Byblos Indian & Lebanese Cuisine — Restaurant in Dartmouth

18 Oct 2023 I don't normally write reviews, but since the waitress reminded us 3 times during our visit to post a review, I felt I should say something. Be careful what you wish for... Strike one; Upon reading the menu, I realized there was no Lebanese cuisine offered. I checked with the waitress who confirmed this. You would think a restaurant that is called "Byblos Indian & Lebanese Cuisine", both on their website and the sign above the restaurant, that they would offer some Lebanese cuisine. No, not here! In fact, they even have an online menu that is specifically Lebanese cuisine. Maybe it's time to update your website and storefront. Strike two; After a rather lengthy wait they came to take our orders. After that, they brought a bottle of water and glasses served on a table covered in the waxed paper that butchers use to wrap meat. Real classy! A short time after this they brought us our canned soft drinks we had ordered, but I guess we were expected to drink from the cans or use our water glasses once we finished our water. Strike three; I watched my friends and my wife eat their meals, and finish their meals, before my meal was even delivered to the table. A slight delay would have been acceptable had I been ordering something unique, or specially prepared. However, I was ordering the daily special, I would assume that would have been prepared in advance, but I don't own a restaurant, so can't say for sure. I will say for sure that the vast majority restaurants try to bring everybody's meals at approximately the same time. We arrived at 5 pm and I wasn't served my meal until 6:15 pm. This was truly disappointing. I don't see myself returning to this restaurant. Indian food is my favorite choice for dining out, but there are plenty of other choices for Indian restaurants in the city, and I could list a few that I have enjoyed far more that this experience. I'll end on a positive note though. The waitress was very friendly the food was good, albeit, waiting far too long to get my meal, and prices...

so I'll be honest - I wasn't in the mood for Indian that night, drawn across the street by the beautifully-deceptive corner office and facade of the "all you can eat japanese" sushi restaurant which ranged in price from $48 to $65 depending on how well I understood the little girl telling me about the digital menu, with arbitrary prices and other negotiated reasonings at each other's stale misunderstandings. Thank you, yes I can tell that isn't red salmon.

anyway - tucked between the sushi and Cora's was Byblos. I was fairly uncertain if I'd be able to spend enough money to sit down within their beautiful decor having situated myself to a $30 meal and so I talked with the manager for five minutes or so, zoning in on masalas and vindaloos (usually too spicy for me) and inquiring on the cooking styles of the paneer. I eventually decided to stay, giving full control of my culinary experience to her and the chef with only a few caveats: naan, paneer, jasmine rice.

As soon as the dish was brought I could sense and smell the quality, the curry was so rich with flavour and unique in a way that forced me (despite my aversion towards prying too significantly into recipes) to inquire on the base, with a quick mutual acknowledgement that I could rest assured the out of this world taste was at least obeying the known laws of our universe and not some kind of magic-unknown. Then the na'an bread was brought, glistening in flavour only slightly less than the magical curry (I promise to rarely use this term) and so I was forced to relingquish any misgivings I had at the outset and follow the rest of her instructions almost too literally - no no no, the na'an does not go in the same container as the rice.

the masala tea was a signature specialty I was told and was matched in uniqueness and unfamiliarity only by the familiar deliciousness of ginger bread cookies and capuccinos, following an outdoor excursion in a winter wonderland or suitable...

My partner and I had the most exquisite Indian dinner at Byblos a few weeks ago. I was not expecting such an extensive and high quality Indian menu at a spot that also offers Lebanese cuisine. To begin, we ordered an Aloo Tikki Chaat, and it was delectable. The cool yogurt, tamarind chutney, and warm, crispy potato patties made this the perfect meal starter. My partner ordered a "perfectly spicy" (his words) Lamb Vindaloo and loved it, while I ordered the chef's special, Methi Malai Chicken. I usually go for a Chicken Tikka Masala, but I was feeling adventurous. And I'm so glad I was! I have never tasted anything so satisfying, rich (but not too rich), and flavourful. I will definitely be ordering this dish again - but perhaps there are too many other delicious competing items on the menu that I should try first. I was truly blown away. I can't say I've had the experience of being blown away by many restaurants lately!

My partner's dish was spicy enough that we ordered a lovely smooth mango lassi drink to quench the heat. And of course, we had garlic naan (crazy delicious) and Lacha Parantha (new to me) on the side to dip in the saucy, rich dishes. Portions were great. We didn't leave hungry. And cost-wise, it was on par with any other nice night out at a good restaurant... except that this one was exceptional. Highly recommend. Go enjoy yourself here.

We'll be back! And maybe with room for dessert this time. Who am I kidding... I won't be able to help myself when I smell that Methi Malai...