Dabka — Restaurant in Amsterdam

Highly Recommended! We can’t lavish enough praise on this amazing family operated establishment. Everything we ordered was either pure perfection or very close to it. For those who like longer reviews with lots of detail, continue reading:

My wife and I are on day 7 of a 21-day cruise, only to learn 2 days ago we had to disembark in Amsterdam for FOUR hours so they could sanitize the ship. Since Lebanese is our favorite cuisine, I started searching for Lebanese restaurants near the cruise terminal. Imagine my surprise in finding Dabka, which is not only just a mile from the terminal, but also very highly rated AND opens at 9:00 in the morning! Being skeptical of the hours listed on Google (having never seen a Lebanese restaurant open so early), I emailed them to see if they would in fact be open at 9, and if they would mind if we spent considerable time ordering several dishes at a leisurely pace to pass the time. We didn’t really expect a reply, but the next day they responded that we would be more than welcome! We arrived around 10:00, and it is a charming place in a perfect setting on a narrow canal. They have outside seating, but since we were going to be there for a few hours we opted for the padded seating inside. The nice lady working the morning shift spoke Dutch only, but we managed okay. She gave each of us two menus, one surprisingly being a breakfast menu. We had never seen a Lebanese breakfast menu before, but as soon as we saw the picture of a lavish breakfast platter for a stunningly low 15 Euros, we had to have it. We figured it looked shareable, so we started with one of these and an order of Keba (same as kibbeh), and we also ordered some pita bread because the breakfast platter didn’t say pita was included. It did actually include 4 wedges, but we figured we would be needing more pita anyway! “Round one” of our stay was a feast in itself, with about a dozen different delicacies to choose from. The Keba was outstanding, and we were also very impressed by their Baba Ghanouj and Labne, The Baba Ghanouj was slightly chunky, but still having the silky, velvety smooth texture and smoky hint that makes this one of our favorite dishes. We make this at home, but have now decided to try for this chunkier version because it was quite honestly the best we have ever tasted (and we have been enjoying Lebanese cuisine for 45 years!). The Labne was also the best ever, with what I would call the perfect consistency, and where most Labne is served plain with oil drizzled and spices sprinkled on top, this was deliciously seasoned in advance which gave it an incredible flavor profile. Round two consisted of full orders of Baba Ghanouj and Labne, and also a Tabbouleh salad and a platter of Kofta Meshwi with rice on the side. The tabbouleh was very good, but it seemed to be very heavy on the parsley and could have used more bulgur or finely diced cucumber for balance, but quite good regardless. The Kofta was made with minced lamb, so it was very flavorful and perfectly cooked. The Lebanese rice (which has small pieces of browned vermicelli) was exceptional, with the added touch of a few chickpeas. We did our best to finish round two, but we knew we’d regret it if we did. The crowning touch, however, was their cappuccino, which was without question the best we have ever had. So much so that we each had three cups - and my wife NEVER has more than one because the caffeine makes her jittery, but she couldn’t resist! The coffee itself was superb, but the highlight was the wonderful FOAM, so thick and luxurious that we had to scoop out several spoonfuls after the coffee was gone. We’ve never enjoyed this experience with cappuccino in the U.S.! The whole experience made our 4-hour wait seem like nothing, and when we got up to leave we were given warm goodbyes from everyone -as if we were part of the family! We wish this wonderful family the very best with their amazing restaurant, and whenever we are back in Amsterdam it will be...

I was excited to try Dabka Lebanese Restaurant given the many positive reviews, but unfortunately, my experience didn’t quite live up to expectations. While the staff were excellent—particularly the lady who helped us, who was very customer-centric and attentive—the quality of the food was mediocre at best. It didn’t seem to meet the standard I was hoping for when it comes to authentic Lebanese cuisine. The location is great, and I really enjoyed sitting outdoors, but the food didn’t quite have that authentic Lebanese flavor I was expecting. It was disappointing, especially considering the restaurant’s positive reputation. Overall, while the service and setting were fantastic, the food didn’t impress, and unfortunately, I likely won’t be returning.

I had a delightful experience at the Relay store located in the IJ-Passage of Amsterdam Central Station. The staff member who assisted me was exceptionally helpful and friendly. She went above and beyond to help me find an English children's book, demonstrating excellent customer service. Although I didn't catch her name, she had several charming tattoos on her arms. The store itself offers a wide range of books, magazines, and travel essentials, making it a convenient stop for travelers. I highly appreciate the assistance I received and will definitely return on my next visit to...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you're searching for an authentic Lebanese dining experience in Amsterdam, look no further! "The Best Lebanese Restaurant" truly lives up to its name.

From the moment you walk in, the warm, inviting atmosphere sets the stage for a memorable meal. The decor beautifully blends traditional Lebanese elements with a modern twist, creating a cozy space perfect for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings.

The menu is a delightful journey through Lebanese cuisine. I highly recommend starting with the Mezze Platter, which includes an array of dips like hummus and baba ghanoush, all bursting with flavor. For the main course, the Shawarma is a must-try—tender, marinated meat with aromatic spices. Vegetarians will also find plenty to love, especially the Mujadara, a hearty lentil and rice dish.

The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to offer recommendations. Their attentive service enhances the overall experience without being intrusive.

Overall, "The Best Lebanese Restaurant" is a gem in Amsterdam. Whether you’re a fan of Lebanese cuisine or trying it for the first time, this place is not to be missed! Highly...