We haven't been here since well before the pandemic and remember it as having amazing food, service, and atmosphere - it still does.
I love stuffed grape leaves and these are some of the best I've had. The humus and lamb (bone in - always...) were outstanding.
The service and atmosphere were welcoming and relaxed. I wish more restaurants had this level of service (reminded us of being in Europe).
Al-Amir is definitely worth the trip downtown and should be on your shirt list of restaurants.
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This place is the real deal! My husband and I used gift cards to dine on a Wednesday. We had not been to downtown Portland because the homeless/drug environment is not pleasant. We were able to park in front of this beautiful building that used to be the Bishops house. Atmosphere was really “old town”. I have been lukewarm in the past about Middle East fare so Al Amir was an unexpected surprise. First off, the red wine was as good as I have had in any restaurant. The combo appetizer had the BEST hummus with plentiful pita bread. I ordered the chicken kabobs and the spice they used left me wanting to come back right away. My husband ordered lamb and it was a very generous portion. The service was very warm and attentive. We came back several days later and was greeted by Mo who made us feel so appreciated. He remembered our wine selection and told us to order anything off the menu and they would make it work. This time I ordered the shrimp kabobs and thought I died and went to heaven… I gave my husband one and he felt the same. One of the owners, Lydia, spoke to us and we told her how impressed we were and we were their new best customer. They have been in business for 33 years and have had to adapt to the Portland issues. Used to be vibrant /open lunch and dinner and now are only open limited hours. Lydia has been very involved giving back to the community (in one case Transitional Youth) also meeting with city leaders to help Portland come back to its old self. She wore a shirt with “faith” on it. She was so determined that things would get better. Please go to this restaurant, it deserves all the support they can get.
PS: they sell their wonderful hummus at FM, Safeway and other. Try their hummus and it will definitely lead you to try the restaurant!
Ordered the family style meal. The apps were amazing. Can't even decide which was the best. Then the main course comes out, omg, the Kosta and lamb were to die for. Had never had veggies prepared the way it was but the khudar was so yummy. We will definitely go back, just hope the bellydancer is working that night
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First off there are quite a few good Lebanese food places in this city, so the competition is high.
We ordered take away Kafta Kebob, Shish Kebob, Hummus and a salad. The meals came with light fluffy, ever so slightly under seasoned rice. Which in my book is better than soggy over salted rice, like at some places.
The Kafta didn’t come with hardly any vegetables that we had become accustomed to (maybe an incorrect expectation set by other establishments) and the meal was not on a skewer. it was a nice mix of lamb and beef and tasted good but didn’t have the kebob look. The Shish kebob was also off the skewer and tasted good.
The hummus was delicious with plenty of pita bread.
The salad salata al amir was good , nice nothing to write home about.
Visually the food is outclassed by some other places, but we enjoyed our meal.
Critically I think a touch more care in the seasoning department could go a long way to making the taste better. If I could give 3.5 stars I would.
So much potential, would love to see the quality increase a little.
Prices were in line with other similar restaurants.
This place is the real deal for Mediterranean food! You cannot match the hummus, pita, grape leaves, and baklava here.
Mom and Pop restaurant of 33 years in a beautiful historic building with the best food, the best service, and the best atmosphere.
Parking is easy here as well.
They cater events and cater to your events as well. I've had birthday parties here and they catered my parties at my house. It's very easy to work with the owners and they are so cool and friendly.
The food here is really top notch and authentic!
Not only is this the finest Mediterranean restaurant, but it is one of the best restaurants in Portland. They've been there a long time and a crafted incredible dining experience. If you eat one place in Portland, make this your stop.
This was our first time at this restaurant and it was absolutely delicious, flavorful and fun to try something new. The server was very helpful in explaining the different Lebanese dishes and we felt the pricing was very reasonable for it and that delicious food that we were served. The restaurant atmosphere was very pretty. I have attached some photos of some of the delicious food that we were served. Parking was somewhat difficult and that we had to park a few blocks away to find parking. We also could have used a parking structure and that probably would have gotten us a little closer.
We celebrated my birthday dinner at Al-Amir and it was amazing! Mo and every single person we spoke with went above and beyond to make my day special. We had a family style dinner and everyone loved the food. We will definitely be back!
Amazing. Moe is all about giving each customer friendly service. He does it all even before you ask. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxing. Such a fun place. We had a little of everything on the menu. You really can’t go wrong. This is a great place for an intimate date or a company party. Honestly this is the best Lebanese food I have had. Had a blast with my friends!
My husband is in security in downtown Portland and the owners had him and a co-worker come in for lunch. The next day during their 60 yr anniversary they gave him the chicken and rice dinner. He brought it home to me. The word exceptional doesn't even come.close to describing how delicious it was. I literally could eat it every single day. Thank you for your out of this universe food, and happy anniversary
We had dinner for a large party with a pre-set menu. Everything was delicious and the service was efficient, friendly, and hospitable. A memorable evening!
The Best Lebanese food you will find in Portland, right in the heart of the city. The service is tremendous and you feel like an old friend with the way you are treated. I highly recommend submitting your reservation on Open Table so that you can ensure timing seat for this sought after delicacy. The Kebab is perfect for your first trip and also grab an order of the baba ganoush.
Incredible! Best Lebanese food I’ve had in a long time.
Went here for a holiday party and really regret not taking pictures of our table! Interior was decorated and beautiful with a nice full bar.
Best humus and falafel I’ve had and honest I’m not a huge fan of either because it’s usually dry but I’m craving theirs now! So good.
I’m also gluten free (celiac) and they were supper accommodating and almost their entire menu is GF.- only 2 items were not.
The shrimp and chicken dishes were killer and I loved the Lebanese margarita. Perfect balance of veggies and meat.- they also have A LOT of vegetarian options.
AND they had a dancer! Not sure if they do this for regular dinner but worth asking- so fun and family owned. The owners were cooking and waiting on us.
Can’t wait to go back!
Wonderful!!
Quiet, early in the evening. Kind service, especially from the owner who proudly shares his culinary techniques. Generosity, meeting and exceeding our requests. Amazingly delicious, yet simple, foods both vegetarian and meat. Delicate baklava. Delightful Lebanese tea. Very reasonable for the quality. We will return for more!!
Very good, fresh food. My one critique is that the bread was fresh that day, but not fresh out of the oven like at other restaurants nearby. The bread was traditional Arab bread though, and it reminded me of home. I highly recommend this place for a meal.
This little "hole in the wall" has a great old time and intimate vibe. The decor makes it feel very home-y. I had the lafta kebab with lentil soup, and both were fantastic. The red sauce was a good complement to both the rice and the meat. I look forward to coming back next time I am in Portland.
Mo at Al Amir was wonderful to work with for our catering order. He was easy to communciate with, flexible and accomodating when our plans shifted the day-of, and the food was awesome. We will definitely cater with him again for our big family events!
I highly recommend Al-Amir. We had their three course meal and it was so delicious. The lamb shank fell off the bone and the chicken and shrimp kabobs were so tasty. The best part was the dessert. That salad in the photo, alone, was worth the trip, and the service! Wow! 5 ⭐️s for sure.
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