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
pickled shallots. chopped herbs. tahina. poppy seed vinaigrette. urfa
$14
Fennel Salad
green s’hug vinaigrette. mint. orange. candied almonds
$14
Kale Salad
chili mustard vinaigrette. mama lil’s. dates. pears. manchego. walnuts
$16
Mezze
Beef Bacon-Wrapped Dates
almond. allepo honey
$3
Warm Castelvetrano Olives
olive oil. coriander
$9
Salmon Belly Tartare
pickled nectarine. dill oil. urfa yogurt
$22
Hamachi Crudo
smoked eggplant. tamarind soy vinaigrette. black harissa mayo. crispy ginger
$21
Labneh with Fried Artichokes
harissa vinaigrette. honey-soaked dates. pita
$16
Roasted Eggplant Dip
tahina. mint. smoked olive oil. pita
$16
Hummus Abu Hassan
tahina. paprika. chickpeas. za'atar. parsley. pita
$16
Fasolakia Hummus
tomato braised beans. lemon. herbs. pita
$17
Crispy Lamb Hummus
lemon tamarind vinaigrette. serrano herb salad. pita
$18
Falafel
6 pieces. tahina. green s’hug
$14
Chicken Meatballs
cured lemon aioli. curried carrot salad. almond
$19
Piato
Greek Potatoes
oregano. garlic. lemon
$13
Braised Greek Greens
olive oil. chili flake. lemon juice
$14
Mejadara
rice. lentils. fried onion
$15
Seared King Salmon
stewed peppers. tunisian harissa. cilantro
$34
Moroccan Brick Chicken
arugula. pecorino
$26
Grill
Hawaij Spiced Carrots
pistachio feta purée. herbs. crispy chili garlic oil.
$18
Spiced Maitake Mushrooms
warm lentil salad. black garlic toum
$20
Chermoula Rubbed Shrimp
preserved lemon green chermoula. cabbage. crispy spices
$22
Charred Broccolini
green harissa hollandaise. preserved lime. breadcrumbs
$18
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
$33
Greek Lamb Chops
oregano. garlic. lemon
Half
$25
Full
$50
Oven
Baked Feta & Nectarines
black pepper honey. thyme. hazelnuts. challah
$19
Coffee Roasted Sweet Potatoes
onion nut jam. yogurt aioli. cocoa nib brittle
$17
Spinach & Cheese Boureka
feta. sesame
$14
Chicken Boureka
sumac. onion. feta
$15
Amba Roasted Cauliflower
candied pepitas. feta. tahina
$23
Youvetsi
braised beef. orzo pasta. cheese. calabrian chili
$24
Sweets
Warm Pistachio Cake
labneh white chocolate mousse.
peaches. fig leaf
$15
Black Sesame Mousse
chocolate almond cake. amarena cherry.
sesame brittle
$14
Cardamom Tres Leches
baharat peaches. ashta cream. ginger meringue
$13
Chocolate Coconut Ice Cream
date caramel syrup. roasted almonds
$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
Kyle Burgres
Chef De Cuisine
Taylor Troy
Sous Chef
Erica Namare
Service Manager
Erica Namare
Service Manager
Photo Coming Soon!
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