Al Amir Reviews

The food was delicious, the atmosphere authentic and the staff friendly and helpful. Every Friday and Saturday evening there is a belly dancer. We enjoyed our evening immensely.

Loved this place since it was a small start up. Authentic, warm service. Great food. Great place to meet friends

Great location, ample on-street parking. We had a $15 off voucher and opted for two top menu items: special maza plate (including greatest hummus ever) that came with three delicious grilled kafta kabobs and a basket of pita bread; and the superb lamb shank which included a wonderfully moist and flavorful grilled chicken breast, cooked mini carrots, and delicious rice expertly seasoned and cooked (with each grain separate). The bowl of lentil soup that accompanied the lamb shank entrée was exquisitely seasoned ... I knew I'd never be able to duplicate that at home. We topped off this feast by sharing a Turkish coffee, seasoned with just the right amount of cardamon, potent enough to ensure a safe hour's drive back home. The service was very professional and formal with a Eurpean/Middle Eastern feel.

We had dinner at Al Amir recently and had the "Kharouf Mohammar" entree with hummus and pita bread as a side, and this lamb dish was excellent! It was nicely seasoned and came with rice or a choice of sides along with the cucumber sauce. We also got to sample a couple of other items that we hope to order next time when we eat here as we will be back! The server was very attentive to us, and we enjoyed not only the food, but also visiting with a man at the next table who was eating alone.

We go here often when we visit Portland. The food is tasty and authentic. The atmosphere is excellent and the belly dancer on weekends is fun. We always order the maza plate and my wife has the lamb kebob and I have the beef kebob. The service has always been excellent.

Been coming for many years. Our favorite place to dine in Portland. Love the staff & owners. Fresh food, excellently prepared & served. Love their tea. If you have never tried Lebanese food this is the place eat authentic Lebanese. Enjoy sharing this place with others, they have never been disappointed.

We were here recently with a small group of friends and really enjoyed the whole experience. The food is bursting with flavors and textures. There's a possibility to have your meal served "family style", which is fun if you order a large array of dishes. It's located in downtown Portland just a few steps from the River walk.

One of my very favorite restaurants in Portland! The kids love the shish kebabs we love the Khudar! The belly dancer is super fun for everyone on Fridays and Saturdays. Plus I have used then for catering many times. The owners are really nice and it’s been around forever. I would highly recommend this one!

My mom and I went to Al Amir before going to the Keller Auditorium. We had the appetizer plate and grilled shrimp. They have the most pleasant staff, who are very courteous and attentive. The food was so delicious! They have THE best Hummus and Baba Ganooj (sp?). I found out they sell their own brand at Whole Foods too! We had their Lebanese Red wine and it came in a beautiful glass. Best wine I've ever had (and I drink a lot of wine!) And the shrimp, well, its just about the best there is. Grilled to perfection. The atmosphere was very cozy and relaxing. They had a mix of guests-families, couples and business people from out of town. I'm sad we missed out on the belly dancer, but we will definitely be back on a Friday or Saturday night to have the whole experience.

I went for dinner to this place, a husband & wife who apparently own the restaurant served the clients. The wife was professional, pleasant and polite, however, the boorish husband was extremely rude. First off, one could hear his constant chatter with customers in a loud and sarcastic tone throughout the restaurant, very annoying. Some may find this kind of clownish behavior entertaining, but many of us, the clients, found it rude and disturbing. He was simply low-class. There were some respectable individuals dining at the time, and his obnoxious voice and behavior ruined the ambiance for everyone. His wife was the one who served me, but when the husband came to my table to take away the dirty dishes, he did not look at me, did not greet me, and made some off hand remarks about the dessert items, while looking away and trying to ignore me. The appetizers were most likely from store-bought cans and the quality wasn’t that great. I would never go back to this restaurant and do not recommend it to anyone. You would be better off buying Arabic food from the food carts across the street.

I’ve dined here twice. Both times I was delighted by the “old world” service and great food. These folks know how to take good care of their customers by answering questions and bringing what the customer desires.

...enjoy Al Amir on SW Harvey Milk in downtown Portland. First, you enter a historic building and are warmly greated. The quality and quantity of food is amazing. Our dinner party took the recommendation on Family Style and were not disappointed.

Concierge at my hotel is Lebanese, and she raved about this restaurant’s authenticity. Arrived on a night when two large parties were celebrating, so was pleasantly surprised by the level of service I received as a party of one. My server, Simone, was very attentive, as was her colleague Lydia, who was serving the large party nearby. So nice to find restaurant staff who genuinely care about their customer’s dining experience! I ordered their “Lebanese Tour” meal (with Kharouf Mohammar as my main), as I wanted to sample their different appetizers and was intrigued by their slow-cooked lamb. The hummus and “baba ghannooj” were both quite flavorful, and their falafel was perfectly crisp and so delicious that I asked for another, which they graciously provided. The tabooli (their spelling) was made without bulgar, and when I asked why, I learned that they stopped adding it as the majority of their clientele is gluten-free. They provided an enormous serving of lamb over rice (with cucumber yogurt sauce on the side). The lamb was moist, but lacked seasoning, which Simone was quick to bring to my table when asked. Although I ate a substantial meal, I left with enough food for a hearty lunch on tomorrow’s drive. I highly recommend this relaxed, neighborhood gem!

Without doubt this was the best meal we had in Portland. Very authentic middle eastern food at a reasonable price. The staff were all friendly and helpful. It was a little on the quiet side on the night we were there even although there was a family celebration meal going on. We would certainly eat there again if were back in Portland.

Lebanese food at its best. Just the setting--The Bishop's House --would be worth a visit, The delightful owners of more that 20 years--Said and Lydia add to the enjoyment of your evening--special service and they can guide you in your options. So for a large group or a cozy evening for two--I would highly recommend this establishment?

After walking from the Amtrak station to a recommended restaurant (about six blocks) we discovered that it was closed on Mondays. However, just across the street was a Lebanese restaurant, Al Amir. It was serendipity! We couldn't have been happier with our lunches. All six of us enjoyed our lunches. I had the shish kebab plate with is preceded by an appetizer sampler. Everything was delicious. The staff were very friendly and efficient.

For Lebanese cuisine, Al Amir has no equal in Portland. Located in the historic Bishop House, the service is impeccable & the food delicious. The Maza dish is excellent. The tables near the entrance can get a bit chilly though. Highly recommended.

I recently had a business dinner at Al Amir in Portland. The restaurant is small, quaint and quiet. The service was excellent and the food was tasty. Everyone enjoyed their meal. This restaurant offers Lite Dinner portions if you don't want to eat a lot. If you enjoy Middle Eastern Cuisine check out Al Amir in downtown Portland.

This restaurant really hits the spot when you're in the mood for great Lebanese. We make this a regular stop whenever we are in Portland. The food is superb and don't miss out on the Lebanese margarita- delicious!