Isme Restaurant — Restaurant in Melbourne

I attended this restaurant at the behest of a dear Lebanese friend. Regrettably, I have to report the most horrendous experience at this supposedly contemporary Lebanese restaurant. The service was haphazard and unreliable during our dining experiences. On arrival, we were met by a small gentleman with dyed blonde hair, whom tersely questioned us as to whether or not we had a booking and continued walking by us. We explained that we did and he callously gestured towards the outside, where the tables hadn’t been cleaned and food and drink were left splattered over the table tops. Coming from Europe and having widely traveled the world and experienced some marvellous dinners out in truly world class cities, I was shocked to come across just how this establishment was run in the heart of Fitzroy. The communication between waiting staff was so incredibly poor that they seem not to be clear on what we had ordered and arrived at the table with more sparkling water even after ours had already arrived. The food was adequate, at best, when compared to the the Lebanese cuisine in the actual Middle East and elsewhere even in Australia, such as in Sydney. The ambience was akin to having stumbled into a family dinner occasion, with family members loudly shouting over each other and r n’ b music playing which was not in keeping with an authentic Middle Eastern / Lebanese vibe. The blonde front of house manager, attempted to make amends for the poor service and less than appealing state, which we discovered our table in on arrival, however did not follow through and left my friend and I waiting around like fools for a dessert which never arrived. We left with the most abysmal impression of a restaurant, which has at heart the potential to be something quite extraordinary. The trademark cocktail - Kis’meh, was quite delightful though and a promise of what the restaurant could be if ran more professionally and more on point in all...

@ismerestauramt is a contemporary Middle Eastern restaurant located on High Street, Thornbury - right next door to their popular sandwich shop @jujus_deli!

After first opening in Fitzroy back in 2021 and closing a year later due to the struggles of that time for hospitality - they have now reopened in a new space, even better than ever.

The interior is stunning, inspired by downtown Beirut, featuring projections and multiple seating options including one long communal table.

The menu features dishes inspired by his Lebanese heritage, all beautifully presented and generous. Most are refined versions of the classic dishes you know and love, with a few showing a little extra innovation.

✔️ Oysters, Tabouli Dressing ✔️ Mountain Bread - perfectly cooked to to order over flames in the wood-fire oven. ✔️ Baba Ghanoush - such a generous portion! ✔️ HSP Bites ✔️ Cheese Cigars - thin, fragile pastry ✔️ Sujuk Dumplings - clever!! ➖ Prawn Fatteh - my partner thought it was off its head good, but for me it was a lot of sauce, it overpowers the prawns. ✔️ Lamb Shoulder - I like the minty flavours, just wish the outside was more crispy and seasoned! Fall apart and tender. ✔️ Shoestring Fries - these are not actually shoestring fries but they were very crunchy and had a nice seasoning. ➖ Baklava Cake - huge slice, very dense.

The food came out perfectly spaced, the atmosphere was vibing on a Sunday night with a full house, and the staff presented friendly and hospitable. We had a lovely night, a very reliable choice....

Tldr: Everything here is great from the food to the service! Definitely for the Mezza, order the trio dips with the crispy pita.

A hidden Lebanese restaurant perfect for dining. Well set out tables with the friendliest and prompt service.

The Pink passion cocktail is one of their popular drinks. Refreshing, sweet and a tart flavour with the passion fruit liquor. The lemon juice adds a slight sourness to the drink.

-Mezza-

Trio dips hummos - perfctly made. Each dip has its own taste from the smoky baba ganouch, hummus to greek yoghurt. The pita is served with a crisp and normal pita.

Zaatar and fetta arancini - salty but flavoursome with an olive taste and stringly cheese

Pumpkin pockets - fried doughy skin infused with pumpkin. The pumpkin is not overpowering and matches well with the soft spinach, mushroom and onion filling. It has a herby and slightly spicy taste to it.

Spicy Wingettes - The chicken gives a zesty lime hit on initial bite. They are well marinated.I wouldn't consider these spicy at all.

Cheese cigars - Crispy "springroll" skin with a moderately pasty cheese. On the salty side.

-Bigger-

The vegan- fried cauliflower. Nicely crisped on the outside and super tender on the inside. The sweet pomegranate and raisins nicely adds to it, while balanced with a nutty taste from the pecans.

Sweet as isme- The bread is so crisp and dusted with sugar and cinnamon. The taste is sweet and reminds me of a churros but to make it better, having it dipped with the vanilla icecream adds...