Darsalam Reviews

I loved the unique ambiance of this restaurant. I had never had Iraqi food before, so I was glad to try this place out. I was disappointed the salad I had wanted to order was out of stock on the ingredients - it sounded amazing. I got the hummus with a falafel instead. The hummus was out of this world, but the falafel was just ok. I tried my friend's lentil soup, which was also amazing!! I would have ordered it if I knew how delicious it was. I tried the mint lemonade that was made with rosewater - it was a really unique flavor. If it was slightly less tart (for my tastes), it would have been perfect. Our waiter was really nice and had a good sense of humor. If my travels brought me back to Portland, I'd definitely come back here!

We were visiting a friend and wanted to try Middle Eastern food and everything was delicious! We had the Mecca appetizer with naan bread, grilled lamb kabobs, falafel salad and all of our meals was just fresh and amazing. I will definitely go back!

I am visiting Portland and my daughter and her girlfriend took me to this restaurant for dinner last night and it was so delicious! First of all, the atmosphere is cozy and there are so many things on the walls to look at and the staff was very inviting and friendly. We started out with drinks and I had the Mesopotamian mule, my daughter had Arak which is like a licorice drink and her girlfriend had the beet margarita. All were very good! We shared the Mediterranean plate which had hummus Tsaiki baba ghanoush and falafel which was really flavorful. Actually some of the best falafel I’ve ever had! We also had the beet salad which was very good. All three of us started with the soup which was super delicious! I had the shredded chicken with basmati rice, my daughter had the chicken kebabs and her girlfriend had one of the stews. The portions were large and we had to take home our leftovers. I was really happy with this experience and will go back again.

We ordered the rice plate with chicken as takeout. It was delicious! The chicken was tender, and the rice was well spiced. The portion was very generous - enough to feed two adults satisfactorily.

I have ordered to go, as well as eaten in and every time was great. I especially like the Ful Madammas - a Fava Bean, Lemon and Olive Oil spread served with soft pita. The Fava beans add a richness that you just do not get with Hummus. I always like the Lamb Shwarma rice plate - seasoned shredded lamb over the fragrant basmati rice. The green salad comes with a dressing so good I wanted to drink it! Great place!

This is a review of a lunch at the Alberta Street location; I've never had dinner at Dar Salam or visited the downtown location. My wife and I had a very pleasant lunch at Dar Salam Alberta today (November 5th). We shared the Lamb Kabob Mezza (as we had on a previous visit). We both thought all of the components of this "combo" were very good. (I particularly liked the baba ghanoush, and my wife thought the lamb was especially good.) We also shared a glass of wine, and we were pleased to see that the pour was generous enough that each of us was happy with half of it. We asked for the "regular" (rather than the gluten-free) bread, and we found it quite good. (Our server mentioned that more bread was available upon request, and she promptly and cheerfully provided more when we asked for it.) Our experience at this place was further enhanced by the continuously running "slide show" of some very interesting shots of Iraq, as well as by the very interesting photos and other items that cover two of the walls of this restaurant.

My husband and I love middle-eastern food. We happened to pass by this restaurant while walking down Alberta Street. The food smelled so good, we had to go in. The food is incredible, and the staff is super friendly. You must go to this restaurant.

After a long day of driving and exploring Multnomah Falls, we stumbled upon Darsalam. Parking was a bit of a challenge. It is a quaint little restaurant with inside tables and outside patio seating. The decorations are cultural and eclectic. There's so much to look at, including the TV with facts about Iraq, which was very entertaining while we waited for our food.The food was fresh and delicious. The servers were attentive and efficient. Parking was a bit of a challenge.

This was my second time to Dar Salam and it was a wonderful as the first! I went with my family adn we ordered an array of dishes that were all delicious! The basmati rice was perfectly cooked! The bread served with our meal was tender and warm, it melted in your mouth as did the chicken served over rice with tomato and garbanzo sauce. My nephew had the kabob (chicken) and ate all of his food including the rice and vegetables. Pretty good for a five-year-old. The restaurant was packed full and the outdoor tables were filled as well. We had baklava for dessert which was not the walnut honey filled but pistachio and honey filling. We left the restaurant with enough food for lunch the next day.

This was the first time I tried Iraqi cuisine, and it was very good. I had the lamb shank, and it was delicious. The meat portion was generous as well. The ambiance offered an authentic feel.

I can't say I've eaten much Middle Eastern food, so I'm not the best judge, but what I had at Dar Salam was delicious. I had the Lamb Shawarma, and it was great, the service was VERY attentive. They made the experience comfortable in the somewhat confined space of the house/restaurant.

It's been a busy few days now since I had dinner at Dar Salam and I find my taste buds returning to the memory of the tangy, sweet, salty deliciousness that was the Pickled Mango Salad. I also enjoyed the Shredded Lamb with Tahziki and tastes from the other plates my companions were willing to share. We dined outside on a pleasant spring evening and were well served by friendly staff. I will either need to go back soon or start experimenting with fermenting mangoes. Maybe both.

Nice Iraqi restaurant in the Alberta District. Nice outside seating. Authentic, excellent Iraqi food.

This was a surprise. We came here by accident having been turned away from Natural Selection and it was amazing Natural Selection did us a major culinary favor. Food here is truly wonderful. And the service is so warm and friendly.

we returned with a friend...we had a pbr, and she had the mint tea....i had the falafel sandwich with a salad...my partner had the Iraqi Dolma "Mahshi" and the mezza platter...our friend was happy with hers too...dessert for one of them, dark/light...we love coming here..the staff are so nice, the food superb...thx again

I'm just back from a cozy dinner at Dar Salam. The mezze dips were all fantastic and the falafel was incredible! They even have Chateau Ksara (Lebanon's most renowned winery) by the glass. I would not hesitate to return.

I met friends here for lunch, and it was wonderful! The waitress was very friendly and accommodating, without being pushy, explained all the dishes and made some great recommendations. Everything we ordered was delicious, and the food here just begs to be shared. It is unusual but still approachable, fresh, and tasty. I am anxious to go back to enjoy more great food in their funky and interesting space or on the patio.

we returned to dar salam for dinner last night with a friend....i had the iraqi beer, and my partner had the mint lemonade.......next, we shared the chickpea stew rice plate, that included a salad too...our friend had a glass of red wine, and had the the mix grill, plus pita bread..two of them shared the baklava and kunafah...........the drinks/food are excellent as always...the staff are quick, funny, and very friendly, she was great......the dinner experience is fun and relaxing, on our stormy autumn evening.....thx so much!

My wife and I went to DarSalam for their lunch buffet. Their were so many vegan options to choose from. After trying a little of each type it was hard deciding what to have for second trip up because everything tasted so good. I have been to many buffets that had vegan items but I never had as many as were here. The ambiance was also very nice and decorated very well. Corrie served us and was an excellent host. She told us about the best spots in Portland and our water glass never went empty. Great value for the money. I highly recommend a visit.

We stumbled upon this gem of a place while walking down the street and decided to try it on a whim. We were so glad that we did as the whole group loved this place. They gave us some yummy Iranian bread with a yogurt dip, then we all got different versions of shawarmas and kebobs. All of them were excellent...the chicken shawarmas were the table favorite. Also, we got the BEST falafals EVER. The place is immaculate...there are lots of photos of Iran and its treasures on the walls and there was not one spec of dust on anything. It must take a lot of work to keep it that clean, but it is nice and much appreciated by the guests.

Once upon a time there was a great food cart in Portland. An Iraqi son and his parents served up delicious food - we kept going. Then they became a restaurant. Only the food surpasses the cultural delight of Dar Salam - which translates as "The abode of peace". Vegan, gluten free, and carnivore will all be well served with wonderful portions, of delicious, healthy very real food. Everything is made daily, and it tastes that way too. We love the arabic tea with cardamom, and the leblebi (garbanzo bean-lemon-garlic soup). I have tried to duplicate the leblebi - and I get nowhere close - it is just delicious. Everyone that works there is warm and welcoming. The decor fills you with a sense of the culture from history to the artwork - they have brought the best of Iraq into this little corner of Portland. The Alberta District is teaming with wonderful places to eat and this has become our favourite. Their salads are wonderful - try the papaya - it's amazing. Or go for one of their desserts. Meals start our with za'atar and pita - or if you're gluten free - za'atar and veggies. Shukran, or thank you or in Arabic شكرا for bringing such a delight to Portland.

We steered away from the more familiar Mezza platter to chicken Shwarma and an Mashsi(sp?) - an Iraqi dish of onions stuffed with rice and spices. We were not disappointed. The food was excellent. We were out of there for $25 (two people, no drinks) with a take-home portion. We're glad we tried it. Check times before going - it's open for dinner and lunch-dinner on weekends only.

Had the shawarma chicken (perfectly seasoned) on salad and the onion dolmas (tart and bright). Our host, Achmed was very accomodating and gave us recommendations. Atmosphere is part of the experience - a tiny building with walls completely covers with Iraqi photos, jewelry and art. Tables are small, but also part of atmosphere. Prices are bargain by Portland standards. We'll worth our drive from the west side,

This is a wonderful new addition to the Portland food scene. In an area filled with Thai options, this cozy Middle Eastern restaurant is a refreshing change of pace. The walls are covered with photos of Iraq, adding to the authentic feel of the place. We ordered a lot of different dishes, most of which come with their endless fresh flatbread. We got a mezza platter to start. The baba ganoush had a great smoky taste and a light texture. Excellent thick and creamy hummus, and the dolmas (tender grape- leaf wrapped rice balls) had a tasty tang to them. Try the crispy and fluffy falafel - some of the best I've had. There are LOTS of vegetarian options here. The lentil soup was delicious, as was the eggplant stew. For the meat eaters - the beef and the chicken kabobs were very tender and I heard around the table that the lamb dishes were outstanding- wonderfully spiced. They also have delicious desserts, but you will have to order light to have room for the flaky baklava or stuffed dates. Great service and very reasonable prices, to boot! Make it a point to try this place for yourself!

Yum, yum, yum. Everything we ate was fresh and flavorful. Our server seemed kind and accommodating. Decor was nice but comfortable, prices were reasonable. I would give this restaurant a five, except for one serious environmental issue....they had placed candles on the backs of the bench seating and my hair caught fire....just a little. I believe the restaurant is new, and the issue didn't cross my mind either until it was too late! I can't get the baba ganoush out of my mind, or the delicious, simple salad dressing. So I will probably go again, but I hope they move the candles.

We were walking down Alberta street when we stumbled upon this treasure. They have a romantic outdoor seating patio which pairs perfectly with the evening Portland Summer Air. The servers were very enthusiastic and all the staff worked hard to give their customers a great experience. I had the Iraqi Dolma which was a perfect combo of savory and tangy. My boyfriend has some sort of eggplant stew with basmati rice. Everything was incredible. The food is reasonably priced. The atmosphere was rich and welcoming. Great service. Honestly I can't complain about anything.

We ate here on a rainy Portland night and loved the drinks, food and our kind server! The soups were really tasty and the kabobs were off the hook! Yum! I have been dreaming about that Cardamom Gimlet ever since!

We were greeted into the restaurant by smiling faces of very kind men. The atmosphere was quiet and beautiful. We ordered and food came in....it was presented well and DELICIOUS! Service was perfect. I wish I lived in Portland, I'd frequently visit this lovely restaurant.

Very comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Large panel screen with slide show of various scenes; people, countryside, city views of Iraq with music quietly playing in the background. We had the Iraqi Lamb Shawarma and Falafel plate's, both are great and recommended ! Nice smokey paprika flavor to the Baba ghanoush. Good service and friendly people. Enjoyed Dar Salam very much and will go back for more.

Thought you knew all there was to know about Middle Eastern food in Portland...? Think again unless you've been to Dar Salam. Easy location of NE Alberta with free ample street parking, this little gem offers fresh, authentic, Iraqi food that always delights. Lamb and chicken options, with many, many vegetarian and gluten free options as well. The rice plate, served with Iragi style marga (a type of stewed eggplant in a tomato based sauce with spices) with your choice of lamb or chicken shwarma is a winner....absolute must haves here are the beet salad (yogurt base...almost too pretty to eat!), tabbouleh salad, and mashi (cooked onions stuffed with rice, tomato and spices...think along the lines of stuffed cabbage believe it or not)... The tzaziki and hummus are great sides with warm flat bread. Beer and wine available...HH until 6 pm...warm, welcoming atmosphere and fantastic service. Enjoy the hundreds of photos and artifacts on every square inch of the walls. Good $ value for fresh home cooked food....truly not to be missed! Shukran Dar Salam!

we returned to dar salam all masked up for dinner yesterday and sat outside with a friend..it was happy hr too.......i had the crux pilsner, my partner had the irak cocktail, and our friend had a glass of red wine.....next, we shared the Chickpea Stew Rice Plate and house salad, and our friend had the Hummus and pita bread plus the Iraqi Beef Kabob (Grill) Plate...they both had baklava to go too...we were all bundled up and sat out front in the covered areas....the staff is great, she is always so friendly and quick....the drink/food is excellent too...we love coming here...be sure to tip big during the pandemic....thx so much....

Went with a friend for a late lunch/happy hour snack. First time here. We had two appetizers, and they were both delicious! I love the decor on the inside of the place. Both the clientele, the workers/managers made it feel as if I wasn't in Portland any longer, which I loved! (I felt like I had been transported to Iraq or ... ???) Service was warm and attentive. Pricing was fine. Would go back if I was in the area soon.

I was excited to try something new this trip to Portland and we chose Dar Salam - the Alder St. location. The decor was amazing - the hand painted walls were very detailed. The restaurant was close to empty, so was quiet and great for conversation. The menu was pretty repetitive in all categories, but we pulled together a ton of dishes for a table of four. The food was "okay". I would consider it to be on the same level as "fast food" rather than a sit down gourmet dinner that I have come to expect in Portland. Therefore, I have rated this restaurant as AVERAGE, as I probably won't visit a second time.

The food here was basic and good. Overall not terribly exciting but worth a trip. As an added bonus, we paid less than $30 for our meal (two sides/salads, 1 entree, dessert and coffee). The offerings are standard Middle Eastern (tabouli, hummus, lamb, etc.) but the tabouli was simply outstanding (we will go back for this alone - it's that good!) and we also enjoyed the mango salad.

We had dinner on a weeknight at the Alberta location, so the small venue was not full. Our group of five was able to converse and hear well. The walls are filled with interesting middle eastern items and artwork making the visit all the more enjoyable. We ordered four different rice plates and some appetizers and they were outstanding. The subtle humus differences and sauces were consumed in short order. The dates for dessert sealed the deal. The service was excellent and pricing is quite reasonable. We will be back for sure!

We arrived in Portland hungry, ready for lunch and, after checking into our hotel, looked for nearby restaurants and found Dar Salam. Putting aside nagging memories of the petrified falafel and bland stews we'd had in our town's poor array of Middle Eastern restaurants, we took a leap of faith and went there. The space is made warm and pleasing by the friendly welcome and the colorful mural adorning the walls. As for the food, it was magnificent. We had a lovely eggplant stew, falafel and a salad dressed with a perfectly balanced house-made sumac dressing. If we lived in Portland, we'd be regulars.

This place was recommended by a friend and now I'm hooked! Start off with the stuffed onions. Then move on to the eggplant stew, all the while scooping fabulous hummus with fresh warm pita bread. If your mouth isn't watering yet it should be. I'm telling you people the baklava is the best I've ever had. We wanted to lick the date sauce off the plate! A small but comfy restaurant loaded with authentic Iraqi stuff. Go there as soon as you can.

Fantastic dinner! Started with the falafel mezza platter ($24). For mains we shared the shredded lamb rice plate ($25), the eggplant stew rice plate ($21) and the Iraqi beef kabob ($27) We finished with Arab coffee and baklava. Just an absolutely delicious dinner!

DarSalam is a journey for the sense in the most amazing way. The moment you enter the restaurant you are warmly greeted by the staff and the smells rolling out of the kitchen. We had soup, entrees, and dessert--all were spectacular. We enjoyed it so much we went back the next day for lunch. The second trip was as outstanding as the first. This place is a culinary legend in the making. So, so good!

Best Bakalava every with rose water syrup, the eggplant dish was delectable...and very friendly service....we visited this twice partially because of Bakalava too

Exceeded expectations!! In the middle of Ramadan I wasn't sure what we would find., We had an early reservation (before sunset), six of us were seated at nice table. Waiter was excellent and showed care with our orders. Drinks were great! Food very good. Eager to return. Dining room beautiful decorated with icons from Iraqi. showing on a large screen was a video of photos of the Iraqi countryside, sights and attractions. I learned the restaurant is co- own by a proud, beautiful young woman who was seating us,

Dar Salam is darn cute for a good eat-in experience, but we needed take-out for 4. The prices are reasonable, the food exceptionally tasty, and the service excellent. s opposed to some other restaurants, Dar Salam has decent take-out containers that don't leak! Watch the fine video's of Bagdad and other Iraqi tourist attractions - making one long for a time when Iraq can again be the great torist destination that it once was.

Great and fresh food at a great price! Large gluten free selection and wait staff was very knowledgeable about the menu and all ingredients.

Visited this restaurant for the first time to have lunch with a friend. Most Middle Eastern food here is Lebanese and this Iraqi food has some subtle differences. The baba and hummus are a little different, great flavors, but very smooth. I love the Dolma Mahsi, a stuffed onion instead of a grape leaf. There is a chick pea soup that is especially fragrant, tasty, and interesting, and the chicken kabob was grilled deliciousness. Oh, I don't want to forget the tahziki, yummy cucumber pieces in a yogurt sauce.

We found this delicious gem after traveling all day in a car. Matt our server was helpful, attentive and quick to offer suggestions for our large party of 8. The food was great and the service lovely!

Food was exquisite and service was superb. Inexpensive. And the story behind the restaurant is unique and very touching. I had Dar Salam and the Vegan Mezza Platter. I loved the falafel, fresh and tasty, and with a donut shape. For dessert, date rolls amazing. The ambiance was good: interesting and fun. I highly recommend this restaurant.

during covid 19 we ordered take out yesterday for dinner...we ordered the chickpea stew with rice/salad, and the house salad too....it was delicious!...we tipped extra big...had to go thru grub hub, and prefer going direct mainly, but the heat yesterday wiped us out...thx so much, and take care

Tried this place for dinner. The food was decent and the service was good. Not sure if I'll try this place again or not when in Portland next time.

we stopped in for lunch on a gorgeous day and sat outside...we each had a pbr....i had the falfel sandwich with salad...my partner had the iraqi dolmas and greek dolmas...everything was so delicious as usual....they experienced a hate crime recently and wanted to show some love..the staff is always so friendly, and the food superb...thx so much!

We just found this place in the last 2 months and have eaten here 3 times! This food is so tasty. Lots of choices for those who are vegetarian and meat eaters. We had the Lamb Shank and the hummus plate. Delicious! It is reasonably priced, the staff is courteous and knowledgeable. The owners and their family are always around so they can regal you with stories about their homeland, There is also a running slideshow on the history of Iraq. Very fascinating. Cozy seating inside and out. Lots of regulars! Definitely will be back soon. There are a lot of people I want to take here.

we hadn't tried darsalam, and went there for a veggie lunch. we begin with a pbr and a lebanese white wine. the server brought fresh pita bread that was very good. next, i had the flatbread falafel with salad, which was very tasty. my partner had the mezza platter and the iraq version of dolmas. everything was very delicious. the ambiance with all the photos was comforting, and the traditional music superb. the server was very pleasant and efficient.

The place was packed and we were lucky to get the last table for two before people had to wait.The decor is fascinating, very colorful, the walls are covered with photos and other objects. We ordered the Sheesh Kebab Rice plate and the Traditional Lamb Khema. They came with side dishes of eggplant, rice, salad or soup. All of the food was so well flavored with herbs and spices. It was all delicious. Wish this was my local restaurant.

Lots to love about this gem! Beautiful interior, flavorful food and friendly service! If you are gluten free, they have a menu full of options that don't compromise on flavor. I had the mezi platter that had a little bit of everything, but it was MORE than enough!

we came back on a rainy evening with a friend for dinner...i had the pbr, so did my partner..our friend had a charddonay.....i had the falafel sandwich with salad.....my partner had the mixed dolmas, and the date rolls for dessert...the pita bread was hot and flavorful....our friend had the chicken mezza platter, and baklava for dessert....the food is excellent as always, and the staff is the best...thx so much....

Amazing Lebanese food. The best Dolmas and great service too. Highly recommended and can't wait to come back.

We were walking around downtown and passed this place and decided to give it a try. The Persian food was good and so was the service. Who could ask for more than that?

We are kicking ourselves for not going back one more time before we left Portland! Great food and friendly service. I will be sure to let all my friends in Anchorage know to stop in when they are in Portland!

Great aromatics great you as you enter this warm inviting house A nice twist on the middle eastern norm of Portland

We had a marvelous lunch on a sunny day (good outdoor seating under big umbrellas available). The rice plate/lamb shawarma ($15) is a ample to share, and includes a large salad. The chicken shawarma ($10) with hummus or baba ghanoush or tahziki also excellent. Two large, warm pita breads began the meal with an excellent dipping paste of olive oil, seeds and spices. The service is excellent (I believe it was the owner refilling the water glasses, a warm old-school presence.) The surrounding is just right: gives the feeling of a tucked away cafe on a back street in the Middle East right here in this bustling revitalized section of NE Alberta. Their 4-6PM Happy Hour during the week features some strongly discounted prices. Highest recommendation ... don't miss this one!

This is a great restaurant located among many other greats off of Alberta street. It's right off the main drag in a house converted to a restaurant. The ambiance is fun with plenty of pictures and middle eastern decor. The food was fantastic. We found this gem off of a Groupon deal and liked it enough that I would definitely go back with out discount or deal. We were there for dinner time on a Friday night so it was a bit packed. A large group came in a little after us and had to wait a while since the restaurant isn't really made for large groups.

Awesome place and very delicious food. The service also was nice and helpful. 8 will come here again and again. God bless you all

we wanted to try darsalam for dinner with friends, and went last evening...we each had a pbr, and our friend had a glass of wine...i had the falafel sandwich with a salad, and my partner had the mashies and the mezza platter, plus a date dessert...our friend had chicken schwarma, lentil soup, mashies, baba gnosh, and baklava...everything was delicious and filling....the staff was great too...thx

We hit Darsalam before a show at the Alberta Rose Theater. It's right across the street. It's a warm comfortable atmosphere with great service. I highly recommend the chicken and rice. Appetizers were great too. Very reasonable prices.

While spending a night in town we found this lovely family restaurant. Everything was excellent. Great hummus, bread, meat, and vegetables. We had the mixed grill plate (the chicken juicy and flavorful) and the falafel plate plus hummus. Service was great. They have a good beer made in conjunction with a local brewery. Also, my wife had their lemonade, and it is delicious.

Wow, I can't believe that this place wasn't packed with patrons. After returning from a great day on the Oregon coast after Memorial weekend we were famished. We got back to Portland rather late and this place was still open. On arrival we were immediately seated by our host, waiter, bartender and possibly cook (it seemed like he did it all). We had several vegetarian dishes that were all very unique and delicious. I really liked the leblabi soup and my wife loved the chickpea stew. We shared a unique martini that we are still talking about. Lovely decor, great service, quiet spot, downtown.

Amazing and tasty dinners, Chicken Kabob PLate and Chickpea Stew Rice Plates, and dessert of Date. Dinner drinks were Arak and Pilsner. Host was great and attentive. The painting in the restaurants were amazing on the walls. Per host it took them 6 months to paint.

So, the baba ghanoush is addictive, not grainy, watery or bitter. Creamy and smoky! Great hummus with wonderful olive oil. The cardamom black tea was fabulous like chai at an Indian restaurant but just the wonderful flavor of green cardamom with bits of the spice floating in the bottom. The falafels were fabulous, chickpea doughnut shaped and crunchy yet moist with flecks of herbs flavoring the meal, such a clever shape. The vegan mezza plate was great, the tzatziki sauce had real cucumbers like you would make at home for a salad. Eggplant stew was delicious and flavorful. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming yet exotic and as much as I hate TV's in restaurants they had a screen mounted in the restaurant that showed a presentation on Iraq with art work and wildlife of the area as well as the city of Bagdad itself. Learned about Iraq and about its food and culture. So it was a wonderful experience to eat here and I plan to do it again especially to take friends and guests here for an special dinner where it is more than just the wonderful food. Next time, I am trying the unique stuffed onion.

we returned to dar salam with a friend for dinner last night....i was masked up, and once seated took my mask off...i had the the iraqi beer, and my partner had the arak cocktail, and our friend had a glass of house white wine....next we shared the chickpea stew rice plate with salad, and our friend had the mix grill with pita bread.....the staff is wonderful and friendly, efficient and funny....two in our group had all three desserts, kunafah, baklava, and the date roll....they loved all 3 of them.....the food is excellent as always...we love coming here, it was cold outside, but cozy and warm inside.....thx so much!

we try to eat here a few times a year, for lunch sometimes too, and had a fine time last night at dinner....i began with the iraqi pilsner, as did my partner....our friend has the house white wine....next, we shared the Leblebi Soup, Chickpea Stew, with rice and salad...our friend had the leblebi soup and beef kabobs with rice i think....then the two had both the date roll, then the baklava to go....the place was busy on super tues, and it's very relaxing as always...the staff is very friendly, efficient and fun...thx so much...

we came back for dinner with friends....we each had a pbr, pinot noir for another...the flatbread was hot and delicious...i had the falafel sandwich with salad, and my partner had the dolma mahshi and falafel salad...the other 2 had lamb and chicken...the food is always exceptional....the staff are very friendly...so relaxing, thx

The food here is very authentic and of very high quality. I had the dolma, which was beautifully prepared, along with the lamb and chicken kabobs. The chicken in particular was very tender. Service was excellent. I hope to return.

This was my first taste of Iraqi food and I was definitely impressed. The flavors were great, the restaurant was quaint, the prices were decent. The Marga was yummy! I will definitely come again.

we returned for dinner with a friend on a rainy and windy evening...i had a pbr, and my partner did too..our friend had a house red wine...he ordered hummus, a large plate, and flatbread...i had the salad with falafel balls, and she had the falafel rice plate....our friend had the iraqi kebob plate....they also had baklava and date rolls for dessert...the food is excellent, and the staff wonderful....thx so much

Wow, what a great place. Family owned and operated. Beautifully decorated in what can only be described as a work of art. But the best was yet to come, as the food was par-excellence. Perfectly prepared and served. Their drinks were innovative too. I had a Beet Margarita with fresh squeezed beets and it was spectacular. I don’t recall the exact name of the dessert, but it was the one topped with pistachios and was the rare find. Unique and wonderfully savory. Never seen anything quite like it, which is hard to say nowadays. If I could give 7 stars I would. Well done!

We dropped into Alberta for a day of shopping and people watching. Found Dar Salam. Original family owned restaurant serving authentic Cuisine from Iraq. Every country in the Middle East has their own take on the same ingredients, but that is what makes the food so interesting from that region. The dolmas were both wrapped in grape leaves and ones in onion skins. The rice was more of a tomato base with great herbs. The falafel was huge and flavorful. The hummus was smooth, tabouli was made just right. The pita was more of a Roti style but tender and easy to tear. Very good!

Not a healthy place, smelled awkward, when we got our food it was cold, when they were bringing our food, the waiter touch our food with his bare hands, After coming out of the bathroom, we paid and left.

This is a restaurant serving middle eastern / Iraqi / Lebanese food. Everything we had was tasty, but somehow mild and lacked some of the spices that you would expect ... Too much rice everywhere .lamb and chicken slightly dry. The staff was friendly but seemed to lack experience. (They ended up bringing us someone else's credit card and receipt... )

I stayed at an Airbnb in Portland, and the owners told me about this place. It was their favorite, but unfortunately it was closed that day. We came back 5 months later and had a treat. If you like Middle Eastern food, you'll like this restaurant. Small, but friendly. The cook came out and didn't speak English, but the waitress translated -- nice people. We liked everything we had. I'll go back for sure.

When my husband brought me here, I was skeptical that it was going to be anything more than the typical middle eastern food. I was pleasantly surprised. The flavors at this Iraqi restaurant were different from the run of the mill middle eastern foods- the hummus was milder, less garlicky, the baba ganoush was much smokier, the lentil soup was creamy with a hint of nuttiness. The bread was also smoky and added to the meal. The shredded chicken over rice plate was tasty but they were a little stingy with portions. The place was steadily crowded but not too noisy which was a pleasant surprise. I would recommend this place for a nice date night place.

We stopped in for lunch recently. I had lamb kabobs and my spouse had chicken kabobs. Before the main meal arrived, we were served a delicious hot flat bread and a tasty and tender chickpea soup. But then the main course arrived, my lamb was not fresh tasting or tender, it really tasted warmed up from the previous evening, and the chicken kabob (very dry) was the same way. The rice was bright yellow, but it did not taste of saffron (I wondered about food color). Both meals were served with a side of eggplant marga, which was very good (eggplant, tomato, potato stew-like mixture). There are so many excellent restaurants in Portland, that I can't imagine going back to this one.

Excellent food, service and atmosphere. The best dining experience I've had in quite some time. Good variety of flavors in the buffet. I was very happy and surprised to find the food not oily at all and not too salty either! Great attention and care is clearly put into the cooking at this restaurant. Solid 5 stars.

This is a charming little restaurant in the Alberta Arts District. The food is authentic middle Eastern. I had the lamb and my wife had a falafel plate. The food was well seasoned and cooked and the side sauces were delicious. The location is small and the tables are close together. It would not be good for meals with small children.

all masked up, we've returned to dar salam a couple of times this yr for lunch or dinner, and sat outside ....we love coming here repeatedly.... yesterday, we met friends for lunch, i had the iraqi lager, and my partner had the arak cocktail...next i had the salad plus 2 falafel balls, and she had the mixed dolmas...our friends had the mixed grill and pita/hummus, plus mint lemonade and an iraqi expresso, ....3 of them had baklava for dessert...the food is always excellent, and the staff is the nicest...be sure to tip big during the pandemic...thx so much!

This was our first visit to this venue .. and we'll be back. Fortunately, we live close. We cheated - both having the same meal, a chicken Shawarma. Presentation was excellent and the meal was tasty. It was happy hour so we also got a great deal on the dinner and wine. The atmosphere Dar Salam is very complete. Its like walking into a small cafe somewhere in the Middle East. Service was attentive and polite. A great find.

We enjoyed a tasty dinner outdoors at DarSalam where the sidewalk cafe feeling and the service were all excellent! Artistic wall murals add to the ambiance. We especially enjoyed the delicious mezza platters and the dolmas. Most of the menu selections are gluten free. Our server was knowledgeable and gave good recommendations. DarSalam is a great neighborhood restaurant.

Seriously. I would actually plan my entire wedding around this place, even though I live in Alaska. Their food is the most flavorful food that's ever existed. The food is not only impeccable but they are adequately prepared to service vegans and gluten free peeps. Their service is astounding and they manage to make everyone feel special and important. Our glasses were always filled- just like our hearts and stomachs upon encountering this gem.

Darsalam offers a variety of dishes from the Middle East. Each of us at our table ordered something different so we could sample several dishes. Everything was perfectly prepared and presented. I ordered the Falafel, which was cooked donut style, and it was the best I have ever eaten.

Authentic Iraqi food prepared to perfection with all the spices and flavors to make this one of the best middle eastern restaurants I've experienced in the US. For large groups or small, the friendly owner-managers do a great job.

we returned to dar salam for dinner with a friend and sat on the patio...we each had a beer, and our friend had a can of wine....next we shared the chickpea stew with rice, and ordered a small salad...they shared the mixed dolma...our friend had the meat skewer...they each had baklava for dessert....the staff is real nice and quick...the food superb...be sure to tip big during covid 19...thx so much

I've eaten Mediterranean food but not Iraqi food, so this was a first, although there are many similarities. I had the vegan platter and my husband had the lamb platter. The flavors were unique and delicious even though I've eaten plenty of hummus in my life; this hummus was so smooth and different than anything I've ever had. The only down side, from my husband, is the portions are small and he was hungry after spending $15 on a meal. I would still recommend this restaurant and eat here again.

We stopped here for lunch on a Saturday after attending the Saturday market. The food was excellent, as was the service. I had the mezza platter and my friend the lamb shank. The restaurant is beautifully decorated. With all the Turkish eyes there is no fear of bad energy.

Recently we visited this little jewel for my wife's birthday on a Friday evening. At first we did not know what to expect. But we came out truly delighted to have discovered this lovely little restaurant representing Middle Eastern menu. They have a decent choice of dishes. The chicken salad we ordered on the side was just perfect with fresh produce topped with mouth watering dressing (sweet and tart). Mezza platter was great. The size of flat bread is just right so you don't end up filling your tummy just with that unless you want to. We also loved the dessert called "Dark & Light". Here is what it is described in their own words. “Dibbis” date honey and “tahini” sesame paste dance together on a plate. served with fresh, warm flatbread for your dipping pleasure." And that is a 100% correct description. Try it!! We liked the menu. it is simple and yet has decent options. It is not overly confusing consisting and does not have pages and pages. The idea is to stay focused on what works and be best at it. They also sang a "happy birthday" for my wife with a beautiful Middle-Eastern hat. That was so cute and nice of them. The ambiance is cozy, full of Middle Eastern pictures, artifacts, but is bit crowded-looking and that is a sure sign of their humble roots and growing popularity. They have a TV running with imagery of Middle Eastern historic places, which I liked as it educates patrons (while they are sipping a glass of wine or waiting to be served) on what this beautiful region had to offer and the potential it still has. The owner is originally from Iraq who ran a successful food cart in our beautiful city of Portland, Oregon where foodies have gotten used to enjoying world-class cuisine at an affordable price. Portlanders are a tough bunch of connoisseurs. This place certainly is one that has passed their approval. I wish them well….and certainly recommend others to try.

Warm atmosphere gentil and friendly service delishious food.Decorations was simple looks like an old movies.

When my companion and I walked into this restaurant, we could do little but look around at the wonderful decor of the dining room. The walls are completely covered with artifacts and pictures of Iraq, enough so that you almost feel overcome with the experience. And this was just the start of a delightful evening. The food was great, especially the bread, and the taziki is something I'll always remember. I had the Lamb Shwarma Rice Plate. The rice was bland, but the marga was delicious as was the lamb, even if it was a bit dry. And since we were there early, we made it to happy hour, so the piquant Iraqi red wine cost a mere $2 and the bill came to under $20 including the tip. Add to this the fact the service was very good and you can't ask for a much better experience. We WILL return

This is a little gem in North Portland, easily missed among the bigger names farther west on Alberta. Excellent, authentic Iraqi food, gluten-free (without flatbread) and plenty of veggie/vegan options, served in ample portions and about as laid back as can be. If you're a carnivore, choose between chicken, lamb, or beef in various forms and with various spices, same concept for vegetarian. Start with either soup and savor everything. Use the fresh flatbread for dipping in everything, and go for the Lebanese red or white wine (there's also NW wine and, of course, beer). Baklava leads the dessert options, if you have room: wide range of flavors even on the dessert menu. Service can be a little slow, but the food just lends itself to a relaxed pace.

Tasty halal Iraqi food. The service was good. Located in the main downtown area. The restaurant is beautifully decorated.

There are many restaurants in Portland and many fantastic ones on Alberta. Dar Salam is one of the places that stands out! It is one of the best Middle Eastern menus I've experienced and a cut above the rest! The staff is very friendly and accommodating, the decor is charming and the food is superb! I would highly recommend this place to anyone visiting (or living in) Portland! I very much enjoyed my Lamb Marga and grape leaf dolmas were probably the best dolmas I've eaten. Their entire menu is one that I hope to sample over time. Highly recommended!!

Fantastic and authentic food with friendly and attentive service. Lovely spot for lunch of more substantial dinner. Mezze was enough for a light lunch for two.

We ate outside in front and it was interesting to see the people walk by it was too noisy with all the traffic. I recommend eating inside. We each had a different gluten-free selection all of it very good.

we returned to dar salam tues 3-18-25 for dinner on a cold evening with a friend...we sat inside with the heaters.....i chose the iraqi beer, and my partner had the mint lemonade....our friend had a glass of white wine.....next we shared the chickpea stew rice plate with salad......our friend had the mixed grill with chicken and pita bread.....it was early, and real busy...........the staff was alone, but he was so charming, and was methodical and quick....there was a large family of 4 generations at a large table too...the chef would bring out the food on occasion too......the drink/food was excellent as always... we love coming here and have been since they opened yrs ago....thx so much............

My husband and I visited this restaurant in downtown Portland (not the Alberta outpost) for its buffet lunch. We were very happy with the food. There were plenty of vegetarian dishes. In addition, they provided a lamb option, a fish option, and a chicken option. The hummus was some of the best I have ever had. The servers and hostess are all very nice people. The restaurant is quite attractive, with bold yellow and blue walls. I definitely want to return, this time for dinner. What we had on the buffet line was fantastic; I imagine the made to order food is even better.

Well, not really because you're in the heart of Alberta in Portland. But the food, ambiance, owners and staff (often the same people) give you a sense of the middle eastern hospitality while you're enjoying delicious, reasonably-priced food. We first ate here on Thanksgiving day in 2012 while looking for another restaurant that turned out to be closed - along with every other restaurant (but one) on North Alberta. To add to our joy that Dar Salam was open, they owners were celebrating Thanksgiving by serving a traditional US meal - turkey, dressing, potatoes - the works! We've been back several times since, usually with friends because it's a great place to share food, drinks and talk.

Wanted to eat lunch at a good place with in walking distance. Checked out most of the restaurants on Alberta Street and thought their menu sounded the most interesting. Sure enough, the quality of food was wonderful for such a casual place. You can sit inside or outside. It was a hard decision due to the outdoor courtyard seeming nice on a beautiful day. We ended up choosing a table inside with comfortable seating up against the wall. The walls are covered in interesting framed photos of the middle east which were fun to check out while waiting on our order. Everything we ordered was surprisingly great! We could not leave without taking a dessert to go. Also, enjoyed our friendly & helpful waitress.

The restaurant is covered with pictures from Iraq, making it an immersive experience. They serve Iraqi food, which is very accessible to Americans. I loved the stuffed onions and the tzatsiki sauce.

This is definitely our go-to restaurant whenever we attend a performance at Alberta Rose Theater. The food is fresh & delicious. Service is friendly. I had the chicken tikka mezza plate. The baba ganoush, tzaziki, and hummus all tasted fresh. The chicken was juicy & tender. Partner had the Mahshi - dolmas wrapped in onion leaves rather than grape leaves. Amazing stuff. We had the date roll & baklava for dessert. Both were nice portions and neither were too sweet or sticky. Just perfect. Lovely evening and we really appreciated the experience.

We arrived a little early and owner seated us...We enjoyed the aroma coming from the kitchen...We enjoyed the chicken kabobs spiced so wonderful and the chicken was so succulent. We also ordered the fish and it to was great...The hospitality was exceptional...give it a try!

I love Mediterranean food and eat it often. We usually go to Cedos on MLK. They were closed so we thought we'd try Darsalam. Big mistake. Although the people are very friendly and the food tasted fresh, it was the most bland meal I've ever eaten. Literally no flavor, not even salt. Just nothing. Even the bread was bland. So bland my wife didn't even eat it and made herself a vegan hamburger instead.

Coming from Vancouver, Canada, we were slightly disappointed by Portland's food scene. We had heard a lot of hype about Portland's foodie culture, but were a tad disappointed upon actually trying things...that is, until we found Dar Salam. This is truly a gem and made for a fantastic dining experience! Everything we tried was great...the hummus is excellent as are the falafels and the eggplant dishes. Beyond the food itself, Dar Salam really stands out in it's atmosphere. It's nicely decorated, and TV's play throughout with facts and photos of Iraq - it really helped you "get in" to the meal. Absolutely would return! And don't forget to try their Lebanese beer.

I was able to sit on the patio and enjoy a warm pleasant Portland afternoon. The waitress was delightful and the food was incredible. I had the Vegan Mezza Platter. The hummus was freshly made, the baba ghanoush was creamy, the pickled mango salad had a tart flavor, and my falafel was perfectly prepared. We were allowed to linger so that we could enjoy the ambience of the restaurant. Do spend an afternoon relaxing at Dar Salam.

This place is so good. I love their rice dishes and the dolmas. My wife and I eat here or order to go from here frequently. The staff is friendly and quick. The ambiance in the restaurant is very nice and cozy.

One of the most amazing middle eastern meals we had in portland, this a real nice place with an amazing menu, great room, exceptional hospitality and really reasonable for what you get. We can't wait to go back again.

Our whole group likes ethic food but we hadn't had food from Iraq before. This was a huge surprise and we had a great time. The ingredients were so fresh and inviting. I can't tell you the names of most of the things we ate but they were ALL fabulous. We ordered an appetizer platter with 4 different foods on it and all of them were good. The staff were friendly and helpful in the ordering too. Our main dish was a lamb kabob with the most fragrant rice I've ever eaten. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants to dip their toe in the Middle Eastern food scene.

This is a wonderful restaurant. They are exceedingly warm, sincere and thoughtful. The food is fantastic, fresh and flavorful. I have had middle eastern food around the world but this is my first experience with Iraqi food. The flavor profile is unique (in a very good way). We eat out a lot in Portland and I rarely write reviews, but had to for Dar Salam as it is one my most favorite places. It is a great find for vegans and vegetarians.

Fantastic little restaurant. It caught my eye as I walked down Alberta street in explorer mode. It calls out that this restaurant offers food from Iraq. Having only eaten MREs and chow hall meals in Iraq, I was curious! The service is some of the best I've seen in restaurants big and small! There are unlimited smiles from the wait staff as they answer questions, deliver your food, and suggest options. The food was tasty, the fresh bread added something special and authentic to the experience, and the dessert- let's just said I had to order two of them. And all served with Iraqi coffee.

Traditional Iraqi food, delicious! Super cozy and excellent hospitality. A new location for the restaurant. Shaamah is a total sweetheart! Plan to be a regular here.

Stopped in for a quick lunch break. Wasn't sure what to order, the menu wasn't what I'm used to. There are mezza plates but I wasn't super hungry so had a chicken shawarma salad. They brought hot flatbread with oil and seasonings with sesame seeds in it, wonderful. My salad was fabulous with fresh lettuce, cukes and carrots, delicious homemade salad dressing and a ton of shredded chicken that had been simmered in shawarma sauce. My three friends all loved what they ordered as well and service couldn't have been any friendlier. We did have to ask for our check because we had to get back to a class and this place is not super fast food, it's more linger and enjoy. Note-They did not have air conditioning, one whole wall is open to the outside, there is outdoor patio seating, and it was getting a little toasty. It was a great experience and I will come back another time with my appetite. :-)

Great experience and wow food. Had the shredded chicken appetizer with baba ghanoush, lamb shank "kuzi" main with a cup of curried lentil soup. All excellent and recommended. Lebanese pilsner was a good complement and rounded of with Arabic coffee. Enjoy, it's worth the visit!

The food was average. I really liked the ambiance. There was a lot of historical things in the restaurant. The service was average.