Albasha Greek & Lebanese Café offers a vibrant culinary journey that celebrates the rich flavors and traditions of Mediterranean cuisine. Nestled in a warm and inviting atmosphere, the café provides an extensive menu that combines authentic Greek and Lebanese dishes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Whether you’re craving a hearty gyro, a fragrant mezze platter, or a refreshing Mediterranean salad, Albasha’s menu caters to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences, making it a perfect dining destination for families, food enthusiasts, and casual diners alike.
The menu is thoughtfully designed to showcase the best of both Greek and Lebanese culinary heritages, allowing guests to explore a delightful fusion of spices, textures, and aromas. Each dish is prepared with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting centuries-old recipes while embracing modern presentation and health-conscious choices.
Beyond the food itself, Albasha Greek & Lebanese Café prides itself on exceptional service and an ambiance that transports diners to the sun-soaked Mediterranean coast, offering an unforgettable dining experience.
Whether you are new to Mediterranean cuisine or a seasoned admirer, Albasha’s diverse menu promises to satisfy your palate. From traditional appetizers and hearty mains to delectable desserts and refreshing beverages, every option is a testament to the café’s dedication to quality and authenticity.
The following sections explore the various components of Albasha’s menu, highlighting signature dishes, chef’s specialties, and nutritional insights to help you make the most of your visit.
Appetizers and Mezze
The appetizer selection at Albasha Greek & Lebanese Café offers a perfect introduction to the complex flavors and textures characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine. Mezze, a collection of small dishes often shared among diners, is a staple here, providing a delightful way to sample multiple tastes in one sitting.
Guests can expect a variety of traditional offerings that range from creamy dips to grilled vegetables and seasoned legumes. Each appetizer is crafted to balance bold spices with fresh herbs, creating a harmonious start to any meal.
Whether you prefer vegetarian options or savory meats, the mezze platters are designed to cater to diverse preferences, making them ideal for social dining.
Popular Mezze Dishes
- Hummus: A smooth blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, served with warm pita bread.
- Baba Ganoush: Smoky roasted eggplant mixed with tahini and garlic, offering a creamy and rich flavor.
- Falafel: Crispy, golden-fried chickpea patties seasoned with herbs and spices, served with tahini sauce.
- Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolma): Grape leaves wrapped around a savory mixture of rice, pine nuts, and herbs.
“The mezze experience at Albasha not only satisfies hunger but also invites diners to engage in the communal spirit that defines Mediterranean dining.”
These appetizers are perfect for sharing and are often accompanied by fresh vegetables, olives, and pickled items. The emphasis on fresh, wholesome ingredients is evident in every bite, underscoring Albasha’s commitment to authentic flavors.
Salads and Light Fare
For those seeking lighter options, Albasha’s salads and light fare offer refreshing and nutritious choices that complement the heavier dishes. These selections emphasize fresh produce, vibrant dressings, and traditional ingredients that highlight the Mediterranean diet’s health benefits.
The café’s salads blend crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, and distinctive Mediterranean cheeses, often topped with grilled proteins or nuts for added texture and flavor. Each salad is thoughtfully composed to deliver both taste and nutritional value, appealing to health-conscious diners without compromising on authenticity.
Signature Salad Options
- Greek Salad: A colorful medley of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and oregano.
- Tabbouleh: A refreshing Lebanese salad made with finely chopped parsley, mint, tomatoes, bulgur, and lemon juice.
- Fattoush: A vibrant salad featuring mixed greens, radishes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and toasted pita chips tossed in sumac dressing.
- Grilled Halloumi Salad: Slices of grilled halloumi cheese paired with seasonal greens and a tangy vinaigrette.
Salad | Main Ingredients | Calories (approx.) |
Greek Salad | Tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, olives | 250 |
Tabbouleh | Parsley, bulgur, tomato, mint | 180 |
Fattoush | Mixed greens, pita chips, sumac | 220 |
Grilled Halloumi Salad | Halloumi cheese, greens, vinaigrette | 300 |
Each salad can be customized with additional protein such as grilled chicken or lamb, allowing guests to tailor their meal to their appetite and nutritional needs. The focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients ensures that every salad bursts with natural flavors.
Traditional Greek Dishes
Albasha Greek & Lebanese Café excels in presenting classic Greek dishes that transport diners to the heart of Greece. These offerings are steeped in tradition, often featuring simple yet bold combinations of ingredients prepared with expert care.
The Greek section of the menu highlights dishes that utilize staples such as olive oil, lemon, oregano, and fresh seafood or meats. These meals are hearty and satisfying, often served with sides that complement the main flavors.
Featured Greek Entrees
- Moussaka: A layered casserole of eggplant, ground beef, potatoes, and béchamel sauce, baked to golden perfection.
- Gyro Plate: Thinly sliced, seasoned meat (usually pork or chicken) served with pita, tzatziki sauce, and salad.
- Souvlaki: Grilled skewers of marinated meat, often accompanied by rice or vegetables.
- Spanakopita: Spinach and feta cheese wrapped in flaky phyllo pastry.
“Greek cuisine is a celebration of bold yet simple flavors, and Albasha’s menu captures this essence perfectly with every dish.”
These dishes are not only rich in flavor but also represent the cultural history of Greek culinary art. The use of fresh herbs and high-quality meats ensures each plate is authentic and delicious.
Classic Lebanese Offerings
Complementing the Greek dishes, Albasha’s Lebanese menu brings forward classic specialties that highlight the diversity of Lebanese cooking. Known for its emphasis on fresh herbs, spices, and balanced flavors, Lebanese cuisine here is both comforting and vibrant.
This section features dishes that often showcase grilled meats, aromatic rice, and an array of vegetable-based sides. The Lebanese recipes favor natural ingredients and traditional cooking methods that have been passed down through generations.
Popular Lebanese Plates
- Chicken Shawarma: Marinated chicken cooked on a vertical rotisserie, served sliced with garlic sauce and pickles.
- Kibbeh: A mixture of ground lamb, bulgur, onions, and spices, shaped into balls or patties and fried or baked.
- Kafta: Ground beef or lamb mixed with parsley, onions, and spices, grilled on skewers.
- Manakish: Lebanese flatbread topped with za’atar, cheese, or minced meat.
Dish | Main Ingredients | Typical Serving Size |
Chicken Shawarma | Marinated chicken, garlic sauce | 1 plate (approx. 8 oz) |
Kibbeh | Lamb, bulgur, onions, spices | 3 pieces |
Kafta | Beef/lamb, parsley, onions | 2 skewers |
Manakish | Flatbread, za’atar/cheese | 1 flatbread |
These dishes exemplify the balance of flavors and textures that make Lebanese cuisine so beloved. The use of fresh garlic, lemon, and herbs like mint and parsley adds a refreshing brightness to each plate.
Seafood Delicacies
Given the Mediterranean’s proximity to the sea, Albasha’s menu features a tantalizing array of seafood dishes that reflect the region’s coastal culinary traditions. These offerings highlight fresh fish and shellfish prepared with Mediterranean herbs and spices.
Seafood dishes here are prepared to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients, often grilled or baked with olive oil and lemon. The lighter preparations ensure a healthy, flavorful dining experience that complements the rest of the menu.
Recommended Seafood Plates
- Grilled Octopus: Tender octopus marinated in olive oil, lemon, and herbs, char-grilled for a smoky finish.
- Baked Branzino: Whole Mediterranean seabass baked with garlic, tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
- Shrimp Saganaki: Shrimp cooked in a rich tomato sauce with feta cheese and ouzo.
- Calamari: Lightly fried or grilled squid served with lemon and garlic aioli.
“Seafood at Albasha is a celebration of the Mediterranean’s bounty, combining freshness with expertly balanced seasonings.”
These dishes are often paired with traditional sides like rice pilaf, grilled vegetables, or fresh salads, enhancing the natural flavors and providing a well-rounded meal.
Desserts and Sweet Treats
Albasha Greek & Lebanese Café concludes the dining experience with an enticing selection of desserts that pay homage to Mediterranean sweetness and tradition. These desserts often combine nuts, honey, and delicate spices, offering a perfect balance of richness and lightness.
The dessert menu displays a variety of textures and flavors, from syrup-soaked pastries to creamy custards. Each sweet treat is crafted to provide a satisfying end to the meal while highlighting classic regional ingredients.
Popular Dessert Choices
- Baklava: Layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey syrup.
- Knafeh: A warm, cheese-based dessert topped with shredded phyllo and soaked in sugar syrup.
- Rice Pudding: Creamy pudding flavored with rose water or orange blossom water.
- Greek Yogurt with Honey and Walnuts: Thick, creamy yogurt drizzled with honey and sprinkled with crushed walnuts.
Dessert | Main Ingredients | Sweetness Level |
Baklava | Phyllo, nuts, honey | High |
Knafeh | Cheese, phyllo, sugar syrup | Medium-High |
Rice Pudding | Milk, rice, rose water | Medium |
Greek Yogurt with Honey | Yogurt, honey, walnuts | Low-Medium |
Each dessert is designed to complement the meal’s robust flavors, offering a sweet finish that is both authentic and indulgent without being overwhelming.
Beverages and Refreshments
The beverage selection at Albasha Greek & Lebanese Café is carefully curated to complement the flavors of the Mediterranean cuisine served. From traditional teas to refreshing juices and specialty coffees, the drink menu enhances the overall dining experience.
Many beverages incorporate regional ingredients and preparation styles, offering guests an authentic taste of Mediterranean refreshment. Whether you prefer something cool and invigorating or warm and soothing, there is a beverage to suit every mood and palate.
Featured Drinks
- Turkish Coffee: Rich, strong coffee served in traditional style, often with cardamom.
- Mint Tea: Freshly brewed tea infused with fragrant mint leaves, a perfect palate cleanser.
- Fresh Pomegranate Juice: Tart and sweet, packed with antioxidants and vibrant flavor.
- Ayran: A chilled yogurt-based drink, salty and refreshing, ideal for pairing with spicy dishes.
“The right beverage can elevate a meal from good to unforgettable; Albasha understands this perfectly.”
In addition to these specialties, the café offers a variety of soft drinks, wines, and beers selected to pair well with Mediterranean fare. Whether you are enjoying a light salad or a hearty main course, the beverage menu is designed to enhance every bite.
Conclusion
Albasha Greek & Lebanese Café’s menu is a vibrant showcase of Mediterranean culinary traditions, artfully blending the flavors of Greece and Lebanon into a diverse and satisfying dining experience. Each section of the menu reflects a commitment to authenticity, freshness, and balanced seasoning, inviting guests to explore a wide range of tastes and textures.
From the sharing-friendly mezze platters to the robust main dishes, the menu offers something for every appetite and occasion. The inclusion of health-conscious options such as fresh salads and grilled seafood demonstrates Albasha’s dedication to catering to modern dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor or tradition.
Whether you are indulging in the rich layers of moussaka, savoring the smoky notes of grilled octopus, or finishing with a sweet bite of baklava, Albasha ensures that every dish is a celebration of Mediterranean culture and culinary artistry.
Coupled with a thoughtfully selected beverage menu and warm, inviting atmosphere, Albasha Greek & Lebanese Café stands out as a destination where food lovers can enjoy a memorable and authentic Mediterranean feast.