A warm welcome set the tone for our early Wednesday dinner at Artemis Mediterranean Bistro in Montgomery. We had made reservations and were seated promptly by servers whose smiles seemed genuine rather than merely practiced.
Artemis has served the Montgomery community since June 2019. Its menu brings together Turkish, Greek, Lebanese and other Middle Eastern dishes, with a particularly noticeable Turkish influence. Owner and executive chef Mehmet Coskun is from Istanbul.
The dining room is attractive without being overly formal. White tablecloths, hardwood floors and dark wood chairs give it a traditional appearance, while tall upholstered booths provide comfortable seating. A fireplace along one side of the room serves as a natural focal point. Recorded acoustic guitar music played quietly in the background, adding to the atmosphere without interfering with conversation.
We began with hummus and pita bread. The hummus arrived spread across a large plate, accompanied by lightly toasted pita. Made from puréed chickpeas with sesame oil and a subtle hint of garlic, it was smooth and delicious. The generous serving was easily large enough to share. The pita tasted fresh and was especially enjoyable while still warm.
For our entrées, we ordered the chicken kebab and beef kebab, both served with rice and vegetables. The chicken kebab featured juicy, char-grilled chicken with a well-balanced blend of seasonings, accompanied by rice and tender-crisp vegetables. Generous pieces of marinated, char-grilled rib-eye steak formed the centerpiece of the beef kebab. Rice, broccoli, carrots, zucchini and cauliflower completed the plate. The beef was tender, and the vegetables were cooked through while retaining a pleasant firmness. Both entrées were generously portioned and satisfying.
Our servers remained attentive throughout the meal, checking on us at appropriate times without repeatedly interrupting the conversation. The courses were paced well, allowing us to finish the appetizer before the entrées arrived. The staff’s personable manner contributed considerably to the relaxed evening.
The hummus appetizer, two entrées and four domestic beers cost $91.63 before tip. Considering the amount of food, the drinks and the attentive table service, the total was reasonable.
Artemis can accommodate couples, families and larger groups in its main dining room or enclosed outdoor terrace. The restaurant also offers two private spaces: a Wine Room seating up to 19 guests and an Event Room seating 36.
The full bar includes Turkish, Greek and Moldovan wines in addition to beer and more familiar wine selections. A bottle of Turkish wine ordered at a nearby booth caught our attention. Anatolia has a winemaking history reaching back thousands of years, and modern Turkish winemakers continue to produce wine from native grapes with names unfamiliar to many American diners, including Öküzgözü, Boğazkere and Kalecik Karası.
Artemis is located at 7791 Cooper Road, one block west of Montgomery Road and near downtown Montgomery. Parking is available in front of and behind the building. We found it easy and convenient, an advantage for dinner guests as well as those attending private gatherings.
Several menu offerings already have us considering another visit. Possibilities include stuffed grape leaves filled with rice, herbs, pine nuts and onion; Ali Nazik Kebab, made with ground lamb and beef served over smoky eggplant purée with garlicky yogurt; and spinach sautéed with ground beef and served with yogurt.
Artemis combines well-prepared food, comfortable surroundings and personable service in a setting suitable for either an ordinary evening out or a special gathering. With so many dishes still unexplored, sampling more of the menu may require several return visits.
