Delicious vegan options that offer well-balanced nutrition. Yummy pickles! I've tried The Original, The Fuul and the Crunch Bowl - all have been wonderful.
Updated from previous review on 2025-11-27
Woodstock House
I can’t attest to the atmosphere of the restaurant, but we did have the food tonight for takeout. It came fast and the food was fresh but very bland. The chicken was nice - not over-cooked! But lawd, the hummus and dressing were so bland! The rice in my chicken bowl was tough and inedible, although I didn’t need it to have plenty to eat.
Food: 3
Service: 5
Daniel Wu
I had high hopes for shami cafe after hearing so much about their authentic syrian street food. The spot itself is cozy and welcoming and I love that it’s a queer owned business. I tried the falafel wrap and the hummus, both of which were decent but not as flavorful as I expected. The falafel was a bit too soft for my liking and the hummus lacked the depth of flavor I was hoping for. The staff were friendly but the service felt a bit slow, especially considering it wasn’t very busy. Overall it was an okay experience but I think there are other places in Portland that offer more vibrant Middle Eastern flavors.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Eileah Wright
WOW! lets start there. This cozy space is an absolute gem that should be enjoyed by all! Their menu is approachable and has everyone in mind. From kid to vegan options, they have you covered. The owner (1 of 2) I met today welcomed me in with not only a smile but a lovely conversation and full walk through of the menu. The other employee working was also a delight and engaged in friendly conversation as well! Needless to say, if the atmosphere and kindness doesnt make you stay, the food WILL. I have never experienced food prepared like this. Truly authentic from presentation to flavor. They have brought so much culture and life into this corner of SE! I opted for one of their Fateh dishes called The D'Jaj. A lovely chicken, chickpea and rice dish with SO MANY other flavors, I do not have the space to add them all. The food was prepared beautifully, the chicken was seasoned and cooked to perfection and the sauces did not overpower nor takeaway from any other component. It was served alongside pita chips and pickles & olives. Just. Divine. I'm so blessed this space is around the corner from my house, because I will be returning weekly if not daily. Please do yourself a favor and give them a try! They have everything covered from authentic decor, front seating and a HEATED back patio, support and inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community, culture, kindness, FLAVOR, and so much more. Thank you, Shami Café! Our city is so lucky to have you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amanda Nellis
This place is great! The people were so nice and helpful and my tawouk bowl was delicious. The red hot sauce is also so good, so don’t skip that.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Adam Kinnard
Got a falafel wrap; delicious! Nicely grilled and cut and not messy. Great textures. Love the tea for two, and the vibe is lovely. And the owner/chef is 🔥
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ryan Sternke
Wow, is almost all I can say! 93 and counting 5 star reviews says a LOT about a placa, and I assure you, it's well deserved. From the superb staff, great music, and INCREDIBLE food, this place just feels good to be in. Please order the falafel, please order the kufta, please order the hummous, and for absolute sure get a lemonade! Also, come hungry because the portions are extremely generous. NGL, I'm hella jealous they didn't open on SE Division, this neighborhood LUCKED OUT. I will be back, and soon. Portland came up when this little awesome-sauce nook opened.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Avram Fox
This place is amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mezza Plate, The Fuul
Kyle Hanson
Such a great addition to the neighborhood. Everyone here was so kind. Service was fast. And the food was amazing. The wraps are massive and stuffed with excellent ingredients. The fries loved up to the hype too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
william lucas
Best falafel in town, also the shawarma is fantastic. Super cool spot
My girlfriend brought some food home and OH MY GOD!! This is amazing!!! I can't wait to be there and have this food fresh! So good!!!
Food: 5
Jared Cole
Syrian friend invited me, she'd heard good things... and she'd heard right. It was great. We had falafel and hummus, both were delicious. I live in the far Northeast and this is definitely worth the trek. I'll be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Smita Master
I just had an amazing lunch out on their back patio. What a fun way to enjoy extended summer with a great meal at a great place. I finally got to try their Kanafe and OMG! When is too soon to go back and get another one? Because I’m going back asap! So lucky to have this gem in the neighborhood.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mohamed Zidan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shami Café is truly a gem in Portland! The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the warmest and kindest owner who makes you feel right at home. The space itself is spotless, and you can tell how much care goes into keeping it clean and welcoming. The interior design is absolutely beautiful, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for enjoying a meal.
But the real star here is the food—without a doubt the most authentic Syrian cuisine you’ll find in Portland. Every dish is made with love and tastes like it came straight from Syria. The flavors are rich, comforting, and unforgettable. If you’re looking for a place with amazing hospitality, a gorgeous setting, and authentic food that’s full of heart, Shami Café is the place to go.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matt Wickham
Food was awesome and the folks up front were really nice. Had the wrap this time and had some family that tried some of the other dishes. All of it was amazing. Plus a nice back porch to drink a beer and wait for your food!
Delicious vegan options that offer well-balanced nutrition. Yummy pickles! I've tried The Original, The Fuul and the Crunch Bowl - all have been wonderful. Updated from previous review on 2025-11-27
I can’t attest to the atmosphere of the restaurant, but we did have the food tonight for takeout. It came fast and the food was fresh but very bland. The chicken was nice - not over-cooked! But lawd, the hummus and dressing were so bland! The rice in my chicken bowl was tough and inedible, although I didn’t need it to have plenty to eat.
Food: 3
Service: 5
I had high hopes for shami cafe after hearing so much about their authentic syrian street food. The spot itself is cozy and welcoming and I love that it’s a queer owned business. I tried the falafel wrap and the hummus, both of which were decent but not as flavorful as I expected. The falafel was a bit too soft for my liking and the hummus lacked the depth of flavor I was hoping for. The staff were friendly but the service felt a bit slow, especially considering it wasn’t very busy. Overall it was an okay experience but I think there are other places in Portland that offer more vibrant Middle Eastern flavors.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
WOW! lets start there. This cozy space is an absolute gem that should be enjoyed by all! Their menu is approachable and has everyone in mind. From kid to vegan options, they have you covered. The owner (1 of 2) I met today welcomed me in with not only a smile but a lovely conversation and full walk through of the menu. The other employee working was also a delight and engaged in friendly conversation as well! Needless to say, if the atmosphere and kindness doesnt make you stay, the food WILL. I have never experienced food prepared like this. Truly authentic from presentation to flavor. They have brought so much culture and life into this corner of SE! I opted for one of their Fateh dishes called The D'Jaj. A lovely chicken, chickpea and rice dish with SO MANY other flavors, I do not have the space to add them all. The food was prepared beautifully, the chicken was seasoned and cooked to perfection and the sauces did not overpower nor takeaway from any other component. It was served alongside pita chips and pickles & olives. Just. Divine. I'm so blessed this space is around the corner from my house, because I will be returning weekly if not daily. Please do yourself a favor and give them a try! They have everything covered from authentic decor, front seating and a HEATED back patio, support and inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community, culture, kindness, FLAVOR, and so much more. Thank you, Shami Café! Our city is so lucky to have you.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is great! The people were so nice and helpful and my tawouk bowl was delicious. The red hot sauce is also so good, so don’t skip that.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Got a falafel wrap; delicious! Nicely grilled and cut and not messy. Great textures. Love the tea for two, and the vibe is lovely. And the owner/chef is 🔥
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wow, is almost all I can say! 93 and counting 5 star reviews says a LOT about a placa, and I assure you, it's well deserved. From the superb staff, great music, and INCREDIBLE food, this place just feels good to be in. Please order the falafel, please order the kufta, please order the hummous, and for absolute sure get a lemonade! Also, come hungry because the portions are extremely generous. NGL, I'm hella jealous they didn't open on SE Division, this neighborhood LUCKED OUT. I will be back, and soon. Portland came up when this little awesome-sauce nook opened.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is amazing!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mezza Plate, The Fuul
Such a great addition to the neighborhood. Everyone here was so kind. Service was fast. And the food was amazing. The wraps are massive and stuffed with excellent ingredients. The fries loved up to the hype too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best falafel in town, also the shawarma is fantastic. Super cool spot
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
My girlfriend brought some food home and OH MY GOD!! This is amazing!!! I can't wait to be there and have this food fresh! So good!!!
Food: 5
Syrian friend invited me, she'd heard good things... and she'd heard right. It was great. We had falafel and hummus, both were delicious. I live in the far Northeast and this is definitely worth the trek. I'll be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I just had an amazing lunch out on their back patio. What a fun way to enjoy extended summer with a great meal at a great place. I finally got to try their Kanafe and OMG! When is too soon to go back and get another one? Because I’m going back asap! So lucky to have this gem in the neighborhood.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shami Café is truly a gem in Portland! The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the warmest and kindest owner who makes you feel right at home. The space itself is spotless, and you can tell how much care goes into keeping it clean and welcoming. The interior design is absolutely beautiful, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for enjoying a meal.
But the real star here is the food—without a doubt the most authentic Syrian cuisine you’ll find in Portland. Every dish is made with love and tastes like it came straight from Syria. The flavors are rich, comforting, and unforgettable. If you’re looking for a place with amazing hospitality, a gorgeous setting, and authentic food that’s full of heart, Shami Café is the place to go.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was awesome and the folks up front were really nice. Had the wrap this time and had some family that tried some of the other dishes. All of it was amazing. Plus a nice back porch to drink a beer and wait for your food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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