Portland’s downtown dining scene gained something special when Queen Mama’s Kitchen opened on SW Oak Street.
The family-owned restaurant started with catering in 2020 during COVID-19, expanded to a food truck, then opened their first brick-and-mortar location.
Their cheesecakes inspire such devotion that staff chase customers out the door to ensure they don’t miss dessert.
Why Staff Run After Customers About Cheesecake
Queen Mama’s serves homemade cheesecakes in flavors like pistachio, almond, and Dubai chocolate that earn specific return trips.
The cheesecakes arrive rich, decadent, and unapologetically indulgent—the kind that make you pause mid-bite and rethink life choices.
Staff care enough about the dessert experience to literally run outside catching departing guests who haven’t tried cheesecake yet.
The pistachio version converts people who don’t typically like cheesecake into devotees savoring every morsel.
How a COVID Catering Business Became Downtown’s Mediterranean Gem
The family operation started catering during the pandemic’s midst, finding immediate success that led to a food truck.
After a year traveling to local events and parties, they opened their brick-and-mortar location to meet growing demand.
The small, intimate space features sky blue walls and luxe feminine decor that creates Instagram-worthy yet genuinely cozy atmosphere.
Reservations become essential because the popular spot fills quickly with regulars who eat there every single day they’re open.
Food Highlights
- Lamb Shank: Tender meat literally falls off the bone when lifted, arriving perfectly seasoned with traditional Saudi-style spicing. 🍖
- Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowl: A flavor bomb where every single bite delivers without overwhelming the palate. 🍚
- Pistachio Cheesecake: Rich, sublime dessert that converts non-cheesecake people into devotees who savor every morsel. 🍰
- Mezza Platter: Hummus, baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves, tabouli, fattoush, and eggplant fatta with a pita bread basket for sharing. 🥙
- Queen’s Karak: Milk saffron tea that arrives amazing and unlike anything most people have tried before. 🍵
- Koshari: Egyptian comfort food combining lentils, rice, pasta, and chickpeas in traditional preparation. 🍝
Atmosphere
The luxe feminine decor features soft blue walls and thoughtfully curated details that invite guests to slow down and stay longer.
Small, intimate space accommodates cozy dining experiences where families play games at tables while waiting for food.
The downtown location requires navigating Portland’s current urban challenges, but regulars insist the food justifies the trip completely.
Bottom Line
Queen Mama’s Kitchen proves family-owned restaurants can thrive by treating customers like family and caring about every dessert experience.
The lamb shank and pistachio cheesecake justify reservations and trips to downtown despite urban navigation challenges.
When staff literally chase customers to ensure they don’t miss cheesecake, you know you’ve found hospitality that transcends typical restaurant service. 🌟
Address: Queen Mama’s Kitchen 406 SW Oak St Portland, OR 97204
📞 (971) 431-7015
🕐 Thu-Sun 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Closed Mon-Wed
Downtown/Southwest Portland | Reservations recommended | Wheelchair accessible