La Travesía — Restaurant in Paris

I am a big Lebanese food fan and on my weekend trip to Paris I decided to try a local Lebanese eatery. I wanted a place with delicious food and a great setting and welcoming vibe: most of the places I looked up looked like a local chicken shop you’d go for takeaway food at 3am. This one looked different: intimate and with delicious looking dishes. I had to give it a go. I wasn’t disappointed! The owner greeted me warmly on arrival and showed me to my seat, offering to translate the dishes on the menu as I don’t speak French. I had the baba ganoush and mixed grill with a glass of house wine. The wine was so good, the baba ganoush tasty and delicate (it’s usually very garlicky and with a distinct Smokey aroma - this was neither but I actually really liked it). The mixed grill had one beef, one chicken and one lamb skewer with roasted potatoes, a small salad and pitta bread. All seasoned to perfection and the meats were so tender and succulent. I didn’t try the dessert but the options sounded really good. All came to approx 40 Euro which I thought was reasonable considering the portion sizes and the fact I had two glasses of wine. I had the best time...

after being in Paris for a few days and missing the flavours of home, my friends decided to come to this place. Being of Lebanese origin. I was a little bit sceptical until I met the owner. Adam and his skilled crew were fantastic hospitable, the service was quick and Adam was very accommodating as we showed up with a group of 12 without a reservation. the restaurant was instantly transformed within a few minutes to accommodate us and this was only the beginning...

Then came the wine, the Arak and then came the flavours followed by the silence (unless you count the mmms and wows!) as people munched away at the delicious Lebanese flavours in the heart of Paris. this will be an experience I will not soon forget!

Unfortunately, I did not have any photos to share on this occasion as my ravenous friends smashed everything within a...

It is honestly difficult to understand how this place has possibly earned 5 stars through more than 300 reviews. I guess either we were unlucky or, maybe, we have different standards. First of all, the place is extremely chaotic and, if you will decide to go there, you will have to be prepared to the fact your clothes, your hair, will smell a lot of food afterwards, you will basically need a laundry and a shower once back at home. The food is average and quite expensive. 17 euros for a falafel plate, 18 euros for a shawarma plate, 8 euros for a baba ghannoush, just to make a few examples. Ok, we're in Paris, but still these are prices that are simply unjustified, especially if we consider the quality is average/poor and the place itself nothing more than a take away, a bit...