We were thrilled to hear that this Middle Eastern restaurant from Capital Square had opened another outlet in Cuppage Terrace. We’re big fans of chef Amine Nassrani’s cuisine, which we think is one of the most authentic we’ve tasted so far. The ambiance of the restaurant sets the right mood for a sensual Arabian-themed tête‑à‑tête. Although smaller in size than Capital Square’s branch, the Cuppage Terrace outlet looks just as inviting and the smaller intimate space reminds us of a souk or a cozy harem out of The Arabian Nights. The best way to sample as much from the menu is to order the mixed mezze platter—a smorgasbord of Arabian delights like falafel, moutabel, hummus, babaghanoush, cheese borek and served with a generous serving of sliced pita bread. Other must‑try dishes are the shish kebab—succulent pieces of lamb grilled to perfection with grilled vegetables on the side. We thought that they looked rather dry at first sight, but realized once we sank our teeth into the meaty cubes of lamb how tender and juicy they were. Don’t miss the desserts—the bread pudding‑like um Ali packed lots of flavor and texture, so much so we couldn’t resist cleaning it off quickly. With great food and an even greater ambiance to boot, this place is a great for a night out with your other half.
