Arz Lebanon Restaurant — Restaurant in Zone 1

I've been long searching for an authentic Lebanese experience in the twin cities and the search continues even with the numerous Lebanese takeaways that have popped up out of nowhere.

What attracted me to Arz Lebanese was the promise of mouthwatering Lebanese food and the outdoor seating. Here's the verdict:

First Impressions & Interior:

Nice patio upfront and good a number of people seated outside. We decided we wanted a better table so we went inside. I'm not fussy but the chairs weren't comfortable at all. They seemed to be too low in relation to the tables and there was barely any lumbar support. I like to lean back in my chairs if I'm relaxing with some good food in the evening but it wasn't to be. Ambience was nice and good marks for the bathroom too. However the service left a lot to be desired. We had to catch the waiter's attention several times through the course of the evening. It didn't improve even when we hinted towards our dissatisfaction. Later we found out they were understaffed.

Menu & Food:

Menu was nice and simple. We were looking for a simple vegetarian meal so we went for the undisputed stars of Lebanese cuisine; Hummus, Falafel and Baba Ghanoush. The falafel was the pick of evening, melt in the mouth and filled with herby goodness. The Baba Ghanoush was intense and flavorful. We had a lot of expectations from the Hummus but it was underwhelming. We ordered the Hummus Bairuti which was stated to contain chilli peppers on the menu but it was bland and mild, no hint of peppers at all. When we inquired we were told they provide paprika on the side but they didn't make a mistake. The fresh pita bread kept on coming from the oven in the kitchen and soon we were staring down at empty plates. After speaking to one of the waiters, we were offered complimentary Lebanese tea but my partner was more enticed by the Turkish coffee. Both drinks didn't disappoint. The Turkish coffee was strong with just a hint of cardamom. The Lebanese tea had strong clove undernotes and was quite soothing.

Damage on the pocket:

Appetizers and sides ranged from Rs. 150-350 and main courses were 600+. A light meal with tea/coffee for two people should set you back about Rs.2000. More if you're going for a proper dinner. I'd visit again but the service better be spot on next time.

Edit 5/14/2017

Another visit to the restaurant has revealed not much has improved. We were there in the afternoon. Despite the restaurant being almost empty, the waiters didn't attend to us and we had to get their attention multiple times. Their poor service issues continue. Filed a complaint with the evening supervisor who assured us of a better experience on our next trip and offered complementary Baklava. They continue to score big points in the...

If you're looking for a delicious taste of Arabic cuisine in Islamabad, look no further than Arz Lebanon. From the moment you step inside, you'll be transported to a world of exotic spices and tantalizing aromas. Being born and raised in Dubai for 24 years, You all need to trust me for the best Lebanese food in Islamabad.

The menu at Arz Lebanon features a wide variety of Arabic dishes, from hearty meat and vegetable stews to light and refreshing salads. Some of the standout dishes include Hummus, Fatoush, Mix grill and many more. Each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail, resulting in a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing.

The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with soft lighting and comfortable seating. Whether you're dining alone or with a group, you'll feel right at home here.

Overall, I highly recommend Arz Lebanon for anyone looking for an authentic taste of Lebanese cuisine in Islamabad. The food is exceptional, the atmosphere is inviting, and the service is top-notch. Don't miss out on...

First must say the falafels were tasty and cooked well however the sandwich itself was dry. The minuscule amount of hummus and tahini were only in the last bite of the skinny sandwich.

The Spinach Fatayer was horrid! Spinach tasted dirty and the breading was dry partially & uncooked tasting. At times a good dipping sauce can salvage a dish yet the sauce was watered down warmed over cheap ketchup??!

Finally not sure if it was due to arriving near closing time, but staff didn’t seem very friendly.

The atmosphere and decor, with outdoor and indoor seating, are definitely nice. Perhaps other dishes are tasty but I can only review based upon what I experienced.

The mint lemonade and french fries were good but when one chooses a cuisine experience, such common items don’t really matter.

My advice…the owner/management/chefs need to try those spinach fatayers and see for themselves.

Use authentic Lebanese dips instead of prepackaged low grade ketchup, and spread the tahini hummus etc properly in...