Like most large American cities, Portland has restaurants representing almost all corners of the globe. This includes food from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. However, one of my favorites cuisines is that of the Middle East, and Portland has one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants I have ever visited. It’s called Nicholas Restaurant, and it’s located at 318 SE Grand Avenue. They serve food from Lebanon and other Middle Eastern countries.
Since I am a vegetarian, I particularly enjoy the variety of dishes made without meat that you can order at Nicholas. There are veggie kabobs, rice and lentils, fava beans, spinach pie and other vegetarian Middle Eastern delicacies. Of course, they also have many dishes made with chicken, beef, and lamb. If you order a “meza platter”, your meal will also come with an enormous pita bread, humus, falafel, and tabouli. Don’t forget to order dessert if you still have have room to eat more. I recommend the baklava – a traditional Middle Eastern pastry.
When you arrive at Nicholas, be prepared to wait a while for your table. It is a small restaurant, and it’s very popular. If the weather is nice, you can sit outside and look over the menu to decide what to have. I suggest that you visit the Nicholas Restaurant website first to learn more. Make sure you’re hungry before you go. The portions are huge!