Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Madison South

One of the best dinners of the year. So many memorable dishes. Never had a cheese rosette before. But the way the cheese was cut made it so memorable. And the cheese itself was fantastic. At first I just thought, "Good cheese." But then these layers of flavor kept coming in with complexity after complexity. We had a bottle of orange Viognier made by the owner. It complemented everything, and everything differently. Each different dish brought out a different side of the wine. The soup was, well, I've never had a french onion soup like it. The crispy cheese basket and bread pudding croutons... I mean bread pudding croutons? Who does that? Oh L'Orange dose. So much flavor. And it was vegetarian! Only found out after. Never would have thought so. So much depth of flavor. So many places have a fried cauliflower appetizer now, but they poach and grill theirs to again, layer the flavor. Best duck I've ever had. Who knew it's better cooked confit, then boned and reassembled into a mini duck loaf crisped all over in duck fat. And that sturgeon. Holy hell, that's one of the best fish dishes ever. And the most expensive thing on the menu is $30. In 2024, for food of that quality, such good value for money. Even the cake was extra special. Even at fancy places, it might have some whipped cream, maybe a little sauce. Their orange cake is bruleed and then has these little bright orange globules of flavor dotted around it. Can't remember if they were more acidic, sweet, or both. But just so, so good. Would most definitely return. There are so many surprises on the menu. The way the cheese is presented, the cauliflower preparation, the fish that's so much more, the cake with unexpected bits and bobs. I'm excited to order differently the next time, because, well, so many more surpises! The main server who helped us was a pure delight. Just one of the most charming people you'll ever meet.

Food is always delicious.Luv that it’s fresh made!Appreciate that wait staff works w each others’ tables,therefore was never left waiting for the next item,whether hot/cold.Delicata squash salad was outstanding!Watching bartender is always an eye opening art form.Only down side was the loud table guests (manners people!!!)combined w SYA acoustics.

I could not recommend Mediterranean Exploration Company enough! Everything we ate was 11/10. We also sat at the counter and watched the chefs, which was incredible. Truly one of the best restaurant experiences we’ve ever had and we will definitely be returning to try all of the foods that we didn’t get to try. Highly recommend the crispy lamb hummus with pita and spiced carrots dishes. Falafel and grilled octopus dishes were also delicious!

This is far and away my favorite restaurant in Portland