At The Table | Dean’s Mediterranean Table
Every other month, we come to the table by visiting a local restaurant that The Port has supported in some way. We will be highlighting the people, places, and projects that help shape Cincinnati’s neighborhoods. This series will showcase The Port’s strategic investment in these communities while also boosting the visibility and vitality of the restaurants, reinforcing the impact of The Port’s involvement.
The Space & Story
There’s a sense of renewal the moment you step inside Dean’s Mediterranean Table. What was once a long-vacant building is now full of life, with a space that is light, inviting, and grounded in a story that spans generations.
Dean’s Mediterranean Table builds on a beloved local foundation that spans more than four decades. In 1986, Lebanese immigrant Dean Zaidan opened Dean’s Mediterranean Imports at Findlay Market, introducing many Cincinnatians to ingredients like pita, hummus, and tabbouleh long before they were widely available.
Today, his daughter Kate Zaidan has expanded that legacy into a full-service restaurant. After taking over the family business nearly a decade ago, she began pursuing the idea of a larger space in 2021 to bring new dishes and experiences to life. The result is a restaurant rooted in family recipes and tradition, while also creating something new for the neighborhood. It’s a place to gather, connect, and enjoy thoughtfully prepared Mediterranean cuisine.
Beyond the dining area, the restaurant also features a curated selection of grab-and-go items, including fresh Greek yogurt, hummus, baked goods, and prepared meals ready to take home.
A small pantry section offers staples like olive oil, spices, and specialty ingredients, bringing a bit of the experience beyond the table and into everyday life.
What’s On the Menu
The space itself mirrors the food, with a light, fresh, and inviting interior design that still feels warm and welcoming. It works just as well for a casual lunch as it does for a longer, sit-down dinner. The menu is intentional and full of standout options, building on the same high-quality ingredients the Zaidan family has sourced for decades.
We started with a hummus plate to share, which is an absolute must. It’s smooth, fresh, and sets the tone for the rest of the meal.
For lunch, the beef kafta wrap stood out as a perfect option. It was filling without feeling too heavy, making it ideal for a mid-day meal, and one of several affordable lunch options on the menu. Our server suggested pairing it with a cranberry sauce, which added a bright, slightly sweet flavor that felt especially refreshing for spring.
We also tried the chicken shawarma plate, which is a generous portion but still balanced and easy to enjoy, with each element thoughtfully prepared and full of flavor.
One thing that really stood out was the coffee menu. It’s much more expansive than you would expect, with traditional Turkish coffee, spiced lattes, and unique drinks that tie back to the same Mediterranean flavors you see on the food menu. After a lot of consideration, I chose the Open Sesame latte, made with honey tahini, which I learned is made from freshly ground sesame seeds. It was such a standout, and I already can’t wait to come back and try more.
What sets the experience apart is the level of thought behind it. Our server took time to sit down and walk through the menu with us, offering insight and recommendations that made the meal feel personal and welcoming.
Why This Place
Northside has long been one of Cincinnati’s most vibrant and creative neighborhoods, and projects like this continue to build on that energy.
4024 Hamilton Avenue has been brought back to life as the new home of Dean’s Mediterranean Table, along with two upper-floor office spaces available for lease.
In partnership with Northsiders Engaged in Sustainable Transformation (NEST), The Port utilized its landbank tools to support the project, including holding the property on their behalf during construction and transferring it back to NEST upon completion.
Today, the space reflects how strategic investment can transform long-vacant buildings into places that support local businesses and contribute to the neighborhood’s ongoing momentum.
Looking Ahead
As Northside continues to grow and evolve, projects like this play an important role in shaping its future.
Dean’s Mediterranean Table reflects what is possible when local vision, cultural storytelling, and strategic partnerships come together to create spaces that are both successful businesses and meaningful additions to the community.
Take a seat, explore the menu, and experience how spaces like this are bringing new life to Cincinnati’s neighborhoods.
