Al Bustan

07/02/2007 Posted by gekko1982

Overall: While this restaurant serves outstanding Lebanese cuisine, it does so with serious attitude. Also, note that the prices listed above ($16.95 - 19.95) are NOT accurate. All entrees are $20+ and appetizers are $7-9. Plan on spending about $45 per person for dinner. Pros: Excellent, authentic food. All dishes are made in-house with super fresh ingredients. Outstanding appetizer selection. Cons: The waiter we had ruined our experience. The waiter expected us to order at least one hot appetizer, one cold appetizer, one entree and one dessert EACH. He was extremely upset when we ordered two appetizers to share between two people, claiming that the appetizers were too small. In addition, the waiter did not like that we only ordered bottled Evian water to drink - he kept trying to take drink orders at every possible opportunity. Basically, he reminded us of a terrible salesman at a department store. The waiter is the only reason we will not be returning - yes, he made us that uncomfortable.

Pros: Excellent, authentic, fresh food

Cons: Snotty, rude service

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

08/29/2006 Posted by nvermolen

Small restaurant, not very romantic but a great place to share typical Lebanese Mezes when with a company. They are not very cheap but the portions are OK. We tried the delivery and the same quality is served.

07/25/2006 Posted by irvinsha

I can't comment on the authenticity of Lebanese food, so I won't even bother. What I will comment on is the value of the food. For what you get, this place is severely overpriced. For a place that charges ~$20 per plate, the food is only so-so. Moreover, the value isn't even reflected in high quality service or interesting decor. If Lebanese food had the cultural cachet to charge prices like this across the board (like French or Japanese food), I might be a bit more understanding. Unfortunately, I don't think it's quite there yet.

Pros: Reasonable food

Cons: Too expensive

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

07/07/2006 Posted by therealroderick

I know something about middle eastern food. Lived there for three months. Was in Beruit two months ago. And I can say this place is great. A lebanese friend of mine took me there last night, and I was blown away. As good as any I've had in Beruit, or elsewhere in the middle east. The service was terrific. Granted, my buddy speaks Arabic so maybe that helped. I can't really comment on the service you'll receive. And I didn't pay, so I can't say anything about the value. All I did was eat, and the food was terrific.

08/17/2005 Posted by barhunter

I am an Army vet that returned from the middle east about a year ago. I was craving for some Middle Eastern food one day and happened to pass by. The first shock I got was when I opened the menu and saw the prices. The second was when the food arrived. I understand I'm no longer in the middle east, but the portion to price ratio was a bit disappointing. I thought the hummus was so-so, kinda bland actually. For my main dish, I had the Kefta platter. It was only ok. As far as service goes, it was adequate. Overall, i would not recommend this place. The entrees aren't bad, but the food doesn't justify the price. If you're craving for good middle Eastern, just go down to the East Village.

Pros: Entrees

Cons: Small Portions, Price

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

08/10/2005 Posted by nywysiwyg

Since we were'nt all that hungry, we ordered a humous, babganoush and a falafel plate - all very tasty. But the service ruined the experience for us! The pita bread was hard and chewy, and when we asked the waiter for fresh bread he put his hands in the bread and claimed "the bread is warm." When the bill finally arrived, the head waiter sternly told us that "this time is okay, but next time you have to order more than 2 appitizers and a main course!" No where on the menu did it mention a minimum order. This is a sorry excuse for a "fine dining establishment." Do yourself a favor and order takeout.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

06/29/2005 Posted by hhutkin

it's too bad that this restaurant is charging so much for the portions they serve. the food tasted good, but it was just obnoxious how much they charged considering the poor service and generic decor. they need to either lower their prices, or improve the quantity of food and quality of service.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

05/23/2004 Posted by cloony_k

The food is great, a little pricey, great fixed menu for groups of four or more, which gives great value.