Alminas Kitchen — Restaurant in Adelaide

Now I am not the type to leave reviews like this but I will certainly have to. Food was fine, I liked the hummus dip plate and everything else was okay. But what was not okay was the service.

It was my first time at Almira’s Kitchen and unfortunately I had been very disappointed by my first experience there. I understand they are in a competition to get good Google reviews but I have to be honest.

I’ll start with something minor and nitpicky. I came in on a late evening to have a meal. As I walked in I did not know if I needed to be led to a table or to wait to be seated. I stood near the counter to speak to the staff as other customers were paying. Other staff did not acknowledge my presence, no eye contact, no greeting, no words. I stood like an idiot for minutes with everyone passing by me before deciding to just sit down myself.

The only people who seemed nice were the guy at the cashier and the blonde lady.

My main meal was served first. Forgetting I had a drink and 2 starters ordered. You’d think starters would be the start of a meal no? I finished my main meal (and my starter) and neither the drink nor the other starter had been given. I watched the big groups who came in after me at the other tables had been given their drinks, their big platters, etc.

I asked the lady who came by for some table water. She said yes, then went to her station and began doing something else entirely. I found out from a friend later that the water there was self-service. Getting water would have taken what, 1 minute or less? Not a lot of effort. Couldn’t even tell me to get water myself, which would have taken much less effort. Unbelievable.

At the end I had been charged for the 2nd starter I never received. I got refunded but if I didn’t check my account I would have been scammed for food...

"So My Experience" at Almina's Kitchen was absolutely amazing!

We had arrived at around 10am for breakfast and were welcomed by Bassam, extremely hospitable, friendly, and professional person. Straight away looked after us, gave us suggestions and we went with his recommendation of ‘Al Mina Breakfast’, trust me guys it was good enough serve for 2 adults. We also ordered some meat ‘Manakeesh’ which was just an absolute treat to have. While having our meal we ordered 2 more of the freshly baked ‘Manakeesh’, we ordered one of honey & halloumi, and once again on the house recommendation – we ordered something which Bassam claimed was not on the menu yet, meat with cheese.

Now this might sound like what was the difference, it sounds like a normal one that we can generally have elsewhere. Well, my dear reader – this was heavenly, it was different. I don’t know why, but you must try this out. Well, we also ordered a coffee and homemade Ayran.

I cannot emphasis enough on the fact how amazing, delicious, fresh, and good in quantity the food was. Each and everything were spot on and had its place on the table. So far, the experience is that who else are we bringing here next time with us.

Ambience of the establishment is wonderful, can host large gatherings. Our overall bill was just less then $50 for 2 adults. I may add more details into this writeup later but believe you me – it will be nothing more than praise for this place and the people working here. Hats...

The only way to start my review is WOW. Firstly the owner and host, what an absolute Gentleman and such a good laugh, very welcoming and just so genuine. Next... the food. Oh my goodness, we had the shawarma plate, the serve was so generous I had to get my partner to finish my meal. Flavourful and savoury combination chicken and lamb, served with a beautiful salad, humus, tzatziki, and the most wonderful fluffy, buttery rice I've ever eaten, usually it comes with chips but we asked if it was okay to swap for rice and absolutely not a problem. Then it came to dessert.... Well, I think I found heaven in that moment of bliss. We had the "Lebanese fruit cocktail" not to be confused as an alcoholic drink, this was layer's of fruit, sweet smashed avocado, your choice of gelato topping (highly recommend mango) and a scoop of cream with honey and pistachios on top... as I said absolute Heaven sent. To top off our night we bought Baklava to take home, and even though I was full to capacity, I couldn't resist trying one when we got home... next level quality. I can't recommend this beauty high enough and we will be enjoying many more future meals here I'm sure, I wish they had a place in the north (Elizabeth) so I could have it every day. Thank you to all the lovely staff and especially the owner whose name I wish I'd remembered to ask. 10/10 on every single aspect, even the venue was so bright and welcoming. Can't wait until...