Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Pearl District

6 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Mediterranean Exploration Company restaurant

1. Mediterranean Exploration Company

4.8

Exceptional(162)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Northwest Portland

Booked 44 times today

At Mediterranean Exploration Company in Northwest Portland, the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine is celebrated with an extraordinary flair. Patrons consistently rave about the authentic and vibrant flavors, describing the experience as "absolutely delicious and so flavorful!" and highlighting dishes like the baked feta with berries and the perfectly seasoned hummus. The restaurant prides itself on a market-driven menu that showcases the freshest local produce, ensuring each dish is both innovative and true to its roots. With a lively atmosphere and exceptional service, it's no surprise that it's often noted as "consistently awesome." Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, Mediterranean Exploration Company promises a dining experience that's not only delicious but truly memorable.

A photo of Queen Mama's Kitchen restaurant

2. Queen Mama's Kitchen

4.3

Awesome(45)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Downtown

Booked 10 times today

Queen Mama's Kitchen in Downtown Portland is a beacon of Mediterranean excellence, particularly noted for its authentic Saudi Arabian dishes. Patrons rave about the "authentic Saudi cuisine" and "traditional Arabian coffee" that transport them straight to the streets of Saudi Arabia. The restaurant's cozy, inviting ambiance complements its meticulously seasoned dishes such as the Lamb Shank Mandi and the flavorful Saleeg. With glowing reviews praising its "unique and delicious restaurants in Portland," Queen Mama's Kitchen not only offers a meal but an immersive cultural experience. Whether it's the warm hospitality or the expertly crafted menu, this family-run gem is a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Mediterranean flavors in a charming setting.

3. Shalom Y'all

4.9

Exceptional(107)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Southeast Portland

Booked 40 times today

Shalom Y'all in Southeast Portland is a culinary gem that masterfully showcases the rich flavors of North African cuisine with a Pacific Northwest twist. Diners rave about the "Baharat spiced chicken kebab" and the "grilled lamb chops," highlighting the authentic spices and vibrant flavors typical of North African dishes. The "silky hummus" served with freshly baked pita is another crowd-pleaser, often described as the best outside of North Africa. As one enthusiastic reviewer puts it, "Everything sampled was outstanding," emphasizing the authenticity and high quality of the food. Shalom Y'all offers an inviting atmosphere that complements its flavorful dishes, making every meal a memorable North African culinary journey.

4. Darsalam Downtown

4.6

Exceptional(86)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Downtown

Booked 1 time today

Darsalam Downtown in Portland offers a delightful exploration into authentic Iraqi cuisine, with a strong emphasis on providing genuine Halal dishes. This gem is celebrated for its unique and "delicious" offerings that stand out in the bustling downtown neighborhood. Patrons rave about the "phenomenal food," highlighting favorites like the Iraqi Shish Kabob and the shredded lamb rice plate, always served in a "great atmosphere" with "extremely kind staff." The restaurant ensures all meat is Halal, catering beautifully to dietary needs while maintaining rich, authentic flavors that make every dish a culinary adventure. Darsalam Downtown is a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Halal Iraqi cuisine.

A photo of Darsalam - Portland restaurant

5. Darsalam - Portland

4.4

Awesome(25)

Price: Moderate

• Middle eastern • Northeast Portland

Nestled in the vibrant Northeast Portland, Darsalam brings a slice of Iraq right to your table with its authentic and uniquely delectable Iraqi cuisine. Celebrated for its "refreshingly different" approach to Middle Eastern flavors, this charming spot offers a culinary journey that is both heartwarming and delightful. With glowing reviews, patrons rave about the "wonderful food and lovely service," highlighting the perfectly seasoned lamb stew and the "smoothest hummus of my life." The ambiance, adorned with pictures from the "old country," enhances the dining experience, making you feel as though you've stepped into a welcoming Iraqi home. Whether it's the fragrant Iraqi Pilsner or the flavorful shish kabob plate, Darsalam consistently delivers an "absolutely delicious" meal that is bound to impress.

6. DEDIKo

4.9

Exceptional(373)

Price: Expensive

• Middle eastern • Vancouver

Booked 14 times today

Dediko, nestled in the vibrant heart of Vancouver, offers a slice of Georgia with its authentic and exquisitely crafted cuisine. This family-run cafe delights with traditional Georgian dishes such as khachapuri, khinkali, and mtsvadi, prepared with an unwavering commitment to quality. Patrons rave about their dining experiences, noting the "super flavorful" dishes and "excellent quality food" that keep them returning regularly. The restaurant's cozy ambiance complements its rich, walnut-heavy vegetable dishes and perfectly grilled meats, making Dediko a beacon of Georgian culinary excellence in Vancouver. As one satisfied diner put it, "This is my favorite restaurant in Vancouver... Their wine is amazing, as is every dish we've tried." Dediko is not just a meal; it's a cultural immersion, highly recommended for anyone looking to explore the unique flavors of Georgia.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
Brandon
Portland / Oregon •1 review
5.0
Dined today
Great service and food. You can never go wrong here. The only negative is that the tables are permanently affixed to the floor. They squish you against the wall if you are an average or above person.
More info
Mediterranean Exploration CompanyPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Northwest Portland
•
4.8
S
Suzanne
Los Angeles •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Our divine waiter went above and beyond. He graciously pointed out all the vegan options on the menu and his suggestions were spot on. After the meal, I got caught by a stopped train and a hot cookie was presented to me. A memorable experience for sure!
More info
Shalom Y'allPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Southeast Portland
•
4.9
M
Marcia
Portland / Oregon •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 9, 2024
Lamb was amazing. Stew just average- overall selection seemed limited? Everything Zi ate was quite good and space very very comfortable. I did miss cocktails however!
More info
Queen Mama's KitchenPrice: Moderate• Middle Eastern• Downtown
•
4.3
J
Janis
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Sep 22, 2024
We ordered several items to share. The baba ganoush was really excellent. Also highly recommend the cardamom gimlet.
More info
Darsalam - PortlandPrice: Moderate• Middle Eastern• Northeast Portland
•
4.4
M
melaniefvip
Portland / Oregon •14 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jul 7, 2024
loved everything about this restaurant, Great food and different.
More info
Darsalam DowntownPrice: Moderate• Middle Eastern• Downtown
•
4.6

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Pearl District

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Best Middle Eastern Restaurants in Pearl District

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6 restaurants available nearby

1. Mediterranean Exploration Company

2. Queen Mama's Kitchen

3. Shalom Y'all

4. Darsalam Downtown

5. Darsalam - Portland

6. DEDIKo

See what locals rave about

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