Al Hawr — Restaurant in Portland

Sometimes, it's not until something is gone that we truly appreciate its value. Such was the case with Al Hawr, my favorite restaurant during my high school years. Initially, I would always opt for their food to-go, but it wasn't until my senior year that I started visiting the restaurant in person. From the moment I walked through the door, I was greeted by the nicest person ever. His warm welcome set the tone for the exceptional experiences that followed.

I would often bring my friends and even my parents to Al Hawr, and each time, we were treated with utmost respect and kindness. The staff's hospitality made every visit feel special. However, it was their Garlic Chicken that truly stole the show. This dish is a true masterpiece, elegantly combining healthiness and flavor. The tender chicken, perfectly complemented by a traditional Lebanese garlic sauce, was accompanied by a delightful salad, fluffy rice, and warm pita bread. It was a symphony of tastes that left a lasting impression on my palate.

Unfortunately, my departure from Portland at the end of last summer forced me to leave behind my beloved Al Hawr. As I moved away to New York, I couldn't help but compare every restaurant I visited to the standards set by Al Hawr. None of them even came close. Al Hawr remains, in my opinion, the best restaurant I have ever had the pleasure of dining at. Its exceptional food, impossible to surpass, has become a delicacy that I long for.

Every passing week, I find myself wishing for an Al Hawr near my new home. I yearn to relive the days when I would frequent the restaurant 1-2 times a week, immersing myself in its flavors and basking in its welcoming atmosphere. Al Hawr holds a special place in my heart, not just as a restaurant, but as a symbol of the joy and camaraderie that defined my high school years.

Visiting Al Hawr wasn't just about the food; it was about the memories and connections made. The friendly staff, who treated me with such warmth, left an indelible mark on my heart. I am forever grateful for the moments spent within those walls, cherishing the laughter and conversations shared.

To anyone fortunate enough to find themselves in Portland, I implore you to make a pilgrimage to Al Hawr. Indulge in their extraordinary cuisine and allow the flavors to transport you to a world of culinary bliss. Al Hawr deserves all the recognition it can get as a hidden gem, and I hope that one day, fate will bring me back to experience its...

My family just recently went to this restaurant for lunch. We were handed the lunch menus. Both my dad and I ordered the chicken skewers and a side of rice. The server told us that it included rice with the skewer. Oh... ok... I also had ordered a plate of hummus which was really good and some Toum(garlic paste) massively addictive which came out with one pita bread for 3 people. The quality of the pita was so delicious... delivered hot... and we asked for another pita(complimentary)... Well, they are not that big.. so we asked for several at time... server looked surprised (??). And, even after that we still were working through the hummus... I didn't feel like I understood why they only would give one small Pita for multiple people to share at a time... as it was obvious we were plowing through the pita. He did not seemed clued in, younger guy...

Our meals came and they were served on square dishes with 2 skewers and plate of saffron rice garnished with lettuce and pickle slices. I checked in with him as this was a lot for a simple skewer.. and he said this was the dinner portion. What? Why are you giving us a dinner portion at 1 pm in the lunch hour... as you had given us lunch menus? He said there must be some confusion. We asked what he was going to do about it... and he said he would take off a skewer charge. We should have been charged $11/skewer and $4 for side of Saffron rice. He said he'd take care of it ... but when the check came... It was still the dinner portion price unchanged.... Did not feel this guy was on top of it...

Quality of food... was awesome... Wait staff.. family or not... needs better training to show care and standing by their word to change... Not used to paying $88 for a lunch as simple as what we had .. but hopefully they will get it together.. It would be a shame because the...

From the moment you step through the doors of Al-Hawr, you know you are in for a treat. This restaurant isn't just about delicious Lebanese cuisine; it's about an entire dining experience, built on warm hospitality and top-tier service. Our recent visit was absolutely wonderful, and I cannot recommend it enough. Our evening began with a warm greeting from the staff, who seated us promptly and made us feel right at home. The ambiance is beautiful—cozy, romantic, and perfectly suited for either a special occasion or a relaxed evening out. The food was, as always, a delight. We decided to share a few items to get a good variety. The sampler platter was a perfect start, packed with fresh hummus, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh, all served with their freshly baked, fluffy pita bread. For our main courses, we enjoyed the perfectly seasoned and tender chicken shawarma and the mixed grill, which was cooked to perfection. Every dish tasted authentic and was prepared with genuine care, with rich, bold flavors that stood out. What truly elevates Al-Hawr, however, is the service. Our server was incredibly attentive and knowledgeable, guiding us through the menu with ease and offering fantastic recommendations. The entire staff worked seamlessly to ensure our drinks were filled and our table was clear. The owner even came over to our table to share a story about the restaurant and serve us complimentary Lebanese coffee—a perfect, personal touch that made our night unforgettable. This family-owned restaurant genuinely cares about its customers. It's a place where you feel like you're being welcomed into their home, not just another business. For a memorable meal and service that goes above and beyond, Al-Hawr is the place to go. We'll...