Habibi Restaurant

Doesn't Recommend

pdxrater

Joined 5 years ago

Poor quality. I have been to many Middle Eastern restaurants, and this one is the worst I have ever been to. I ordered the Baba Ganoush sandwich for $5. What I got was a tiny sandwich split in two, containing a few slivers of lettuce and tomato pieces and a dab of Baba Ganoush wrapped in an floury, dry pita. It was by far the worst sandwich I have ever eaten.

The jallub (raisin) soda I ordered had a hint of mint and was tasty for $2.50

The service was nonexistent. I had to get someone else's attention, after waiting for 20 minutes for my original server who had seemingly disappeared, to bring me my check.

The only other Lebanese restaurant I have been to in town is Nicholas Restaurant. Between the excellent food, the constant attention with the service, and the lively atmosphere, I would recommend that one if you were taking someone out. There are also other Middle Eastern restaurants in town I would recommend, including The Green Onion near PSU and Kabob House in Beaverton.

Recommends

Tez

Joined 5 years ago

Great Lebanese. First time at Habibi but we will definitely go back. The food was so tasty, particularly the lamb schwarma and the veggie mezza. The owner was really genuine and fun, he made sure we were well taken care of. The restaurant is small and casual but inviting. Great location in downtown, right on the Max, can't wait to go back in the summer and eat outside.

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rdaye

Joined 5 years ago

Really great Middle Eastern food. This place is small, but cozy; and there is a mezzanine in the back where larger parties can go. The food is phenomenal! The guy who owns this place is a hoot and will order for you if you let him. I recommend the platters that offer a little of everything. The prices aren't inexpensive, but not the most expensive I've seen. The atmosphere is friendly bordering on party like as the host goes from table to table asking how everything is. The pace isn't fast, so if you're in a hurry, try the McDonald's down the street. The food here is fresh, hot and tastes like it was prepared just for you; with care and expertise.

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zaminina

Joined 5 years ago

Habibi Yum.. I love this place. The food is great, the hospitality is genuine, and the atmosphere is relaxing and homey.

The owner welcomes everyone that comes through his doors. There is something flavorful and inspired on the menu for everyone, vegans, vegetarians, and even you carnivores.

Seems I always go for the lebni sandwich wrap (no onions please) and the vegetarian mezza platter is plentiful and oh so tasty. The Lebanese pizza is great, the baklava is mouth watering....

Some of Portland's lesser evolved Restaurateurs serving similar cuisines could learn a lesson from this establishment.

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zombistro

Joined 5 years ago

great food, low prices. i love the food at habibi, delicious. the yogurt drinks are quite tasty, the lamb is always amazing, the lamb shank is the best. now onto service... don't get me wrong the owner is ridiculously friendly, and helpful, and he will bend over backwards to give you a great experience, but if he is busy, or otherwise unavailable you are left to the mercy of the rest of the staff. in which case you will get no refills of water, soda, etc. they look at you like you are crazy when you ask for anything such as the removal of appetizer plates when your entree comes, and they act like its the biggest chore in the world. outside of the owner, the service borders on being rude. that aside it is still a favorite of mine, and pretty much every time i've gone there i've had a great experience

Recommends

ingow

Joined 8 years ago

Great Food, Great Service, Feels like home. The food here is very good and the owner makes you feel welcome and at home. He's happy to recommend dishes if you're not familiar with the food. I've been to Karam and thought it was great and I would say that Habibi is at least on-par with that. They could take a page or two from Oasis over in Beaverton as far as some of the dishes but nevertheless it's a solid dining experience and you'll walk away full and happy. The atmosphere is nice and they also have outdoor seating right on Morrison. Great for people watching and in the shade. Give it a try, there's a reason these guys have so much repeat business.

Doesn't Recommend

foxglover

Joined 5 years ago

bad, overpriced food. The first time that I ate here I thought that the food was somewhat mediocre though certainly not odious or inedible, I just found there to be nothing remarkable about it. I decided that I would probably just stick to Nikola's since the food there is slightly cheaper, slightly better, and served in MUCH more generous portions. Today, however, I was downtown looking for some chow so I thought I'd give it another shot. Bad decision. I have never neglected to leave a tip until today. The food was not fresh and it was down right gross. They served me a tiny piece of bread that was cold and stale, the hummus was dry, bland, and crusty, the babaghanoosh was yucky and too garlicky, the "spinach pie" was wrapped in this nasty pizza dough that tastes like the crust of frozen pizza. The "Lebanese pizza" was also a little stale, not to mention bland. And the falafel was crusty and dry. Before I ordered, I thought the price was a little steep, but I assumed that I would have plenty of leftovers to take home (my wife and I can split a vegan platter at Nikola's and still take home leftovers). The portions were jaw-droppingly skimpy here though. Then to top it all off, I sat there for 20 minutes after I finished my food and was completely ignored-no check, no drink refill, nothing. I finally just threw some money on the table and walked out. Lebanese food can really be much better than this. The owner of this restaurant does seem like a nice guy, but he needs to get together a bit.

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katetraveler

Joined 5 years ago

I love Habibi!. Fabulous food, warm and charming service, great location. I always have a special and fun time when dining at Habibi. All the food I have ordered there -- shawerma, baba ganouch, hummos, falafel, etc. -- has been delicious. I've dined there with parties from two to twelve and have never had a complaint of any sort. It's my favorite downtown restaurant.

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maddlaugh

Joined 5 years ago

A Taste of Excellence. 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!!!!!

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unsolved

Joined 5 years ago

Best Middle Eastern Food EVER!!!!!, Nicest owner and waitstaff of all time!!!. 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!!!!