serves authentic Middle Eastern cuisine
With so many options in the Portland area, this is a place you do not want to miss. Extremely good food and with a well-deserved reputation for catering to meat-eaters and vegetarians, they have everything that you can want.
Sandwiches, pizzas, and salads are just some of the that you can enjoy in-house or order from their delivery service.
Address: 3808 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227
10. Aybla Grill Greek-Mediterranean – a very popular Mediterranean spot in Portland
Another example of the high quality of Portland’s Mediterranean-style restaurants, with delivery service, and personal event catering available this Greek-inspired menu will not disappoint.
Healthy and good value for money Aybla never disappoints its customers. Available in several locations in the Portland area it is a must-try for delicious and healthy food, not to be missed.
Address: 2402 1/2 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214
11. Zaalook – an amazing food cart that offers Greek, Moroccan and Mediterranean food
Zaalook is another Greek-Mediterranean-style restaurant that has a great reputation in the Portland area. Always striving for quality fresh food this restaurant is definitely worth a visit.
Chicken and grilled lamb is served with homemade Pita bread amongst many other delights on the menu. Veggie options are available and they are happy to change the menu to your taste.
Address: 12 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97204
12. Babylon Mediterranean Restaurant – an exquisite place that provides Halal Mediterranean food
Babylon has a great reputation for its food and is well deserved, great Halal prepared food and is a great organizer of private events catering for up to 100 people you can’t go wrong.
With experienced chefs and staff who are friendly and helpful, they are always willing to advise if you are unsure what you want to order.
A great place to eat and enjoy, a well-deserved reputation amongst Portland’s residents.
Address: 11139 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219
13. The Sultan Cafe – a distinct Lebanese cafe where you can try tasty food and delicious drinks
Some people may say the best tea and coffee in Portland are always fresh, and with over 25 years of experience, this cafe is somewhere that should be tried and will not be forgotten.
From pastries to paninis and kebabs, there is something for everybody at this lively and vibrant cafe. Great staff and great food. It should be somewhere if you are in the area that you try, you will be back again.
Address: 1500 NW 18th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
14. Gyro House South East Portland – a great Mediterranean fast-food chain that offers big portions and small prices
With several locations in the Portland area, Gyro House is a must-try if you enjoy Mediterranean food. Great drive-through and take-out options.
This well-established restaurant has great food and drinks. Fast food has never been better, the service is fantastic, and the pleasant staff makes it a nice experience every time.
The focus of the restaurant is placed on the food and it really shows, entrees that come highly recommended include the Iskender Plate and the Falafel Gyro.
If you haven’t tried anything from here, you certainly should. They will satisfy your taste buds and your wallet.
Address: 8140 SE Cora St, Portland, OR 97206
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Scott started his travelling life back in 1999, when he headed off on a solo jaunt to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia with just a backpack, a camera and a spirit for adventure. After that, the travel bug bit hard and now he is always seeking to head off somewhere new. Over the years he has lived in Italy, Qatar, Ireland, UK and the US but his spiritual home will always be Rome as this is the city which most satisfies his unrelenting craving for culture, good food and great football. Scott loves nothing better than to be behind the camera and also runs his own blog and Instagram page. He also counts Melbourne, Cape Town and Tel Aviv among his favourite places. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @scottbalaam