A Seattle favorite finds a new home in South Lake Union
After more than 15 years under the Petra name, owner Khal Beleh knows a thing or two about staying power.
Petra first opened in Belltown in 2009, followed by a location near Westlake Avenue and Virginia Street in 2013. Now, Petra Mediterranean Bistro has found its newest home at 1933 Seventh Avenue in the heart of Amazon’s Seattle headquarters. The central location gives neighborhood workers and visitors alike another easy access to Petra’s longtime favorites.
Aside from an excellent selection of entrees for dinner and dine in, the new spot follows the same fast-casual lunch format that was offered at Petra Bistro’s Westlake location. Guests can build a wrap, salad, or bowl from three main options: gyro, chicken, or falafel. Then you can customize your entrée with your choice of toppings and sauces.
“Our model offers customization,” Beleh said. “Fresh, tasty, make it your way.”
For first-time visitors, Beleh has one recommendation above all others: the Garlic Lemon Chicken.
The dish has been a bestseller for decades. The flavor of the marinade carries through in every bite and is complemented by a satisfying garlic-and-lemon sauce.
“There’s a reason it’s still on the menu,” Beleh said. “We stick with what works and what people like.”
That focus on consistency runs through Petra’s larger story.
Beleh came to the U.S. from Jordan in 1994 as a student and began working in restaurants while going to school. He opened his first restaurant in 2000 and eventually returned to the industry in 2009 to launch Petra Bistro.
Over the years, he has watched South Lake Union transform around him, particularly as Amazon’s presence helped drive new development across the neighborhood.
Through all that change, Beleh said Petra’s goal has remained simple: offer food that feels distinctive, generous, and consistent.
That philosophy has even extended beyond the restaurants. After a customer who split time between Seattle and Arizona asked if Beleh could send him some of Petra’s spices, Beleh began packaging and selling spice blends. He later added recipes and cooking videos designed to help customers make Mediterranean dishes at home.
“I’m giving you the tools,” he said. “I don’t want to tie you down to just one dish.”
For Beleh, though, Petra’s longevity is about more than food.
He credits his wife, longtime employees, and customers who have supported him over the years. Some customers have been coming to his restaurants for decades, becoming friends along the way.
“You make friends with this business,” Beleh said. “If you love doing it, it comes with making friends and making people happy.”
And after nearly three decades in the restaurant industry, that may be the ingredient Beleh values most.
Petra Mediterranean Bistro is open Monday through Friday, 11am to 8:30pm. Looking to bring Petra’s flavors to your office or family event? Check out the restaurant’s fantastic catering options. Follow Petra Mediterranean Bistro on Instagram for news, specials, recipes, and more.
Story by Ethan Chung. Photos courtesy Petra Mediterranean Bistro.
