Zahli Restaurant's Blog

A common problem that many families and friend groups face when going to a restaurant is finding one that can accommodate a variety of dietary requirements. One of the most difficult restaurants to find is for the increasingly popular vegan diet. In Sydney, while there are many vegan restaurants, there aren’t many that offer an array of meat, vegan and vegetarian dishes. Unknown to many is that Arabic restaurants offer an impressive array of meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes.

When one thinks about Arabic food, they usually think of chargrilled eats, beautiful salads and delicious dips. What many people don’t realise is that many of these dishes (not the meat), are vegan. Unless you are familiar with Arabic food, it is unlikely that you will know which dishes are vegan and which are not. To help anyone in search of Arabic vegan dishes, we’ve created a list of five of our favourite vegan dishes that can easily be found in any Arabic restaurant in Sydney.

5 of the best vegan dishes from an Arabic restaurant in Sydney

Hommos

This creamy and popular dish is known to be vegetarian, but did you know that it’s vegan as well? It is so creamy and lush that it is hard to believe! However, its luscious texture comes from blended chickpeas and creamy tahini which helps it become thick and rich. While it is just a dip, it can be added to a variety of meals and enjoyed with Lebanese bread.

Falafel

Falafel is enjoyed by vegetarians around the world. It is made primarily with either ground chickpeas or fava beans and a combination of spices and herbs. It’s incredibly filling and serves as an excellent substitute for meat. Many people enjoy it along with hommos, pickles, lettuce and tomato on a plate or stuffed into a wrap. Falafel is a great source of protein for vegans and can easily replace what would traditionally be chargrilled meats on an Arabic plate. On its own, falafel is incredibly satisfying and fulfilling as a vegan option and now, has been incorporated into the diets of many vegans.

Batata harra

Unsurprisingly, batata harra is on this list. Batata harra is basically cubed potatoes that are fried in olive oil along with red pepper, coriander, chilli and garlic. While obviously vegan, it is a delicious and satisfying accompaniment to falafel or plates. However, it is commonly served with Lebanese mezze.

Ful medames

Ful medames is a stew of cooked fava beans that have been flavoured with olive oil, cumin, lemon juice, parsley and chilli. It can be eaten with breakfast, lunch or dinner and again, is an excellent source of protein because of beans being the main ingredient. Simply enjoyed warm and with fresh pita bread, this dish is great for any vegan or non-vegan in search of a delicious and hearty dish.

Baba ghannouj

Like many dishes on this list, it’s hard to believe that baba ghannouj is vegan. Similar to many other Arab dips, it is hearty, creamy and luxurious. Part of its satisfying quality is because the dip is made up mostly of eggplant. Eggplant is extremely meaty and somewhat creamy, proving the dip with a luxurious and substantial texture. Like hommos, this can be eaten simply with warm pita bread or, added to a plate as a delicious element.

In many cultures, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. For the Lebanese, all meals are important and unlike other cuisines, heavy emphasis is placed on breakfast foods and the cooking of them. Breakfast food in Lebanese culture is made up of a variety of food which we will discuss further in this article. Many of the dishes are made up of foods that are commonly enjoyed at dinner as well. In true Lebanese style, breakfast is plentiful and accommodating to a variety of diet requirements, including vegans. If you’re interested in trying these dishes, book a table online to one of your favourite Lebanese or Middle Eastern restaurants.

If you’re wondering what delicious dishes make-up a Lebanese breakfast, then look no further! In this article, we’ll be looking at a few of the most popular Lebanese breakfast dishes.

4 yummy Lebanese foods to have at breakfast

Fatteh

Fatteh is essentially fresh, toasted or stale flatbread with chickpeas and yogurt. The dish usually uses stale bread which is then brushed with olive oil and either toasted or fried. It is then covered with a yoghurt sauce that is combined with chickpeas, meat or eggplant. However, if you or your family are vegetarian, then use only chickpeas.

Many people refer to fatteh as the king of Lebanese breakfasts. It is easy to prepare, substantial and of course, delicious. To keep the crispness of the bread (a key element of good-quality fatteh), we recommend toasting the bread ahead or dressing the bread only when ready to consume (any earlier and you may end up with soggy fatteh). For garnish, you can top your fatteh with toasted pine nuts and a final squeeze of lemon and sprinkle of salt.

Manakeesh

Manakeesh or manooshe is a piece of dough that is topped with thyme, za’atar, cheese or ground meat. Za’atar, one of the most popular toppings, is made of ground thyme, oregano, marjoram, toasted sesame seeds and sumac. The spice mixture is mixed with olive oil and spread onto the dough before being baked in an oven. Though popular with breakfast, manakish is also served with mezze. Manakeesh is known as an on-the-go breakfast, and can easily be folded in half and carried as a sandwich for easy and mobile consumption. Other toppings for manakeesh include akawi cheese, lamb, tomato and onion.

Ful medames

Ful medames is a vegan breakfast option. It is a stew of cooked broad or fava beans that are made with cumin, parsley, garlic, onion and lemon juice. You can enjoy it on its own, with vegetables such as a plate of pickles, tomatoes, herbs, radishes and olives or simply, with fresh flatbread. While the dish is an export from Egypt, Lebanon has made customised it and it is now one of the most popular breakfasts. Ful medames is a very filling and hearty breakfast. While very satisfying, it is extremely easy to make and can come together quite quickly for breakfast or dinner. Remember to top your ful medames off with a drizzle of olive oil and a squirt of lemon juice.

Awarma

Awarma is the Arabic word used to categorise lamb that has been preserved in lamb fat. Essentially, awarma is lamb confit. Awarma is an ancient Lebanese tradition and though awarma it is usually prepared in rural areas, lamb fat is used throughout Lebanese dishes. For breakfast, awarma is used in eggs. Eggs in awarma are baked in a clay skillet, giving it tremendous flavour. It can be served with manooshe and eaten warm. If awarma is hard to find or difficult to make, then try using the Lebanese sausage sujuk. Sujuk is a fermented sausage that pairs well with eggs and is also a great breakfast dish.

While all of these dishes are great for breakfast, there is one thing that is never missing from a Lebanese breakfast spread – Lebanese coffee! Lebanese coffee is a must at any time of the day, but especially at breakfast. You may also find ayran, a savoury yogurt drink. Ayran is a refreshing yogurt drink that is unsweetened and sometimes seasoned with a pinch of salt.

Don’t forget to book online for a table reservation!

Wondering where you can find more amazing Lebanese dishes? Check out Zahli Modern Middle Eastern. They don’t only serve the best Lebanese food but they offer something for everyone. The restaurant is a perfect example of a great Sydney restaurant that has flourished over the years and remained a staple in many Sydneysiders lives.

Lebanese food in Sydney can always promise one thing: an explosion of flavour. This flavour is usually due to the fresh fruits and vegetables used, roasting of lamb, beef and chicken and most notably, a blend of beautiful spices. To the unfamiliar tongue, these spices might just seem like one beautiful blend of flavours however, to a practised foodie, the specific Lebanese spices used can easily be pinpointed.

During the Roman Empire, spices were used as a source of trading from Arabia so, it’s no surprise that Lebanon is home to a plethora of spices. These spices have (fortunately for the rest of the world’s palates) beautifully permeated Lebanon’s dishes, creating a cuisine that’s full of unforgettable dishes. In this article, we’ll be discussing 5 common spices in Lebanese food and what dishes you can find them in.

Why should you learn about Lebanese spices?

You may be wondering why it’s important to learn about Lebanese spices. We fully believe that learning about your food and what goes into it makes it taste even better! Here are the reasons why we believe you should learn about the Lebanese spices you’ll taste in food.

• Understand what you’re eating – there’s joy in knowing what you’re eating. You learn to appreciate spices and decipher between the different tastes and aromas.
• Add to your personal spice cabinet – if you love to cook, you most certainly would appreciate learning about new spices to introduce to your cooking (even if it’s not Lebanese cooking!)
• Learn more about food – as you begin to discover new spices, you’ll realise that they are present in many other cuisines as well. This is usually because of the spice trade and mass migration over the years. It’s interesting to learn about the histories and cultures of countries through food.

5 common spices you’ll taste in Lebanese food from Sydney

Sumac

Sumac is one of the most popular spices in Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine. Easily spotted with its brick red and sometimes, deep purple hue, it is also one of the most distinctive flavours. Sumac is made from crushed ground berries from the wild sumac flower. It offers a sour and tangy flavour, similar to lemon juice Because of this bright flavour, it is frequently paired with meats and is a signature ingredient in za’atar.

Find sumac in Lebanese chicken and rice or sprinkled over hummus and kofta.

Za’atar

Za’atar has recently become very popular. It is not one spice but rather, a bunch of different spices blended together. The exact ingredients vary on the region and village that the za’atar hails from however, there are several commonalities and must-haves for the spice blend. It usually includes sesame seeds, dried thyme, dried marjoram and dried oregano. Some varieties also include sumac, salt, fennel and coriander. Za’atar is high in antioxidants and is extremely potent and floral due to the mix of spices.

You can find za’atar sprinkled on pita, manakeesh and salads.

Baharat (7 spices)

Baharat is the Arabic word for spices and can sometimes be referred to as the Lebanese 7 spice mix. The Lebanese 7 spice mix is very different from za’atar in that it is sweet, smokey and not used to sprinkle over finished dishes, but rather to infuse flavour into meats and vegetables before they are cooked. The spice blend is made up of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, fenugreek, allspice, pepper, and cloves. This spice blend, like many others on this list, works well with Lebanese dishes as well as Western dishes.

Find baharat in several meat dishes as well as beata’t tdamata, a Lebanese egg dish.

Cinnamon

While Westerners may know cinnamon as being a warm spice that’s paired with apples, pies and sweet desserts, the Lebanese know it as a spice that’s perfect for savoury dishes, especially meat dishes! The warmth of cinnamon pairs strikingly well with many of the other flavours and spices used in Lebanese dishes. You can find it used in the ground form (in baharat) or in its stick/whole form.

Cinnamon is commonly used in kafta, Lebanese chicken and rice and lahmbi ajeen.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is another spice that Westerners are used to seeing in most sweet desserts however, the potent spice is commonly used in Lebanese dishes. Its unique flavour lends beautifully to meat dishes (this is also a spice that can be found in baharat), but it is also used in sweet dishes.

You can find nutmeg in Lebanese chicken and rice, kafta or tahini hot chocolate.

If you do not have a Lebanese restaurant or takeaway shop near you then, try one of the best Middle Eastern and Lebanese restaurants in Surry Hills and Sydney – Zahli Modern Middle Eastern. They don’t only serve the best Lebanese food but they offer something for everyone. With many vegan and vegetarian options and both a lively and family-friendly ambience, you’re sure to be content if you select here.

Whenever someone is in the search for a new restaurant, their question is always, “What is the best ____ restaurant?” That’s because if you’re going to a restaurant, especially one specialised in a specific cuisine, you want to ensure that it is the best in your area. But, what makes up the best restaurant? In this article, we’ll discuss what determines the best Lebanese restaurant in Sydney.

Lebanese restaurants are some of the liveliest, most beautiful and of course most delicious places to spend your time. If you’re in the mood for a fresh and hearty feast complete with great entertainment and warm hospitality then, there’s no greater place to visit than a Lebanese restaurant. Sydney has, fortunately, been blessed with a number of great Lebanese restaurants. What distinguishes them from each other? How do you know which is the best? In this article, we’ll break down the criteria for determining the best Lebanese restaurant in Sydney.

How to pick the best Lebanese restaurant in Sydney

Look out for fresh and high-quality ingredients

Many of Lebanese cuisine’s dishes are based on fresh vegetables and fruits. For example, fattoush, tabbouleh and balela are all made with raw and fresh ingredients. Pomegranate arils are also used to garnish many dishes. Additionally, many dishes require little cooking such as labneh and hummus so, it is important that the raw ingredients are high-quality to begin with, in order to ensure that the final product is beautiful and perfect.

The best Lebanese restaurant in Sydney will ensure that their ingredients are fresh and sourced locally, if possible After all, the best produce is always found locally. Look out for fresh produce and high-quality ingredients and you’ll not be disappointed.

Always select a restaurant with authentic dishes

This is not to say that innovative or modern dishes are signs of a bad restaurant however, a true Lebanese restaurant will not leave out classics such as kofta, baba ghanouj or lahem mishwee. Don’t think that if there is one modern take on a Lebanese dish that it is a bad sign. Instead, look out for traditional dishes–a few on the menu will indicate authenticity. However, if a restaurant completely leaves out traditional dishes, then it’s a sign that this may not be the best restaurant that you are looking for.

Our favourite, traditional Lebanese dishes are muttabadal, knafeh and kibbeh nayyeh.

Pick a restaurant with belly dancing!

A large part of the Lebanese dining experience is belly dancing. A lively atmosphere filled with traditional belly dancers performing to Lebanese music is a sign that the Lebanese restaurant takes their culture and history seriously. The best Lebanese restaurant is not just about food, but the experience!

Check the reviews on their hospitality

Of course, there must be checks on a restaurant’s hospitality. Lebanese people are known for their warmth and hospitality. This is why when determining the best Lebanese restaurant in Sydney, it is important that you consider their hospitality towards customers. Check several review platforms (Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, Zomato) for comments from customers and use this as your information source.

Is there Lebanese coffee on the menu?

Lebanese coffee is a way of life for people in Lebanon. The best Lebanese restaurant in Sydney will not only serve Lebanese coffee, but they will serve it traditionally–in a rakweh.

Use this article as a guide for picking your next Lebanese restaurant. It will help you narrow down your options as well as ensure that you have a great night out.

Ready for our pick as the best Lebanese restaurants in Surry Hills and Sydney? It’s Zahli Modern Middle Eastern. They don’t only serve the best Lebanese food but they offer something for everyone. With many vegan and vegetarian options and of course, authentic dishes, you’ll be in for a feast! It’s also home to both a lively and family-friendly ambience, so you’re sure to be content if you select here.

In Sydney, the usual spot to satisfy your sweet tooth is the nearest gelato or cake shop. For some unknown reason, Arabic restaurants have not hit peak popularity on Sydney’s dessert scene. Though the dessert options are fairly unique, they are unbelievably delicious and deserve recognition.

We’ll be diving headfirst into the world of Arabic desserts. You’ll learn about their beautiful flavours, interesting concepts and unique histories. Don’t expect to find baklava or rice pudding on this list, we’re highlighting the lesser-known beauties of the Arabic dessert world.

Knafe with cheese

Knafe is a dessert made from either fine semolina or a noodle-like pastry. It is soaked in a sweet, sugar-based syrup and layered with a piece of soft, white cheese, and then topped with crushed pistachios and cream.  It can be flavoured with traditional Arabic flavours like orange blossom and rose water which is poured on the pastry during its final minutes of cooking. The dessert is incredibly decadent and sweet. The melted cheese perfectly compliments the crisp pastry making for a dessert that is both complex in flavour and texture.

Being one of the Arabic cuisine’s most unique desserts, it’s certainly one to put on your must-try list.

Mastic ice-cream or booza

Arabic mastic ice-cream is a uniquely textured ice-cream. Named after its key ingredient, Mastic spice (plant resin), booza is the Arabic name for the ice-cream. Similar in texture to mozzarella cheese, it is traditionally made with milk, cream sugar, sahlab orchid root powder and of course, mastic. Booza is made by pounding and stretching the base with wooden sticks in a freezer drum rather than the conventional method of churning. Combined with the addition of mastic, this produces a stretchy and chewy type of ice-cream. It is usually flavoured with pistachio paste or orange flower water. On its own, it has a subtle floral flavour.

The next time you’re in the mood for gelato, opt for mastic ice-cream instead. It’s floral aroma is incredibly charming and you’ll never be bored with its one-of-a-kind texture.

Mhlabiye

Mhlabiye is the Arabic version of panna cotta, minus the gelatine. It’s an orange blossom and rose water infused milk pudding that’s topped with crushed pistachios and served cold. Rice flour, instead of gelatine, is used to thicken the pudding, however, thickening agents vary from country to country. The dessert was allegedly introduced to Arabic cuisine by a Persian cook who served it to an Arab general, Al-Muhallab ibn Abi Sufra. The general liked the dessert so much that he named it after himself, hence Muhallebi, the Arabic name for the milk pudding.

The unique thickening and infusion of the milk pudding makes this dessert an experience of its own. The next time you feel a hankering for panna cotta, visit your nearby Arabic restaurant and indulge in the flavours of the Middle-East.

Lebanese restaurants are well-known for their delicious mezzas, salads, meats and desserts, however, their traditional drinks remain relatively unknown. When dining in, not much thought is given to the accompanying beverage. You may opt for wine, beer or a soda, but there is a world of delicious Lebanese beverages waiting for you to explore. While not all of these beverages may be available at any one Lebanese restaurant, you will certainly find at least one. With these drinks, you will experience new combinations of traditional Lebanese flavours. To celebrate the culture and tradition of Lebanese cuisine, we’ll tell you what the best drinks are to order at a Lebanese restaurant in Surry Hills.

Arak

Arak is an unsweetened and translucent distilled spirit made of only two ingredients, grapes and aniseed. Due to this, it has a slight but noticeable licorice-like flavour, similar to ouzo or sambuca.  Arak will be found at any authentic Lebanese restaurant. It’s often served with mezze and raw meat dishes like kibbeh nayyeh. Arak is usually consumed with water and an ice-cube. Arak is served by mixing in water which turns it a milky-white colour. It is then added to ice. This order is important because if done wrong, the anise oil can settle on top of the drink and create an unpleasant oil film.

What do you pair with arak?
Arak is traditionally paired with Lebanese summertime staples such as parsley, meat, tomatoes and onion. Unsurprisingly, as these ingredients are common during mezze, Arak is most commonly served then. Arak cleans the palate and prepares it for new and exciting ingredients, making it perfect for the variety of dishes served.

Laban ayran

Aryan is a refreshing salty yoghurt drink usually drunk during the summertime in Lebanon. Iced or chilled water, yoghurt and salt are mixed together until frothy and then served cold. There are variations of this drink throughout the Middle-East. Some include dried mint, pennyroyal, cucumbers, and black pepper, while others carbonate the drink with sparkling water.

What do you pair with laban ayran?
Laban ayran is cool in temperature and also provides relief from spice via yoghurt, its main ingredient. This makes it perfect for accompanying kebabs and other spicy foods.

Jallab

Jallab is a sweet and refreshing drink that is made by diluting a special Lebanese syrup with water. The syrup is made from carob, dates, rose water and grape molasses. Different versions use different ingredients. For example, some may add date syrup, pomegranate syrup and almond slivers to the drink. In some cases, it is smoked with Arabic incense by placing a teaspoon of powdered musk on a piece of incense, lighting it and then passing the glasses over the smoke so that they are permeated with the fragrance of the incense.  The drink is served in a tall glass with ice and then topped with pine nuts and raisins.

What do you pair with jallab?
Jallab is filled with caramel and floral notes, making it a delicious but strongly flavoured drink. Because it is sweet from the grape molasses and dominant flavour profile, the drink is usually consumed on its own. Some Western versions have also used it as a mocktail or, introduced tea or alcohol and turned it into a cocktail. Additionally, others have enjoyed using it to accompany meats, cheese and olives as a sweet counterbalance.

Lebanese coffee

Lebanese coffee is another drink that any authentic Lebanese restaurant is sure to have. Instead of opting for your traditional long black instead, try Lebanese coffee. It is extremely strong and derived from the Brazilian bean. The coffee is poured in front of guests from a long-handled coffee pot or rakweh and served in espresso-sized cups on a coffee tray and accompanied with a glass of cold water.

What do you pair with Lebanese coffee?
Lebanese coffee is highly caffeinated and slightly bitter. Although it is consumed at any time of the day, it is most commonly served after a meal. The bitter notes of the coffee pair well with a dessert such as baklava or knafeh. However, in Lebanese culture, coffee is essential and a way of life. It has less to do with the meal and more to do with tradition.

You’ve probably skimmed past these beverages while perusing a Lebanese or Middle-Eastern restaurant’s menu. The next time you have the opportunity to try one of these beverages, take it! You may just find you’re next favourite drink.

If you’re convinced that you need to visit a Lebanese restaurant to try a Lebanese beverage, then head to one of the best Middle Eastern and Lebanese restaurants in Sydney – Zahli Modern Middle Eastern. Serving only the best Lebanese food drawing from culture, tradition and the history of Lebanon.

There is more to Lebanese cuisine than tabouli and hummus. Although the classic options are always the best to order when you dine at a Lebanese restaurant in Surry Hills – sometimes it is good to step out of your comfort zone and try something different. 

“I have realised; it is during the times I am far outside my element that I experience myself the most” – C.JoyBell C.

We are here to reveal some confronting dishes that may surprise you (in the best way possible). The next time you visit a Lebanese restaurant in Surry Hills make sure to try out these lesser-known mezza picks.

1) Lebanese restaurants in Surry Hills take on chicken liver.

Really? Chicken liver? Yes, you’re probably thinking no way in the world am I trying a chicken’s liver. We understand how terrifying and repugnant this may sound, however, it is not as bad as it sounds – we promise. If made right, chicken liver is pan-fried with garlic, coriander, fresh lemon juice and traditional Lebanese spices. After the chicken liver is well marinated, you probably won’t notice what you are eating. Tip: if you want to try it, you may want to close your eyes – this will ensure you don’t judge it on appearance. Although chicken liver may not be something you cook up for your family dinner, it is a delicacy in Lebanon and quite expensive to get your hands on. Before you try this at home, we recommend ordering it a Lebanese restaurant in Surry Hills to gain the full experience.

2) Do you want to try a lamb brain at a Lebanese restaurant in Surry Hills?

You probably have never envisioned yourself eating an animal brain. However, eating lamb brain has a deep historical root for the Lebanese people. Families used to slaughter a lamb and cook every part of it, including the brains, as they could not afford to waste anything. The best way to enjoy this dish is at a Lebanese restaurant is golden fried and coated in garlic, coriander and bread crumbs. Lamb brain is a ‘soft-tissue’ meat which is usually best prepared by partially boiling them before they are fried. Do you think you can take the plunge and try something different? We have faith in you. 

3) Kibbeh nayye

Raw meat can be a big no-no if prepared and handled incorrectly. Kibbeh nayye consists of minced raw lamb mixed with finely blended crushed wheat (bulgur), and traditional herbs/spices. If it is the first time you are consuming this dish, we recommend eating it with a side of fresh greens, olive oil and bread. Although raw meat may sound unhygienic and unsafe to consume – the Lebanese people have perfected it and ensured it is safe to consume. Kibbeh nayye is a dish that must be eaten fresh at a Lebanese Restaurant. We think this dish is a must-try and one you may even fall in love with. 

Are you ready to step outside of your comfort zone and try something different? Visit one of the best Lebanese restaurants in Surry Hills – Zahli Modern Middle Eastern. Serving only the best Lebanese food drawing from culture, tradition and the history of Lebanon. Reserve your table today.

Situated on the more quiet end of Elizabeth Street and away from all the hustle and bustle of Surry Hills, Zahli Restaurant boasts the exotic flavours of Lebanese cuisine tied in with a unique atmosphere, making it a perfect location for your next dinner date. 
Modern Lebanese cuisine has something for everyone. 
The meat lovers, the vegans and the vegetarians will certainly not go hungry, with a plate or two for every customer. One simply cannot go wrong with Lebanese cuisine. 
In Lebanese culture, you will notice that food is at the centre of all family gatherings and hence, plays an important role in uniting the family. 
Food is one of the main sources of happiness for cultures all across the world and is the perfect tool for bringing people together, no matter their race, religion or gender.

Where to find good restaurants in Sydney CBD?

Bringing you flavours from all across the world, Sydney has quite the number of restaurants that effectively show off different cuisines and experiences to both locals and tourists.

However, unlike most restaurants in Sydney, Zahli in Surry Hills, has something unique for customers and in true Lebanese style, where it is necessary to throw a party for almost any occasion, this stylish modern Lebanese fit out offers you the best experience for your next celebration. 

Why not host your next birthday party?
Engagement, why not.
A date, team lunch, product launch, you name it! The list goes on.  Whatever it is you want to celebrate, Zahli restaurant is the place for you.
Why? Well, it is quite simple really. 

Zahli knows how to cater for both small or large numbers while maintaining quality across all areas; in taste, presentation, and service. 

With large numbers, it is sometimes difficult for restaurants to get it right. Zahli however, has had years of experience in hosting large numbers without compromising on taste and service quality.
The atmosphere is on another level!
Just another reason why more and more people choose to dine at the best restaurants in Sydney CBD and Zahli, definitely one of them.

Having won several awards for excellence in food and providing unique vibes, Zahli knows quality service. With entertainment available for your special event, your guests will leave with more than just a full stomach. 

If the big group is not your cup of tea, Zahli is equally the perfect location for an intimate dinner with your special someone. 

Transporting you to the banks of the Sannine river in Zahle Lebanon, the culturally inspired decor coupled with an imported bottle of locally produced wine is the perfect excuse to enjoy a unique experience and indulge in good food.

What is so good about modern Lebanese cuisine?

It tastes great and it is good for you. What more could you want?

There are many benefits of Lebanese cuisine, one of which is its health rating. Who would have thought?

According to a New York based website, Eat This, Not That! Middle Eastern cuisine has many deliciously tasting and healthy options to choose from. 

With the likes of labneh, hommos, baba ghannouj and tabbouli all made in-house from healthy and natural and zesty ingredients, these options just to name a few can be found on the cold mezza menu. 

For mains, you can choose individual or banquet options which is a perfect mix of all the delicious options on the menu. 

Depending on the size of your group, a choice of both vegetarian and meat grills is the perfect way to display an array of mouthwatering options to enjoy. 

To top off a  wholesome and delicious meal, there is nothing quite like traditional Arabic coffee and hand made desserts to satisfy the sweet tooth.

With dessert options including, Lebanese ice cream, Turkish delight, baklava or traditional rice pudding, you may or may not be subject to a food coma but nothing an Arabic coffee cannot cure. 

Experience modern Lebanese cuisine the way it should be experienced at Zahli restaurant.