Introduction
Every few months I make the trek down to Portland’s South Waterfront for the least glamorous ritual of adulthood: the dental cleaning.
But here’s the trick. I never schedule it without building in something to look forward to. Just a short walk away is one of the best Lebanese restaurants I’ve eaten at anywhere, not just in Portland: Al-Hawr
If you’re going to endure scaling and floss lectures from a dental hygienist, you might as well reward yourself properly.
Start with the Hummus
I always begin with hummus and warm pita. It feels mandatory.
This visit I switched things up and ordered the Avocado Hummus. Think classic garbanzo beans, tahini, and fresh lemon juice, then blend in creamy avocado and finish with extra virgin olive oil.
It is smooth, bright, and just rich enough without being heavy. It disappears quickly, but all I had to was ask for more bread and another basket appeared. With these ingredients it’s all healthy and I regret nothing (Sorry, I was so excited I dug in before remembering to take a picture).
The Lamb Chops. Every Time.
For the main course, I do not experiment. I do not stray.
I order the lamb chops. Always.
They are, without exaggeration, the best lamb chops I have ever had. Perfectly seasoned, grilled just right, and served with grilled tomatoes, onions, green pepper, homemade tomato sauce, and basmati saffron rice.
Nothing fancy, just really good food. The bones become built-in handles and there is something unapologetically primal about it. This is not knife-and-fork dining.
The perfect pairing to this meal is their mint lemonade. Cold, bright, refreshing. It cuts through the richness of the lamb in exactly the right way. I’ve tried to talk myself into ordering something else. I never do.
The Dessert That Finally Got Me
Until now, I had never ordered dessert at Al-Hawr.
This time the waitress mentioned a fairly new addition to the menu, pistachio ice cream with crumbled baklava mixed in and sprinkled on top. I’m a sucker for pistachio. I’m an even bigger sucker for baklava. Together, it’s borderline dangerous.
Sweet, nutty, flaky, creamy. Over the top in the best way.
I paired this with a thick Lebanese coffee flavored with cardamom, self-served from a long-handled rakweh. Strong, aromatic, and just enough bitterness to balance the sweetness of the dessert.
It turns a great meal into an occasion.
The Vibe
Al-Hawr is family owned, and you can feel it. It appears everyone working there is related. There’s a warmth that doesn’t feel manufactured. The space is relaxed but upscale. Comfortable without being casual. You can linger.
The only downside is parking. South Waterfront parking is a competitive sport. Plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts
If you find yourself in South Waterfront for an appointment, a meeting, or just passing through, do yourself a favor and make a reservation at Al-Hawr.
Dental cleaning days do not have to be a chore.
Sometimes they can end with lamb chops, mint lemonade, pistachio ice cream, and coffee strong enough to reset your soul.