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A Middle Eastern Oasis in Hong Kong
2017-09-17 1345 views
I visited Zahrabel with a party of 6 on a Friday night and I must say, we were all very happy with our experience. I am of Middle Eastern origin myself, as were a few of my guests, and in terms of taste and authenticity, we all agreed that this place reminded us of home.  They serve dishes in a sharing style menu- which is exactly the way we like to eat in the Middle east. Standout dishes were the  babaganoush, shish tawook (this was very tender and moist). By the end of our 8 plate sharing menu
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I visited Zahrabel with a party of 6 on a Friday night and I must say, we were all very happy with our experience. 
I am of Middle Eastern origin myself, as were a few of my guests, and in terms of taste and authenticity, we all agreed that this place reminded us of 
home.  They serve dishes in a sharing style menu- which is exactly the way we like to eat in the Middle east. 
Standout dishes were the  babaganoush, shish tawook (this was very tender and moist). 
By the end of our 8 plate sharing menu, we were all stuffed and happy- but we still made room for dessert! You must try the baklava.
The service staff were attentive and friendly, the music and ambiance was contemporary middle eastern- and I am so happy to have found
this Lebanese oasis in Hong Kong. 
I will surely be back when I'm feeling homesick for Lebanese food. 
Great value and amazing taste. 
Other Info. : Don't over indulge on the bread! It will take up valuable stomach space!
(The above review is the personal opinion of a user which does not represent OpenRice's point of view.)
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Taste
Decor
Service
Hygiene
Value
Date of Visit
2017-09-15
Waiting Time
2 Minutes (Dine In)
Spending Per Head
$600 (Dinner)
Recommended Dishes
  • Shish tawook
  • babaganoush
  • Jos Mahrous
Level1
1
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Exquisite experience - locals give it a try!
2017-09-17 893 views
Our friends booked a table here on the basis of some lovely media reviews and I am quite surprised at how littlediscussion there is about it on OpenRice.  Perhaps the locals are not adventurous enough to try this rather special cuisine? My advice after a fantastic evening spent there would be - Give it a Go! be adventurous! You will be very pleasantly surprised and wonder what took you so long to discover this place. In my summation, this place is the most authentic Lebanese or Middle Eastern re
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Our friends booked a table here on the basis of some lovely media reviews and I am quite surprised at how little
discussion there is about it on OpenRice.  Perhaps the locals are not adventurous enough to try this rather special 
cuisine? My advice after a fantastic evening spent there would be - Give it a Go!
 be adventurous! You will be 
very pleasantly surprised and wonder what took you so long to discover this place. 
In my summation, this place is the most authentic Lebanese or Middle Eastern restaurant in Hong Kong with great
service to boot and a classy feel in all aspects. The atmosphere is one of sophistication, the staff members are 
extremely courteous and respecting to their customers, and the food was an authentic spread of fresh mezze.  
I am well versed in Lebanese cuisine and I would say that the staples such as tabbouleh, hummus, kibbeh etc were 
superbly prepared 

but the attention grabbers would be some unique dishes such as the Jos dip and the Sidon Prawns. 

Insofar as the menu concept works, customers have the option of 4-10 dishes to be shared and this comes along 
with very delicious Lebanese bread and various freebies such as pickles and dessert (I do not have a sweet tooth 
but my friends loved the baklava pastry).  
Having elected the 8 dishes, I can advise that this is a very good menu to  go for,  with a superb selection and very 
fulfilling in quantity.  More people are starting to discover it and so it is highly suggested to 
reserve in advance!! 
Other Info. : Ticks all my boxes for a fantastic dinner out with friends trying new cuisines, left feeling very fulfilled!
(The above review is the personal opinion of a user which does not represent OpenRice's point of view.)
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Taste
Decor
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Date of Visit
2017-09-16
Dining Method
Dine In
Spending Per Head
$450 (Dinner)
Recommended Dishes
  • kibbeh
  • Jos dip
  • Sidon Prawns
  • hummus
Level1
1
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They Will Rip You Off
2017-09-05 786 views
We were 4 Middle Eastern males, and paid 650 hkd each for 8 tiny plates and 8 beers in total.This was the most I ever paid for arabic food, not to mention the very cheap quality and tiny portions. Nothing resembles the taste of the middle east, and I've never in my life seen such a small portion of dishes being served - keep in mind that restaurants in the Middle East give 3 times the quantity of hummus and fattoush we got at Zahrabel for free. Also I guarantee you that the hummus at Zahrabel is
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We were 4 Middle Eastern males, and paid 650 hkd each for 8 tiny plates and 8 beers in total.
This was the most I ever paid for arabic food, not to mention the very cheap quality and tiny portions. Nothing resembles the taste of the middle east, and I've never in my life seen such a small portion of dishes being served - keep in mind that restaurants in the Middle East give 3 times the quantity of hummus and fattoush we got at Zahrabel for free. Also I guarantee you that the hummus at Zahrabel is ready-made from a can (I know the taste), and the fattoush is the worst I ever had.

Please pay attention everyone, arabic food is not supposed to be expensive. Even half the price I paid is still too much. Please think twice before visiting Zahrabel as their hidden intention is to rip you off.
(The above review is the personal opinion of a user which does not represent OpenRice's point of view.)
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DETAILED RATING
Decor
Service
Hygiene
Date of Visit
2017-08-25
Waiting Time
15 Minutes (Dine In)
Spending Per Head
$650 (Dinner)
Level3
37
0
New Lebanese Lunch Service: Healthy and Delicious
2017-06-20 1475 views
NEW LUNCH SERVICEI went to Zahrabel over lunch since I heard they recently launched a midday service (they used to only open for dinner). At the beginning of June 2017, the restaurant introduced an Express Lunch Set Menu (HK$140) and an Executive Lunch Set Menu (HK$150-190). Both feature the famous Mezze Sampler packed with a variety of the restaurant's best appetizers. Their Executive Menu, meanwhile, includes an add-on of hot food, featuring their bestselling dinner dishes. They obviously put
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NEW LUNCH SERVICE
I went to Zahrabel over lunch since I heard they recently launched a midday service (they used to only open for dinner). At the beginning of June 2017, the restaurant introduced an Express Lunch Set Menu (HK$140) and an Executive Lunch Set Menu (HK$150-190). Both feature the famous Mezze Sampler packed with a variety of the restaurant's best appetizers. Their Executive Menu, meanwhile, includes an add-on of hot food, featuring their bestselling dinner dishes.
 They obviously put a lot of thought into their lunch service as they made sure all the food was served in a timely manner, given that most customers only have an hour or less for lunch in the middle of their work schedule. However, that didn't detract from the intimate feel of the Zahrabel experience, nor from the quality of the food.
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SETTING
Situated on the 25th floor of a Wan Chai high rise, you will always have natural lighting and a view no matter where you sit. The layout of the restaurant is long, with tables arranged parallel to the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Nadia and Nysreen, the elegant Lebanese sisters who run the restaurant, were there when I went. As is their usual practice, they chatted with each table to make sure everything was up to standard. Zahrabel is a family business, and they said at least one member of the family has to be in the restaurant during operating hours to supervise the food and service.
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SERVICE
The staff are as subtle and as classy as their owners. They were trained well, with that understated and old world touch that one hardly encounters in the Hong Kong dining scene nowadays (unless of course you go somewhere like The Peninsula. Even Mandarin Oriental hasn't been able to quite get it right in terms of their staff tbh - and I'm not the only one who's noticed!) 


FOOD
I'm surprised not more is being said on OpenRice about this restaurant, which for me serves one of if not the best Middle Eastern food in town (they had me at dessert - I asked for their house made date fingers when I went but they only have it for dinner!) 
Let's start with drinks. I very much appreciated the service water which they offered immediately. I ordered the Hot Mint Tea with complimentary refills, included in the set. If you come for dinner, however, I highly recommend you try Lebanese wine, which is incredible. Nadia happily informed us that wine was actually invented in Lebanon. Not hard to believe.
Shish Taouk
$180
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I went for the Executive Lunch Menu because I couldn't resist the Shish Taouk (HK$180) - however the Zahrabel Mezze Platter was so filling that I had to take my skewers home with me after just a few bites. They served me two grilled chicken skewers on Lebanese bread with garlic sauce. I begged the server not to forget to pack the sauce when I took it out, it's so good...
Mezze Platter
$140
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The mezze platter was a nutritious classic Lebanese combination of Hummus, House Salad, Felafel, Lebanese pickles, and pita/flat bread.  And of course, the best part is the house specialty dip and my personal favourite in Zahrabel: the Jos Mahrouse, a dish you can't find anywhere else in Hong Kong. Jos Mahrouse is a slightly spicy/sweet, nut-based dip only found in the northern region of Lebanon where the El-Mahmouds are from. 
Both lunch menus are served with either Lebanese Coffee or Hot Mint Tea, and the dessert of the day. The latter was a house-made freshly baked baklava when I went, the best in Hong Kong imho! (I used to love Cafe Habibi's baklava as well, but sadly they closed down)
Vegetarians (or healthy eaters like me) would appreciate the meatless mezze. It's such an interesting and delicious mix of flavours and textures that meat eaters wouldn't even miss meat having it. Zahrabel can also adjust the platter to suit vegan / gluten-free diets. 



WOULD I COME BACK?
Seeing as I'm a returning customer, the answer is clearly yes! I would return just for the date fingers and Jos Mahrouse!
Other Info. : Zahrabel is open for lunch during Public Holidays as well. They also accept private / company bookings and event reservations.
(The above review is the personal opinion of a user which does not represent OpenRice's point of view.)
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    DETAILED RATING
    Taste
    Decor
    Service
    Hygiene
    Value
    Date of Visit
    2017-06-20
    Dining Method
    Dine In
    Spending Per Head
    $180 (Lunch)
    Dining Offer
    Tasting Event
    Recommended Dishes
    Shish Taouk
    $ 180
    Mezze Platter
    $ 140
    • Jos Mahrouse
    • Baklava
    • Date fingers
    • Lamb
    Level2
    7
    0
    Really good experience
    2016-08-21 2465 views
    Came here with friends on a Friday evening. The atmosphere was lovely, the food was delicious, the drinks were unique and relaxing, and we had a great time overall.
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    Came here with friends on a Friday evening. The atmosphere was lovely, the food was delicious, the drinks were unique and relaxing, and we had a great time overall.
    (The above review is the personal opinion of a user which does not represent OpenRice's point of view.)
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    DETAILED RATING
    Date of Visit
    2016-08-19
    Dining Method
    Dine In
    Spending Per Head
    $700 (Dinner)
    Level4
    284
    15
    Lovely atmosphere, great food
    2015-04-28 3771 views
    It's nice to visit a restaurant where you can eat a little bit of this and a little bit of that, try everything, and not go away feeling like an overstuffed turkey bursting at the seams. Zahrabel offers a la carte dining, or a fixed price menu per person that allows you to choose from a list of popular items. They also serve lesser known beers and exotic cocktails to help you relax and prepare for the food to come. The lighting was just the right amount of dimness and the small yet intimate sett
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    It's nice to visit a restaurant where you can eat a little bit of this and a little bit of that, try everything, and not go away feeling like an overstuffed turkey bursting at the seams. Zahrabel offers a la carte dining, or a fixed price menu per person that allows you to choose from a list of popular items. They also serve lesser known beers and exotic cocktails to help you relax and prepare for the food to come. The lighting was just the right amount of dimness and the small yet intimate setting also had a good view of open space just skimming the tops of the buildings in front of it, allowing you to leave behind the hustle and bustle of the Wan Chai streets far below you.
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     We had the falafels, hummus, haloumi, wrapped vine leaves as starters, everything was deliciously spiced and seasoned to perfection and presented beautifully.
    Hummus and felafel
    533 views
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    stuffed vine leaves
    494 views
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    haloumi
    518 views
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     For mains we had to have several kinds of meat, including the chicken elmina, chicken taouk, and the lamb kebabs and kibbe (lamb patties) which were succulent and juicy. The eggplant was smokey and grilled to perfection, mixed in with a deliciously spiced sauce that was moreish and satisfying.
    lots of chicken and lamb dishes
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     The service was swift, perhaps just a tad overly so, but they weren't intrusive or overbearing.
    (The above review is the personal opinion of a user which does not represent OpenRice's point of view.)
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    DETAILED RATING
    Taste
    Decor
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    Date of Visit
    2015-03-16
    Dining Method
    Dine In
    Spending Per Head
    $400 (Dinner)
    Recommended Dishes
    Hummus and felafel
    stuffed vine leaves
    haloumi
    Level3
    88
    0
    Really authentic Lebanese
    2014-02-16 3452 views
    Really love middle eastern food and have been longing for authentic Lebanese food in Hong Kong.  Learnt about this new restaurant and decided to try it out with my friend.They offer 6 course mezz on weekdays and that's what we ordered (we girls do have a big appetite but the 10-course seems too much of a feast on a weekday). We started with 3 cold mezz along with warm pita bread and condiments:Needless to ask, the waitress continue to change our pita bread basket to new warm bread. Very consider
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    Really love middle eastern food and have been longing for authentic Lebanese food in Hong Kong.  Learnt about this new restaurant and decided to try it out with my friend.
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     They offer 6 course mezz on weekdays and that's what we ordered (we girls do have a big appetite but the 10-course seems too much of a feast on a weekday). 

    We started with 3 cold mezz along with warm pita bread and condiments:
    warm white and wheat pita bread
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     Needless to ask, the waitress continue to change our pita bread basket to new warm bread. Very considerate and good service.
    Hummus and
    411 views
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    Taboubbleh
    342 views
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     When we are almost done with the cold mezz, here comes the really exotic dish:

    LAMB TARTAR!!!!
    Kibbe Nayyeh
    479 views
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     The texture is very similar to steak tartar but comes along with the strong lamb aroma. (strongly recommended for lamb lovers)  I think a little bit more lemon juice would enhance the overall taste.  NOTE:  This is a extra order from the set menu!

    After filling ourselves with cold mezz, here comes the array of hot dish"
    Mankoush
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     Mankoush Herb Pizza - very complicated flavour, herb and a hint of lemon etc nicely blended together with the crispy crust!
    Zahra Chicken
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     Zahra Chicken - This is the signature dish for this restaurant, Chicken in Coriander base.  It serves with rice along with other hot plates.  Tender and soft chicken in a smooth coriander and a butter hinted sauce, perfect with the rice.
    Rice that comes with hot mezz
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    Kibbe Nayyeh
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     Samke Harra - Fish based in Tahini sauce.  Honestly, I don't like fish besides from steaming in scallion and ginger.  This is a pleasant surprise that the fish is just baked to fully cooked but yet maintained the tenderness and juice.  After all the dishes from above, I regret that I can have 2 small bites of this tasty fish.

    Well, obviously, we are unable to finish the dishes.
    Dessert with Dates
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     and I'm not a big fan of Lebanese or Middle eastern desserts, however, after persuasion from my friend, the Baklava is very crispy and crunchy but not too sweet (which is my general sence of middle eastern desserts)
    Dessert with Pistachio
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    Mint tea
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     A small glass of hot mint tea end the evening perfectly as it brought away the strong flavours from herbs and tahini sauce. 

    The petite size of this restaurant is perfect for small group gathering and romantic dinners but I do think the restaurant might wish to consider a Chinese speaking staff to cater for a wider public.
    (The above review is the personal opinion of a user which does not represent OpenRice's point of view.)
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    3 Recommended
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      DETAILED RATING
      Taste
      Decor
      Service
      Hygiene
      Value
      Date of Visit
      2014-01-28
      Dining Method
      Dine In
      Spending Per Head
      $500 (Dinner)
      Recommended Dishes
      warm white and wheat pita bread
      Hummus and
      Taboubbleh
      Kibbe Nayyeh
      Mankoush
      Mint tea
      • Hummus
      • tabbouleh
      • lamb tartar