(503) 256-4484
8005 SE Stark St
Portland,
OR
97215
45.5192
-122.5812
Neighborhoods: Montavilla, Southeast Uplift Neighborhood Program
What People Are Saying About Ya Hala Lebanese Cuisine
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
Lively, mural-covered Lebanese restaurant features traditional favorites like falafel and kabobs, plus mezza, fatayer and sfeeha.
08/02/09
Terrible food and service
by eatinout1
My falafel was soft and mushy. My grilled tuna was overcooked. The service was unbearably slow. I can see why the prices are so cheap. The chef wore a frown the entire time and seemed to hate being there. Too bad because I do enjoy middle eastern cuisine, when it's good. I'll be getting my falafel from the guy on 22nd and Division from now on.
- Pros: cheap in price, but also production unfortunately
- Cons: Bad service, Bad food. The chef has an attitude problem.
01/07/09
I will never eat here again
by eatr
The falafel was terrible! It was not fresh, and infact was microwaved and mushy! Very disapointing since cripsy falafel is a favorite of mine. The Foul Mudamas is definately from a can, and the wait for food is so long, I felt like they were holding me hostage! With a microwave and canned food, why should it take 45 minutes for appetizers? I am surprised they are so busy, it must be because it is cheap. I will never eat here again.
- Pros: Next to another place to eat
- Cons: Food does not taste fresh, slow service
12/11/08
Yummiest lebanese food in Portland!
by amyfchurch
OMG you have got to try the moughrabieh! It is like what would happen if I had a sweet old Lebanese grandmother who just happened to be the best home cook in the world and she was making me an extra special dish for my birthday. Two separate bowls, one with braised beef shank in a rich brothy sauce, one of braised chicken, perfectly seasoned, served with a dish of flavorful Israeli type (large grain) couscous and a big spoonful of thick whole milk yogurt. This is REAL, REAL food, not some sort of contrived restaurant dish that is trying to be as good as homemade. My boyfriend was totally jealous when I ordered this and he ordered something else (we don't even remember it compared to the delights of the moughrabieh). Get a couple of light mezza to start and then share this and you will be so satisfied. We have also tried several of the various mezza and they are all great. I don't usually order kebab because I don't think they're very good most places, but here they are indeed tender and well-seasoned. The Veggie Mezza sampler is a great deal, as it is a surprisingly large amount of food, sometimes we are so full after just sharing it that we can't believe we still have an entree to eat and end up taking a lot of food home. So yes, I think this restaurant is a great value, by the way. And finally, the service is pleasant and friendly. One time we had a problem where two sisters who work there each thought the other one was taking care of our table and so we didn't get any service for quite a while but I think that was an isolated incident and actually it was kind of funny.
- Pros: Delicious food, try the moughrabieh!
- Cons: Service is occasionally slow, not always though
The Details on Ya Hala Lebanese Cuisine
The Extras:
The owners of Ya Hala operate a Mediterranean grocery store adjacent to the restaurant. The store features common Mediterranean foods, ingredients and spices as well as cook books and hookahs.
Know Before You Go:
This restaurant is quite popular with Portlanders, so if you don't want a long wait, you should go during off times. Or just go a little early and have a drink while you wait.
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