THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Maalouf's Taste of Lebanon

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Maalouf's Taste of Lebanon Restaurant Review:

Located in an ordinary strip mall outside the central city, Maalouf’s doesn’t seem like much at first glance. The space is small and sparse, with outdated décor and simple furnishings. But diners don’t come here for the ambience; from the first bite it's clear all energy is devoted to cooking. The menu features dishes from across the Middle East and the greater Mediterranean region. Starters include the usual hummus and baba ghanouj, but the standout is the labneh, strained house-made yogurt melded with the right balance of garlic and mint and drizzled with a grassy olive oil. Entrées present a variety of grilled meats on rice or in folded pita. Kafta is the highlight, the tender ground beef well-seasoned with onions and spice, while the chicken shwarma is simultaneously tangy and spicy in a rich garlic sauce. Desserts include a pistachio baklava and aish el saraya, French bread soaked in rosewater syrup topped with a creamy pudding and ground pistachios. Try the Lebanese beer or wine, or the traditional Turkish coffee or mint tea.