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Written by Syriana   
Tuesday, 25 August 2009 19:01

I found Syriana to be a great alternative to the usual city centre restaurants; tasty Syrian / Lebanese cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. I've visited this restaurant twice and can highly recommend it. The food is delicious, the prices are very reasonable and the service is attentive and polite. It's not a flashy restaurant, and you can't buy alcohol there (though you can bring your own), but it is well worth a visit.

Graham

We've just come back from Syriana and vow to go back as soon as possible, the sort of service you get matches that of what you receive when you're on your holidays...friendly and welcoming. On top of that, the food is cooked to absolute perfection with umpteen choices. You needn't be worried about the final bill as it’s more than reasonable. To summarise... an understatedly top notch place to eat for couples, friends and big parties!

Thank you Syriana xx Michelle

My first time trying Lebanese food and I have got to say it was amazing. Mouth watering starters and best of all was the main course. The customer service was amazing, was very busy but they managed to find my family a seat promptly, the food was made quickly plus the atmosphere was lovely very lively. Thanks Syriana for great food

Asim

Hello everyone I went to this restaurant last night with a bunch of ladies. I have to say, this restaurant is fantastic, the food is delicious and they give you loads. The price is fantastic too! There was music and a live belly dancer who was also very good. You didn't feel rushed like other restaurants; in fact we were there until 2am dancing away!!! It was brilliant; I would definitely recommend this restaurant. The staff are very helpful and friendly. The waiters...well, talk about handsome! This restaurant is great for party bookings, families and well just about everyone. Arabic food is fantastic, you should all give this restaurant a try, you won’t be disappointed!!!!

Kind regards

Nadia

Went to Syriana on the Friday evening, loved the food, the waiter was very pleasant and friendly. He gave us a few ideas on what to order and was very helpful, we will be definitely going again, such a shame it's in such a quiet area!

Jay

We’d seen the restaurant each time we’d passed it on the number 16 bus for the past year, and were intrigued by the idea of Lebanese-Syrian food, but for some reason, we’d never visited until this evening. We’re glad we went! We asked the waiter to make some recommendations, and were grateful that we had, as the ‘mazza’ (billed as ‘starters’, but in fact were more than a full meal by themselves) were absolutely superb. There was a selection of (possibly more than) seven dishes, some hot, some cold, but each one prepared that day with absolutely fresh ingredients, and delicately spiced. These included the familiar hummus, the less-familiar moutabal (tenderly smoked aubergine with sesame paste and lemon juice), kibbeh (balls of lamb, minced), a fresh and fragrant tabbouleh and fattoush salads, generous borack pastries with minced lamb and haloumi cheese. This was accompanied by a generous basket of griddle-cooked soft, puffy breads. Everything was prepared to perfection. We didn’t need a main course, but the staff accommodated our wishes for a ‘rest’ between courses. We then launched into the ‘main’ course of ‘mixed grill’, which, in fact, was a ‘kebab’ selection of two different types of chicken, marinated minced lamb and fillet of lamb. Accompanying this was a departure from the Syrian-Lebanon theme - couscous, with a lightly-spiced thick vegetable sauce and (optional) garlic sauce. It reminded me of an Algerian sauce I’d tried once. We loved it. We are ashamed to say that at first we chose not to opt for a dessert, assuming that these were ‘bought in’, as is the case in so many restaurants. We were assured, nevertheless that the small selection of desserts was home-made. Two portions arrived with a pot of freshly-brewed green and mint tea). This was the highlight of the evening. The baklava was absolutely the very best we’d ever tasted – utterly unlike any of the ersatz baklavas served anywhere else. This was light and creamy, and not too sweet at all. And all prepared with absolutely the finest fresh ingredients. What was particularly good about Syriana is that the staff are very sincere and pleasant, without being obtrusive or overpowering. It was delightful to that the chef came to talk to us about his food, and to ask whether we had enjoyed the meal. He was only too happy to explain about the food culture of Syria. For all this, the bill came to under £30, including drinks. (Alcohol is available, but we did not feel the need on this occasion – the food was too exquisite to think of wine or beer!) We came away thrilled to have found a place where we would be happy to make a weekly visit, but disappointed and kicking ourselves that we had not tried it sooner. There is a lack of genuinely authentic restaurants in Birmingham, and Syriana deserves to be up there in the top five. We will certainly be revisiting very soon!

Mr Paul Dolan & Dr Karen O’Rourke

I just love this restaurant.....it reminds me of Syria & the food I used to eat back there... I want to say thank you to the owner of this great place....

Azzam

I have now been to Syriana a few times and have never failed to have a great time. The first time we went we weren't aware they didn’t serve alcohol, but this wasn’t a problem for us. They do allow (even encourage) you to take your own with you, and there is a small cover charge for this. The food is always superb, we always go for the Mezze (Mazza), which gives you a selection of dishes (the principle is the same as a Greek/Turkish/Mediterranean mezze but with Lebanese variations). This is excellent value for money and provides you with a large amount of food! The service is always excellent, and the staff are very friendly and helpful, I really cannot find any fault. We have always been on a Friday evening and it has always been quiet in the restaurant, which is a shame, it deserves to be full. Give it a go, you won’t be disappointed.

Anonymous

Amazing atmosphere now in Birmingham. I have been to the Middle East before and that night in Syriana was the closest thing to reality. Authentic taste of the Lebanese food, freshly baked pita bread (coming straight from the oven!). Nice music, the belly dancers weren't the only people dancing on the stage, everybody. spacious place, 2 floors, can accommodate up to 80 persons. Second floor is a family friendly area, and quiet. Tell you what, if I’m planning for any party soon, this is definitely the place.

Anonymous

Brill will go again and again!

Ram

Was here last night and the food and service were both excellent, the manger was particularly helpful with his recommendations and I look forward to my next visit.

Joe

Really enjoyed it. You could almost walk past it if you didn't know it was there, but once you know it is then I promise you'll never walk past without going in again. The food was all freshly prepared and the meats where the most tender I can ever remember eating! Really nice subtle flavours, good service and a great atmosphere. Really reasonable prices too - perfect if you're going out with a group of friends.

Anonymous

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 06 October 2009 18:41 )