Zenobia Cafe — Restaurant in Tokyo

Ordered the combo for two. Shish kabab, shish taouq with rice, 3 cold appetisers (humous, babaghanouj, olive dip), two hot appetisers kibbeh and falafel, lentil soup (didn’t have the shish barak) and moussaka.

The chicken had a nice zaatar forward flavour which I loved and was nicely marinated and juicy, if I wanted to be picky, I thought it was a tad over grilled, but not chewy.

The babaghanouj was delicious, smokey, lomony and nicely seasoned. The humous was super creamy, a tad thin, the kafta was moist and seasoned and grilled well. I was iffy about the olive dip, but it was really nice and balanced.

I was confused by the moussaka. It read more like a stew than a moussaka, too saucy, with a good amount of basil. Not bad, but it was described in way that made me expect something else. Because it was served before the grilled food, it needed to be eaten with rice (as a stew) or with bread. The tomato sauce was tad too acidic, perhaps over cooked.

The lentil soup was nice especially on a cold day, cumin added at the end and gave an extra punch.

Absolutely loved the falafel, and the kibbeh, perfectly formed, very thin cracked wheat outer shell, nicely flavoured minced meat, and freshly fried. I had so much leftover for the next day, the food heated very well the and was very good for lunch.

The owner is super sweet and attentive.

The atmosphere is lovely. The overall experience was good. I’d...

Zenobia Cafe in Tokyo's Azabu-Juban district is a hidden gem for anyone seeking an authentic Middle Eastern experience. From the moment you step in, the warm, inviting ambiance envelops you, with beautifully curated decor that perfectly reflects the rich culture of the region.

The menu is a delightful journey through Middle Eastern flavors. The hummus is creamy and flavorful, the kebabs are perfectly grilled, and the kunafeh dessert is a sweet, indulgent treat that’s not to be missed. They even offer vegetarian options, making it accessible for all dietary preferences.

What truly sets Zenobia Cafe apart is the option to enjoy shisha (hookah) with a variety of flavors, adding to the authenticity of the experience. It’s a great place to relax with friends or enjoy a unique dining experience.

The service is attentive and friendly, ensuring a comfortable visit. While the cafe only accepts cash, the quality of food and ambiance more than make up for this minor inconvenience.

Zenobia Cafe is a perfect spot for those looking to savor Middle Eastern cuisine in a cozy, stylish setting. Whether it’s for a casual lunch, a relaxing evening with shisha, or a special occasion, it’s a...

The restaurant owner is respectful, but I have no idea why we ended up paying 20,000 JPY!

None of the other customers paid this amount, so be cautious when dealing with them and always ask about the bill and details upfront

The food was mostly good, especially the rice. However, I do not recommend this place due to their questioning style for example, asking where you’re from as I noticed a tendency to overcharge and a general dislike toward GCC visitors

The meat was very bad, especially the skewers, and I do not recommend trying it at all

I wrote this review after visiting most restaurants in Japan across different cities, and this place was the most expensive of them all. Given the price, I do not recommend trying it.

The restaurant has two names: Fanous and Zenobia, one has floor seating, and the other has table seating.

⚠️ Important: They do not accept credit...