Hours
Contact Us
Dinner
Open Daily 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Happy Hour
Monday - Friday 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(Exclusive to our Bar)
Parking
There is ample paid parking available. Street parking is available on all blocks nearby. Here are a few parking garages/lots in close proximity.
411-417 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Mediterranean Exploration Company (MEC) is Sesame Collective’s flagship restaurant in Portland, Oregon. MEC serves up cuisine from the Mediterranean and beyond while drawing inspiration from extensive research and global travels. Located in the heart of Portland’s industrial Pearl District, MEC is a vibrant, energetic restaurant with an open hearth kitchen, and a playfully creative beverage program.
Dinner
MEC
Salatim
Radicchio Salad
cherries. yogurt dressing.
breadcrumbs. pecorino
$16
Salt Roasted Beets
preserved lemon vinaigrette, tahina, sheep's cheese, pistachio
$14
Little Gem Salad
green goddess dressing. spring vegetables.
sunflower & pistachio dukkah
$16
Shaved Fennel & Citrus
black sesame vinaigrette, olives, chives
$14
Mezze
Beef Bacon-Wrapped Dates
almond. allepo honey
$3
Salmon Belly Tartare
pickled apple. dill oil. urfa yogurt
$22
Hamachi Crudo
smoked eggplant. tamarind soy vinaigrette. black harissa mayo. crispy ginger
$21
Labneh
marinated mushrooms. pea tendrils. pita
$17
Roasted Eggplant Dip
tahina. mint. smoked olive oil. pita
$16
Hummus Abu Hassan
tahina. paprika. chickpeas. za'atar. parsley. pita
$16
Braised Leeks and Greens Hummus
charred green onion. dill. pine nuts. pita
$17
Crispy Lamb Hummus
lemon tamarind vinaigrette. serrano herb salad. pita
$19
Falafel
6 pieces. tahina. green s’hug
$14
Chicken Meatballs
jalapeño. pistachio. frisée. toasted paprika aioli
$19
Piato
Greek Potatoes
oregano. garlic. lemon
$14
Braised Greek Greens
olive oil. chili flake. lemon juice
$14
Stewed Gigante Beans
dill. lemon. rye bread. rose petal harissa butter
$17
Mejadara
rice. lentils. fried onion
$15
Seared King Salmon
stewed peppers. tunisian harissa. cilantro
$36
Pan Seared Branzino
ras al hanout. cous cous. pine nut.
preserved orange butter sauce.
$48
Moroccan Brick Chicken
parsley. curry powder. arugula. pecorino
$26
Chef's Tasting Menu
An Exploration of the menu guided by our talented Chef!
Requires full table participation.
Substitutions politely declined.
$75 per person
$75
Grill
Tabil Spiced Carrots
pink peppercorn feta mousse.
crispy chickpeas. gremolata
$18
Harissa Spiced Shrimp
hazelnut romesco. tabbouleh. fried capers
$23
Charred Broccolini
pine nut-cashew cream. kalamata olive.
grilled lime. breadcrumbs
$19
Grilled Octopus
lemon. espelette. dill
$21
Sephardic Beef & Lamb Kebab
smoked eggplant relish. turmeric labneh. almonds
$24
Hanger Steak
new potatoes. capers. roasted garlic. preserved lemon
$34
Greek Lamb Chops
oregano. garlic. lemon
Half
$25
Full
$50
Oven
Roasted Cauliflower
green chickpea puree. advieh spice.
beef bacon jam
$23
Baked Eggplant
beluga lentil ragu. smoked tahina.
sumac shallots. almond
$22
Chicken Boureka
sumac. onion. feta. pickles
$15
Sweets
Baharat Chocolate Olive Oil Cake
spiced huckleberry compote. zabaglione ice
cream. chocolate crumb
$15
Orange Blossom Citrus Cake
whipped cream. orange syrup.
sumac meringue
$14
Goat Cheese Panna Cotta
labneh. spiced pears. shortbread crumb
$14
Lemon Calendula Sorbet
honey syrup. candied lemon peel. calendula wafer
$12
Tahini Ice Cream
coconut milk. chocolate magic shells
$12
Walnut Baklava
cardamom. cinnamon. honey
$9
Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookie
sea salt
$5
Food was delicious and service excellent. We sat outside and it was a lovely evening and a good time. Cocktails were extra-ordinary.
Judith H.
Amazing! We got the potatoes, lamb hummus, their pita is to die for and then the octopus was delish! Worth every penny! And the arak & a hard place is my fav drink.
Marissa W.
Nice selection of unique cocktails and dishes. It’s was a little loud but only because it was crowded and people were enjoying themselves. This is our second time and we will be back again.
Barb A.
Loved it! The host was incredibly friendly, hospitable, and accommodating. Food was delicious. Great date night experience.
Brandon
Stephanie Arnet
Chef De Cuisine
Taylor Troy
Sous Chef
Erica Namare
Service Manager
Larissa Brockmeyer
Ast. Service Manager
Photo Coming Soon!
Alex Vining
Bar LEad
Meet Our Team
Sesame Collective
RESTAURANT GROUP
333 NW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
Tel. (503)-222-0906
© 2024 by Sesame Collective.