Pera Mediterranean

Can’t believe this place took so long to go out of business. Nobody was ever in there. If you want Mediterranean try Aladdin’s nearby =)

This was my second time. The first time was good. Not as good as Café Istanbul, but good.
This time was a let down. Again only one’s in the place and our food was served cold. The only reason I could see for that was the host was talking to a customer that picked up food for about 20 minutes.
Pure let down. will not be rushing back

Simple food cooked really well. I had the apricot chicken and it was really good. The place feels really authentic, if you like Mediterranean food then you’ll want to check this place out.

Pera is great! I’ve been searching for a go-​to Mediterranean place to get my fix of home cooking when I can’t get it from my mama :). After a few disappointments elsewhere I have finally found the spot.
I shared the mixed kabob plate on my first visit and everything in the plate was delicious. The mixed platter is definitely enough to fill 2, possibly 3 people. If you’re ordering solo I’d recommend the lamb kabob as my first choice and the chicken kabob as the second. Both are exceptional! Nicely seasoned and grilled to juicy, tender perfection.
I also enjoyed the traditionally decorated interior and exceptional service from the owner.
Give this place a try, you will not be disappointed.

My husband was craving Mediterranean food the other night. I did some research, and we decided to give this restaurant a try. The major reason why we chose Pera Restaurant is that the price is reasonable, compared to other Mediterranean places in town. We were really happy we tried this restaurant. Here are the reasons:
1) The ambience of the restaurant and the service:
It seems that the restaurant is in the process of renovation. The back section of the restaurant was covered by the plastic sheet when we were there. Not a big deal. When we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by a woman who let us choose wherever we wanted to sit. We picked up the table right next to the window. The restaurant is cute and relaxing. The woman who greeted us was also our server – a very nice middle-​aged lady. She was friendly and cordial. She was taking care of us along with other 3 tables. She did a good job! The timings of our appetizers, drinks, and entrees were good.
2) The food: (please see the photos attached)
We ordered an appetizer sampler for two. I cannot remember which is which, but everything on the plate was delicious!!! They went so well with the nicely toasted pita bread. (Our pita bread was nicely warm).
For our main dishes, I ordered stuffed cabbages, and my husband ordered gyro plate. Delicious! My entrée tasted sort of healthy too, which is important for me. I always like simple and hearty dish (and at the same time not heavy or greasy). I was also happy about the generous serving too! My husband’s gyro was nice too. We have tried several gyros at other places, and many of them were sort of heavily spiced (which made the meat taste too heavy sometimes.) The gyro in this restaurant, however, is not too heavily-​spiced. It has a much more balanced flavor in terms of spices.
3) Price:
Most of the main courses are under $ 15, which is nice. I noticed that if we order similar dishes at other Mediterranean restaurants (like the one in downtown), each would be 2 or 3 dollars more.
Overall, we were really happy about our visit and will definitely come back soon!

I am very confused by the 4 star rating on this place. We tried Pera shortly after it opened, replacing Betta’s, a place we loved. I don’t remember the specifics but I remember thinking it was not good and that we would never return. Today we were in the area. As time heals all wounds, I thought we should try it again. It had been years and the place had good reviews on Unilocal.
Those wounds have been viciously reopened. The service was atrocious. It was 1:00 on Saturday and practically empty-​which should have been a sign. A group of us stopped in after painting in the park. We just wanted a sample of appetizers. The waiter seemed annoyed with any questions and that we were not ordering full entrees. We had questions and we’re discussing what to share amongst us to get a variety. It did not take that long, there was only one other couple in the joint, but when he got the order he turned and said «wow!» And slammed the menus in his hand. We all looked at each other with surprise. We considered walking out, but decided to stay.
The food is mediocre at best. The «egg plant» purée was slimy and undercooked. I’ve had better humus from a fast food joint. The place seemed a bit dirty. Food stains on the walls.
I considered desert and coffee but he just brought out our bill. So we left.
Officially the last time any of us will go there. I have no idea how this place stays in business.
Only plus was that we had wonderful gelato next door– but that is another review.

Let me first say it appeared that the gentleman working there was doing all jobs. Perhaps that explains his gruff demeanor and poor service. We wanted to order drinks but he left with our food order without offering us beverages. We wanted dessert and coffee but were presented bills instead. Each time something was brought to our table I thanked him but he never responded.
Service D
Atmosphere C–
Food D+
Value B on appetizers

If you come to Pera with at least one other person, you should get the mix kabob and split it! I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve tried on the menu, but the lamb kabob and chicken kabobs are both amazing. Very good quality food, prepared with care, and it smells incredible when they bring it out to you.
I was pleasantly surprised by the falafel (fried ground chickpeas) at Pera — it’s rounder and a brighter red color than most falafel I’ve seen elsewhere. It also tastes amazing, and I am normally a falafel lover anyway! The other appetizers are also great — similar to the mix kabob, the meze plate is a good option to share if you want to try lots of different things.
The ambiance and background music is very quiet and relaxing. Our group was a little loud, perhaps too obnoxious at times for the space — but the owner continued to give us great service throughout. They didn’t have the lobster bisque when I was there last, but I will be trying that on my next visit.
After dinner, take a walk around Mt. Lookout square to burn off some calories, or you can take in even more calories by going next door to Buona Terra for gelato, crepes, and macarons!

Quiet little place. Went there in lieu of Thai which was closed. Excellent attentive service, all food on the sampler plate was great but falafel — very bland, but there were 5 other choices. Also had the egg roll type appetizer with the best taziki ever.
Sorry. Can’t remember names of dishes. So far my favorite Mediterranean in town. Andy’s isn’t half as good.

Finally, good falafel in cincy! Enjoyed my appetizer plate with fresh and tasty dips and salads too. Entrée of apricot chicken was excellent, perfectly cooked chicken breast smothered in apricots with yummy mashed pots and crisp tender asparagus. Can’t wait to try more!

I’ve lived in the area for two years now and passed Pera repeatedly, always saying, «I’m going to try that one day!» Finally, I went for dinner and I am mad that it took me so long to try it! The food was divine – even the leftovers I had the next day, and the service was fantastic. He was attentive and friendly. I have no idea why this place was so empty. It really deserves a full crowd! If you haven’t tried it yet, stop waiting. You will not be disappointed. I can’t wait to go back!

We have walked past Pera many (many) times in Mt Lookout Square while enjoying the other local eateries. After reading the reviews on Unilocal we decided to give it a whirl and, in short, we will be back!
We arrived after regular dinner time, on a Wednesday, so the restaurant was pretty empty. We were cordially greeted by what we assume was the owner (as he talked about making the food later during out experience). Service was attentive, not overbearing.
We started with the dip sampler plate and this is a must have — a delicious variety of Mediterranean foods and we were in heaven. We also split a salad that fresh and flavorful.
For our entrees we had the egg plant and the gyro platter. Both left us in happy food comas.
Summary — a very surprising, tasty, and fresh treat that we will certainly be bringing a group back to in the future. Kudos!

I’ve eaten at Pera a few times for lunch, taken it to go for dinner, and eaten dinner there as well. When getting pickup, they were incredibly helpful and even threw in extra items (we had a huge group). Their veggies and rice are so tasty! And everything else I’ve had was delicious. Unfortunately this family-​owned place is usually empty, which makes me sad. Let’s fill this place up!

Simple, Plain, Unelegant and perhaps a little Scruffy. The appearance is more than overcome by great service and great food.
If you want elegant, this may not the place to go although I do expect that on a Friday or Saturday evening one might find some spiffy people seated at the tables.
The flavors were subtle and pleased my simple palate. I was with a group of four and the first thing we had was the sample plate appetizer of Tabouli, Hummus, Stuffed Grape Leaves, Eggplant Purée, Ezme and Falafel. Oh My Oh My! Pita wedges were provided upon which we piled the appetizer contents.
Suffice it to say the appetizer was excellent and full of strong and subtle flavors and at $ 19.95 for this shared appetizer for four, we were happy as clams.
We ordered a couple of bottles of wine from their list of $ 19.00 specials. I had ordered the Sauvignon Blanc and it was a pleasant dry white wine. The kind I enjoy.
For my main course I ordered the Gyro Kebab. It was a Turkish Delight. The meat was off the skewer, I’m not sure if it ever was on one but who cares? The vegetables were varieties of green and yellow squash prepared to perfection with an extremely interesting grouping of flavors. I devoured them!
Desert was as you might expect, Baklava and a Turkish Coffee.
That’s the way a Mediterranean meal should end!

Food is very good and the service is friendly. Falafel is wonderful and the cabbage rolls are generous and tasty. Beef/​lamb «kabobs» are good, but its really sliced gyro meat — mehe. Veggies were a bit salty.
Décor is tired and we chose to sit in the windows for the waning light of Mt. Lookout Square. The walk in appeal is blah to negative.

I used a groupon for our meal. The next day groupon sent an email asking for feedback. In my feedback I said the food tasted great but I got food poisoning. My response was sent to Pera and someone from Pera responded to me in an extremely unprofessional and rude manner. The message read «You say food was good but you were vomiting. I do not think that his is our fault. Because good food doesn’t make people vomit.» I added a picture of this email exchange. I will not be going back to Pera.

The first time we went to Pera was after a movie at AMC. On their website it says they are open till 11pm, and we reached the place just before 10. We could see the place was empty and the staff was kind of cleaning up. It turns out the website has not been updated in a while, and they actually close at 10. Bummer. But the waiter was accommodating enough to let us order something to-​go. We were seated at a table, served some water and never made to feel unwelcome, although coming to a restaurant at closing time is really a bad move.
We were pretty hungry, so we ordered the Appetizer plate (Tabouli, Hummus, Stuffed Grape Leaves, Eggplant Purée, Ezme and Falafel.) and gyro kebabs. Everything on the Appetizer plate is just fabulous. Everything tickles a different taste sensation on your tongue and together, its a symphony of tastes. Falafel was the right mix of crunchy and soft. Gyro kebabs were nothing to write home about, but still tasty. There is a Penne Mediterranian on the menu which tasted like a very healthy version of this Pasta. It is good for somebody who was forced on to a group which wanted to go to Pera.
I think the appetizer plate with drinks would be a great start to a date night. In the Mt. Lookout square which chock-​full of good places to eat, this is a great addition.
We have been to Pera again since then, and never disappointed. We got one of the nice window-​side tables from where you can people-​watch. I am happy that there is a good Mediterranean restaurant near my home.

This past Friday evening I finally made it down to Pera Mediterranean in Mt. Lookout Square, less than a mile from home. My wife and I actually tried earlier in the day for lunch, but found their doors still locked at the advertised opening time of 11. Since we had a Groupon that was expiring, we decided to head back later in the day for dinner, bringing along our toddler aged son and one of my wife’s brothers. We arrived at 5:30 to find the restaurant empty aside from one other table.
I’ve read reviews stating that the restaurant is BYOB, but they actually have a liquor license now. Also happy hour is offered from 4 until close with $ 1.50 domestic beers and $ 19 bottles of wine. Our server was quick to get our drink order and had our selections to us in no time. We put in an appetizer order, an appetizer sampler plate, while we looked through the rest of the menu.
The small appetizer sampler plate is recommended for 2 people but easily can be shared with more ($ 12.95 for the small). This included tabouli, hummus, stuffed grape leaves, eggplant purée, ezme and falafel. The hummus was smooth and creamy, just as it should be. The tabouli was also good, though not quite as delicious as I remember it being at Andy’s. The eggplant purée is essentially baba ghannouj and was fine. The ezme had a nice kick to it, which I used in conjunction with the other spreads. I loved the falafel better than Andy’s, easily my favorite from the sampler plate. And the stuffed grape leaves were average at best. Overall the sampler is worth getting.
For dinner I went with the chicken kebab served with basmati rice and steamed vegetables ($ 13.95). The chicken was well seasoned and perfectly cooked. I thought that the veggies were slightly over cooked and under flavored. For what you get, the price tag is a little high, I think.
My wife had the penne Mediterranean with chicken, green onions, chili pepper, Parmesan cheese, tomato and romano cheese sauce ($ 10.95). The menu indicates that mushrooms are also in the pasta dish, but none were present in my wife’s serving. I had a few bites of this and found the chicken to be overcooked and tough. It’s a shame that the chicken wasn’t cooked as well as the kebab was, otherwise this could have been a better dish. However as it was I would definitely skip on this one.
My brother-​in-​law had the gyro kebab ($ 13.95). The thinly sliced seasoned lamb and beef served was served with tzaziki sauce on the side. I did not sample any of the gyro meat, but he really seemed to enjoy it. He commented that it was his first time having lamb, so he didn’t have anything to compare it with, but he said he would order it again.
Dinner for the three of us exceeded $ 65, which again seemed a little steep for the portion sizes. With that said I definitely will not return to Pera again for dinner, but will consider it for lunch in the future. I’m eyeing the chicken kebab wrap with tzaziki, lettuce, tomato, and onion served inside a pita ($ 5.75). And I would likely get the appetizer sampler plate again.

This place was such a surprise to my taste buds!
I didn’t think much of it walking in — not the most elaborate décor… though the dishes were really nice. I stopped in for a quick bite while shopping in the area. I was the only person in there!
I started with some red lentil soup that turned out to be delicious and I devoured it. Then came my chicken kabob wrap… for 6 bucks I wasn’t expecting much… but it was DELICIOUS — the chicken… oh my gosh the chicken. It was tender and juicy with a nice char on the outside. Wrapped in a warm buttery pita and delicious tzaiki sauce… wow. I was really impressed. I mean. there’s cheap Mediterranean everywhere, but this place is QUALITY.
PLUS they have a wine list of $ 19 a bottle… every bottle! That’s fantastic. Cheap beer too.
I will definitely come back here. It was delicious!

Pera does now serve alcohol, but I still saw several parties come in with their own wine. I advise calling to check policy if you are wanting to BYOB.
I had the seafood casserole. It was a tomato-​based seafood stew. All seafood including salmon, tilapia, shrimp, mussels, and scallops were all perfectly cooked. Quite a feat! My dining partner had the eggplant with lamb. It was enjoyable. We split a piece of baklava for a treat. Yum.
Bottom line, I would be happy to return to try some other things on the menu.