• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Urban Bliss Life logo

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • contact
  • shop
  • cookbooks
  • resources
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • 30-Minute Meals
    • Air Fryer
    • Appetizers
    • Asian
    • Bread
    • Breakfast
    • Cookies
    • Dairy-free
    • Dessert
    • Filipino
    • Holiday
    • Instant Pot
    • Main Dish
    • Pasta
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Seafood
    • Vegan
    • Cocktails
    • Dog Treats
  • Wine
    • Food & Wine Pairing
    • Oregon Wine
    • Washington
    • California
  • Travel
    • Travel Gear
    • Travel Tips
    • Hotels
    • USA travel
    • Europe
    • Japan
    • Canada
    • Asia
  • Restaurants
  • About
    • Work With Us
    • Press
    • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Wine
  • Travel
  • Cookbooks
  • About
  • Work With Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ร—
    Urban Bliss Life ยป Restaurant Reviews ยป Portland Oregon Restaurants ยป [CLOSED] Dine at the Modern Israeli Table: Ray Restaurant in Portland, Oregon

    Published: November 14, 2017 / Updated: April 30, 2022 by Marlynn Jayme Schotland ยท This post may contain affiliate links.

    [CLOSED] Dine at the Modern Israeli Table: Ray Restaurant in Portland, Oregon

    As of fall 2018, Ray is closed.

    Refined Israeli cuisine shines at Ray restaurant in Portland, Oregon.

    Lincoln restaurant happy hour in Portland, Oregon. Happy Hour Menu and Photos on UrbanBlissLife.com

    On March 24 (my wedding anniversary!) of 2017, Chef/Restaurateur officially opened her Israeli concept restaurant, Ray.

    Located in her former flagship restaurant, Lincoln, the bones of the former remain relatively untouched, while the dishes that grace the table harken you to a completely different place and time.

    Falafal, hummus, shakshuka, shawarma... all the beautiful dishes of Israeli cuisine take center stage now, with a bit of a Portland twist on each dish.

    Ray restaurant

    Recently, I had the pleasure of dining at Ray with a small group of fellow food bloggers. I was pleased to note that Ray still retains the open yet intimate atmosphere, where conversations could be jovial yet private, and there was a warm, inclusive neighborhood feel.

    Ray restaurant, Israeli cuisine in Portland, Oregon. Restaurant review on UrbanBlissLife.com
    marinated olives at Ray restaurant, Israeli cuisine in Portland, Oregon. Restaurant review on UrbanBlissLife.com

    We started the meal with some bubbly, because every great meal starts with bubbles.

    The olives ($6) are marinated with almonds and sesame - perfect for munching on over pleasantries while we settled in and got comfortable.

    cocktail at Ray restaurant, Israeli cuisine in Portland, Oregon. Restaurant review on UrbanBlissLife.com

    At the time of our visit, the seasons were transitioning, and we were able to enjoy the last of this summer cocktail: a ginger lemonana slushy with prosecco. It's probably a good thing that this isn't offered year round because it's dangerously good. They go down like regular lemonade on a hot summer day.

    Small plates and salads

    Israeli salad at Ray restaurant, Israeli cuisine in Portland, Oregon. Restaurant review on UrbanBlissLife.com

    Ray always offers a tahini ceasar salad as well as an Israeli salad. During our visit we sampled the vibrant, technicolor Israeli salad with tomato, watermelon, cucumber, cabbage, and basil. It was as flavorful as it was colorful.

    If you live in this neighborhood, I don't understand how you wouldn't be able to stop yourself from walking in here and ordering this salad at least once a week. I love this salad!

    shawarma fries at Ray restaurant, Israeli cuisine in Portland, Oregon. Restaurant review on UrbanBlissLife.com

    As much as I love beautiful bright salads, I equally adore shawarma. So when we were told that these were shawarma fries, I couldn't contain my excitement.

    Seasoned with garlic and jalapeno, Ray's shawarma fries ($9) are the kind of fries my kids dream of: salty, savory, and perfectly crispy on the outside.

    carrot hummus and braised lamb at Ray restaurant, Israeli cuisine in Portland, Oregon. Restaurant review on UrbanBlissLife.com

    Hummus is abundant in Israeli cuisine, and here at Ray, you can choose from three different kinds. We feasted on the carrot hummus with braised lamb, pumpkin seeds, and dukkah ($15). It had a nice balance of creamy hummus, hearty lamb bites, and crunchy seed texture.

    green falafel at Ray restaurant, Israeli cuisine in Portland, Oregon. Restaurant review on UrbanBlissLife.com

    Falafel is also a mainstay on the Israeli modern table. At Ray, Chef Louis mixes it up a bit by offering an inventive falafel with green tahini, green chili, israeli pickle ($10).

    lamb flatbread at Ray restaurant, Israeli cuisine in Portland, Oregon. Restaurant review on UrbanBlissLife.com

    The lamb flatbread ($15) is like a filling, slightly spicy lamb pizza, topped with tomatoes and chilis.

    Large plates

    shakshuka at Ray restaurant, Israeli cuisine in Portland, Oregon. Restaurant review on UrbanBlissLife.com

    Another popular Israeli dish, shakshuka ($15), is prepared classically at Ray, and given sprinklings of chilis (more chilis!) and cilantro.

    Always one to keep things interesting, Chef Louis offers a couple of different specials each week. If you can dine here on a Tuesday or Wednesday, be sure to order the day's special.

    Tuesday: dumpling day

    pelmeni at Ray restaurant, Israeli cuisine in Portland, Oregon. Restaurant review on UrbanBlissLife.com

    Every Tuesday is Dumpling Day at Ray restaurant. That means you might be able to enjoy these delectable pillows of pelmeni filled with braised goat and caraway that we feasted on during our dinner.

    The filling actually does change from time to time. In the past, Chef Louis has made a similar pelmeni but with albacore instead of braised goat; pelmeni with potato and caramelized onions, dill, and cherries; and she's even served a gorgeous spinach pierogi in the past.

    Wednesday: Israeli fried chicken

    Next on my must try list: the famous Israeli fried chicken! Each Wednesday, Chef Louis serves a reportedly incredible Israeli fried chicken that is perfectly fried, crispy, and packed with spices.

    Sadly, I can only say "reportedly" since I have not been yet, but I have plans to visit in the near future and will update with a photo afterward! Fried chicken is my jam, y'all!!

    Dessert

    As with the starters, small plates and large plates on the menu, Ray serves desserts prepared with thoughtful ingredients and simple, elegant presentation.

    semolina olive oil cake at Ray restaurant, Israeli cuisine in Portland, Oregon. Restaurant review on UrbanBlissLife.com

    The semolina olive cake ($8) is a delightful finish to the meal. Moist and tender, with a slightly crisp to the outer crust, topped with a sweet marmalade.

    Malabi at Ray restaurant, Israeli cuisine in Portland, Oregon. Restaurant review on UrbanBlissLife.com

    The malabi ($7) is a classic Israeli milk pudding (similar consistency of Italian panna cotta). Ray tops it off this creamy dessert with pistachios, rose petals, sesame brittle, and ginger.

    Dine at Ray

    Ray is a wonderful place for date night or a night out with a small group of friends. The plates are small and meant to be shared. I would order 3-4 small plates and 1-2 large plates, plus a dessert to share among a group of 4. The dishes are beautiful and deliciously accessible; they are a great introduction to Israeli cuisine for those who are not as familiar with the ingredients. And to those who are familiar, you will find great comfort and satisfy your cravings with Ray's update on the blend of classic Israeli dishes.

    3808 N Williams
    Portland, OR 97227
    503-288-6200
    hello@raypdx.com

    HOURS
    Dinner: Tuesday - Saturday 5:30 to close
    Happy hour: Tuesday - Friday 5:30 to 7:00

    For more information and to make reservations, visit the Ray restaurant website.

    Are you familiar with Israeli cuisine? Which dishes pictured here would be your favorites? 

    « Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples
    The Ultimate Tailgating Party »

    Get recipes, travel tips, deals and more delivered to your inbox!

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Stephanie H. says

        November 27, 2017 at 12:25 am

        My brother and I had an exquisite experience dining at Ray a couple of weeks ago. We snagged the bar seats overlooking the kitchen and it felt like the entire staff of that restaurant was taking care of us. It was far and beyond the best dining experience, I had in my month in Portland and.I dine a lot.

        Reply
      2. Lindsay Ingalls says

        November 23, 2017 at 2:21 pm

        I have been craving frose since I was pregnant but I think a ginger lemonana slushy with prosecco would do the trick.

        Reply
      3. Meg says

        November 15, 2017 at 5:57 pm

        That lamb flatbread looks like lamejun, which is yum. In my old Greek neighborhood there was a shop that sold samali, which sounds a lot like that cake you had - I miss it and I bet I'd like this version. So much good looking food! I'm going to have to check it out soon.

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          November 20, 2017 at 9:58 pm

          I bet you would, too! If you go, let me know how you like it!

      4. Willow says

        November 14, 2017 at 4:27 pm

        I have only been to Portland once, but if I go again, I will be checking out this place! I love falafel and hummus!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          November 20, 2017 at 9:57 pm

          Me too! You'll definitely have to try it!

      5. Create/Enjoy says

        November 14, 2017 at 4:21 pm

        That sounds amazing! So different from a lot of places, love it! Your photos are amazing, too!!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          November 20, 2017 at 9:57 pm

          Thanks so much for the nice comment!

      6. Ruthie Ridley says

        November 14, 2017 at 3:33 pm

        Omg this food looks like heaven!!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          November 20, 2017 at 9:57 pm

          It's so good! Thanks for stopping by :)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating





      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

      Primary Sidebar

      Marlynn Jayme Schotland 2021 profile pic

      Hi! If you're looking for easy, fast, delicious family-friendly recipes, wine pairings, and travel tips, you've come to the right place! I'm Marlynn - a cookbook author, writer, photographer, and mom of two teenagers + a lovable lab retriever. I hold a WSET 2 with Distinction in wine, and am a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

      More about me โ†’

      Sign up for free meal plans

      meal plans button

      Featured In

      Urban Bliss Life Press Featured In graphic

      Spring Recipes

      • Half of a quiche in a pie pan with salmon, asparagus, and leeks.
        Salmon Quiche
      • strawberry crinkle cookies on a plate
        Strawberry Crinkle Cookies
      • dill pickle potato salad
        Dill Pickle Potato Salad
      • bowl of cucumber dill salad.
        Cucumber Dill Salad

      More Spring Recipes โžก๏ธ

      New Recipes

      • glass of bourbon lemonade on a bright colorful napkin with title text overlay.
        Bourbon Lemonade
      • bowl of charred corn salad.
        Charred Corn Salad
      • strawberry spritz with orange and strawberry garnish.
        Strawberry Spritz
      • Greek lamb chops on a white plate with herbs and lemon slices.
        Greek Lamb Chops

      New Travel Tips

      • gold buddha with title text overlay.
        Phuket Thailand
      • bar at Carlotto restaurant in NYC New York.
        Carlotto NYC
      • Sahara Desert camp and camel trek with title text overlay.
        Sahara Desert in Morocco Travel Guide
      • moroccan chicken skewers, moroccan pancakes, colorful plates of moroccan food, and chicken tagine with title text overlay.
        Traditional Moroccan Food

      Visit our Sister Sites

      Fifty cups of coffee logo
      • Twitter
      • Facebook
      • Pinterest
      • Instagram
      • YouTube

      Footer

      โ†‘ back to top

      logos of media outlets that have featured urban bliss life.

      Recipes

      • 30-Minute Meals
      • 5-Ingredients
      • Air Fryer
      • Asian
      • Dairy-Free
      • Pasta
      • Seafood

      About

      • About
      • FAQs
      • Privacy & Accessibility Policy
      • Terms & Conditions

      Contact

      • Contact
      • Work with me

      As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
      Copyright ยฉ 2025 Urban Bliss Life

      All rights reserved. You may not use any photos or recipes on this site for any personal or commercial use without my express written permission.