RESTAURANT YA HABIBI ZONE PIÉTONNE — Restaurant in Nice

As a local, I’ve strolled past here many times when taking daily walks. As a vegan, it can be challenging here in France but there is a sign outside with a vegan habibi plate advertised. The holiday decor is beautiful and inviting and I was eating a late solo lunch/early dinner and welcomed in. You should note here in France that finding a table that accommodates the proper party size is polite. I mention this because I chose a 2-seat table, while 2 men came in and wanted a 4-seat table and were encouraged to maybe choose a 2-seat. They were allowed to sit at a 4 after some complaining but it’s etiquette, as the restaurants can get very busy. Anyway, I realized after opening the menu that the vegan plate special was only available during regular lunch hours. It is stated on the menu so no problem. I found the moussaka and dolmate were good options. I’d wanted hummus but didn’t want to purchase pita bread also. Turns out a basket of warm wrapped pita bread came out before my meal. Next time for the hummus! While the moussaka was a lot smaller than one I had at a cafe a couple weeks back, it was adequate for one person. I surprisingly especially enjoyed the dolmate! I had not eaten any anywhere that I enjoyed and these were delicious! As I had ordered lighter food options, I ended up eating all of them. It had a good balance of mint and acid and the filling was just right, wrapped tightly in the grape leaves. My server was very polite and appropriately attentive. That’s something you also have to keep in mind here in France- you usually aren’t bothered unless you motion to ask for something. She made sure the food tasted good and then returned to clear empty plates and ask about dessert or the tab. She was surprised when I spoke French (I am an American living here) but did politely ask if I preferred to speak in French or English. I’m sure we both want to practice the other! It was a delightful conversation. The owner was present and yes, he may appear all-business but he wasn’t rude or disruptive to anyone, so the previous reviews are a bit confusing. Don’t bother people unnecessarily- like the person who asked to meet the cook. Just let people do their jobs and enjoy the meal and environment. Also, there was no mention of a spend minimum. I’m not sure if people are referring to larger parties of people. I will return for the vegan...

We went to Habibi yesterday without a reservation. Fortunately, they let us in, which we appreciated. However, from the moment we sat down, things felt rushed. Within five minutes, a server came to ask for our order. I hesitated a bit since it was busy and I needed a moment, but shortly after, a second server came to ask the same thing. Barely two minutes later, the first one returned and seemed slightly annoyed that we were taking our time.

When I finally decided to go for the lunch menu, I asked politely if I could see it. The response was rather arrogant and dismissive: “Well, if you read properly, madam, it’s a lunch menu”, not the kind of tone you expect when asking a simple question.

After asking for the lunch menu, the server told me they couldn’t offer it, because it was a lunch menu, apparently. But then, literally just a few seconds later, the person sitting right next to me received the exact same lunch menu I had asked for. That left me really confused. I didn’t understand what was going on or what kind of “policy” was being applied. The whole thing felt inconsistent and unprofessional.

We ordered the mixed grill, and as you can see in the photo, it came with just three small pieces of meat and that was it. One of the servers also behaved quite strangely, adding to the uncomfortable vibe.

Overall, the general atmosphere felt rushed, as if they just wanted us to order quickly, eat quickly, and leave to make room for the next customers. We had high hopes based on the reviews we read, but honestly, our experience didn’t match them at all. We left disappointed.

Unfortunately, I can’t recommend this restaurant based...

Had a super nice dinner at this place. Spent some time looking for a restaurant called Byblos and later found that this is the same place. Full name is Byblos by Ya Habibi

Sat outside on a comfortable and cozy setting.

Ordered 5 smaller dishes and I do recommend all of them.

Chicken Wings: Tender & perfect, Taste profile was similar to Indian tandoori chicken. Hummus was also nice with a bit of zesty taste.

Muhammara was the star dip, definitely try it out.

Falafels were crispy & fresh I also recommend the vegetarian Pita was amazing when eaten hot !

Also had a mocktail which was refreshing & a glass of Prosecco.

Total expense for all the food was €65 which is decent.

Service was also courteous & friendly. They also had a nice side table to make room for the food on the smaller tables which was very good.

Their lunch deals are much more awesome considering the value for money quotient but this was...