Al Dar Bistro — Restaurant in Lower Merion Township

Wow, never going back here. Some quick pointers: Tattered paper menus made for a slovenly first impression and the place overall looks worn and tired. Wine list is not published nor did server know, beyond the varietal, what wines they were serving for $15 per glass. Service was sort of inattentive, immediately forgetting whose orders they were serving and server/bus staff seemingly distracted despite only a few occupied tables. Understand they may occasionally run out of something but, as other reviewers have mentioned, the beer list is more of a wishlist. Food is dramatically overpriced. Come on, chicken kabobs at $30 and spanakopita at $28? This isn't exactly fine dining and exotic ingredients. Mazza appetizer had tiny portions of hummus and babaganoush with tabouleh that had so much lemon that it leaked into everything else for a bitter experience. I opted for caesar wrap with falafel because it seemed the only fairly priced item. Meager serving of dried-out falafel in a plain pita standing all by itself on my plate. Pita pizza was soggy with cheese not integrated. Restrooms are in catacomb-like basement with door open to grimy unkempt storeroom. Ladies room had an out-of-order sign on it and while there is an upstairs restroom, it is unmarked and you wouldn't know it's there. The bill comes with a 4% "surge charge", which literally means dynamic pricing but in this case is a credit card "surcharge". I'm getting used to this charge but it's not mentioned on the menu or by the server. I also find 4% excessive beacuse it is more than the merchant fees for credit cards and it is applied to debit...

This restaurant has the potential to be a 5 star experience. It's one of those hit or miss kind of places. Definitely ask questions, be friendly and intrigued. Post your own pictures as well to help aid in promoting their business and offering more visibility for their business if you can. The salmon was really good. It had a crispy candied essence to it, highly recommended! The broccolini was too salty, and the rice was fine, nothing out of the ordinary. Chicken was lightly seasoned at best, it more so had a tasty charred flavor. The complimentary pita is fresh and excellent. The sampler was good, but seemed to lack a pazazz of flavor I wish it possessed. Overall it really was a great experience. A bit pricey for what you get, but the vibe and atmosphere is really relaxing and enjoyable. Service was alright, they got the job done, not perfect, but not bad either. I do recommend this restaurant as the options for of a Mediterranean restaurant in this price range are limited in this...

Was there last night for dinner. Slow sporadic service, a bit overpriced (with small portions) and their menu is very deceptive as it does not explain that traditional dishes are prepared very differently than in authentic Mediterranean/ middle eastern restaurants. Ordered the Moroccan chicken which was described as a chicken curry with couscous. Instead it was a bone in chicken breast and leg with some curry seasoning. I would have never overpaid for a chicken leg. In fact, everyone was surprised with their orders as the menu did not explain how any of the dishes are prepared. I would have asked questions before and refused the food after if the waitress ever came by and we didn't have an event after dinner we needed to attend. Food was decent but not worth the high price. Would definitely not recommend unless they get a new menu that actually explains how their odd versions of their dishes...