Zikrayat Lebanese Cuisine — Restaurant in Melbourne

First and foremost, their full menu is not available online. Second, it's not mentioned anywhere that they serve only banquet on Saturdays even while booking,  their booking partner doesn't mention it.

Overall the food was delicious and served in reasonable time; but as a food critic, I should review them honestly for other factors too.

I have lived in Middle East for many years; hence, had authentic Palestinian, Syrian, Lebanese, Saudi, Kuwaiti, Jordanian, and Qatari cuisines many times. We also cook Arabian cuisine at home.

Banquets are always good for those who do not know about the cuisine and may get confused in selecting appropriate food items.

We were fasting when we reached there and really hungry; therefore, couldn't leave the place upon knowing that Saturdays are only banquet days. Anyway, looked at the banquet menu and many things were mentioned like hummus, labneh and baba ganoush dips, cheese smosas, meat cigars, fatoush, pilaf, mansaf, various types of skewers but it wasn't mentioned that main item will be chef's choice. One banquet is for $55 per person. We ordered 3.

Anyway, we got 3 dips, 3 meat cigars,  1 bowl of fatoush, 3 falafel, 3 cheese smosas and lebenese bread. Their bread was no doubt fresh and hot. Though it wasn't Lebenese but Syrian pita bread. I like Syrian pita breads. Pilaf was served as main dish. I haven't seen that kinda Arabian qabza or pilaf anywhere. It looked like a chinese fried rice because there were peas, carrots, and corns in the rice that you will never find in any authentic Arabian cuisine. Chicken pieces were also spreaded on the rice which was again uncommon. No chunk of lamb meat in there which was very disappointing for us. Now, those rice were no doubt scrumptious.

We asked about skewers and host said that today I am serving pilaf only in the banquet but as I mentioned earlier it isn't mentioned in the menu that chef will surprise you with his choice.

Conclusion: service was good, food was tasty, banquet with one main dish without meat is bit expensive. I will give 3 star because I felt, menu is intentionally not available online and banquet menu is designed to confuse the customers.

Advice: If you don't like banquet menu, don't visit them...

Takeaway Feedback - I feel bad giving this a 2 Star rating. We were looking to explore a Lebanese Cuisine and decided to go for Zikrayat based on the reviews. I guess, most of the positive reviews are for Dine-In. My Takeaway didn't live up to the expectations. I ordered items simply based on the picture and the short descriptions on the takeaway menu. Items I received certainly didn't look same as in the pictures. Too Pricey - $26 for Shish Kebab - 3 lamb skewers on a small bed of bland rice (menu showed yellow rice, I got dark/brownish with no greens as was in the picture. (Note: my pic shows only 2 skewers, but there were 3) Same for Shish tawook - $22 for 3 chicken skewers on a small bed of rice - Takeaway menu pic shows lemon wedges that I didn't get and came with same bland rice. Chicken pieces were Dry. No major issues with Lamb Shawarma, Baba Ghanouj and pack of 8 falafels - just pricey. The food I received had some novelty, but failed to highlight Lebanese Cuisine.

Total cost: $114 ( My family could have had a good buffet lunch at China Bar Burwood for a similar price)

I would like to suggest the owner to consider reducing the takeaway price or at least increase the quantity. I am positive, the sit-in experience will be...

What a gem nestled on Glenferrie Road in Malvern. Couldn’t recommend this place more. Warm and attentive hospitality upon arrival and throughout the night. Didn’t realise that Saturday nights are set menu, however the owner (Rami - we think!) gave us the option of an a la carte menu as it was our first time dining. We were happy with any choices on the menu - all the food that came out was simply amazing.

All traditional tasting Lebanese food with impeccable service to follow. There was not one dish you could fault, we were provided with recommendations. All food was made fresh, meats/seafood all cooked to perfection with good smooth tasting Lebanese wine to follow. If you do dine in on a Saturday night you’re in for a treat - belly dancing! Taking the atmosphere to another level. The dancer is interactive with the crowd and so is the owner - its super fun! There is simply nothing we could fault with our experience at Zikrayat Lebanese Restaurant from food to service. Go get some home made deliciousness and support a family owned restaurant - definitely will be back and thank you to Rami...