Nicholas

Nicholas has been a Portland institution for Lebanese food since the ‘80s, and it’s still packed. So packed that they moved the original location to a loftier space in the inner Southeast, complete with a sprawling patio and full bar. Luckily, the pillowy, freshly baked pita that could feed a family of four is as good as ever. Bring a group and split a mezze, a Manakish pizza sprinkled with za’atar, and a slew of kabobs. Hummus and baba ganoush have become ubiquitous in the city over the years, but muhammara, the earthy red pepper dip, thickened with walnuts, is harder to find in Portland. Nicholas’ version is so rich and flavorful that you’ll want to get a container to go and devour it in private. 

photo credit: Brooke Fitts

photo credit: Brooke Fitts