Mediterranean Exploration Company
Mediterranean restaurant · Pearl
333 NW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
Highlights
Hummus, lamb chops, cocktails, and shareable Mediterranean plates
Hummus, lamb chops, cocktails, and shareable Mediterranean plates
"MEC, as its known, is arguably the crown jewel of the Sesame Collective restaurant group, roasting coffee-rubbed sweet potatoes and shawarma-spiced cauliflower in its 700-degree oven. Begin with an assortment of mezze, like crispy lamb-topped hummus, house-made labneh, or beef bacon-wrapped dates; from there, pick a few grilled items — chermoula-rubbed shrimp, spiced maitake mushrooms — to complement dishes from the oven. Smaller groups can enjoy food and drinks in the sleek subway-tiled bar, with bare Edison lights dripping from the ceiling." - Thom Hilton
"MEC, as its known, is arguably the crown jewel of the Sesame Collective restaurant group, roasting coffee-rubbed sweet potatoes and shawarma-spiced cauliflower in its 700-degree oven. Begin with an assortment of meze, like crispy-lamb-topped hummus, house-made labneh, or beef bacon-wrapped dates; from there, pick a few grilled items — chermoula-rubbed shrimp, hawaij-spiced carrots — to complement dishes from the oven. Smaller groups can enjoy food and drinks in the sleek subway tiled bar, with bare Edison lights dripping from the ceiling." - Maya MacEvoy, Thom Hilton
"While the lengthy menu might be overwhelming at this buzzy Pearl District restaurant, the hummus — served with puffy house-made pita — certainly shines. An order of the fried Brussels sprouts hummus, a creamy chickpea dip-turned-veggie dish, gets a little extra perk thanks to a dose of calabrian chili oil and lemon. For those who wish to stay clear of dairy, there’s also a hummus dish adorned with maitake mushrooms, garlic, paprika, and dill for added punch. It’s open for pickup and delivery via online order." - Michelle DeVona
"Within these stretches of fully blocked off or partially blocked off streets, restaurants like Mediterranean Exploration Company and Papi Chulo’s and bars like Two Wrongs and River Pig have created outdoor dining plazas." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden
"Mediterranean Exploration Company, part of the Toro Bravo Group, has reopened for service with new social distancing and mask guidelines." - Alex Frane
