Seemor

Blu Olive Mediterranean BistroB+Worth Trying

240 NW Lost Springs Terrace #24, Portland, OR 97229 · Mediterranean restaurant, Bar & grill, Middle Eastern restaurant · 4.6/5 Google (1028 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Lively neighborhood Mediterranean spot with Persian-Greek staples, reliably tasty kebabs and lamb shank, friendly but occasionally overwhelmed service; good dine-in, mixed takeout, fair value for the quality.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Blu Olive Mediterranean Bistro delivers solid neighborhood dining through exceptional food quality—particularly tender koobideh and standout lamb shank—paired with genuinely friendly service during regular hours. However, inconsistent execution in takeout temperature and gyro preparation prevents a higher grade, and the shopping-center location lacks destination appeal. Worth visiting for quality Mediterranean cooking if you dine in during off-peak times.

Restaurant Summary

Set in Timberland Town Center, Blu Olive hums with neighborhood energy and the smell of saffron and grilled meats. Servers are often genuinely friendly, and plates arrive piled with fluffy rice and herb-bright salads. One diner shared, "The lamb shank slid off the bone," while another praised warm, cozy ambiance. However, there are some review authenticity concerns - some review patterns are consistent with solicited or influenced feedback. The cooking leans classic Mediterranean with Persian notes—think koobideh, saffron chicken, saganaki, and rose-scented desserts—more elevated traditional than chef-y fusion. Most praise centers on tender kebabs, lamb shank, and well-seasoned dips, with cocktails built from house-infused spirits. If you value quality ingredients over theatrics, this hits the spot, though takeout timing can waver at peak. Families fit right in. Kids can zero in on accessible favorites like rice, chicken souvlaki, fries, and pita, and there is a vegan plate for plant-based diners. No explicit kids menu, but the menu’s familiar textures and mild flavors make it easy to build a kid-friendly plate; just avoid peak rush if patience is thin.

At a Glance

What Sets It Apart

What People Love

Points of Concern

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$38-$55 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Perfect For

Location Insights

Area: Suburban mixed-use center serving nearby residences; casual, family-friendly crowd with steady evening traffic.

Safety: Generally safe, well-lit shopping plaza with steady foot traffic and parking lot visibility.

Nearby: Timberland Town Center near Market of Choice; neighboring eateries and retail draw steady crowds.

Forest ParkForest Park is primarily a residential neighborhood characterized by its proximity to the large Forest Park natural area, attracting those who appreciate outdoor activities and a quieter living environment. Dining options here are more limited and tend to be casual and community-focused, with an emphasis on local and family-friendly establishments.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday16:00–21:00 Tuesday16:00–21:00 Wednesday11:30–21:00 Thursday11:30–21:00 Friday11:30–21:30 Saturday11:30–21:30 Sunday11:30–21:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

View full analysis on Seemor →