Laying my back on the sofa, looking at the purple buckets transformed into lights and enjoying the beautiful mood of this restaurant, I was transported into another dimension where old tables and wooden chairs, flowers and positive vibes will make you fall in love with the real Lebanese experience.
If you think you know Zahr el-Laymoun in Beirut, think again. The restaurant in Dubai is a completely different experience where good food and a good mood blend together for your ultimate satisfaction.
Zahr el-Laymoun is Lebanon in Dubai, beautiful plates, good service, fresh ingredients, vegetables brought in by plane, cherries from Bourj Hammoud, homemade kebbeh and much more.
Trees decorate the walls, light wooden pallets surround the doors, lavender and mirrors, jars filled with pickles, nuts and a bar... I really felt good!
On the menu, one made of leather and thick paper, you'll find beautiful photos and a selection of drinks, ice cream and desserts, grilled main courses, potatoes, salads, sandwiches, hot Mezze, cold Mezze and breakfast. Tonight's dinner was great!
It didn't end up at dinner so I came the next day for lunch. Calm and serenity around the fountain, sitting on the terrace under the beautiful Dubai sun on this Tuesday in December. I came back for the ras asfour, the meat and the freshly baked bread. It's a place oozing with freshness and happiness, I feel good every time I visit.
The food is good, even better than I expected it to be. A smooth hummus, tender meat, crunchy pine nuts, fresh vegetables imported specially from Lebanon, cucumber as if it was harvested now, kebbeh sajieh and a grilled platter; I've rarely had a meat as tender as this one. A juicy chicken tawouk and fresh Kafta. Hummus Beyrouti is a game of layers, chickpeas, tahina and minced meat. I really enjoyed my food.
The next day, I had the Makanek, juicy and tender mixed with lemon. Ras asfour again with cherries from Aleppo, hummus decorated with figs, Labneh from the village and a plate of sunny side up eggs mixed with tomatoes. I enjoyed the stuffed grapevine leaves and most importantly the moghrabieh, today's plat-du-jour.
Asking around I was told that Zahr el-Laymoun is a healthy restaurant and they don't even have a fryer in the kitchen.
PS: Don't skip dessert!
The food is good, actually very good. The welcoming is professional. The shisha guy is always smiley, presentation is neat and the vibes transport you to Lebanon in a glance. Zahr el-Laymoun is a Lebanese restaurant I'll recommend to all my friends.
