The Sultan Café located at 1500 NW 18th Avenue, in NW Portland, is a little off the beaten path, nestled on the outskirts of The Pearl District and not quite in Nob Hill, but it’s worth the turn or two it takes to get there! Here’s what their website (www.thesultancafe.com) says, “Bringing high-quality Mediterranean and Middle East foods to your table. Sultan Cafe offers vegetables, dips, hummus, olives, baba ganoush, grilled panini, tabouli, baklava and other Mediterranean food.”
The Reviews:
Chuck: I
ordered the lamb Shawarma, known locally as a Gyro, which came with slow cooked, marinated lamb, wrapped in a pita with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and their “secret recipe garlic sauce.” With a soda and chips it tops out at just over $7, and is worth every penny. The lamb was tender and delicious and the secret sauce adds the perfect amount of flavor – though it is quite garlicky. It’s a good amount of food for the money and you’ll leave sated and smiling.
The atmosphere is nice. Lots of windows bath the place in light and there are some lounge style chairs should the typical table dining spots be taken. Hookahs line one large wall and are available for rent or purchase, though I didn’t see anyone partaking during lunch. There’s even an Apple computer set up should you be inclined to surf the net during your meal.
If Jason hadn’t pointed this place out to me I’d have never known it was there. Now, hopefully, you’ll know and check it out. I’m glad I did!
4 out of 5.
Jason: The
Sultan Café is conveniently located about 3 minutes from my offices in NW Portland. We decided to break out of our burger bash of reviews and begin to try some “out of the way” places for a change. Of course we’re going to keep reviewing burgers but, I gotta tell ya, having a lamb Gyro was a great break from the burger/bun combo (Now that I think about it, a Gyro is kind of like a burger… just different. Bread, meat, cheese, veggies, sauce…hmmm…). Anyways…
The lamb Gyro was wrapped in light pita bread, filled with fresh lettuce, red onion, feta cheese, amazingly spiced lamb, and the best tzatziki sauce I’ve ever had. What the heck is tzatziki sauce you ask?! It’s a Greek yogurt and cucumber sauce with garlic and dill. It’s absolutely amazing and you have to try it if you haven’t. Here is a great recipe for you to try at home (Tzatziki Sauce).
I love this little place off the beaten path. Take the time to go have a Gyro in chicken, steak, or lamb, a Chicken Kabob with garlicky humus, saffron rice, and yogurt salad, or one of their delicious salads. You can even buy their pita bread with a container of humus and take it out. Whatever it is it will surely please.
Lastly, the service is smiley and friendly, and the atmosphere is casual and comfy. Surf the Mac in the corner or sit in the comfy chairs across the dining room, either way you’ll enjoy eating in.
4 out of 5
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