The vibe was friendly, the staff were sweet and the dishes were well constructed. I had the grilled octopus plate and although I enjoyed it, the portion was VERY small and a little overcooked, but I had a few crispy pieces that were divine. My partner had the chicken kabob plate which was adequate. The drinks were okay only because it was so hot outside. Not a special place and a little too expensive but I'd meet for lunch there again if a friend suggested it.
Amazing food. The pitas are made to order and the flavors are complex and delicious. So glad we were able to stop here during our time in Portland.
I was excited to find an Israeli cafe. Came in here for a quick lunch and I don’t think the server/cashier wanted us to be there. After a few snobby comments, we should have just left, but I did want to try the food. The other person on the bar was very friendly so I just talked to him from then on.The falafel plate was tasty. Fresh falafels, great hummus, labneh, a refreshing salad and a homemade pita on the side. We also got the chicken and rice okays and the chicken was a bit chewy and overcooked. It was better once we added sauces from the other plate.The place was really tiny, but there was a patio outside. I don’t think I would come back based on the service though.
like if the friendly AEPi fratboys you went to college with grew up and started a restaurant featuring a trendy neon sign that looks like it could be the logo of a mountaineering supply shop for hipster thirtysomethings. if you know instinctively what that looks like and love it, lil’ shalom is a good vibe for date afternoon or hang with friends. expect steel cups over a chilled glass bottle of water; ordering at the counter and having your food brought to you; slightly pricy for the portions, but happy hour is decent. we (2 people) went before happy hr wrapped at 4:30pm and got a tasty falafel sandwich w/ pickle and mug of beer, lentils and rice with fried onions, an alcoholic slushy, and hummus with pita for a total of $40 and felt sated.tldr: cute ambiance, a little pricey but go during happy hour!
The Shalom Y'All Plate is my go to for any day when I need to feel indulged without eating foods that are unhealthy. The labneh is my favorite part of this vegetarian meal, the best i have had anywhere. The falafel is excellent (this is one of my favorite foods). Everything tastes absolutely fresh. When my plate comes I always think that I can't eat it all because the servings are so generous, but I always do, using the last of the delicious pita to soak up the last of the yummy olive oil and humus. The parklet, with heaters for cool weather, is nice, and it's also pleasant to eat inside because only vaccinated people are allowed to do that, so I feel safe unmasking despite the Covid surges. Service is attentive but not intrusive.
Loved the humus with mushrooms!!
First time here and was a little surprised by how small their indoor seating was. However, it didn't take long for me and my friend to be seated. I got the Triple Lime cocktail with alchohol and the chicken kebab and they were just amazing. I would recommend this place to friends!
Great vibe, amazing food and welcoming staff. Good quality food, a bit costly for the portions given but definitely did not skimp on the meat in the dishes:)
I'm an Israeli so I can vouch for authenticity, but it shouldn't matter; the food is excellent. One adult and two kids had a great dinner! Thank you lil shalom.
Good food, diverse menu. We had the lamb shawarma and chicken schnitzel, both well flavored but I enjoyed the lamb the most. Also got the mejadara lentil and rice plate. They did ask to see vaccination status in order to eat inside which was nice, and surprisingly all too rare around here. There were heated booths outside that started to fill soon after we got there, indoor seating is very limited.