Cedar Lebanese Restaurant Portsmouth — Restaurant in Portsmouth

This is a good restaurant, with good prices and well-meaning staff, but it is definitely not 5*. If you look up and down the reviews here, you'll notice that they all mention the same things. "Excellent service". "Amazing food". "Great prices" and so I'd say they're definitely fake. The prices were reasonable, but apart from that it's hard to see where every other review is coming from.

The food here is good, but not amazing. For trying something new, it didn't help that the menus had extremely vague descriptions - my family literally had to use Google Translate. There's another Lebanese restaurant by Portsmouth Uni and there you can set your budget and they'll decide for you, which honestly works far better. The taste was okay and I loved the variety but it just wasn't amazing. And, the side of chips kind of kills the whole Lebanese vibe. Presentation was nice, though.

Next, service. The staff were polite and friendly, however they were also quite awkward. One staffer literally leaned over me to get my plate, thrice. My parents couldn't understand his accent so we were left just agreeing with what he said out of politeness (he understood us perfectly tho so kudos to him).

The atmosphere was tense. There was only one person in the restaurant when we arrived, a staffer behind the checkout, but he looked panicked when we entered, hurrying to get up a Spotify playlist of Lebanese music. He stood there despite there being no customers (other than us) for the entirety of the meal, so we kept on awkwardly making eye contact. Their playlist was really unpolished because at the end of songs there was a shout-out to the artist, saying something like "Please follow me on the YouTube Music app".

It's not that it's terrible, it's just that it isn't 4.9 stars. Lebanese food is nice to start with, so I'd rate the food 4, but the service and atmosphere were 3. If you're looking to try Lebanese food, I prefer the Leilamezze restaurant - the menus were far more navigable and the atmosphere just...

Nestled in the vibrant area of Southsea near Portsmouth, Cedar is a hidden gem that brings the authentic flavors of Lebanon to the heart of the coast. From the moment you step inside, the warm ambiance and friendly staff create an inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for a delightful dining experience.

During my recent visit, I had the pleasure of indulging in their grilled chicken and lamb chops, and I can confidently say it was a culinary highlight that I won’t soon forget. The grilled chicken was perfectly seasoned, marinated in a harmonious blend of spices that allowed the natural flavors of the meat to shine through. Each bite was juicy and succulent, with a satisfying char that added depth to the dish. It was evident that the chefs at Cedar take great pride in their preparation, as the chicken was grilled to perfection—tender on the inside and delightfully crispy on the outside.

The lamb chops were equally impressive, showcasing the rich, bold flavors that Lebanese cuisine is known for. Cooked to a perfect medium-rare, the lamb was incredibly tender and packed with flavor. The marinade infused the meat with aromatic spices that complemented the savory essence of the lamb beautifully. Each chop was a celebration of taste, and I couldn’t help but savor every bite. The dish was served with a side of fragrant rice and fresh vegetables, making for a well-rounded meal that left me feeling satisfied yet eager for more.

The attentive service and cozy décor made the experience even more enjoyable. Whether you’re a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine or trying it for the first time, Cedar offers a welcoming environment where you can truly appreciate the flavors of Lebanon.

In conclusion, if you find yourself in Southsea, do not miss the opportunity to dine at Cedar. The grilled chicken and lamb chops are not to be missed; they are a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity. I left Cedar with a full belly and a happy heart, looking forward to...

A few years ago I visited Beirut for two weeks on a business trip! Beautiful country, amazing place, but one thing that made me fall in love with that place was the local cuisine! The flavour, the freshness and the variety of their food was something out of this world. I soon realized that after I left, there was something missing, something that I've been spoilt for the time spent in that place and that was the food, amongst other things. Everything looked like that was it, until someone told me about this place, which happens to be in the same city where I live, Portsmouth, Southsea. Cedar Restaurant, everytime I come to dine in or take away, it reminds me, instantly, of the beautiful country of Lebanon, Beirut and their amazing food. Ali, Fadel and Cassandra are super friendly and make you feel comfortable, always with a smile on their faces and looking after you. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with a lot of attention to detail, sharing some of the traditions and Lebanese culture! They have a well set shisha garden if you're having a take away and you can relax there, as your food is always made fresh to order, with love and care! Thank you guys, thank you Cedar for bringing a little bit of your country into the city of Portsmouth. Thank you and good luck in the...