Our Story

Penaber means immigrant in Kurdish—an identity that defines the heart and soul of this restaurant.

Founded in 2025 by Ismail Akar, a Kurdish immigrant and former engineer, and his cousin Orhan Pilis, an artist who found his passion for food after arriving in the U.S., Penaber Mediterranean Meze House was created to honor heritage through flavor.

Every dish is handmade from scratch, rooted in the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean and Kurdish cultures. The entire team is made up of immigrants, each bringing their own story and spirit to the table.

At Penaber, food is more than a meal—it’s a shared experience, a memory, a connection to home.

Welcome to Penaber—where every plate tells a story.