Paymon's Medditeranean Cafe & Hookah Lounge

Paymon's is located on the Southwest corner of Maryland Parkway and Flamingo behind the Sinclair gas station. Easily accessed from the main road, with adequate parking in front of the restaurant, which is also shared with a few other shops located near by. 

We weren't exactly sure where to go, so we walked up the what we thought were the front doors; which were HUGE and rather intimidating. But before we even reached the doors we noticed a small sign that read "Please use front entrance." So we turned right, and about two doors down we found the front door to the restaurant.  When you enter the Cafe side of Paymon's you're immediately greeted by their host. The atmosphere is welcoming, and slightly romantic. Mainly due to the dim lighting, and the large oil paintings mounted within almost royally unique frames completely covering the walls. A fair amount of seating fills the restaurant. No booths though, just a bunch of little square tables that seat four comfortably. But they can be easily moved around to accommodate a large party.

Paymon's Menu categorized by Appetizers, Soups, Dips, Entrees, Greek Specialties, Middle Eastern Favorites, Indian Dishes, Pita Bread Sandwiches, Panini Sandwiches, Salads, Desserts, Specialty Coffees, Cordials, and Beverages.  They also have a menu strictly dedicated to Wines, Spirits, and Beers.

We started off our evening with Hummus, that we decided to have topped with a delicious fresh Basil Pesto and the Saganaki; Saganaki is a Greek cheese that they serve by the slice, and it comes on a sizzling skillet after it's broiled and flambeed with Bacardi and lemon juice. They used to flambe it table side, but it became too much of a fire hazard. Even without the table-side entertainment, we concluded that the Saganaki was definitely one of the best things we had ever eaten. Both the cheese and the hummus were served with warm Pita bread, which were super soft and complimented both appetizers beautifully.


Saganaki (Greek Cheese) & Hummus with Pesto

After washing down the appetizers with a delicious Passion Iced Tea, we consulted with our waitress Tammy who pointed out a few of their most popular entrees. We ended up with Chicken Tandoori, the Broiled Kabob Trio, and Moussaka. Moussaka is a Greek Specialty and was a layered casserole filled with onions, potatoes, ground Angus Beef, spices, and herbs.  The top of the Moussaka was Bechamel Sauce which tasted like a light custard with Mediterranean Vegetables and a smoked Eggplant with Pomegranate served on the side.  The tender chicken in the Chicken Tandoori was served with a white Indian Rice and a Mango Chutney Sauce.  This sauce unbelievably complemented the chicken's hint of spice.  The Kabob Trio came with very moist chicken, juicy ground beef, and tender lamb.  We had our trio served with Basmati Rice(prepared in chicken broth) and Anthens Fries (french fries that are heavily seasoned with herbs and spices). The entrees are very filling and will leave you with a very satisfied stomach.

Moussaka, Chicken Tandori, & Kabob Trio (top right)

Kabob Trio

Believe it our not, we ordered dessert.  Tammy talked us into the Rice Pudding, Tiramisu, and Baklava.  The Rice Pudding was topped with whipped cream and cinnamon powder.  The hint of Cinnamon complemented the Rice Pudding.  The Tiramisu was a surprise to us.  Fluffy and light.  No over powering Rum taste at all.  The Baklava is a Paymon original recipe.  A flakey Phyllo dough topping assorted nuts topped with honey and crushed pistachios.  We almost thought we were eating a home-made pie. For those of you watching your sugar intake, there are no added sugars to the Baklava. It is naturally sweetened with honey. Other than that, if you like cinnamon.. these desserts are definitely gonna be a hit!! Very generous with the cinnamon.

Rice Pudding, Baklava (top), & Tiramisu

Tammy offered us Arabic and Turkish Coffee. Nicky decided to try it since she is a Coffee-Guru. Her passion for tasting new coffee brought her curiosity to a new high.  The Arabic coffee was dark and acidy.  Dark and full-bodied for a strong taste.  It paired great with the Rice Pudding's Cinnamon.  The Turkish coffee
was well-balanced and less acidy.  The Turkish coffee tasted great with the cocoa in the Tiramisu.

Our expectations were met and exceeded by the friendly staff and incredible tasting Mediterranean food.  If you haven't tried Mediterranean food, Paymon's would be a great training wheel for you and may possibly set the standard for your pallet.  Paymon's is a great place to take the family, that special someone, or even a group of friends.  The cost peaks at $20.95 for one of the most expensive dish. 

Open 11am-1am everyday.