Seemor

Nicholas Restaurant Lebanese and Mediterranean CuisineB+Worth Trying

Name: Nicholas Restaurant Lebanese and Mediterranean Cuisine
Address: 1109 SE Madison St, Portland, OR 97214, Portland, United States
Rating: 4.5

1109 SE Madison St, Portland, OR 97214 · Lebanese restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant, Middle Eastern restaurant · 4.5/5 Google (2961 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Beloved Portland spot for Lebanese comfort favorites with giant fresh pita, generous portions, and many gluten-free/vegan options; food shines, service can be inconsistent, prices fair for quantity.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Nicholas Restaurant delivers solid neighborhood dining anchored by exceptional food quality—the house-baked pita and traditional Lebanese mezze earn consistent praise—but inconsistent execution and uneven service attentiveness prevent a higher grade. A Portland institution with genuine loyal following and generous portions at fair prices, it excels when everything aligns but shows enough variability that experiences differ noticeably between visits.

Restaurant Summary

A Portland mainstay where the first impression is a giant, pillowy pita arriving hot from the oven and a room that feels warm and bustling. Guests describe staff as kind and helpful when on form, though some visits feel hit or miss on attentiveness. One diner raved, "The lamb with saffron rice was unforgettable and the bread stole the show." The cooking leans traditional Lebanese comfort with mezze, shawarma, and kabobs rather than culinary theatrics. Expect generous portions, bright herbs, and shareable platters; there are a few mashups like the chicken kabob pizza but most plates aim for familiar flavors over innovation. It suits groups and anyone craving hearty, flavorful spreads. Families are well served: there is a defined kids menu, pizzas, kabobs, and plenty of sides like hummus and fries that kids actually eat. The presence of gluten-free pita and clearly marked vegan options makes it easier for mixed-diet tables. If your child prefers simple bites, the Kids Chicken Kabob Plate and cheese pizza are solid picks.

At a Glance

Giant house-baked pita and classic mezze are crowd-pleasers
Portions are large and pricing fair for quantity
Service consistency varies from excellent to inattentive
Texture issues occasionally (mushy rice, dry/cold shawarma)
Strong gluten-free and vegan coverage including GF pita

What Sets It Apart

giant_house_baked_pita
broad_gluten_free_selection
shareable_mezza_spreads

What People Love

That first hot pita with dips
Kabobs with saffron rice
Wide gluten-free options including GF pita
Roomy, attractive dining space
Shareable samplers that feed a crowd

Points of Concern

Service can be inattentive or slow at times, with occasional staggered courses
Some inconsistency: reports of mushy rice, chewy lamb, or cold shawarma
Policies on to-go sides/salads and pita quantities frustrate some guests
Parking free spots are limited; overflow is paid or street

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$34-46 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

For gluten-free diners: Kabob plates, shawarma plate, muhamra, baba ghanoush, and GF pita when available
For vegans: Arnabeet, falafel, tabouli, vegan mezza, roasted veggie bowl

Perfect For

Sharing mezze with friends
Family dinners with mixed dietary needs
Casual date night with cocktails
Group celebrations and birthdays

Location Insights

Area: Inner eastside Portland near SE Industrial and Buckman; casual dining with bars and breweries, draws locals and visitors.

Safety: Generally busy and safe along main corridors; standard urban caution at night.

Nearby: Close to SE Grand/Alder corridors, venues, offices, and residential blocks; convenient to Central Eastside businesses.

BuckmanBuckman is a lively neighborhood with a blend of historic homes and modern developments. It offers a variety of dining options from casual eateries to trendy restaurants, attracting a diverse crowd that enjoys a relaxed yet vibrant social atmosphere.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–20:00 Tuesday11:00–20:00 Wednesday11:00–20:00 Thursday11:00–20:00 Friday11:00–21:00 Saturday11:00–21:00 Sunday12:00–20:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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