Arabian Breeze   

3233 NE Broadway St
Portland, OR 97232
503-445-4700

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Another intriguing and colorful restaurant from the family that gave us Hodas, Nicholas and Ya Hala, this one is a unique as the others. Seating is cozy except when the weather cooperates and front and back patios pick up the overflow (and hookah smokers). Or venture upstairs for floor seating on pillows under a gauzy tent. The extensive menu features a selection of traditional home-cooked Lebanese and Syrian dishes, some of which are decidedly vegan and others for meat-lovers only. Appetizers and entrees include standard items like tabbouleh, baba ganoush, falafel and kabobs, but try the riz lubya (a stew of green beans and lamb served on a rice pilaf) or freekah (shredded chicken, pine nuts and almonds served over rice) for a real authentic taste. Desserts include Lebanese specialties, like rice pudding and namoura, a semolina cake soaked in rose water.