I was checking out friends' reviews on Yelp, and came across a review of Chef Agir Restaurant Bar. My friend gave a glowing review and I zoomed in on a couple of pictures. On a picture of the menu, I saw that there were quite a few items that were vegan. The description of the food sounded delicious! I instantly wanted to check this Turkish restaurant out! I also immediately thought of friends that lived in the neighborhood! I messaged my friends telling them I wanted to try this place out. Now, most of my friends have busy schedules, so it takes quite a while to coordinate. As luck would have it, 3 of us were available this very day! We arranged to meet at 1:15ish. While waiting for my friends, I got some complimentary Turkish tea, it was quite good. Then I put in an order for the appetizer sampler plate. The order arrived just as my friends did. They actually walked to the restaurant. The appetizer sampler consisted of Ezme, Tarator, Muhammara and Eggplant salad. Three of the four items were vegan the Tarator contained yogurt. My favorite was the Muhammara. My friends enjoyed the shared appetizer. It came with pita bread, and when the basket was emptied, we were asked if we wanted more. For my entree, I ordered the vegan Tantuni wrap with oyster mushrooms. The flavor was outstanding! My friends were both loving what they ordered. A friend also got the turnip juice. Said it was an interesting flavor, was not expecting that. The ambiance was casual but inviting. The service was quick and friendly. Food was delicious! I definitely plan on coming back again! read more

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As a 40-year Portland resident and urban photographer, I am always on the lookout for businesses that enhance the walkable character of our neighborhoods. I recently stopped into Chef Agir for an early dinner, and it was a fantastic experience from a pedestrian's perspective. This spot first caught my eye because of the vibrant mural by Christa Grimm on the west wall, which was recently highlighted in a City Cast Portland newsletter. It is a wonderful visual landmark for anyone walking along NE 13th. Inside, the atmosphere is welcoming and the service is exceptionally attentive. I had a great conversation with the staff about the restaurant's growth since opening six months ago. While I usually view the city through a lens rather than a menu, the food was excellent and the space feels like a true community gem. Highly recommended for those exploring the neighborhood on foot. read more

Chef Agir Restaurant Bar - Street-level view of Chef Agir. I first noticed this spot via the mural on the exterior west wall, which was featured in City Cast Portland. - Mediterranean Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Great food - especially the tartura- carrots with yogurt, garlic, sumac, and walnuts. Fresh and delicious.

Great little spot to try new flavors. Very fresh, made with attention and love. Obsessed with the little green spicy peppers! read more

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I made a reservation tonight for Father's Day. We had eaten at this restaurant once before and decided to give it another try. We will NEVER be back!!! There was one table of people eating when we arrived. All other tables were empty. No one came to take our orders to bring us water. Nobody even greeted us. The man at the reception counter talked to his friends and pretty much ignored us. We left after 15 minutes of completely being ignored. And once again, let me stay, there was not a single table filled in that restaurant. So it wasn't as if they were super busy. Terrible customer service. We left feeling quite upset. read more

The staff that was working tonight was absolutely kind and welcoming and gave a little bit of background on the restaurant. Asked all the right questions for help on the menu, etc. give that five stars in itself. The atmosphere seemed a little chilly, literally and figuratively! Little cold in there. There is some decor, but not really in line with what the restaurant serves in my opinion but that's OK. I'm not a interior designer! The bear menu on the actual printed menu was incorrect, so please ask for the updated version. We ordered the Mesopotamia salad which we found to be really really tart. We got a side of bread to go with it in that helped and also adding a little salt. Overall, it was still pretty good. We ordered the steak and eggplant. The steak and the sauce that came with it was fabulous. Maybe a little overdone but still had great flavor. The eggplant again had that bitter tartness. For me it was a no go. And then I got the beef wrap to eat, which was 10 out of 10. The flavor of the texture all of it. I wish it would've come with two of them as I thought the portion size was kind of small. Came with a little arugula that was undressed. I ended up using some of the dressing from the other salad and putting it on my arugula to help. I could totally see swinging by if I'm in that neighborhood and grabbing one of those. Unsure if I would venture off too much into anything else on the menu. Maybe the Bolognese because that is my weakness and I try not to get it just to try something different. There were a couple of tables that came in that had been there before so for them. It was enjoyable enough to be repeat customers. I wish this business much luck for sure! For me, it fell a little flat. read more

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Going to update my review with: Turkish Brunch! This is offered only on Saturday and Sunday (at 11am) and only by reservation as they need to prep a bunch of special foods. Brunch is a collossal spread of bread, veggies, fruit, dips, spreads, cheese, sujuck sausage, olives, eggs, etc. With Turkish tea (included) or coffee (extra). You really should book it. read more

Kurdish-Turkish probably isn't super high on the familiarity list, so time to try something new. This is Portland's only. Very friendly and attentive service, the kind of people you root for. The Muhammara and Ezme appetizers are a good way to start, especially to share. I wish the pita was warm and crisp. Their speciality, Tantuni on Lavash, satisfied but I wasn't overly impressed. Don't let that deter you though. However, the Yogurt Tantuni platter was very satisfying. The star of the show was the Beef Carbonara, just excellent. Most notably is the clumpy texture, just the way I like it. Yes aficionados, they have turnip juice. Finish the experience with Kunefe: stretch cheese bathed in warm syrup...yes please. Enjoy your meal and yummy complimentary Turkish tea outside. read more

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Before I start, this is as authentic to Turkish food as you are going to get in Portland. We went to Turkey few years ago, and this brings back all the good memories and feelings of Turkey. The food is authentic and spot on. Most of the things that we have been craving are offered here like Menamins. Oh what a joy... Having this again made my heart dance. We had a small sample of the breakfast, but if you want the whole experience of a Turkish breakfast, you have to call in advance and plan on being there on either Saturday or Sunday. There's nothing like a Turkish breakfast. You have to experience it yourself. The service was like I am eating at home... It was friendly and informal but professional. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. I know that the menu is being updated, and I will be back to try it, but before then, I am going back for the breakfast that I can't stop thinking about. Breakfast is served until two pm. read more

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1st time and we will be back! Brian was a great host and server. It certainly doesn't feel crowded, hopefully it will get recognized and more tables will fill the space. Salad was similar to tabbouleh, but even better and plenty for two. Fabulous. The presentation of the Chef's Special was not pretty, but the dish was delicious. Next time I will save room for the goat milk ice cream. An asset to the neighborhood! read more

This was a very different culinary experience. The restaurant was very quiet on a Sunday afternoon. The service was very friendly and happy to answer questions. I had a lot because I was really unfamiliar with the cuisine. We got the appetizer sampler and I could eat the Ezme all day. So flavorful. This was followed by the chefs special which was cubed beef over eggplant and pita like bread. What it lacked in appearance it made up for in taste. We got fettuccine Alfredo to go. My kid did not like it as it is not a traditional Italian preparation. The chef brings his Kurdish/Turkish style to the dish. I liked it, but it is different. I think this is a place worth visiting. I enjoyed the food, but my kids were not impressed. Last thing: the Turkish coffee was delicious. Having a place to get Turkish coffee is almost worth driving across town! read more

Had such a great experience at this Turkish restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious--everything tasted fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The kebabs were juicy, the appetizers were rich and authentic, and the presentation was beautiful. The cocktails were also a highlight--well-balanced, creative, and really complemented the food. What made the experience even better was the customer service. The staff were welcoming, attentive, and made sure everything was just right without being overwhelming. Definitely a place I'd come back to and highly recommend! read more

Service was really good and friendly. We've never eaten this type of food before and the server explained everything thoroughly. We went with the sample plate And ordered two of the things from the sample plate for a party the next day at our house. Excellent flavors and taste, they're in the top five of our Restaurant list for Portland. Ambiance was uncrowded, clean, darker, and fine. We don't go to restaurants for ambience. read more

I love Turkish food and this place has some very authentic Turkish food! I was very impressed being from a military background and have had lived in Türkiye for 13-14 years, this place will Not disappoint! Portland is very fortunate to have such a restaurant! Bravo! Ellerinize Sağlık! read more

Chef Agir Restaurant Bar - Menu - Mediterranean Near Me - Portland, Oregon

BEWARE! Don't pay with the QR code on your bill. You will be overcharged by third party fees. I had a great experience with the restaurant and the food is amazing. Yet I walked away feeling ripped off afterwards by non-disclosed fees from Toast. Big tech rip-off that amounted to nearly 20%. I tipped in cash so it was not my mistake. read more

I had an amazing experience at Chef Agir's restaurant last night! The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive. I tried the tantuni, lentil soup, and kunefe -- all of them were absolutely delicious! The flavors were authentic and perfectly prepared. I'll definitely be coming back again soon. Highly recommended! read more

Chef Agir Restaurant Bar - Tantuni Sandwich - Mediterranean Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This place is an AWESOME new spot!! Came here with some friends and loved every bit of it. Homey and intimate, great pricing! I would definitely recommend the appetizer sampler and the Bulgar Balls are INCREDIBLE!! I would recommend the Turkish beer and the Tantuni. Great service and super attentive and nice! Please come by here and enjoy some delicious food. read more

Everything was absolutely fantastic!! Food was very authentic, so tasty, and warming. We had the appetizer platter, tantuni, raki, turnip juice, chai, and kaneffe. Everyone who works there is so sweet and the owners came out to meet us, my husband is also Kurdish and from Turkey so it made him very happy to meet them. He said the food was so nostalgic and made him so happy reminding him of home. The ambiance is also perfect for a date night. Çok teşekkür ederim! read more

This place is an absolute Turkish gem! I came here with my best friends and immediately felt the warmth of the atmosphere and the genuine Turkish hospitality. The star of the menu is the tantuni, truly exceptional. You can tell it's made with skill and love. There are also many other delicious Turkish dishes. The lentil soup, mezes, çiğ köfte, and gözleme were all amazing, and you must save room for the homemade künefe. It's easily the best künefe I've had in Portland. The whole experience feels like being welcomed into a friend's home for a homemade meal. I can't wait to come back! read more

Great food, very friendly staff. We tasted Tantuni, Kunefe and Baklava; and all were amazing. It was like a 1-hour trip to Turkiye! read more

My son chose this restaurant for his birthday and I was skeptical at first but then completely won over with the delicious food and gracious service. I'm looking forward to returning soon. We went for lunch and I'm shocked there wasn't a line out the door - that's how good this place is. Maybe it's busier in the evening, I suppose we will find out. We asked our waiter for recommendations and the food was a huge hit with all of us. I never write reviews anymore but this is a must try - highly recommend. Tantuni and cubed beef dishes were terrific and my favorite was the various dips with the fresh lavosh bread - definitely worth the trip to NE Portland! read more

Portland's first Kurdish restaurant! Stopped by for an afternoon snack. Delicious lentil soup puried with butter sauce. Also had Tantuni, specialty of the chef / julienned beef with herbs wrapped in lettuce. Excellent read more

This. Was. Exceptional. My friend and I had one of those evenings where food drifted beyond delicious and into legend. Do not question. Just go. And have the lentil soup with butter sauce. Unexplainable. read more

Chef Agir Restaurant Bar - Appetizer Sampler - Mediterranean Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Stopped here on a whim. A lot of restaurants in Portland are all "concept" and no substance, but this was basically the polar opposite. The restaurant is brand new and still a work in progress in terms of decor, but the food and service were actually really really amazing. Ive never had Kurdish food, but few bites in my wife and I were doing happy little dances in our seat over how delicious everything was. Service was great, and instantly helped us feel at home. Look forward to becoming regulars! read more

Chef Agir-welcome to the Irvington neighborhood!! We wish you much success. Dined there recently-the menu features a nice selection of Turkish delights. Loved it all. Can't wait to go back!!! Ps Server Brian is a delight and truly added to our already enjoyable evening! read more

Very good food. Unique and well done. Great service. $60/per person with tip for drink (beer), appetizer, main, dessert. The appetizer sampler is awesome. read more

Food and service was excellent. Great for vegetarians. A nice change from typical middle eastern food.

Had a great late lunch. The server was very knowledgeable and helpful in letting us get a great selection of their offerings.

I could have sworn I posted a review a few weeks ago, immediately after we visited this place. Anyway, the staff (esp. Bryan) were welcoming and friendly, the food was great, and it's all reasonably-priced. We'll be back! read more

Delicious, family friendly place with great service and a variety of good dishes! We look forward to going back.

Was hungry on a Sunday afternoon, and interested in trying something different--saw a description of Chef Agir's. Our server, Bryan was welcoming and knowledgeable. We tried the appetizer sampler, and each of the dips were delicious! The wings were interestingly yummy, and the Tantuni with the yogurt and Iskender sauce were divine! We tried Gullach for dessert, and finished with hot tea. I'm still stuffed, and I'm looking forward to my next Kurdish experience! read more

My partner and I came to Agir for our Thanksgiving dinner. It was our first time; a stab in the dark. Virtually the entire menu was new to us, and the person who took our order could not have been more patient and generous in describing and, where necessary, explaining their offerings. Alas, I cannot name all of what we had here, but we very much enjoyed EVERYTHING we ordered! The lentil soup was wonderful; our d'oeuvres were both delicious and interesting, and the wine and cocktail we were served were generous pours. In short, we were truly delighted with our time and our meals here and, at the end, were seen out the door by Chef Agir himself! A special place. read more

I like the tantuni wrap but really enjoy the İskender tantuni which has a special sauce on top with a plain yogurt on the side. Completing my meal with kadayif (my favorite Turkish desert) and maradi ice cream were the bonus! I also highly recommend Turkish breakfast too. read more

The food was incredible and unique, and the server did a very good job at describing the different dishes in the combos.

My friend and I had lunch here and it was great. Service friendly, lentil soup outstanding and both of us had the meat and veg filled lavash tutuni wrap- delicious. We look forward to working our way through the menu. read more

What an amazing addition to the neighborhood. Sampler appetizer platter is amazing and a great way to try a lot of good flavors. The Tantuni in both yogurt and Iskender versions is a good way to start. Great place and will be back! read more

I truly enjoyed my experience this past week at Chef Agir's restaurant! How lucky to have this place In our neighborhood! We first shared the mezze platter, and the flavors were sooo delicious that we ordered a second muhammara. More creamy than what we make at home! They even provided lettuce so that my gluten free friend could enjoy it. I had the vegetarian Lavash which was delicious, especially with a few drops of lemon in each bite, as recommended by Brian, our very helpful waiter. My meat eating friends had the special of the day - steak cubes on a bed of roasted eggplant. They LOVED it! The service was so personalized! Ferda was wonderful and very accommodating to our needs. We will definitely be back! Hopefully they will soon expand their wine selections and also more veggie options. I want them to set up cooking classes for me and my friends!! read more

I'm Turkish and this place is wonderful. Get the mezzes and the salad and chef's special. Delights!