Habibi Restaurant

My friend wanted to try a new restaurant for his birthday! He went on-line and found Habibi and boy were we glad he did. This was the best lebanese food we've ever had! Then to top it off the atmosphere and service was excellent. Everything from the giant gold leaf plate our appitzers were served on, to the cucumber slice in the water was perfect! The menu was so well put together, the vegetarian and vegan options were listed first and easy to find and recognize, we definitely appreciated that. Mazen, the owner, was so kind and personable and sat down to tell us his story. It is so great when you meet someone who cares so much about their restaurant, you can tell he really put a lot of time and effort into making it the best it can be! Dishes we loved: The Vegetarian Platter was perfect for four of us to share for the appetizer. We were able to try a little of everything. Our favorite was probably the falafel, the tzatziki, hummus, baba ganoush. I should just tell you everthing was delicious! I've been telling everyone about Habibi!!!!! Pros: Everything...vegetarian and vegan options Cons: nothing more

Wow. Wow. Wow. I've been traveling for weeks, eating at some of the best restaurants in the country, including the overrated Babo (Maria Batali's restaurant), and this is HANDS DOWN, the best food I've had in years. I noticed while walking by Habibi that it had a constant stream of customers and beautiful decor. I decided to head in alone on a Friday night and was immediately greeted by the owner. He is the kindest and most welcoming person I have ever met. The food was EXCELLENT. Absolutely no complaints. Their home-made lemonade is divine and the lentil soup is the best I've ever had. The chicken schwarma is delicious. Hurry down to Habibi for one of the greatest food experiences of your life. I live in Texas and am seriously considering taking another trip to Portland just so I can experience this place again!!!! Pros: Everything Cons: No cons whatsoever! more

My husband and I are regulars at this truly fantastic place. Since Habibi's new owner, Mazen, transformed the place - everything is SO much better. It is an entirely new restaurant.\r \r The decor is inviting, the dishes & silverware are beautiful, the customer service is attentive, and the food is absolutely fantastic. Experiencing the many spices used in Lebanese cooking, and the variety of flavors in their foods is an enjoyable experience.\r \r We have been to many Lebanese and/or Middle Eastern/Persian restaurants and none compare with Habibi - not even remotely.\r \r If you are someone who enjoys trying new places and/or cuisines you will be delighted with Habibi. If you are someone who is afraid of trying new or different cuisines. Have no fear, for there is something for every palate at Habibi. No matter what you order, you will not be disappointed. \r \r So what are you waiting for? Go dine! :-)\r \r The location is especially convenient since it is on the max line and is one block from a smart park.\r \r Our favorites include the hummus, kafta kabab, grape leaves with beef, fatayr, all lemonades, black tea with fresh mint, turkish coffee & baklava. Yummy! The pizza dishes are terrific as well - especially those with Lebanese spices. Pros: Convenient location for fantastic, flavorful food. Cons: Sometimes service lags, but overall very good service. more

If you crave an absolute thrist quencher you must try the Habibi Lemonaid. Not to sweet, just the right amount of tartness and the fresh mint leaves add the perfect touch. We just discovered Habibi about a month ago while taking a nice afternoon stroll around downtown. As we entered this beautifully decorated resturant we were greeted with a very warm and friendly smile from Mazen. Mazen is Habibi, when in his resturant you are not just a customer, you are family. \r This place is awesome! Being excited ablout a new resturant, we ordered several items. Everything was great. The Mezza platters offer a wide selection. The rice with lentils and lamb is a must try. And the lentil soup is the best we've had. We've been back 3 times since with friends, and even ordered food to go after we finnished dinner, it was that good! I think my cousin has a crush on Mazen. I know we have a crush on Habibi and we will be back soon! (and we'll bring our cousin) Pros: Excellent Service, Great Attmosphere, Fantastic Food more

I lunched at Habibi and had one of the pita wrap combos (comes with a salad, a pita, and a plate of hummus). I chose a lebanese sausage for my wrap, and it was delicious. My water was served with a fresh cucumber slice; a refreshing addition. The proprietor worked the floor along with the wait staff and greeted everyone, shaking hands with people he knew and getting to know the new diners. Pros: Great atmosphere, delicious, varied menu Cons: The wait staff (other than the proprietor) lacked enthusiasm. more

For our first visit to Habibi, my ""foodie"" family took some relatives who were new to middle eastern food. My brother in law is used to eating familiar American fare and my 9 year old nephew is a picky eater whom I've only seen eating french fries. My family ordered shawarma and other items we have come to love at other middle eastern restaurants. (My 11 year old daughter was in heaven.) To our delight, my brother in law tried the meat mezza - a combination platter of several different menu items - tried everything, and loved it. My picky nephew bravely ordered the lamb kebabs and liked them. He also tasted everything on his dad's plate and pointed out that he liked most of his dad's meal, too. (And we thought he'd stick with pizza!) Both kids loved their mango lassi. Overall, the food was great and we will remember Habibi then next time we visit Portland. (We're from Salem.) My chef hubby asked what was in the shawarma and kibby. They refused to share their recipes, which we expected, so we'll have to return again and again when the cravings strike.\r \r A couple things to note: we were seated upstairs because the tiny main floor dining room was full. After delivering our meals nobody came up to check on us and one beverage order was never delivered. When finished, we had to wait a long time for take-home boxes and the check. I finally ran downstairs and asked for boxes, thinking the waiter would come up with boxes and our check. He only brought the boxes and we had to ask for the check downstairs as we were walking out the door.\r \r Also, one review here commented on parking. This shouldn't be an issue if you're planning a visit to Habibi. Since we drive in from out of town, we parked in the SmartPark on 4th near Morrison, then rode the Max up Morrison to Habibi. Our total parking cost was $2. Cheap.\r \r Despite the service issues, we will definitely be back - and will make sure we sit downstairs. Pros: Nice menu variety, great flavors, food is absolutely delicious! Cons: slow service to the upstairs dining room more

Great location, great value, and excellent food! The mezze was a good choice... my garlic craving was quenched after a visit here. I felt like I'd known the owner for years after visiting for the first time - very hospitable and enjoyable experience all around. Pros: location, flavorful food, great service Cons: parking could be bad more

I was very excited to not only see the variety of foods on Habibi's menu, but also that there are several options labeled as ""vegan"". All of the vegan options I've tried so far (e.g., hummus, pizza) have been very tasty and reasonably priced. The staff is very friendly when I visit to dine in or take out. Pros: Vegan food, Price more

The food at Habibi is really good. It is fresh, well seasoned and prepared. The owner is the nicest guy, trying to accomodate everyone. The staff are wonderful as well. more

THe food is good. I enjoy Nicholas, ya hala and Habibi. I think the service and the personality of the owner ""Mazen"" sets Habibi at the top of my choice list. Everytime I am there, the groups of people dining all seem to be enjoying their experiences. I don't want to rave too much about Habibi due to the inevitable crowds that will some day make for long waits to get inside and eat. Cons: Sitting outside and having street wierdos bother you while trying to eat. more

We were always treated like family when we ate at Nicholas' by Mazen, so as soon as we found out he opened his restaurant we came to eat here. We were not disapointed and have been coming ever since. The food is always fresh and amazing. His mom's recepies are of wonderful variety including plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. The music is great and it is fun siting outside and watching the city get dark. We usually come with a large group (big family) and have always been very well taken care of. By the way, Mazen loves kids, so bring them along, they will enjoy all the attention and the strawberry yogurt drink of course! Pros: Food, service, location Cons: Interior remodel more

The overwhelming sense of hospitality makes every customer that walks through the door feel like part of the family, but once you take your first bites of the delicious food you know that Habibi is the place for you... I've tried almost everything on the menu and each one quickly becomes one of my favorite dishes. Hopefully the remodeling is done soon because from what has been done so far I know it is going to be beautiful!! Oh, and if you are worried about parking downtown..Habibi validates parking at the nearby garage... \r Try it out...you won't be disappointed more

..Habibi will be serving Hookah's soon..I love their food and im middle easten! Ask him to just hook you up with whatever you want you wont regret it! Pros: Best Middle Eastern Food Around.. Cons: none.. more

probably the best middle eatstern food in pdx! Pros: service, food more

We went here for the first time tonight and were very impressed. The menu was varied and extensive (with plenty of clearly-marked vegetarian and vegan selections), service was prompt and friendly, and the food was delicious--the best falafel I've had in Portland! We were happy that the food was very fresh and not overly oily, unlike some of the other Lebanese restaurants in the area. more

First off, they are still working on remodeling the inside of the restaurant so be sure to go on a nice day when you can eat outside.\r \r The food is fantastic--and reasonably priced! They had a large selection and the owner was more than willing to tell us about each dish as we decided what to order. I've had the dish that I ordered at other restaurants and this was by far the best. Their alcohol selection is limited, but that's really fine as this is a place you go to eat and enjoy the food, not necessarily to drink. As for non-alcoholic option, they had the usuals as well as things such as rose water. \r \r I would definitely go there again! Pros: Great food, reasonably priced, fabulous service Cons: The inside is not yet finished more

I love this place. I was a loyal follower of Nicholas on Grand but once I ate at Habibi, I can never go back. Except on Sundays, when Habibi is closed. The food is fresh, authentic and well priced. They have a great selection for vegetarians and vegans and you will not be disappointed with the menu. The staff is fantastic. Just introduce yourself to Mazen and he will do anything to make you happy. I live in the Pearl and eat at many different establishments, but this is my happy place. Pros: Amazing Food; Great service Cons: They are still remodeling, but don't let that stop you. more