In 2011, the ranking for Best Lebanese in Portland went Nicholas, Ya Hala, Karam. Generally a bargain in this tight economy, these restaurants seem to be prospering. This year there have been few changes, though the separation between restaurants has changed. Nicholas has lost a little ground, Ya Hala gained, Karam has dropped by a huge percentage – perhaps the high prices are becoming an issue.
Out of 518 total votes:
1. Nicholas – 32.8% of the vote.
- 318 Southeast Grand Avenue, Portland, OR 97214 (503) 235-5123 Map
- 3223 NE Broadway, Portland 97232 (503) 445-4700 Map
- 323 N Main Ave, Gresham 97030. (503) 666-3333 Map
2. Ya Hala – 25.5%.
- 8005 SE Stark St., Portland 97215 (503) 256-4484. Map
3. (tie) –
- Karam Lebanese – 7.3%. 316 Southwest Stark St. Portland, OR 97204 (503) 223-0830 Map My review
- Habibi – 7.3%. 1012 Southwest Morrison St., Portland 97205 (503) 274-0628 Map
4. Hoda’s – 6.9%.
- 3401 Southeast Belmont St., Portland 97214 (503) 236-8325 Map
5. El Amir – 6.1%.
- 223 SW Stark St. Portland 97204. (503) 274-0010. Map
6. TarBoush – 3.54%.
- 3257 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland 97214 (503) 235-3277 Map
7. Aladdin’s Cafe – 3.51%.
- 6310 NE 33rd Ave, Portland 97211 (503) 546-7686 Map
Aladdin’s has been higher in past years, but I’ve heard lousy things about both food and service lately, so I’m not surprised it is at the bottom.
Michael Russell says
June 6, 2012 at 3:32 pmSurprised Abhiruchi make the cut. A latte from Sterling Coffee says Bollywood is No. 1 next year (barring a late entry from Radhika Desai)
Food Dude says
June 6, 2012 at 3:51 pmI’d like to take you up on that bet, but it’s a slam dunk!
L'epicier says
June 6, 2012 at 3:55 pmWhen will somebody running a Middle Eastern restaurant smell the Turkish coffee and start using some local ingredients and local meats? I’d go all the time if anybody would…
Food Dude says
June 6, 2012 at 4:19 pmAmen to that!
The Guilty Carnivore says
June 7, 2012 at 9:50 amYa Hala’s prep kitchen is at Barbur World Foods. Their produce and meat counter is full of local ingredients and meats.
Tex says
June 7, 2012 at 12:04 pmHabibi is just awful. I forgot about hush hush!
Pleen says
July 5, 2012 at 1:49 pmI’ve been to Nicholas, Ya Hala and Karam’s – I think Karam’s is resting on their laurels. I was just there last week and we ordered a vegetarian mezza and falafel sandwich – everything was just so-so. Some of it tasted like it had come from a packet/mix (ie not fresh). Nicholas is still my go-to for Mediterranean. I like Ya Hala’s baba ghanouj, but the bread at Nicholas’ is better.
Food Dude says
July 6, 2012 at 1:09 amOver the years, it seems like Karam has gotten more expensive, and the food hasn’t been as good. I don’t think there are any “great” Mediterranean restaurants here, but keep hoping!
Food Dude says
June 6, 2012 at 3:18 pmNo, sorry