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    Shami Cafe

    4.8 (45 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    Recommended Reviews - Shami Cafe

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    Outdoor Patio
    Kelsie D.

    Wow, delicious!! So pleased to have come across this cute little place! We ordered the M'Sabaha to share which is a hummus with a Syrian style topping served with pita bread. Amazing! Delicious flavor! For the main entree I ordered the Tawouk bowl which was basmati rice, grilled chicken, lemony slaw, Syrian pickles, greens and garlic aioli. Again so yummy! I discovered I love the flavor of Syrian pickles! Service was good and fairly quick! You can choose to sit indoor or the cute outside back covered patio. I will most definitely be back, delicious!

    the d'jaj and kanafeh
    Yasmine E.

    been on my list since they recently opened. finally stopped in for lunch takeout, excited to support a new small business and even happier that wael (chef/owner) is basically my cousin. different passports, same spice cabinet. while my order was being packed up, we talked about community and solidarity and it immediately felt like family. then i met his mom, all warmth, and i couldn't resist facetiming my own mom to brag about them. back home, the d'jaj wrapped me in tahini comfort with just the right crunch, the pickles iykyk, and the kunafa, bravo, didn't last long before i was doing the food dance. left feeling welcomed, came home to a meal that felt like a hug. i'll be back. go see for yourself!

    mortadella
    Jamie C.

    Great food made with love. We had a bowl and a sandwich and two mint lemonades. Friendly staff, fast casual, and a gorgeous patio that smelled like jasmine. we will definitely be back!

    D'jaj
    Bubble S.

    The service was friendly and helpful. We sat out back in the new patio they built. It was very cute and the large jasmine plants smelled amazing! The if us shared the m'sabaha hummus and the saltat malfouf appetizer. The hummus was delicious and the crisp cabbage slaw was perfectly crunchy, refreshing but still with a hint of creaminess. It came out so simple looking but we both couldn't stop eating it and relishing each bite! We shared the main dish, d'jaj, which was a bowl full of so many scrumptious textures and favors! Hearty but not heavy, aromatic with crunchy pita and almond slivers linger with savory chickpeas and rice. Pops of parsley are sprinkled throughout! Do not miss their house made chutney! Both are delish! My sister got a mint lemonade which was perfectly not too sweet! I had a glass of rosé and we both agreed, we found the best new spot in SE!

    Tawouk Bowl.
    L W.

    I'm not sure if this is authentic Syrian food, or like American version Syrian food but regardless- I loved it. I had the Tawouk bowl, everything was fresh and delicious. Seasoned so well, and with the mint lemonade to wash everything down- it was perfect. The cafe is easy to miss but it was steadily busy so obviously everyone enjoys their food. It's a cute little place, great food, friendly staff and their menus clearly state what is gluten free, vegetarian, vegan ect.

    Tawouk Bowl
    Emily F.

    This was delicious! Excellent service. Super cute inside! We will definitely be back :)

    Kufta bowl, crunch (falafel) bowl, Layla & Majnoon dip appetizer
    Z B.

    The food is SO good. I actually can't believe that I found reallllllly good homemade falafel and more! The people working here are SO FRIENDLY and give great recommendations. The menu has a ton of choices for vegetarians and carnivores, lighter to heavier fair. Great mix of veggie/bean/meat choices. Also, could have stayed there for hours with how laid back and cozy the atmosphere is.

    Levi S.

    What a wonderful restaurant!! The food is incredible and you can feel it is made with love. Came here with my family and the place & service was so warm and inviting. The decor is so well thought out and beautiful. The patio is so vibrant and comfortable. Highly recommend all bowls on the menu and the dessert they offer! Will be back again and again. This place is Portland gem!

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    1 month ago

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    2 months ago

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    2 months ago

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    1 month ago

    I got the lamb bowl for takeout with a side of pita. Everything was great. It came with hummus, a salad and pickles. I will be back soon!

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 months ago

    This is my favorite place to go. Their food is outstanding! Nothing fancy, but craveable good food!

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    3 months ago

    Ordered their mezza for takeout. Totally acceptable! Not the best I've had, but it didn't have to be.

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    4 months ago

    ....becoming one of my favorites in PDX. Food and service are great. Try the D'jaj!!!

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    1 year ago

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    3 months ago

    great food! good people. Driving with my daughter through Portland to Seattle and needed a lunch top, Shami Cafe was perfect

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    1 year ago

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    8 months ago

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    3 months ago

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    4 months ago

    Friendly service, food was tasty, but way too expensive for what was served. Could make at home easily for 1/4 the price.

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    8 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

    Outstanding: kid friendly, warm welcome, casual, beautiful food. A neighbourhood gem.

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    10 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Delicious food with an excellent variety and quantity, great value with superb service!

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    5 months ago

    Such a gem! Food was wonderful and well priced and they have a great covered back patio!

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    10 months ago

    Great spot! Super friendly, amazing food and cool atmosphere. I will definitely be coming back regularly.

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    7 months ago

    The best takeout ever. So many flavors and textures - absolutely delish. Can't wait to order again!

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    1 year ago

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    11 months ago

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    Ya Hala Lebanese Cuisine

    Ya Hala Lebanese Cuisine

    3.6
    (620 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    $$

    Lebanese inspired burger at ya hala on a brioche bun, seven-spice chicken, crunchy toum-dressed…read moreslaw, more toum, French fries. Seven-spice chicken, crunchy toum-dressed slaw, and a double hit of that garlicky toum. Topped with a pile of fries, just like on the beaches of Beirut. Let's get some bite into it. But even before that you can smell what will hit you next a delicious taste of garlicky sauce. And the first bite confirmed that. A not-too-overpowering garlic taste, followed by the crunchy pickle the salty fries and the delicious chicken patty, makes it an outstanding burger with a really unique flavor profile! Well done. The crunchy fresh Cole slaw give it another layer of freshness. The hole burger is a smart composition. If I'll have to recommend something to. Ale or even better would be to put the slaw on top of the meat. With it being on the bottom half of the bun it makes the bun quickly early soggy but that's is or taking away anything from how awesome the burger is taste wise. About ya hala if you want to make a quick break and vacation into Lebanon without here they play authentic music and have a nice decor putting you directly into a cafe in Beirut. Also don't forget to grab one or two of their outstanding sweets. I had reinig the shortbread cookies just Yumm!

    Our group tried the quarter chicken meal and kafta kabob plates which were decent, but the lamb…read moreshawarma wrap was pretty subpar. One employee apologized for our "long wait" and offered us extra pita on the house, which was nice, although we honestly didn't feel like we had waited that long. The odd part was that the extra pita was never actually brought out. We didn't care enough to ask for it, but it was strange to offer something and then never follow through. Service overall was also pretty lacking. I tipped in the beginning (you pay before getting your meal) and was expecting decent service, but aside from someone bringing the food to our table, there really wasn't any. We ordered at the counter, got our own water cups and pitcher, and nobody checked on us during the meal. Since you order and pay upfront, it honestly felt like there wasn't much incentive for them to provide any service after. The food had some decent items, but between the underwhelming shawarma and almost nonexistent service, the experience was disappointing.

    Photos
    Where to sit?
    Where to sit?
    Lamb kabob cooked to perfection.
    Lamb kabob cooked to perfection.
    Order at the counter

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    Order at the counter
    Dar Salam

    Dar Salam

    4.4
    (553 reviews)
    5.7 mi
    $$

    What a sweet quaint little restaurant. My daughter and I went there yesterday for Mother's Day. It…read morewas a beautiful day and while they have outdoor seating we elected to eat inside. Reviewing the menu, there were lots of yummy things to choose from but ultimately we both could not resist the Lamb shank. I'm sad I didn't take a picture of it. It was so tender and delicious. It came with perfect Basmati rice and a side of eggplant stew that was exquisite! I've never had eggplant stew and it was luscious. I dream to about it all night long. It was quiet, comfortable, music was great; songs we all know but with native instruments and flare. We had house red wine - not a big selection of alcohol, which is fine the food is and should be the star. Our sever (Sorry my old lady brain forgot his name) but the good looking bald guy(LOL) was nice and personable. It was such a great low key dining experience that just made the day even better. I highly recommend this cute place and we will be back- there are a lot more wonderful food to try!

    I need 1 more Halah type restaurant, the one I picked last week, did looked awful from the First…read moreImpression, and it adds up, as we got closer to the front door. My first impression as we entered here was: the AC was on, and I'm not ready for AC (yet), and the inside was too elegant, and empty. We waited awhile, when a staff appeared. We picked a seat outside, where the weather was pleasant and shady. I needed badly, to use the restroom, so I went back inside, only to be told it's outside. The mural on the walls, obscured the door to the restroom. But, there was no TP, no paper towel, and the trash was full. I had to use a toilet seat cover paper, for my TP, and went back to my seat, not happy with what I just did! I told my husband, who then told the staff, because HE need to use the restroom, too. (We've been gone all morning, this is now lunch hour). The staff gave water, menu and we ordered: The Lamb Shank. I love the eggplant stew! There's also a small salad with the Basmati rice. Also Chicken Kabob Mezza Platter with Pita bread. It was not until we're done eating, and ready to get up, did I notice there was cubed cucumber in the thaziki. But, it's got a very strong vinegar flavor, but I did like the hummus and the ghanoush. (When we eat at these places, we always pick the lamb shanks, btw). I had the other half, for my dinner tonight. The server was friendly, helpful and responsive. The atmosphere, was pleasant, and the photo taken of me, hubby thought I could pass as an Iraqi woman! LOL Thanks for the bag. We picked some crabapples, from down the street, there were 4-5 large trees ready for the pickin' from the sidewalk.

    Photos
    2/13/2023 - Lots of eye candy everywhere in the restaurant while you smell your amazing food cooking.
    2/13/2023 - Lots of eye candy everywhere in the restaurant while you smell your amazing food cooking.
    Vegan falafel Mezza platter
    Vegan falafel Mezza platter
    Mint lemonade: get it.

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    Mint lemonade: get it.
    Hoda's Middle-Eastern Cuisine

    Hoda's Middle-Eastern Cuisine

    3.8
    (423 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$

    Baba ghanouj, hummus, and foul moudamas are all standouts here. The baba ghanouj is soft and smoky…read more-- and, in a Portlandia-style touch, a blackboard lists which farm its eggplant is from! The foul moudamas (a fava-bean dish, spelled differently at other restaurants that offer it) is soupy and terrific. Ask for the house green hot sauce if you want to spice things up! The staff is large and friendly and all seem to be having a good time. The owner stopped us to say hello as we left. Homey place, great for vegetarians (although there are plenty of meat dishes). The desserts look good but we didn't try them.

    This is a catering review. Food is good, setting up catering orders with them is slow and…read moredishonest, will set out advertising on your tables. We chose Hoda's for one of our wedding events as they are a full service caterer who can appeal to many people. They are also able to outsource many Indian/Pakistani items. Our tasting went well and we decided to book with them. Pros: -Food is Good -Full Service Cons: -Pricing Fluctuates completely on guest count. We were quoted $19k for a 250 person event and then our guest count went down and somehow they still ended up at $19k. Eventually they came down after discussions but clearly they had marked that weekend for $19k and that's what they were going to get until we spoke with them. -Slow -We did not receive a final quote until a week and a half before the date. We felt backed into a corner especially with their "updated" pricing. - They placed little advertising signage all over the tables! Tables with $50 to $100 center pieces. It was tackless and rude to not even ask for permission. It is in all our photos and insanely distasteful. If you plan to book with them, be prepared for long spans of time between emails after you have booked them, costs going up (quote under what you actually might have guest), and ensure that they are aware before that no signage of any kind is allowed. They did not disclose this beforehand that they would do this and we were caught totally by surprise. Buyer beware. I'm disappointed and saddened by our experience and hope other bridal parties can avoid this same experience.

    Photos
    Entry, bar and front room dining area
    Entry, bar and front room dining area
    Old not fresh
    Old not fresh
    Hoda's Middle-Eastern Cuisine

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    Shami Cafe - syrian - Updated August 2026

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