Hoda's Middle Eastern Cuisine
Portland, OR 97214-4246
Phone: (503) 236-8325
- Price:
- $
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri 11am-9:30pm, Sat 12pm-9:30pm, Sun 12pm-9pm
Editorial Review for Hoda's Middle Eastern Cuisine – by Otis Rubottom
In Short
This simple, appealing corner space overlooks the bustle of Belmont and offers diners a casual, comfortable atmosphere. Start with a mezza platter (meat or vegetarian) that offers a sampling of excellent hummus, tabouli and baba ghanoush. The charred-yet-tender lamb kabobs are superb, as well as the beef shwarma (tender strips of beef and onions spiced and grilled). The pita bread is always baked fresh, and is delicious when stuffed with falafel and tahini.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkDrinking beer with your meal? Try the Almaza, a Lebanese import that's light, tasty and perfect if you spice up your dishes with hot sauce.
User Reviews for Hoda's Middle Eastern Cuisine
08/03/2008 Posted by belmontlover
Considering all the (recent) negative reviews I was hesitant in accompanying a small group of friends to Hoda's, but I am sure glad I did go. They must have made some recent changes, because our experience was excellent. We ordered the feta and olives and baba ganoush for appetizers, which did come out promptly and before our meals, and were served steaming hot pita bread with it. The feta and olives were incredible and the baba ganoush was not too salty like other restaurants. Both appetizers were enjoyable. We received great service, and had our waters refilled regularly. I ordered the super falafel with hummus, and it was a very generous pita sandwich for only $5.00. Much larger than the falafel sandwiches at saturday market, I was shocked at the value. Very tasty too. The hummus is super creamy and I was just very impressed. I am definitely going back to this place.
Pros: great value, quality food, good service
Cons: too close to my house as I will be going back!
06/16/2008 Posted by sumacero
I worked at a Lebanese restaurant for years in my home town, and have had regular hummus and tabuleh cravings ever since, so when it came time to go out with friends for my birthday dinner, Hoda's seemed like a good choice. I must tell you though, despite the convenient location, I can't say much more in the way of positive things about my experience there. The server was all but oblivious to the 6 of us. He was unconversational and at one point, after 15 or so minutes of trying desperately to get someone, ANYONE'S!!! attention, my friend had to get up and help herself to a glass of water from the pitcher by the bar. Parts of my entree (the veggie mezza) came out intermittently and well before our appetizer. My companions' meals came out piece by piece (a bowl of baba ganoush here, then some hummus, finally the meat dishes and sandwiches). It made the dining experience very awkward as no one wanted to start their meal until all were served, so when we finally did it was all cold. Very unprofessional service; the quality of the food was subpar. It was busy when we went, but not busy enough to justify the absolutely terrible service, not to mention that we had to wait another 10 minutes for them to pick up our check so we could leave. I really wouldn't recommed this place.
Pros: Good location, nice ambience
Cons: Service and food quality
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