Our Story

Cedars is named after the famous cedars of Lebanon. Cedar trees are the national emblem of Lebanon, mentioned often in both religious and historical texts, and even appearing on the Lebanese flag. Cedars, the restaurant, began as a Lebanese deli in 1975, offering a variety of Middle Eastern dishes. Five years after opening, the renowned Indian Chef Gupta joined the establishment and introduced Indian and Pakistani cuisine to the menu. Our combination of Mediterranean, Indian, and Pakistani dishes have been a rousing success ever since, from our original University District location and now, from our new restaurant on Broadway on Capitol Hill.

Cedars has been owned and operated by the same family for over forty years and two generations. At both locations, we try to maintain an atmosphere that makes every visitor feel welcomed as a guest in a family friend’s dining room. Our mission is to have every guest experience the same hospitality we would give them in our own homes, and we serve our food like we would serve at home, as each one of our customers is our extended family.

At Cedars, our menu is a unique blend of Indian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Cuisine. From Baba Ghannoj and Hummus to Shish Taouk and Shish Kababs, we offer the best of the Mediterranean and Middle East, and also all the different regional favorites of India, including vindaloo, korma, rogan josh, palak paneer, and a variety of curries! Our butter chicken is probably what we’re most famous for, and we guarantee you won’t find a better selection of naan anywhere in Seattle! Our chai tea is another point of Cedars’ pride—chai is the heart of every Indian restaurant, and has to be made to perfection each and every time. The chefs at Cedars simmer a secret blend of tea, spices and milk in each brew until the flavor, texture, color, and aroma are perfect. And with free refills, Cedars is a perfect place for Indian chai lovers– your cup is never empty at Cedars.

Our spices and Indian fare are sourced directly from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Singapore, and New York, and we hand-grind our fresh organic spices daily with a mortar and pestle to achieve the freshest taste. Some of our chefs have been with us for over twenty years, and their training and eye for quality is unparalleled.

We invite you to step into our family’s kitchen and join us for a meal. The Cedars guarantee is not only some of the finest Indian and Mediterranean fare, but also some of the best hospitality you can ask for. Students, faculty, neighbors, businesses, and tourists are all welcome at Cedars!