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About
Ya Hala Lebanese Cuisine
Welcome to Ya Hala Lebanese Cuisine, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Portland, Oregon. Located at 8005 SE Stark St, this vibrant eatery offers a captivating escape to the flavors and ambiance of Lebanon. As you step inside, you are instantly greeted by an inviting atmosphere, complete with traditional decor and the soothing sounds of Arabic music, creating an authentic experience that transports you straight to Beirut.
The menu at Ya Hala showcases a delicious array of Lebanese delights, from succulent lamb kebabs that have garnered rave reviews to flavorful chicken shawarma that captures the essence of Mediterranean fare. Customers have expressed their admiration for dishes like the sloppy Joe and the aromatic rice, which perfectly accompanies the meat dishes. One reviewer noted the chicken and lamb skewers as tasty, though they mentioned the lamb being a tad tough at times, highlighting the fine balance between flavor and tenderness that many diners seek.
But it’s not just the food that makes Ya Hala special. Patrons rave about the attentive service, particularly how the chef ensures that each order is just right. A standout dish like the lemon chicken is frequently celebrated as both flavorful and tender, while the cabbage salad receives a well-deserved mention for its freshness. For those looking to elevate their dining experience, a sip of the authentic arak is highly recommended—a strong and aromatic drink that completes the meal.
The vibrant decor and lively music create a nice vibe that enhances your dining experience, while ample outdoor seating allows you to enjoy your meal in the fresh air. However, for the best experience with the exquisite flavors on offer, dining indoors is encouraged. Ya Hala’s commitment to fresh ingredients is reflected in dishes such as the tzatziki, z’aatar labneh, and a well-curated selection of drinks that complement the diverse dishes available.
In summary, Ya Hala Lebanese Cuisine is more than just a place to eat; it’s an experience steeped in authentic flavor and the warmth of Lebanese hospitality. Whether you're a longtime fan of Mediterranean cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore, you’ll find something to love at this delightful Portland restaurant. So gather your friends, savor the delicious offerings, and prepare for a memorable adventure in Lebanese dining!
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“ I'm still trying to love Mediterranean food, but I did enjoy their sloppy Joe (sandwich week special). The chicken and lamb skewers were tasty but a bit tough for me. ”
“ Stepping into this restaurant feels like being transported straight to the heart of Beirut. The warm, inviting atmosphere, traditional decor, and Arabic music playing softly in the background create an authentic Lebanese vibe that’s hard to find outside of Lebanon. ”
“ One of the best Lebanese food around Portland. Nice vibe and music. The lamb kobabs are amazing. Just order those chunks by themselves that are so succulent and nice. Drinks too are nicely curated. The rice is amazingly aromatic and the place is awesomely divine. Loved how the chef took acknowledged our order and ensure everything was perfect. Try the arak, an amazingly authentic drink. Can be strong one.pice for some, but loved it. The music here is so nice. You can find parking in the lanes nearby the place. The outdoor seating here is plentiful too, though with all the food you may order here, best to sit inside ;-) ”
“ Ordered lemon chicken meal and it was so good. All components were perfect. Chicken was soft but flavorful. The cabagge salad deserves special mention. We had the perfect sitting position. The atmosphere was great. ”
“ Food is fresh and delicious. We had tzatiki, z’aatar labneh, Greek salad, veg platter and chicken shawarma. Really good and garlicky. ”
“ First time stopping in. It is SO cute and pleasant inside. The staff is super kind and helpful. And they just wanna feed you good food, so they let me make a few modifications which I really really appreciated. I got some hot tea and they offer black and some herbals. It’s loose leaf so I asked if I could combine the rose and black teas and the cashier was super friendly about it. I also got the chicken shwarma plate and asked if I could have baba ganoush instead of hummus and she let me do that and their baba is SOOO good. It tastes so fresh and Smokey. Friend got their baklava and I think it’s some of the best I have ever had (usually it’s too sweet for me. Even when I was in Turkiye... I think I like this baklava more! I came in at 11:45 on a Friday and was one of the only people. Started filling up by 12:30.m but there was still ample seating for folks meandering in. Seems like a local fave. Enjoyed this spot and will definitely be back for more. ”
“ We had such a great experience at Ya Hala – especially in the Fairuz Room. The atmosphere instantly transported us—it truly felt like we were in Beirut. The hummus was exceptional—ultra creamy and smooth—and the falafel struck the perfect balance of crisp and tender. The grape leaves had a distinctly Lebanese flair, and the cocktails were festive, with a great nod to Lebanese flavors throughout the drinks list. Mirna took such good care of us, especially being pescatarians, and made sure we had plenty of thoughtful options. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate Lebanese culture—through food, hospitality, and community. We’ll definitely be back! ”
“ Visited for Portland Pizza Week to try their slice. Everything they make is incredible, so i had no doubt their slice would be equally fresh and tasty. Just as I imagined, it was all the flavors on top of a pillowy pita bread crust. And the hummus for dipping the slice alone was worth the 4 special price. ”