Arabesque — Restaurant in Haarlemmermeer

One of the best places to try some Arabic food, if you cannot do that locally in the Middle East :)

I was there several times, with family, with friends, take away for a birthday during covid times. And last time with a group of colleagues to whom I really recomended this place.

Although the staff was a little grumpy, they gave the best service. Remembered all the little thing... vegan, gluten free... it gave a feeling that they do care about each of us.

Food - top level

Always try to come with a reservation, when we first discovered the place we done it without, and indeed we had to go only for the starters... but was good. Remember that the dishes are big, and sometimes it is better to take only one main dish - then you wont explode from the food. We had a place near kitchen, got a little hot, but we got a nice view on the process, and some kitchen fights between the staff there :) sometimes they really can get emonional, you can see the passion in the process. Try the Lebanesse wine! Shared dishes are...

Today, the 13th of Feb. 2025 I dined at Arabesque with my mothere. We decided on the shared menu with 2 salads, 6 cold Mezze and 4 warm Mezze. I will start off with the fact that I had wanted to eat here for a long while, so my expectations were quite high. They were easily and massively exceeded. The service was friendly and informal. The food however, oh the food.... the food was spectacular. The cold Mezze especially were an exciting discovery of different flavours and spices. My absolute favourite was the stewed beef with beets. It was sublime. I left feeling full, so the portion size was perfect. The salads were good and palate cleansing. My only disappointment was the fact that the recipe of the beef dish would not be shared. If you are in the area, or even if you aren't, and are in the mood for Mediterranean food, I can't recommend Arabesque...

Nice food but no attention for details. Looking after regular customers and friends is a bigger priority. As we walked in we got a table and plates were put on our table then they forgot there are customers waiting for menu to be able to order. Starters were really good. I did not get what I ordered and when i told one of the owners he said ohh, I thought your said Chicken zafron. You had to call them multiple times to be served even though one of the owner was sat behind my offering his friends drinks and chatting.

When I left to pay there wasn't even a sense of gratitude and thanks.

The worst thing is that they serve shisha next to children and the ventilation isn't super good to remove the smoke. So my partner wanted to leave asap as we were with two...