Takeaway
Yes
Suraya Restaurant in Philadelphia
Categories
Location on the map
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, US
Service options
Dine-in
Yes
Health and safety
Reservations required
Yes
Staff wear masks
Yes
Staff required to disinfect surfaces between visits
Yes
Highlights
Fireplace
Yes
Great coffee
Yes
Great dessert
Yes
Great tea selection
Yes
Popular for
Breakfast
Yes
Lunch
Yes
Dinner
Yes
Solo dining
Yes
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Yes
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Yes
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Yes
Offerings
Alcohol
Yes
Beer
Yes
Cocktails
Yes
Coffee
Yes
Comfort food
Yes
Healthy options
Yes
Small plates
Yes
Spirits
Yes
Vegetarian options
Yes
Wine
Yes
Dining options
Breakfast
Yes
Lunch
Yes
Dinner
Yes
Dessert
Yes
Seating
Yes
Amenities
Bar on site
Yes
High chairs
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Atmosphere
Casual
Yes
Cosy
Yes
Romantic
Yes
Trending
Yes
Upmarket
Yes
Crowd
Family friendly
Yes
Groups
Yes
LGBTQ+ friendly
Yes
Tourists
Yes
Planning
Lunch reservations recommended
Yes
Dinner reservations recommended
Yes
Accepts reservations
Yes
Usually a wait
Yes
Phone: +1 215-302-1900
Site: http://surayaphilly.com/
Site: http://surayaphilly.com/
Opening hours
- Monday:5–9:30PM
- Tuesday:5–9:30PM
- Wednesday:11AM–2PM
- Thursday:11AM–2PM
- Friday:11AM–2PM
- Saturday:9AM–2PM
- Sunday:9AM–2PM
Comments (199)
One of my favorite meal experiences in Philly! The space is incredibly well appointed, the service was great, and the food was phenomenal. We did the Saturday prefix brunch which was the perfect amount of food for 4 people. Make sure to get some of the pastries, they are life changing!
Absolutely delicious. Was treated for my birthday and went back with a group of friends who loved it too. Great food, great service. Not the best location for parking if you dont live in the area and can walk.
Amazing restaurant and service. First off, the ambiance, decor, and plants are already amazing. Second the service was great! From the hostess to the service. We had Paige T. And she was an amazing server! Myself and two friends were having brunch and the small plate was AMAZING. I had the lamb kabab and a mule to drink. All amazing! I highly recommend!
Its not strictly a vegetarian restaurant, but Suraya is an excellent choice for those looking for fine dining with a greener slant.While it certainly qualifies as a Mediterranean, Surayas Lebanese bent made things more interesting for me, though still somewhat familiar. My wife and I ate on a Sunday evening and managed to get a table due to a cancellation (otherwise we would have eaten at the lovely bar). Reservations are recommended.We started with a few selections from the Mezza (appetizer) menu. The Baba Ganoush was the best Ive had, with a somewhat smoky taste and some pomegranate seeds served on top. The red pepper based Muhammara was excellent, and I have to agree with my wife that the Taboulé was also great, even though I loathe anything with cucumber normally.We also had a plate of the Samke Nayyeh, which is a wonderful raw yellowtail fish dish. For me, though, the Fatteh was the highlight. I have limited tolerance for yogurt, but this dish with chickpeas, eggplant, and nuts with crisp strips of pita was to. die. for. Utterly amazing - even with yogurt.We ordered a single dish from the Mashawi (roasted) menu: Fatar Meshwi. It is a dish of mushrooms cooked with shawarma spices. It was nice, but unnecessary because of the number of small plates we had ordered. Additionally, it took a fairly long time to arrive since it was cooked, and we were basically done eating by the time it arrived.We didnt have room for dessert. Well try that next time, and there will most certainly be a next time. It was an expensive meal, to be sure, but the staff was absolutely lovely, just like the setting, and the food is worth every penny.
We could not get a dinner reservation at Suraya when we visited Philadelphia. Luckily we walked in on a busy Sunday afternoon and was able to grab two bar seats for brunch.Suraya is a beautiful decorated restaurant with open kitchen and a cafe full of gorgeous baked goods when you walked in. There is a garden at the back of the restaurant.We had the set brunch menu. First came a plate of hummus, baba ganoush, labneh, muhammara and taboule with fresh baked pita bread in a paper bag. Our favorite appetizer was the muhammara, very tasty roasted red pepper with walnut.My main was grilled prawns with cilantro sauce that was delicious. Best was the saffron basmati rice. Surprisingly my husband’s dish of Halabi Kebab of ground lamb was kind of bland but we enjoyed the roasted peppers and onions that came with it.By the time we finished our brunch, most of the gorgeous baked goods at the cafe were gone. We picked a Meyer Lemon tart was light and refreshing.Suraya was a must when you visit Fishtown in Philadelphia.
Terrific restaurant. A place you want to take people if you need to make their staying in Philly unforgettable. Everything is fresh, well served, well measure size-wise. Good wine from Lebanon. I’ll definitely be back. The ambiance is good too.
Awesome spread of food here. Their outdoor area was super nice. I loved loved loved the prawns. Seriously delicious food. The service was attentive and wonderful. Couldn’t have been better!
What a delightful dining experience! The staff and kitchen were very efficient and in sync…you could tell these folks had their machine well oiled. They still managed to make the experience special. The food was absolutely delicious…and the portions were very good for the price. This would be a great date night or dinner with friends that had a more adventurous palate!
Phenomenal food We ordered the hummus, tabbouleh, baba ganoush, Samke Harra, chicken and the two desserts. Everything was amazing. It was a new burst of flavor, texture and temperature with every dish we ate. The service is great, each course of the dinner was checked on by our waitress and the waters were always full, One of the best Lebanese restaurants in PA The food is so amazing and flavorful. I recommend trying some of everything on the menu.
Great place for Middle Eastern fair especially if you’re looking for a lighter bite to eat. Their wine list as a very unique approach of wine selling. Less popular wines with more emphasis on flavors and locations the food was delicious but portions were very large may be easier to split one meal between two people
Most delicious food Ive ever had. Slow roasted lamb and fish were out of the world. I want to try each and every dish on the menu thats how wonderful the dishes were. Definitely recommend
Great food and great ambiance. We started off with a tuna appetizer(samke nayyeh), spicy potato(batatta harra) and cocktails. Both cocktails were great - song of the rain and golden belt.For entree we had halibut kebabs(abu sayf) and ground lamb kebabs(halabi kebab). Soft, tender, juicy and both preparations had an authentic aroma.Had apples and ashta for dessert. Special thanks to our server Samantha for she was kind enough to lit a candle alongside the dessert to make our anniversary special.
We had such a great experience last night with the tasting menu! So many amazing things to try and everything was so elegant. Incredible food, elegant atmosphere and superb service. Highly recommend!
A vegetarian perspective…I love ME food, and thus have tried many places. I went here after few recommendations and fact it’s always difficult to get in. The ambiance and staff is amazing. The food is where they fall short. It’s good but not great for the hype and price they have listed. I’ve had far better ME food in the city as well around US, which are similar price point but are exceptional. Nothing here was memorable in taste, many preparations were bit too far out in term of charred ness or salt. Just wasn’t an iconic visit that I had expected from their busy reservation schedule everyday. The hummus wasn’t even something I can say kicked out of the park.
We got the last minute reservation and we’re on to drive from Princeton on a weekday. They place has its own parking lot which is free from Monday to Wednesday and make it convenient. Overall it’s a big place and a really nice ambiance. We loved the drinks with appetizers. Mains were great and just about the right size. Flavors were fantastic. I will definitely come back.
Our meal was delicious! Really unique Lebanese place with great ambiance in the summers.We had a lot to eat - for apps, baba ganoush, taboulé, arnabeet mekle, fatteh. Everything was fantastic, especially the cauliflower (SO crispy and flavorful)! I would not order the fatteh again only because I wasn’t a huge fan of all the flavors and nuts - it just seemed confusing to me, but was told this is one of the most popular apps so you should try! Babaganoush and taboule were both very tasty, and the PITA WAS AMAZING! We ran out of spreads for pita but I ate the whole thing because it was so good.Entrees - I ate the samke harre (branzino) and my husband had the kawarma. Both were just phenomenal - the fish skin was crispy and the sauce was bangin, and his lamb was SUPER tender and the yogurt sauce was amazing in cutting the fattier piece of meat. I will dream about this meal.For dessert we ate the tehina and date ice cream which was tasty - the date in the caramel brought an interesting sour note to the ice cream and the chocolate crunchies were amazing.Overall had a GREAT meal and will absolutely be going back again and again.
Best brunch in Fishtown! It will start off with hummus set then you can choose the entree dish. I have tried Samke Harra (branzino filet) and Halabi Kebab (lamb). Both are delicious!!! Wine by the glass is also great.
An unforgettable experience. I have been to Suraya few times and never been disappointed. Food is delicious and authentic, beautiful ambience and excellent service makes everything taste better.I do recommend tasting menu if its your first time but its also lot of food so make sure if you have the appetite. Some of my recommendations would be Zatar, Labneh, Kafta kebab, Djej Meshwi, Abu Sauf and Khanafa.I recommend getting reservations well in advance as this place is full even on weekdays. We cant wait to come back again.IG: journey_man16
I might be biased because Middle Eastern/Levantine cuisine is amongst my favorites, but Suraya definitely punches above their weight. I ordered the Taste of Suraya menu, which included so much food for a very reasonable price. The muhammara dip was so flavorful, and the lemon verbena and blueberry verrine dessert was a showstopper.Service was extremely attentive and friendly! My server was thoughtful enough to pack an extra bag of pita since I had leftover dips.
A must visit!We were seated in the garden which was so quaint and private. We felt like we were all by ourselves. It was drizzling a little bit the awnings covered us and the heat lamps took the humidity out of the air around us.We all got cocktails and each were unique. I preferred the Golden Belt which had beautiful earthy notes.We enjoyed the tasting menu which included most of the mezzas. At our table we thought that the lamb tartare was the best, followed by the baba ganoush and muhammara.The entrees were delicious! The lamb is the best!We tried the arak and it was delicious and quite an experience. I can’t wait to come back!!
Astoundingly good food, and nice atmosphere! Excellent and friendly service. Went there for brunch on a Saturday. All of the starters for the table were great. The pita bread by itself was even good. The best starter was the muhammara, a sort of roasted red pepper spread with pomegranate and walnuts. The tabbouleh also was very fresh.For the table, we had the fatar meshwi (mushroom dish), halabi kebab (lamb), and samke harra (branzino/fish). All three were incredibly delicious, but the samke harra was the best. The only thing that was just okay was a side of turmeric rice that came with the dishes.For drinks, the mimosa was light and delicious, and I could taste the apricot. The bloody mary was good as well, but actually rather strong. The latte was just alright. The Lebanese chai latte was good too, but not the best. However, it did have some rosewater in it with rose petals on top, which gave it a nice touch and lovely presentation.Overall, a truly delicious place. I will definitely return when I am in Philly again.
Suraya is amazing. Everything from food, drinks, to service was amazing. Definitely make reservations for their Garden. Best seating in restaurant.Year later update -I had to visit Suraya again and it is still great and food is ever better. I cannot do more then one review as per google rules, so I will be adding more photos. Enjoy.
Amazing brunch with impeccable service. So glad that we were able to get a reservation during our visit from NYC. The mezze will blow your mind.
I have high expectations with this restaurant as it is highly recommended by friends. Verdict: Great ambience, amazing food but had to wait for a long time for our main dish. Our server was very helpful, polite and attentive. We had a late reservation and obviously we are hungry but appetizer to main dish was almost 30-40 minutes wait. The manager came to apologize with a memorized spiel and abruptly left. Will I go back to this place? Yes. Will I recommend this place to friends and family? Yes - just because the food is amazing. I am willing to give it another try and see if I have a better experience next time but for now, I am only giving it 4 stars.
Hands down one of the best restaurants I have ever been to!! The service is incredible, right from the moment you walk in the door. The hostess are so friendly and we got brought right to the table. The amount of food you get is amazing and worth every penny. The waiters are constantly checking in to see if you need anything, refilling drinks, clearing empty plates, bringing the next course. You dont even realize the transition of one course to the next because they are so seamless in how they run. Every time I have been there, I try to eat less appetizers and entrees so I have room to enjoy the delicious desserts. But I just cant help myself and keep taking bites, but eat dessert anyways even though Im full, its too good to pass us! The atmosphere is beautiful both indoors and outside. We have even gone there with our 2 kids (1 year old and 3 year old) and they are child friendly! A couple of courses they took off some spices so the kids would eat it (since we all know kids are very picky). They have highchairs. And the waiters were so friendly with the kids! And once the kids got too antsy and we needed to leave, they got us the check and we paid so fast. 100/100 would recommend going!!!
Omg! This place was delish and super cute decor not to mention the staff was very attentive and on point...the desssert was heavenly. I really loved it all! ❤️ you must go here if you havent!!!!
Wow.I honestly kept hearing great things and was still blown away. Fridays and Saturdays they set it up where its basically pre fixe ish menu.I was absolutely blown away with the quantity of food. All the appetizers were delightful the pita was delicious I kept hogging the bags. Cocktails and drinks were spot on.The lamb oh my goodness. I eat vegetarian virtually every single day which this place is a phenomenal choice for and primarily why we went. For some reason that day i decided to cheat and wow oh wow that was the best lamb Ive EVER had. Yes Ive overpayed for lamb chops but this spiced lamb wow.No complaints everyone in my party was over the moon. Excellent excellent service from a very friendly and attentive staff.
Pretty good. Did not live up to the hype, unfortunately. In terms of quality of food and taste they did a solid job, though I’ve had equal or better food from street vendors in the Middle East.The wait staff was friendly and attentive.Just didn’t think it was worth the price.The eggplant appetizer was not something I was a fan of. Sort of tasted like sour grits, with a similar texture.The lamb was cooked quite well.Stomach did not feel great after the meal.
This was our first time however we went with another couple who had been there on a week night. On weekends you are required to order the set price dinner. They did not mention that when we made the reservation. Let me say the food is delicious and the service excellent. Four small plates come with the dinner then you must order 4 more so you have 8 dishes to share before your main course arrives. It was simply too much food. With all the homeless in our city it seems a waste to push food that folks can’t finish. We took dessert home. We felt stuffed. When the bill came we noticed an extra charge for the kitchen staff. The resturant was packed and at $70 pp, do they need to ask their guest to help pay their staff?. We always tip well and even more since the pandemic but this is the first time we saw an extra charge. Just be aware and try to go mid week.
Amazing food!! Wonderful service and ambience! The taste of suraya menu was exquisite!!Would love to come back with my friends.
I cannot stress how amazing the food is. This is the kind of brunch that leaves you satisfied but not overly stuffed. I ordered the rose water lemonade for a fun light drink and was not disappointed. The servers are all so efficient and in sync. And the brunch menu?? *Chefs kiss* definitely try to get a seat at the kitchen bar. Watching the movement between the chefs and servers is an orchestra unto its own. The lighting and ambience can only be described as soft elegance and the attention to detail of the decor is genuinely beautiful. 10/10 recommend for brunch.
Everything was truly excellent. I wish we knew how filling the mezze was, we would’ve saved ourselves more room for the entrees and took dessert to go!
Had an amazing time with great company. Service was excellent. Good ambiance, though not special or unique. Food was solid all around. The starter with chickpeas and walnuts was scrumptious. Meat (lamb and fish) was tender but the flavor was a bit blander than I had hoped based on the reviews. Hummus was on point but the pita bread was a little on the tough and dry side. Entrees seemed a little salty and lacking in more sophisticated flavors. Desserts were equisite. Overall a fun experience, but for the price I definitely expected better. Conclusion: an adequate three stars. Definitely had a lovely evening though thanks to the company of my amazing girlfriend; everything tastes better with her :)
This place was truly fantastic. Here are my reasons why:1.) The staff, they were over booked but offered me a seat at the bar to accommodate. I loved every minute it, the bartenders Jay Jay and Brandon made us feel so at home. Food came quickly and everyone was so knowledgeable.2.) The taste, omg the food was symphony of flavors. Enough said about that.3.) The value, the price we paid for 3 courses and great speak easy cocktails were unmatched!Thanks!
If you havent already heard, this restaurant is phenomenal. Slightly expensive but absolutely worth every penny. Beautifully decorated space and it is clear every aspect of your experience is carefully thought out and well executed. Lunch and dinner menus are both fantastic. Service is top notch and they go above and beyond to make your visit enjoyable.
Best middle eastern restaurant everAll dishes , drinks , entrees , desserts were 10/10Would come back definitelyTry the tasting menu!
High quality experience. Had the tasting menu, everything was excellent. The cauliflower based starter was among the best cauliflower preparations I’ve ever tasted and the yellowtail starter had amazing presentation, though that can be said for most of the plates that hit the table. Went with the roasted lamb for the main, the texture and flavor were fantastic, and hit all the taste notes that I would want Lebanese food to hit, the deeply savory and smoky meat, with the light and creamy yogurt, and fresh and fruity salad all combined together for a dish that was my favorite of the evening. Dessert was also excellent, and there were two on the table. One was a richer ice cream based dessert, and the other was a lighter floral / fruit based dessert. I preferred the latter, as the rose cream paired excellently with the lemon puffs on the side. Cocktails were well curated and clearly had thought put into them. Decor was spot on, I loved the design of the place, though the tables were surprisingly close, kind of detracting from what would have otherwise been a very intimate dining experience. Would recommend for a special occasion.
What a fantastic experience. An amazing restaurant for a special event like a birthday or anniversary. Did the tasting menu which was sooo much food. Everything was so delicious and the staff was welcoming and kind. Can’t wait to come back and will definitely be recommending it to everyone!
Everything was amazing and the outdoor seating is beautiful! The tasting menu is elite. Definitely order the fatteh and lamb (kawarma)!!
Love it !!! Delicious desserts and best hummus I ever had. Especially Suraya Muhammara is awesome. Their pita bread is gem. Anyone who visits this place will have best experience of Lebanese cuisine. Their desserts at the end make your food experience more special. Can’t wait to visit this place again.
The food and service are great! The atmosphere feels very premium. Lighting is quite dim in the evening. I recommend the roasted potatoes and the lamb dish. Pitas are endless. Would like to have paper towels in the bathroom to open the doors with (particularly because we have to use hands to eat the pita.)
The BEST Lebanese food Ive ever had! Suraya has family style dining and such uniquely vibrant dishes. The pastry basket was on a whole other level - every individual pastry had its own unique flavor profile and complimented the meal well. Highly recommend their specialty coffees and drinks too!
One of the best in philly! If you like labanese food, i recommend it. They wont let you down!
Delicious food, excellent and professional service and marvelous ambiance.My medically necessary gluten, soy and dairy free diet was not a problem at all for Surayas team. I had plentiful choices (which is rare) and they understood and were prepared to deal with the potential for cross contact problems in the kitchen. I was able to thoroughly relax and enjoy myself (even rarer). And my partner and friend dining with me, without any dietary considerations, were equally pleased. A highly recommended dining experience. Thank you to the manager, Brittany, and all her Suraya team for a great evening!
Absolutely phenomenal experience. Food and service were excellent. My only worry going in, as is the case with many high end restaurants, is that the portions would be too small, but have no fear! We were both completely stuffed. Would highly recommend!
The food was excellent! One of the best Mediterranian food I have had in a long time. I was in Israel and ate food for two weeks. What I had in Suraya restaurant was much better.
I normally always take the time to take pictures of what I eat whenever i dine out and include them in my reviews however the food here was SO good that i forgot and didn’t get a chance to take any pictures because our plates were cleared super fast!We originally had reservations for the garden and due to a thunder storm we didn’t get to experience dining there. Regardless we still had a very good experience indoors. The service was also phenomenal. Lastly The dessert was delicious! Thankfully I was able to capture a photo of the Kanafeh :)
Went for the weekend brunch and it was beyond excellent! The kafta kebab was melt in your mouth tender and perfectly seasoned, the chicken kebab was juicy and flavorful, and the fish was expertly cooked with a sauce that had a nice kick without being overpowering.Our waiter was William. His suggestions were spot on for everything as he was polite and cheerful throughout. We will definitely be coming back!
I heard a lot about this place and how difficult it is to get a reservation. We had to reserve a table one month in advance. It was worth the wait.We did their food tasting menu. The food was great. Staff was very professional, friendly and courteous. Lovely ambience.There is a dedicated parking for Suraya customers.
Hands down one if the top restaurants in Philadelphia. A proper house staff and service with a beautiful, warm atmosphere, and authentic world class Lebanese cuisine. You will need to make reservations in advance (although I called same day and caught a cancellation), and reservations are guaranteed with a credit card, so you need to commit. Definitely worth the effort.
My daughter Kelsey treated me to Father’s Day lunch at Suraya. The place is AWESOME. Run and managed like a well oiled machine, staff is so friendly and engaging and know their stuff! The food was absolutely to die for. I had the branzini dish and it was incredible. I highly recommend this restaurant to all.
Great chocolate halva croissant. Kouign Amann was OK. Lebanese chai latte was great as usual. Almond rhubarb croissant was good. Cute cups to purchase.
Wonderful atmosphere for larger dinner parties. Great pantry to shop for ones own kitchen. The outdoor dining spaces are attractive and well-designed for current times. Make reservations early!
I accidentally found this restaurant on Google Maps when I was traveling in Philly. The pastries are amazing, and interior is gorgeous. If I were a local, this could have been my all-time favorite place! Not to mention Lebanese food is always delicious.Best almond pistachio croissant I’ve ever had!!!
Suraya is an absolutely fantastic place to dine for weekend brunch, lunch during the week (currently offered Wedesday, Thursday, and Friday) and dinner during the week and weekend. The tasting menu is required during the weekend brunch and dinner, but I would highly recommend it.The tasting menu you gives you the opportunity to try so many options that are served based on the number of guests per party. I grabbed a last minute brunch on Sunday and sat at the bar and it was wonderful. Vicki was my bartender and she was fantastic. She gave me recommendations (which turned out amazing, thanks Vicki for the great suggestion!). The whole staff is incredibly kind and helpful and you can see how much the whole team works together, helping each other out. You can also see the managers jumping in to help when needed, which is sometime I havent seen at a lot of other restaurants. The food is great, the ambiance is wonderful, and the staff is absolutely incredible and kind. And it is completely stunning inside. I would absolutely recommend Suraya to anyone!
Great decor, great service, and delicious fresh food. Brunch price fix menu was wonderful, even if it looks like it might not be enough food, it was plenty for two of us! Mezze plate and fresh pita were the highlights.
Great food and service. Not a huge fan of rose in kunafah but just depends on the person.
Absolutely some of the best food I have ever had in my life. I have never had lamb cooked to such tender perfection or rice taste so fruity and sweet before. This is a must to place to go if your visiting philly.
Whats better than excellent Mediterranean apps and mains? Excellent Mediterranean apps and mains *and* excellent pastry. Im a huge fan of crullers, but theyre so often dismal, soulless rings that become like sad, sandy paste as you eat. Surayas are the real deal, with a moist chewiness that keeps you coming back for more. I generally prefer a light, plain icing, but the rose and pistachio topping is just enough to make it more interesting without overpowering the nearly perfect pastry beneath.
Wow! What a dream. From the ambiance to the flavor, simply a unique experience! Still dream about this meal
Such a wonderful evening! It was my birthday. What a beautiful night and the food!! Awesome!
Listen. First time. The service. The food. Brittney our hostess, incredible. Jesse the bartender awesome. Sam and Deanna, our servers…speechless. The food? Say less. So good! If you’re in Philly, you have to come to Suraya, at least once. I am sitting in the restaurant while I type this. It’s that good.
I HAVE NEVER ENJOYED A MEAL MORE IN MY LIFE. Our server asked how was everything and if anyone has ever complained and her answer was “actually now that I think about it, no” - I hope this puts perspective to how delicious and delightful the meal was. I cannot wait to go back! We tried almost everything and they were alllllll amazing. The Kunefe was omggggggg. My cocktail was omg. I really have no words. I was so into the meal all my pictures came out blurry due to dim lighting and me not checking to see how they came out. I don’t have enough good things to say. Only negative was parking. It was hard to find but I cannot take off a star for that
Absolutely fantastic start to finish. Music, decor and cocktails were great but more importantly, food and service were both a 10/10. I’m from NY and would make the drive back down just for another visit to Suraya alone
AMAZING! Came here on a recommendation for a weekend brunch. The food and the atmosphere completely blew us away! At $35 it is insane value for money. Outside seating in the back yard is tranquil, spacious, and comfortable. The service was attentive and friendly, even having a nice chat with us. The mezze was one of the best I have had, better than most you can get in the actual Middle East. Id recommend adding a Zaatar Manoushe as well. For our mains, we had Shish Taouk and Samke Harra, of which I liked the Shish Taouk better. Cruller and Lebanese Chai Latte made for the perfect dessert. Overall a great experience, cant wait to come back for dinner!
The food, service, and drinks were all amazing! I couldnt have had a better dinner.
Good alternative to the other middle eastern restaurant in the city that is difficult to get into, Zahav. Cocktails were fine. Food was quite good, but maybe too many dishes with cilantro, it was almost on everything.Desert has been great every time.
Blown away by the food and experience on the garden patio at this place. Tables were spread out far enough in the space amongst shrubs and trees that it felt like a private courtyard experience. The food was amazing, flavorful, distinct from every other dish and we must have gotten at least a dozen different items. The covid-ordering experience made it slightly awkward (wish they had just verbally taken our order since we had to individually order tasting menus on one phone) but otherwise nothing but great things to say about Suraya.
The restaurant it self is very nice wiht a dim lighting and nice decorations. Food was rather expensive so we were expecting amazing. Unfortunately it more than fell short. My friends brother and I ordered roasted lamb and they both were flavourless, dry and tasted like charcoal! Seriously bad! We never complained about the food because we were hungry and didnt have time to wait. My food was nothing to write home about and although our server was very nice and my eggplant old fashioned was good too, not enough to warrant the food prices. Needless to say, I will not be returning and if anyone is willing to pay $35 for a burnt lamb please come to my house because I can make them way they should be.
Showed up on a day they were serving a prix fixe meal, and was pleasantly surprised. It felt like a modern hip restaurant in Beirut. The menu is authentic, although it felt a little weird being told what hummus and tabouli was by a white American. Im Lebanese, I sweat Olive Oil and Lemon Juice with a hint of Zaatar.Five stars for the fresh baked bread!
Amazing Lebanese food in one of the prettiest restaurant spaces Ive ever visited. Get the tasting menu, its an insane deal for the price. Great cocktails as well.
Such a cool spot! Their hours are super weird and kinda annoying but if you can get in I would suggest you eat there ! Their chicken hummus was so so yummy and the vibe was cool ! Their tables are kinda close together so keep that in mind but worth the trip !
Fantastic food, they did a great job given current covid restrictions, reservations taken, temperature checked, water pitcher was left on the table and there was order from your phone capabilities! All the staff wore masks the entire time.We ordered the tasting menu and have no regrets! Lots of food, pita bread when warm is to die for! Wonderful leftovers of the mezas! Would definitely return!The one downside was tip had to be determined prior to service, our waitress was fantastic and we would have done even more in hindsight!
I would come here every night if I could! My friends/family hosted a bridal shower for me over the weekend and it was a dream. The food, the service, the decor- everything was perfect! Shoutout to Dana for making the vent just wonderful. I enjoyed the meal so much that I actually went back for dinner the next night. Gabe was an amazing bartender and guided us through the menu. We ordered a bunch of small plates but he recommended we try the cauliflower and the tahini verrine (dessert). So glad he did- they were delightful!
Hands down one of the BEST restaurants in Philadelphia. Drinks are AMAZING and everything on the menu is DELICIOUS. I have frequented here on many occasions and have had both their tasting menu and a la carte, YOU CANT GO WRONG!! A must try for sure.
Went there for my birthday. Had never tried Lebanese food and I was pleasantly pleased that the food was delicious. The staff was very good and welcoming. The restaurant itself was nicely decorated. The overall experience was amazing I will tell everyone about it.
Delicious mixed Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Kebabs, dips, pastries were perfect. Nice ambiance. Service was slightly lacking.
We chose Suraya for our 2-year anniversary and are glad we did. Opted for the chefs counter which was a great move as I enjoy watching the kitchen in action.Obviously, we went with the Taste of Suraya so we can try everything on the menu. You get 5 of the most loved Mezzas and then each person gets to pick one of their own. Trust me, pace yourself, its a marathon and not a sprint. I know from experience as a certain person I know was unable to enjoy her entree solely based on the amazing Labneh and Hummus.All of the mezzas as excellent. You then each get to choose one of the Mashawi (loosely translated to a meat or veggie dish)I went with the new menu option of Caledonian Shrimps and am so glad I did. I usually go with shawarma or some kabob but this was a good change for me. Nothing like sucking the head of the shrimp to get all the good flavor out of it. The missus went with the Kawarma (slow-roasted Lamb) and it was so flavorful. I had a bite and she enjoyed it for lunch the next day. I mean we had to save room for the Kaneffa. Always a treat to end the night.Good cocktails and an excellent server led to a great evening out. Bonus for free parking in the back.
Came for brunch and the experience was wonderful. Beautiful garden area to sit in with enough shade. Our server was so charismatic and helpful. All of the brunch sides, hummus, baba ganoush and red pepper were amazing. I ordered the Lebanese omelette as my entree and it was just ok. Mock tails are refreshing.
Seem racist place but the food was not good either it’s good if you want to impress someone with lights and decor
5/5 We waited a month for our reservation but, it was well and truly worth the wait. We had several dips served at the start of our meal and all of them were amazing. The baba ganoush was the best we’ve ever had. Normally I’m not a fan but this was so soft and creamy. The hummus was out of this world as well.
I of my step daughters favorite restaurants, each bite has 15 different flavors but leaves you wanting more trying figure out how so many flavors come in just one bite. 5 stars
Family Style meals. Food is deliciously fresh. Greek style all the way. Service is with style. I loved the special attention to pleasing all 4 of us . Great time, awesome food. Will def visit again. 🔜
The food at Tantura is to die for, the staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and the vibe is cool albeit cozy somehow. The attention to detail is impressive. Highly recommended for a special occasion (or not).
First time at this place. What can i say, high end service, presentation and food. The servant took great care of us, never had to ask for a refill etc. since it was our first time here, we went with $59.99 options which included about 8 mesas/appetizers, two Dinner plates and two deserts. We loved everything, especially the fresh pitas. The sweets were a bit too sweet for us but at that point we couldn’t finish them anyways. The drinks were on point too. They also have items for sale, in the lobby of the restaurant. Highly recommend, and most likely will be back soon.
The meal was so good that it restructured my top 3 best meals in my life! The crispy cauliflower was divine and unlike any I have ever had.
Food and drink was incredible as well as the atmosphere. Service could be better for the price, though. Did try this place near the end of the pandemic so that could be the reason for the subpar service. Certainly will be returning again.
Outstanding dinner, with a wide variety of dishes served as part of a customizable tasting menu. Great service, too. Waiter offered great advice on wine and provided clear descriptions of menu items when we had questions
Good quality food, friendly staff; exorbitant prices. Id give it 5 stars for quality but they asked us to hurry and leave because they needed the table for the next reservation, which I thought was entirely inappropriate for a fine dining place. Id avoid it on Fri/Sat evenings.
Truly the best food, service, staff, and ambiance in Philadelphia. Do not miss the Tasting Menu and the unique wine list! From a casual al fresco meal of mezze and drinks to special occasions, Suraya delivers it all. Great playlist too
The staff were so kind and thoughtful. They explained the dishes well and also made suggestions. Alex ,our waiter was so great, she went above and beyond to help us with our first experience here. The food, the amount of flavors pouring from each dish is undeniably out of this world. Fresh piping hot pita, 7 kinds of hummus, delicious drinks..I could go on
I took a friend from North Jersey to Suraya. It was my first time visiting the restaurant in about a year. They were only serving the tasting menu but I was thrilled because that’s my favorite. We were seated at a romantic table in front of the fireplace. The food was fantastic. My friend enjoyed every bite. At the end of our sumptuous meal, he turned to me and said it was the best meal he has enjoyed at restaurant in 30 years. I love this place!
Avoid this place!!!!First of all, it’s not Lebanese! They just have some Lebanese Maze! Second, the staff and the manager are extremely rude, I came here with my friends and I embarrassed to bringing them here!! And last, they force you to order the entire menu on Friday and Saturday nights and if you don’t want, you will be charge 40$/person! And please note that they are NOT a fine dining!! The worst restaurant I ever seen!
Bar seating might be available without reservation. Good service. Hummous, baba ganoush, fatteh (chickpeas and egg plant), arnabeet mekle (crispy cauliflower), kebabs, new caledonian prawns, charred long hots (side) were good. Dry aged ribeye was so so.
The place was so lively and had a great ambience. Food was so good. Slow cooked lamb with pita bread ,special yogurt and mule drink was exceptional and the prices were very attractive. I strongly recommend a visit here. I would go back again for sure. Love the Lebanese cuisine even more now.
Nice restaurant. Excellent brunch. Server was professional.
Their garden is so pretty and popular. Hard to make last minute reservations - plan ahead! We made reservations three weeks in advance and still didn’t get a table in the garden. We instead got our seating in their extended patio which is much more compact and less cute🥲 But their indoor atmosphere is also ✨ and is a better option than the patio imo. Service overall was nice & our server the kindest.👍👍Food was a bit salty for me but I can imagine with drinks would be perfect.
Food, service, ambience....perfect. Pricey but worth every penny. We didnt have reservations and we had to wait awhile for a table. We were seated at the counter directly in front of the kitchen. Great view of everything! We were able to see all of the plating of the food and watch the bread being cooked in this amazing wood burning stove. The perfect meal was only overshadowed by by quick trip outside to see the garden. This place is amazing! Fire pits, cute seating and it is huge! It can easily accommodate 100+ people. I cant wait to go back.
It was our first time here, we enjoyed the food. However, few things that could have been better was the pita bread wasn’t served hot, the kanaffe desert was too cheesy with the mozzarella. It was less desert and more cheese, glad it came with rose syrup but the sesame pita with it wasn’t appealing either …. Otherwise we loved the curried cauliflower, arak tasting was good, the grape leaves was okay.. all in all good for a 1 time visit for being a vegetarian!
Its a very beautiful space with very detailed decor and aesthetics. There are loads of seating as there is an outdoor garden and seating at the chefs table which gives great views of the chefs, brick oven and and entertaining vibe. But seats fill up quickly so be sure to make reservations weeks ahead, no joke.Food is amazing, great Lebanese flavor and spices used. Portion sizes are a bit small but they do provide freshly baked pita you can eat with your meal to fill you up and tastes great!Price is pretty high, not gonna lie. I wouldnt come here often just because I would go broke for food I can probably get at another Lebanese restaurant for a quarter of what you pay for (literally). But its definitely a unique restaurant and experience worth a visit.
The food here is fresh and delicious! Love it! Highly recommended! Staff is super friendly and inviting!
Amazing Food and service. We had a wonderful experience and our waiter was very knowledgeable about the food. We appreciate the wonderful hospitality. I recommend getting A Taste of Suraya. It was a beautiful array of the different dishes that they have. I would love to try different dishes on my next visit.
My chai was delicious and pretty! My hubby enjoyed his mocha as well. The desserts were flavorful and delicious. I had the chicken sandwich which was a bit too flavorful for me but my hubby loved it. The restaurants ambiance is top notch and the service was fast and attentive. I will be returning!
Great service by everyone. Everyone was attentive and the restaurant was really clean.The food was amazing and i would recommend others to make reservation on friday or Saturday night.
Amazing and unforgettable night for my daughter’s wedding dinner. Everything was top notch delicious and service also superb. Thank you Suraya Restaurant. We will be back for more delicious food.
Suraya is one of the best restaurants in the Philadelphia area. This place is a well oiled machine from top down. The staff are attentive and kind, your water glass is never empty, the ambiance is top notch (recommend sitting in the garden!) and the food is some of the most unique and delicious food I’ve had. Their starter hummus style dips and dishes that are part of the taste of Suraya are fantastic. The mains and dessert options are all inventive and show care and passion with each flavor. I will miss this restaurant the most when we move!
We went for my birthday and they did a great job of making dinner feel special. The prefix was great and very vegetarian friendly. Nice mix and liked trying a decent selection of the menu. Portions were large for the two of us and we had leftovers. Cocktails were delicious.
Suraya was a really great restaurant. Awesome interior deco makes you feel like youre in Lebanon!. The interior windows are unique and add to the atmosphere.The food is amazing. We had the A Taste of Suraya which includes a bunch of dips and choice of two appetizers. My favorite was the hummus, and the chicken liver (Sawdat Djej) hot mezza. The fried Kibbeh was also very good.I tried the Builder of Bridges cocktail, and it was good. It had a funky taste, like kombucha.For mains, we had the Kawarma (baharat rubbed lamb, grilled & slow roasted), and the Abu Sayf (grilled wild striped bass kebab), and both were very good. The lamb was in an amazing sauce.We did the Kanafeh for dessert, which is cheese with a light, crispy fried exterior. The rose syrup on this was amazing!My only complaint was that the meals pacing was very slow. It took almost 3 hours for our entire meal. Service was very friendly, but a bit slow. Otherwise, our experience was amazing, the food was amazing, and Id highly recommend this place to my friends for a fancy dinner!
Destination Restaurant unique Lebanese/ middle eastern choices. Food is excellent, served in a casual style almost like from a food truck, which just adds to the appeal and authenticity. We both loved our selections and the menu had plenty of items we are anxious to go back and try. You will find lines! It moves fast though so come on in for a treat!
Good lord this place is amazing. Get the warm chickpea salad, the labneh, the lamb kibbeh . . . everything was awesome. Great space and decor. Polished service. Nice cocktail list. Really enjoyed the reasonably priced featured wine. EVERY DESSERT IS A MUST HAVE. Get them all and split them.
The taste of each of the dishes was great. The service is also great. If you want to have good middle eastern food in Philly, you have to try this location.The only thing that bothered me, and I mentioned it to one of the owners, was that the dirty apperizer plates were sitting on the table for too long. But once I mentioned it, it was taken care of immediately. The desserts were especially spectacular, I highly recommended.
I consider this a restaurant and oasis amongst any that I’ve tried before. Some places you go to eat but if you want a true dining experience I definitely recommend it.
Beautiful setting - excellent dining.Something on the menu for everyones tastes and, well prepared.Cant wait to return.
Suraya is such a beautiful restaurant, both inside and outside! Even the cafe area in the front is beautiful I love it.My friends and I came here for dinner and we were seated outside in the garden at the communal table. Its such a beautiful place to eat at with the bar and the water fountain around you.My friends and I ordered the hummus, baba ganoush, fatteh, and the samke nayyeh for our starters. The hummus was not out of this world. It was good but not anything I would come back for.The baba ganoush was really good and well done and the fatteh was just amazing. This was my favorite dish that night and was recommended to us by the waiter. Its a hot dish that comes with warm chickpeas, eggplants, cripsy pita, tehina yogurt, topped with almonds and cashews and some green onions. Its so good I would definitely recommend this for a hot dish.The samke nayyeh was also recommended to us by the waiter. He said it was great if you like sushi or sashimi so we got it to try. I wasnt blown away by it. The flavors are great but the fish didnt taste very fresh to me.For our dinner, we decided to share the kafta kebab and the abu sayf. The Kafta kebab is a beef kebab that is seasoned with a bunch of herbs and comes with charred onion, tomatoes and peppers. The abu sayf was also recommended to us by the waiter - its grilled swordfish marinated yogurt, lemon, garlic and more. It was really well done and was pretty good too.I wasnt blown away by the dinner entrees we chose and definitely enjoyed our starters more. The flavors are great though and I will probably be coming back for more of the fatteh and baba ganoush.All in all, this is a beautiful place to catch up and grab dinner with friends and family. The ambiance is very very nice and its just a beautiful place to eat at. The food is good and the staff is very nice!
Lovely atmosphere, no reservation, got seated on patio. Everything is ordered through and purchased on phone. You have to use the designated cards on table to signify to servers if you need help. Pretty easy. We ordered cauliflower bites and the roasted red pepper meze- comes with fresh pide breads. Everything was delicious and we inhaled all of it. Also got the lamb halabi kebap, it came with a side of hummus and fresh roasted onions and sweet peppers. Absolutely delicious!! For dessert we got the kanafeh it was soo good and fresh!! overall we had a beautiful time, wonderful and helpful servers, delicious food!!!!
We’ve been trying to go here since before COVID and we finally did it. The outdoor dining setup for winter was amazing - every “booth” has its own heat and it felt very safe. The food was, of course, equally amazing as well. Look forward to going back in warmer months!
Beautiful decor, delicious pastries, and pita bread that’s cooked right in their open kitchen. The food here is the opposite of soul food, so if you want that, go elsewhere. It’s healthy-tasting, nutty and green food. Definitely worth a Brunch visit, especially in the summer with the outdoor seating.
Amazing mediterranean cuisine. Service, food and drinks. They have a lovely outdoor area that you can get a couple drinks and chill, but I recommend the dinner menu (which isnt served outside - its a smaller menu option) inside... If you can get in. The lunch menu is different than their breakfast / morning options. Decide what type of mediterranean mood your in and just go to all 3 (breakfast, lunch and dinner) as its worth the visit each time.
Walked in to a wood-burning fire with each table having handmade unique mugs, its a beautiful setting. Food was delicious - we ordered the pastry basket, cheese/tomato/longhot/onion/parsley manoushe, tehina yogurt, and beef kebab plate, and everything was great. Our favorite pastries were the cruller and the chocolate-almond financier. Out of the savory, i would say the spiced french fries were the best; they were cooked so perfectly. Well definitely be back - next time we plan to try the falafel and the apple yogurt.
I enjoyed most of what we ordered but all the hype around this place had me expecting more. The hummus, pita, and fol were great. The fries and flat bread were good. The meat in the kofte kebab was dry and surprisingly under seasoned. I would recommend the app sampler.
The top reputation as one of Philly’s top new restaurants of 2018 is well-deserved. The ambience is clearly meticulously planned, and the service is attentive and friendly. We had the pleasure of sitting by the open kitchen as the chef’s worked well in unison to prepare everything from scratch. The menu offers a unique spread of Lebanese small plates, beverages, and pastries to choose from. Definitely worth a visit for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Just be mindful that they close midday, and check social media as they regularly close for private events.
Love love LOVED the delicious food, space and staff! I had no idea how big this place was when I walked in. It starts with a little market and coffee bar where you can buy local specialties or quick items to go for the day and then it leads into the main dining room. There’s group seating as well as the chef’s counter that looks directly into the kitchen. If you continue on, you’ll end up in a very charming and spacious outdoor garden with seating and a bar which stays open in the fall. The food was so delicious and authentic, I can’t wait to go back! If you have a big group, the tasting menu is an amazing deal!
Got the eggplant baba ganoush, pastry basket, their latte,etc . all of the food was amazing. 5/5 service. 5/5 ambiance. the latte isnt overly sweet the flowers are edible. the cups are home made. their almond pastry w filling is superb. all of their pastries arent overly sweet.
Surprisingly delicious food, cordial staff, nice inside decorations with all the COVID-19 precautions definitely turned me into a fan of Lebanese cuisine 🙂
First time having Lebanese food, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ve only had lunch here (so I can’t speak to dinner), but the mezze plate and the hummus we got were amazing. The side of spiced french fries were a great add because come on...fries. The food was actually a lot more filling than I thought it’d be as well. My favorite of the mezze plate had to be the ful mudammas aka stewed fava beans with chickpeas. The combination of all of the flavors worked very well, and make sure to treat yourself to a pastry (the rose pistachio cruller)!
Great tasting, great price, and great service = 5 starsParty of 2A Taste of Suraya - I was full after the 1st course. definitely with the money for the amount of food you get.Samke Nayyeh - well flavored raw yellow tail. Would certainly get this dish again.Fatteh - was surprised how tasty it was since I’m not much of a chickpea person (except for hummus). Had a nice warm temperature, nice flavor, and the added crispy pita was a nice added texture.Halabi kebab- I’m not a lamb person but it was certainly cooked well and flavorful. If you like lamb, you won’t be disappointed with this dish.Grilled eggplant - only available when ordering the tasting. Certainly big.DessertCoffee and chocolate verrine (coffee and apricot) - very unique combination that works well. Would certainly get this again.Would I come back? Definitely
Driving into philly, we and stopped at Suraya and were pleased to find this unexpected gem. Very stylish and pristine inside with friendly service.I especially recommend the puff pastries and the Lebanese Chai Latte with rose petals. Their Zaatar flatbreads remind me of healthy little pizzas. My mother tried the cucumber Zaatar - delicious! Really great for vegetable lovers. Keep in mind, some of the savory dishes are a bit spicy.We were there for brunch, so we ate on the café side. The lunch menu and restaurant seating area opens at 11am.There is a cute selection of products on display for purchase as well, including Rose flavored spreads and matching bowl sets.
We enjoyed our brunch on Saturday morning. We booked through open table so there was no wait, that’s such a plus for bruch as a lot of brunch places do not take reservations. The place is quite large, and the interior design is superior. It fits well w/ Fishtown for sure. The service was nice and quick. Food has a lot of spice in it so it’s a little bit exotic (in a good way).
One of the best restaurants I’ve been to in Philly. In love with their service, interiors, FOOD, and overall experience. I’ve only tried their brunch menu, and I cannot wait to try their dinner some time as they have kunefe as an option! Be sure to make reservations though.
Dinner was very flavorful. We decided to try a lot of different mezza. The muhammara couldve been more texturally diverse, but aside from that everything was great. The bread they served was fantastic. Definitely a bit pricey overall though.
This place had the best lamb Ive ever had! All of the food was excellent and I really enjoyed the atmosphere. The neighborhood it was located in, Fishtown, is really up and coming with good access to the city and lots to do nearby. Suraya was a great way to finish a night out and I will definitely be back!
Wonderful food. Wonderful staff. Amazing vibes in their garden. For this of us who don’t live in fish town, they have a parking lot so you don’t have to deal with that issueThe most amazing Lebanese dessert!
Delicious Lebanese food!! The waiters were helpful. Came here for brunch (without reservations) and wasnt disappointed. The mimosa was alright imo but my husband liked it. He got the bloody Mary which had a nice kick to it. Food was really good! My husband and I really liked the labne (yogurt) so much that we really wanted to take it back to CA with us haha. We got the Mezze Plate and it was enough for the both of us. We also got the lahm bi-ajeen which was okay, but not great. Pita was really good too! I would definitely go back again when Im visiting my brother and craving for some Lebanese food!
Delicious albeit a little expensive for the smaller portions. Our waiter was truly knowledgeable with his recommendations and provided attentive service.
Everyone has been raving about this restaurant so I just had to try it! I will say, I WAS a little disappointed, but with it being COVID and take out I’m hoping that was why. Here’s what we ordered:- Fried Kibbeh - these dumplings were reallyyy dry. There wasn’t enough of the mint-cucumber yogurt sauce with it to help combat that- Halabi kebab - lamb kebab...good but nothing crazy to write home about. This came with a babyyyy amount of hummus which was a little disappointing. Hummus was average and the pita with it, I could have bought it from the grocery store. Nothing set it apart.- Samke Harra - the branzino was expected, but the sauce, holy moly load me more of that. It was amazing. Came with turmeric rice which was meh.- Sumac French fries with toum - HOLY COW. These babies stole the show. You’re thinking, getting fries at a Levantine restaurant..really? YES REALLY. They were amazing - big, crispy, flavorful. I would go back just for theseOverall it was a decent meal but not the wow I expected. Will go back in hopes the COVID takeout is what did them in.
Not what I was expecting of a Lebanese style restaurant. Ive been to quite a few and none have left me speechless like this place. The interior design alone is awe inspiring, the aesthetics of the place is dimmed down and intimate, which is not what Im used to from a Lebanese restaurant. Not gonna lie though, this place is a bit bougie... so have your wallet ready.
Suraya is beautifully decorated restaurant with delicious authentic Lebanese food. A must try and I am definitely going back.We went for brunch because it is hard to get reservations. We ordered the Chai latte with almond milk which was both delicious and pretty. My husband got the cappuccino which was just as tasty. Then we shared the hummus with slow-roasted lamb and got the kebab platter with taboule, hummus, kafta kebab. Both of which I would recommend.Cons: We omitted the fries and asked for more taboule which we didnt get-this was mentioned to the waitress but she disregarded our comment-so basically wrong waitress but not restaurants fault. Everyone else was very pleasant and welcoming.Pros: good excellent food, nicely decorated, can socialize without hearing the next table. I would go back and try their dinner menu. I went to their sister brunch place-Cafe la Maude and that was exceptionally good too
Simply amazing food! Beautiful inside and great wait staff. We did the tasters menu and everything was just perfect! The lamb sausages (makanek) and the yellowtail (kibbeh nayyeh) were my favorite of the first course, though the pita, hummous and baba ganoush were also exemplary. The kawarma (roasted lamb with yogurt) and abu sayf (halibut marinated in shawarma yogurt) were highlights of the main course. Desserts (not pictured) were also fantastic - especially the kanafeh (cheese curd with crispy outside, melted inside and topped with rose syrup and pistachio)... So good.
The flavors, decor, and service. Must experience. The coffee shop / store front is so quaint but the entire restaurant is a large beautiful space. Wonderful cocktails as well.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. The atmosphere is so beautiful. Very different than your average restaurant in philly. Their drinks are very interesting. I ordered a drink that was rose flavored and had dried rose in it. Very delicious. The plants and trees are very nice and makes you feel that you’re at a garden
Amazing food and service! From the moment you walk in you dont realize how big the place is! It even extends outside with outdoor seating! But I do suggest grabbing a reservation because theyre always packed! That shows how great the place is! We had the baba ganoush with pita, lamb two ways ( kebab and braised), kefkah cheese with honey and crusted with pistachios and herbs, and a rose infused chai tea/ coffee.
Eat here often, and have never had anything but a delicious, enjoyable meal. Cant recommend enough.
Great food, friendly staff, diverse and well behaved trendy crowd. All food and drink selection were superb, however Jalaab stands out. Apparently (according to server) the name Suraya means Syria
Must visit this place if you are in Philly!!From the ambiance to the food and service, everything is fabulous.Their bakery is awesome and you should try curlers and the Bar which is awesome.From the cocktail all 4 of them are really too good including Mimosa and Bloody marry.Lebanese Chai Late is out of box I would say which is a milk based chai late along with reach pistachio and creamy ness.I never thought of yogurt with many different flavors which is Tahiti and you should must try it.Food is amazing that’s the only thing I can describe about it..!!
Wandered in on a Wednesday for some light bites and it was so cozy and very busy! We lucked out and scored seats at the chefs counter, so we got to watch the pita oven and skewer grills in action. Everything we tried from the mezze list was fantastic, and we almost fought over the last bit of perfectly creamy-tangy yogurt. Cocktails were on point! Will have to return for brunch, as I understand theres a mezze sampler during daytime :) Definitely a good idea to reserve ahead!
Exceeded expectations. I was hesitant about the unfamiliar food options going in but everything was delicious. The dazzling decor and cozy atmosphere add a lot to the experience. I could see spending a day here eating and drinking with friends. Service was ultra friendly and speedy.
Excellent food from their brunch to their dinners to their beverages! Nestled in Fishtown, Philly, this beautiful restaurant heralds handsome esthetic, friendly staff, and talented chefs! No surprise that its one of Phillys top restaurants.
Excellent meal with great service all around. Suraya’s use of an open fire adds depth of flavor to every dish. The slow roasted lamb is an absolute must try while the swordfish was merely okay in comparison to the other great dishes. If you enjoy arak, be sure not to skip their great cocktail creations.
Hard to get reservations. But meals are really delicious. Staff are warm friendly. Interior design and garden was absolutely beautiful. You can order from online and meals comes so fast. Not to need wait anyone.
Incredible!! The food was a piece of art made by a master Chef. Never expected to have an Arabic food at this level in US. Definitely worth the trouble to book a table here.
Loved all the food here - the cruller and kofta kebab especially stood out to me. The space is large and inviting - will definitely return!
This is a Lebanese restaurant in Fishtown Philadelphia. The restaurant has a nice atmosphere and a very open layout. The food is excellent! We shared 11 hes flat bread, one of the hummus dishes and the spicy fries. And we shared a couple of desserts. I would definitely return.
My family enjoyed an amazing experience at Suraya last night. The setting is a feast for your eyes. The lighting and decor soothing. Very comfortable seating. All our servers were impeccable. They were well schooled in the menu and wine pairings. The food was exquisite. We felt well taken care of. Suraya provided a lovely evening we will fondly remember for a long time, and for this we thank you.
I finally made it to Suraya for brunch. One of the best food experiences in Philly. Their sister spot, Cafe La Maude, has been one of my favorites for years.
By far one the best restaurants in Philadelphia. This is a hidden gem and the chef exactly knows what he is doing here. Every course every dish was so spectacular and mouthwateringly delicious, I am salivating just thinking about it. Even the cocktails are crafted to go with the food and they are all one of a kind. Lebanese food just made a massive splash in the food scene in Philly thanks to this restaurant.
I’m sure the food is good but I never got to try it. I’m was in Philly on business for the week and they refused to sit me because I was alone. Why? Is it a crime to enjoy food solo now? I even asked if I could do takeout and they refused that option too. Where is the brotherly love?
Had a wonderful experience at Suraya. Service was excellent. First time having Lebanese food and all of the dishes we ordered based on the waitresses suggestions were delicious. I would love to come back for a special occasion sometime soon!
Best Lebanese ever! Abu Sayf Is amazing. High qaulity. Well presented. Nice flavours. Correctly cooked.Tumeric Rise was also vert tasty and lovely cooked.Im really Happy to have been there.Nice restaurant vert clear and customer service Is excellent.Parking Sony simplex but patente helps!Ill be right back.
Earned everyone of those 5 stars! Our table started with lots of Apps,Baba Ganoush was one of them. Excellent! I ordered Kawarma, one touch of my fork and the lamb fell apart. The meat was out of this world. The service was 5 stars. Mike N. navigated the menu for us and made some suggestions, which we can say he led us in the right direction with the food selection. We felt like guests at someones home, we had the staffs full attention. This was truly the perfect dining experience.
Our group of four each ordered the Taste of Suraya. Their dips are absolutely amazing and their desserts (kanafeh especially!)are so good!! Our entrees were great but we agreed that the stars were the beginning and ending courses.
(Reservations required) we booked three days in advance. Amazing food and atmosphereWould come gain for sureThey sell blend of spice and cute souvenirs
Just wanted to thank the team at Suraya, especially Patrick, for being extremely kind, accommodating and considerate. They helped me out with a special request and I was blown away with their responsiveness and generosity. Many thanks to Patrick for his amazing help, and the chefs for their delicious cooking! Cant wait to come back in-person sometime in the Spring hopefully!
Can’t recommend it enough. I’m far from an expert on Lebanese food, but I really enjoyed the food and experience. It’s Nov so we ate inside, but I imagine the garden is nice. Inside was beautiful. Interacted with so many different staff members, all who were attentive and so kind. Food was AMAZING. I forget the correct names, but the appetizers was yogurt based dip thing, hummus, and these baked potatoes, and then we got the ground beef kebabs. So delicious. Need to try the full experience option, or whatever it’s called. Definitely seems worth it, especially if you get a few apps anyway. Will be back!!
We didnt have a reservation. We were given an hour wait for space at the bar for three. Pottered down the road for a beer or so and got our text. I get why its so popular. Lebanese food done extraordinarily well. Sharp flavors, excellent textures and superb attentive, well trained and executed service. My recommendation, try to get reservation but even if you cant its worth getting on the list.
Went for brunch. Its on the pricey side, but the food was fantastic and the staff was courteous. Sat at the chefs counter for a great view of the kitchen. Portions were big, so we definitely had leftovers. Pastries were amazing. Loved the decor and open feel of the space.
Food was really good, and when it comes to price, you are paying a little more for the awesome environment and great service. So it was worth it.
Such incredible food. All of the reviews are correct. My date and I got one mezza and two entrees to share and were plenty full, so no need to splurge for the $70 menu if you dont want to spend that price. Go here and enjoy!
Celebrated our golden anniversaryFood is awesome, Service is great. Very beautiful surroundings
Incredible ambience incredible restaurant incredible service incredible food in fact I would have to say that this is probably my top 5 meals of 2021.
Love the food and atmosphere but portions size are super small. I don’t eat huge meals but for the price you would expect to be full - I had 2 appetizers (tiny too) and main meal (very small piece of lamb, was in shocked when I saw it). Brunch is better option as you basically get full with bread and better sized appetizers. Another big minus is ordering on the phone which ruins the vibe. The waitress comes anyway, why can’t I tell him what I want? Hate pulling my phone to order more drinks.
The service and ambience is amazing but I think it’s overpriced and hyped up. I definitely recommend going once and experiencing it for yourself but the food was a bit salty and something you could have gotten at a hole in the wall restaurant. The wine selection was nice. I did enjoy my time here but our bill was over $300 for only two people so that is why I am giving it 3 starts and not 4. Disclaimer: I am not a huge fan of Mediterranean type food and this was very similar to the tangy Greek flavors.
Was my first time having food at Suraya. We were party of four and tried their brunch menu. Very pricey for 5 types of hummus/salad and you pick only 1 item from the entree. They should include at least a drink for this expensive meal(this is a brunch without any drinks!!). If two people have this food then the quantity is same vs if four people have the same food. We ran out of hummus and when asked for more the server said it would be chargeable, he suggested that pita bread could be ordered again without a charge but theres nothing to have the pita with! They should definitely increase the portion when four people have this food vs two. The entrees were okay but overall I didnt enjoy the meal after spending around $200 for this scant meal. Never coming back to have the brunch again!
Food was fantastic everything was very fresh and well made. Staff was extra nice to explain in detail all the food we was ordering.
Dined in the garden during a fall evening. It was a wonderful atmosphere (I did not feel like I was in Philly) and had adequate heating lamps. Staff was attentive and helpful. Food had amazing flavors and wine selection was unique and superb (featuring wines from Lebanon). This is a great restaurant to celebrate a special occasion.
The food was good. Does the menu price reflect the portion size? Not really. And for a place that prides themselves as a middle eastern restaurant; the quality of service my group received was severely lacking. It was my first time there, and I will not be going back.If you are looking for good food and do not mind the “I am better than you “ vibe most staff in the establishment give off; then Suraya is the place for you.
I’ve been here a handful of times since moving to Philadelphia, and it remains my favorite spot in the city.Exceptional food, exceptional wait staff and management, and a great atmosphere.Every time I have family or friends visiting, I make sure to take them here. Enjoy!
The food is amazing and everything about the restaurant is top notch. Absolutely eat here while in Philly.
Im not a fan of chai but Surayas Lebanese Chai has won me over. Pastries are always fresh, lattes, homemade pita & hummus are delicious. Interior is beautiful.
I have mix feelings for Suraya. They ask for credit card info ($40 charge if not show up) to secure the reservation, but keep you waiting for quite amount time when you arrive. I liked the branzino very much. Babaganuj and stuffed grape leaves were okay. Service was okay as well.
THEE BEST DINING EXPERIENCE EVER. PERIOD!!!! Customer service was top notch and they pay attention to detail. Never during our time there were our questions or concerns specifically the work of our server. The food was out of this world delish... I was skeptical, a $70 tasting menu didnt sound appealing to me; however, Suraya delivered all of the appeal in real form. From presentation to flavor, every bite was exceptional. The ambiance was perfectly elegant and cozy. I cannot wait to return!
A friend came in town and suggested Suraya for brunch. The menu was enticing to the foodies in all of us, so we went. We got the pastry basket to share for the table, the crueller was especially memorable from the basket! My husband and I also got Ful Mudammas, Lebanese flat bread with zaatar, labne, olive, cucumber, mint. Rosewater lemonade and tahina hot chocolate. Everything was uniquely made and flavored. The Ful Mudammas was made with fava beans and had red onions and thin slices of hot peppers. The ful Mudammas came with pita. The pita was so puffy just like pillows and it was the perfect complement to the ful Mudammas. The Lebanese flat bread was similar to a wrap, it was smeared with the seasonings and had chunks of cucumber and mint. It was a very complex flavor with the refreshing bites of cucumbers. The rosewater lemonade was really refreshing. The tahina hot chocolate was not too sweet. The spice has a unique flavor. My friends got the kefta plate, and lamb flat bread. All were very tasty! The restaurant is spacious and comfortable. There is a small bakery counter and market places in the front of the restaurant. And there is a small lot in the back of the restaurant.
The food was very delicious. We visited this restaurant for the first time upon my friend my friends suggestion and have order the tasting menu. So that we can taste all the sides, hot, main course and all deserts.But when we stepped into the restraunt, there’s a lady who received us and asked to show the covid report and I’d proof as to follow some rules by the restaurant. She was very rude and arrogant in speaking and felt like she is judging the person upon color (we saw that lady is commenting on us with another staff in the reception).Reception staff should always be very friendly to the customers and value them. Rest all staff are very friendly. I hope this comment will be seen by the restraunt owner.
Wonderful dinner. The waitstaff was surprisingly and effectively attentive. When asked about the wine selection, we were introduced to the sommelier who patiently walked us through the options we had proposed. Nothing about this restaurant disappointed. If you’re looking for high quality food and service, look no further than Suraya. As a side note, this restaurant is also worth a bit of travel if that is a consideration.
The Taste of Suraya brunch menu is perfect. And you must add a pastry or two....that cruller is perfect.
A beautiful restaurant for brunch, with delicious plates and pastries and beverages. Between the four of us, we had rose water lemonade (hint of rose is sooooo good), chai latte, stumptown coffee, an apricot cardamom mimosa to rave about, and 2 kabob platters and a handful of pastries for postres (do not miss the Apple Chausson!)The Crispy Chickpea Hummous is a must.
Friendly staff, amazing setting/vibe and most importantly delicious food!! We did the taste of Suraya and it was so worth it. The best hummus I ever had. The potatoes were insanely good. The lamb entree perfectly cooked and paired with a yogurt sauce. We will be back!
I think this would be a good date restaurant! My friend and I had a great experience here on a Tuesday night. We arrived a little after 5, with no reservation, and they sat us at the table overlooking the kitchen. Our waitress was so helpful, friendly, and funny! We felt like we got to see into the inner workings of this restaurant. Definitely recommend the hummous and lamb kebab. The baba ganoush was not our favorite but was still flavorful! It’s an aesthetically pleasing restaurant and we will be back when it’s warm enough for the back patio to be open!
Had a great time today for my father in laws birthday brunch.we had a large group (8+3 kids) and Jess, our server, took amazing care of us.food was amazing as usual. thank you so much!
I came here twice.The first time made this place jump all the way to the best restaurant Ive ever been too, then the second time, I never wanted to come back.The first time I came here service was great, the food was even more amazing, the bill came out to be extremely expensive, but it didnt matter, I enjoyed the 1-hour long wait steak so much I didnt care that the place was extremely dim-lighted so much that I could barely see my food indoors.The second time, we were seated outside uncomfortable squished in between a couple and a family. The server we had who was asian, brushed me off more than 5 times, she wasnt attentive, and quickly got the family next to me more times than they needed. The service horrible, and honestly the steak wasnt as good as last time. It wasnt worth $100 anymore.I dont care if I come back to this place, because the server was really bad last time and the seating was horrific. They should have a better strategy with seating people outside.Parking: Street parking. Good Luck, its fishtown.Price: Expensive, prepare to pay a lot.People: Upscale, Bourgeoise.Place: Decorated beautifully, NEEDS better lighting. Theres a difference between intimate and straight up dark room.Food: Meh-Good-Great. Toss up.Service: Great-Terrible. Toss up. Good luck.Bottom-line: If Im paying an arm and a leg, I expect the service and food to be worth it. Its not.
Total reviews rating 4.7
199 Reviews for Suraya Restaurant 2023:
Review №1
2022-04-18Was in Philly for a conference and decided to try this place. They only do the tasting menu on Friday and Saturday but so worth it. Everything was so amazing and authentic in taste. For the price it is definitely a lot of food and you leave stuffed. I highly recommend this place is your in the fish town area, you will not be disappointed. Liking forward to coming back and trying this place again. Ask for Lydia, she was very attentive and made the experience so much more enjoyable.
Review №2
2022-05-06The best restaurant in Philadelphia (period). Made even more perfect by an incredibly kind and attentive waitstaff. Absolutely everything was 5 stars. If you’re looking for incredible middle eastern flavors, Suraya is a total gem (and quite the romantic spot, too). The tasting menu (served Fridays and Saturdays) was an awesome value, and worth every penny.
Review №3
2022-02-25Suraya was one of the most unique experiences we have had in Philadelphia. We went for brunch, and sat between the courtyard and main dining room with a beautiful ceiling to wall painting of the mother of the owners from Lebanon. The ambiance and atmosphere sucks you in until the food arrives. Each dish carefully crafted with unique blends of spices and ingredients that brings the best of the region in a modern enlightenment. The food is rich in texture and your tastebuds will never forget the delicious food and unique refreshing beverages such as the rose water lemonade. Highly recommend for a brunch next time you are in Philadelphia!
Review №4
2022-04-12This was my first time at Suraya. I was very unsure as I have never had Lebanese food before. I tried to do some research so I knew what to expect. (Research didn’t help) When the food was laid out I still wasn’t sure how I was about to feel about the variety of food placed in front of us. We did the “A taste of Suraya” for $70 per person. DO NOT BE FOOLED ITS A LOT OF FOOD.The way the flavors were married…. The beauty of how each dish was put together… The service provided with minimal disruption & courtesy…. The chatter from the patrons and the background music that played well with the crowd…. All of it was so good. This is date night worthy. It seemed like a family friendly site but if I’m honest I didn’t see any children. It was such a pleasant experience. I felt like it was a bit expensive but as of lately prices went up on everything so it’s to be expected. But I left there so happy and content. Such a great place to eat. If you can go and check it out!
Review №5
2022-06-04*Outdoor dining review*This restaurant is a hidden gem in an area I would not normally visit.Restaurant: 5/5Service: 4/5Food: 5/5Parking: There is a limited parking lot next to the restaurant, it used to be free, and then they started charging people $10 to park. Now I do not see the $10 parking on the website anymore, it MIGHT have been changed? Other than that, theres also street parking.First off I would say before we even got to the restaurant, I had couple questions, so I emailed ahead regarding specific area we want to sit also called ahead and the person on the phone, both occasions the staffs and owners were very pleasant and helpful. To me that sets the tone of whether we even want to visit the restaurant or not.-Restaurant -Restaurant itself looks really nice inside and outside, since it was somewhat warm, we decided to make reservation for the Garden area that was semi covered and heated if needed, also it has see-through screen between each table. Which was perfect for Covid concerns. Theres also open area right in the middle of the garden if youre interested. Everythings clean, the tables the utensils, nothing is sticky.-Service-We were 5 minutes late due to Philly traffic, so we decided to call 5 minutes before our reservation and was told it we had 15 minute window. From the moment we walked in, we were able to sit down within a minute of arrival, hostesses were very professional and courteous. As soon as we sat down our waitress came right away and explained to us about their ordering process what each items are...etc.Why 4/5 for the service you asked? During the time we were eating, we saw a food runner dropped some food for another guest right in the pathway of the garden next to us... Instead of picking it up right away, one of the other food runner or waiter simply kicked it aside, and never came back for the clean up.-Food-It was pre-fix tasting menu, with the option to order extra, which we did and it did not disappoint. Everything was absolutely delicious, our waitress made great recommendations. You get quite a lot of food for it being tasting menu, we ended up taking almost everything to go. My girlfriends been asking me to make another reservation since our last visit.All in all one of the better restaurant experiences I have had. We will definitely be back again to see what items they have on the menu.
Review №6
2022-02-03Decided to try Suraya for brunch on a busy Saturday early afternoon.Tried the bread basket, mimosa, drip coffee, and branzino.Everything tasted exceptional, but I did leave wondering if the amount of food, etc was worth the price. Personally, I would likely only return if a friend or family particularly wanted to, but it was a fun experience.
Review №7
2022-06-21The restaurant has a wonderful open layout with a spectacular open space in the back. The sunset flooded into the restaurant. We ordered multiple appetizers that shared with the table. Their secret pita recipe must be unlocked!Ordered the lamb kebab - so tender and flavorful. The cocktails are creative and tasty and the wine they paired was very good. Even took a picture to hopefully find it at the store for home use.We were there for hours and the wait staff and management came by all night to take care of us.Suraya was not just a meal but a culinary journey and experience!
Review №8
2022-06-10We had a great anniversary meal at Suraya. We had the chefs tasting menu for an appetizer which was A+ and really opened us up to a world of new flavors. Unfortunately we were a little let down by our entrees, the Branzino and lamb, which is why I give them 4 stars. Don’t get me wrong, the entrees were VERY GOOD, just not “best in Philly” in our opinion as we were expecting. Also, I would recommend sitting outside because we felt very cramped at the indoor tables.
Review №9
2022-05-08My husband and I came for Dinner on Mother’s Day and all I can say is it is the best food we had. The flavors are the most delicious everything is made fresh and spiced and cooked to perfection! The presentation leaves you speechless! We loved it so much that we will be back soon. The staff is outstanding no complaints at all! Loved it!
Review №10
2022-07-02Suraya is Sublime and Surreal! They take dining to extraordinary heights, weaving cutting edge technique with layers of spices and flavor to create a meal you won’t soon forgot. And the kitchen and staff are harmony in motion. Worth 6 stars!