This Oregon Restaurant Serves Iraqi Flavors You’ll Keep Coming Back For

Stepping into DarSalam on a rainy Portland afternoon, I knew I’d found something special the moment the aroma hit me.

This family-run gem has been serving authentic Iraqi cuisine in Oregon since 2012, and walking past its murals of Babylon’s Ishtar Gate feels like stepping into history.

Founder Ghaith Sahib, who came to the U.S. as a refugee, built the city’s first brick-and-mortar Iraqi restaurant, and every dish – from tender shredded lamb to perfectly spiced kabobs – tells a story. I finished my meal already planning the next visit.

The donut-shaped falafel alone is worth the trip, and the flavors linger long after you leave. Locals flock here for a reason, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.

Pack your appetite – DarSalam is pure Iraqi heaven on a plate.

The Downtown Location That Dazzles Every Sense

Walking into DarSalam Downtown at 320 SW Alder St, Portland, OR 97204 feels like stepping through a portal straight into ancient Mesopotamia.

The soaring ceilings showcase murals stretching over 25 feet high, depicting the iconic Ishtar Gate of Babylon in brilliant blues and golds that make your Instagram feed weep with joy.

Every corner bursts with intentional beauty, from the mesmerizing wall of evil eye charms to the intricate tilework that frames the dining space. I spent my first visit gawking at the decor almost as much as savoring my meal.

A silent educational video plays on a large screen, offering family-friendly glimpses into Iraqi history and culture without interrupting conversation.

The atmosphere strikes this magical balance between casual comfort and special-occasion elegance.

Open seven days a week from 11 AM, this location welcomes you with warmth that matches its visual splendor. The staff treats every guest like family, never rushing you out even after you’ve polished off your plate.

With a 4.7-star rating from over 1,300 reviews, this isn’t just hype. It’s a Portland dining experience that honors Iraqi heritage while making everyone feel like royalty in the House of Peace.

Shredded Lamb That Melts Away Your Worries

Let me tell you about the dish that made a grown woman nearly cry at the table.

The shredded lamb at DarSalam isn’t just tender; it’s the kind of fall-apart, melt-in-your-mouth perfection that makes you question every other lamb dish you’ve ever eaten.

Slow-cooked until it surrenders completely, this lamb arrives atop fluffy basmati rice that soaks up every drop of flavorful juices. One reviewer from Iraq herself confirmed this tastes exactly like home cooking, except somehow even better.

The meat requires zero knife work because it practically dissolves on your tongue. Each bite carries layers of warm spices that never overwhelm but instead create this comforting flavor symphony that lingers pleasantly.

I watched my dining companion close his eyes with that first forkful, the universal sign of food so good it demands your full attention.

The generous portions mean you’ll likely have tomorrow’s lunch sorted, though good luck not finishing it in one sitting.

This isn’t gamey or tough like poorly prepared lamb can be. It’s proof that when Iraqi recipes meet passionate cooking, magic happens on your plate every single time.

Donut-Shaped Falafel That Breaks the Mold

Forget everything you think you know about falafel because DarSalam’s version rewrites the rulebook entirely.

Shaped like adorable little donuts instead of boring balls, these crispy golden rounds arrive with exteriors that crackle satisfyingly while hiding impossibly moist, herb-packed interiors.

Multiple reviewers crowned these the best falafel they’ve ever tasted, and I’m not about to argue with that consensus. The unique shape isn’t just for show.

It creates more surface area for that perfect crunch we all crave while keeping the inside tender and fluffy. Fresh herbs and spices shine through without that heavy, dense texture that makes lesser falafel feel like edible paperweights.

Served alongside fresh pita bread and vibrant accompaniments, these vegetarian gems hold their own against the meat-heavy menu items.

I’ve converted several falafel skeptics with DarSalam’s version, watching their eyebrows shoot up with that first bite.

The kitchen clearly understands that vegetarian options deserve the same love and attention as everything else. Pro tip: order extra because you’ll regret sharing once you taste how addictive these little rings of joy truly are.

Shish Kabobs That Redefine Juicy Perfection

Giant, juice-dripping chunks of perfectly seasoned meat arrive on skewers that look more like medieval weapons than dinner.

DarSalam’s shish kabobs don’t mess around with those sad, dried-out cubes you find at lesser establishments.

These are substantial pieces of chicken or lamb, marinated until flavor penetrates every fiber, then grilled to achieve that ideal char while maintaining incredible moisture. An Iraqi native reviewer literally had their breath taken away by these kabobs, claiming they matched authentic flavors from back home.

The chicken version features tender white meat that somehow stays juicy despite the high-heat grilling. Each bite releases a burst of warm spices, garlic, and that unmistakable smokiness that only comes from proper grilling technique.

I appreciated how the meat never tastes overly salty or one-dimensional. The seasoning builds complexity, with different notes revealing themselves as you chew.

Paired with rice and fresh pita, these kabobs create a complete meal that satisfies without leaving you uncomfortably stuffed. The portions are generous enough that even the hungriest diner leaves happy.

This is street food elevated to art form, honoring tradition while making every single bite count.

Golden Pompano Fish That Brings Happy Tears

One reviewer’s eyes started tearing up while eating DarSalam’s Golden Pompano, and honestly, I get it. This isn’t your typical grilled fish situation.

The whole pompano arrives beautifully spiced with a crispy exterior that gives way to flaky, perfectly cooked flesh that tastes like the ocean decided to vacation in Baghdad. The spice blend hits differently than anything you’ll find at standard seafood joints.

It’s aromatic without being overwhelming, complementing rather than masking the fish’s natural sweetness.

My dining partner and I both marveled at how the seasoning created this flavor profile that felt simultaneously familiar and completely new.

For anyone skeptical about ordering fish at a Middle Eastern restaurant, let this be your sign to take the leap. The kitchen treats seafood with the same reverence as their famous lamb and kabobs.

Each bite reminded that reviewer of home in Iraq, which speaks volumes about authenticity. The fish comes out hot, fresh, and cooked to flaky perfection without any dryness.

If you’re looking for something beyond the usual meat-heavy Middle Eastern fare, this Golden Pompano will absolutely blow your mind and possibly make you emotional too.

Hummus That Ruins You For All Other Hummus

Multiple reviewers declared DarSalam’s hummus the best they’ve ever had in their entire lives, and after tasting it myself, I’m ready to cosign that statement with my whole chest. This isn’t the grainy, tahini-bomb disaster you find in grocery store tubs.

It’s silky, cloud-like, perfectly balanced between lemony brightness and nutty richness. The texture alone deserves an award.

Smooth enough to spread like butter yet substantial enough to scoop generously with the warm, pillowy pita bread that arrives alongside. Each bite delivers complex flavors that develop as you eat, never tasting flat or one-note like lesser versions.

I watched someone at the next table literally scrape their hummus bowl clean with their finger when they thought nobody was looking.

The kitchen clearly uses quality ingredients and proper technique, achieving that perfect emulsification that makes great hummus almost whipped in consistency.

Whether you order it as an appetizer or part of a larger meal, this hummus sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest dishes require the most skill.

Fair warning: you’ll judge every other hummus against this standard forever after.

Lamb Shank That Needs Zero Knife Skills

Forget about arm workouts because DarSalam’s lamb shank requires absolutely no cutting whatsoever. This massive piece of meat arrives so tender that it literally falls off the bone if you look at it too hard.

One reviewer’s son devoured his portion without touching a knife, and that’s not hyperbole, that’s just physics meeting perfect cooking technique.

The slow-braising process transforms this typically tough cut into something that dissolves on your tongue like a meaty cloud.

Rich, deeply flavored sauce clings to every surface, carrying hints of warming spices that make you want to lick the plate when nobody’s watching. The meat itself tastes clean and never gamey, which can be tricky with lamb.

Portion sizes border on absurd in the best possible way. This is the kind of dish you order when you’re genuinely hungry and want to leave completely satisfied.

The lamb shank pairs beautifully with their fluffy basmati rice, which soaks up all those incredible pan juices. It’s comfort food that somehow feels elegant, the kind of meal that makes you understand why people drive across Portland just to eat here regularly.

Eggplant Stew That Beats Grandma’s Recipe

An Iraqi native declared DarSalam’s Tabsi Betenjan better than any eggplant stew they’d ever tasted, including home-cooked versions. That’s the kind of bold statement that makes you sit up and pay attention.

This traditional dish features silky eggplant swimming in a rich, aromatic tomato-based sauce that’s been perfected over years of serving hungry Portlanders. Eggplant can be tricky because it either turns to mush or stays weirdly firm and bitter.

DarSalam nails that sweet spot where each piece maintains its shape while becoming impossibly tender and infused with flavor. The sauce carries layers of spice that build complexity without any harsh edges or overwhelming heat.

I appreciate how this vegetarian option stands proudly alongside the meat-heavy menu items without feeling like an afterthought. The stew arrives piping hot, perfect for scooping with fresh pita or spooning over rice.

It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, especially on those gray Oregon days when you need serious comfort food.

The fact that it surpasses even nostalgic home cooking speaks volumes about the kitchen’s commitment to authentic preparation and quality ingredients.

Künefe Dessert That Makes Turkish Wives Excited

When a Turkish reviewer gets genuinely excited about finding Künefe on a menu in Portland, Oregon, you know something special is happening.

This traditional dessert features shredded phyllo pastry layered with cheese, then soaked in sweet syrup until it achieves that perfect balance between crunchy and gooey that makes dessert lovers weak in the knees.

Künefe isn’t commonly found outside specialized Middle Eastern restaurants, so DarSalam offering it demonstrates their commitment to authentic regional cuisine beyond just Iraqi specialties. The dessert arrives warm, with the cheese stretching dramatically when you dig in with your fork.

That textural contrast between crispy pastry and melted cheese creates an addictive experience that’s unlike any Western dessert you’ve tried.

The syrup adds sweetness without crossing into cloying territory, which can be a fine line with Middle Eastern sweets.

It’s rich enough that sharing makes sense, though you might find yourself reluctant to pass your plate. This dessert represents the kind of culinary bridge-building that makes DarSalam special, honoring multiple Middle Eastern traditions under one gorgeous roof.

Save room because skipping this would be a tragedy you’d regret all the way home to wherever you’re staying in Oregon.