Total convert to Libanais, lunch yesterday tip-top. Filling delicious lentil soup, crunchy flavor packed moist interior falafel as starters, along with the amazing tea service.

Shakshuka w/beef for the bride and Fatteh Beirutieh with chicken shawarma for me. Both large portions, tasty and we could have easily split one or the other and been satisfied. As it was we took quite a bit of food home.

Fatteh Beirutieh new to me, chickpeas over toasted pita bread w/yogurt topped with melted butter and pine nuts. Chicken shawarma add-on $3 upcharge.




Libanais, count me a Fan!

I'm a huge fan, have not had a dud on any of my (many) orders. On the last photo, I'm seeing the beef but not the shakshuka. I assuming it's hiding below?

spinynorman99 wrote:orders. On the last photo, I'm seeing the beef but not the shakshuka. I assuming it's hiding below?

Yes, hiding below. The bottom of the plate was mostly filled with shakshuka. The bride commented she felt the beef was superfluous, eggs were perfectly cooked. A tasty dish. I should add beef was a $3 upcharge.

I live walking distance from both Larsa's and Kabul House, and therefore a short drive to Pita Inn Skokie, so it takes a bit to motivate me to try yet another middle eastern restaurant.

I finally tried Libanais for take out this week, and was I ever impressed!

I called to verify that their online ordering system did not divert fees to other providers, and ordered online for a set time. I arrived 4 minutes before my order was due, and my order appeared the moment I reached the cashier's table. Perfect timing!

After reading the thread, I decided to order hummus, imam bayaldi, jouji kabob, and a pound of baklava. My intent was to get two full meals and dessert for a week. My thanks to the folks on the board, I would never have tried the imam bayaldi but for the recommendations above.

Everything was terrific! The hummus was smooth, tasty, and I really liked the whole chickpeas incorporated into the dish. And this was the least impressive of the dishes! The kabob was similar in design to that of Larsa's, which is a staple in my house. The Libanais version was more subtly seasoned, and far less salty, which I consider a benefit. In some respects, the flavors resembled a chicken croquette from the Caucasus region - and the garlic sauce provided really make the flavors zip!

But the winner was the imam bayaldi. Wow, this may be the best use of eggplant since moussaka and eggplant parmesan! Earthy flavors of eggplant, acidity of tomato, and protein from additional chickpeas; this dish is awesome. I will never fail to visit Libanais again without taking an order home. And to top it off, world class baklava! I allocated myself a small serving, needing to save desserts for the next week before I shop again. After two more pieces, I finally stopped myself from gorging.

I don't post much, but overall, everything was so good, I felt compelled to reinforce the positive notes of other reviewers. Libanais, you are now at the top of my rotation for great middle eastern food. I can hardly wait to work my way through the menu. But like I said, I will always order imam bayaldi!

If you liked that you'll love the cauliflower stew with moudardara (lentils/rice with caramelized onions) - a simple dish packed with flavor. The manaesh are also excellent, especially with muhammara or zaatar. The place is a gem.