Al Amir

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

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.

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

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!

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!