Stepping into Cedar Palace is like entering a world where culinary tradition meets contemporary flavors. The Cedar Palace menu is a testament to the rich heritage of Middle Eastern cuisine, thoughtfully curated to offer an array of dishes that celebrate authentic ingredients and time-honored recipes.
Whether you are a longtime aficionado of Lebanese food or a curious newcomer, the menu provides a gateway to savoring a harmonious blend of spices, textures, and aromas that define this vibrant culinary culture.
From freshly prepared appetizers to hearty main courses and delicate desserts, every item on the Cedar Palace menu is crafted with care and precision. The restaurant prides itself on sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients and employing cooking techniques that enhance the natural flavors of each dish.
This approach results in a dining experience that is both satisfying and memorable, inviting guests to explore the diverse tastes of the Mediterranean basin.
Beyond just food, the menu reflects a philosophy of sharing and connection, a hallmark of Middle Eastern hospitality. The thoughtful assortment encourages communal dining, where guests can sample a variety of flavors and textures, making each meal a social and sensory delight.
Whether dining with friends, family, or colleagues, Cedar Palace offers an enticing menu that serves as a perfect backdrop for memorable moments.
Appetizers: A Flavorful Beginning
The appetizers at Cedar Palace set the tone for the meal with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. These small plates are designed to awaken the palate and introduce diners to the layers of taste that characterize Middle Eastern cuisine.
Popular choices include classics such as hummus, tabbouleh, and baba ganoush, each prepared with traditional methods but with a unique Cedar Palace twist. The hummus is creamy and smooth, enhanced by a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sumac.
Tabbouleh features finely chopped parsley, bulgur, and a zest of lemon to provide a refreshing start.
These appetizers are often shared, embodying the communal spirit of Middle Eastern dining. The menu also offers unique dips and spreads, such as muhammara, a roasted red pepper and walnut blend that adds a smoky sweetness to the selection.
Signature Dips and Spreads
- Hummus: Pureed chickpeas with tahini, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Baba Ganoush: Smoky roasted eggplant blended with tahini and garlic.
- Muhammara: A fiery mix of roasted peppers, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses.
- Labneh: Strained yogurt, creamy and tangy, served with olive oil and za’atar.
“Our appetizers are crafted to bring guests together, offering a taste of tradition with every bite.” – Cedar Palace Executive Chef
Soups and Salads: Fresh and Nourishing
Soups and salads at Cedar Palace provide a refreshing balance to the menu, offering both warmth and crispness. These dishes are perfect for those seeking lighter options or starters that complement the heartier offerings.
The soups range from light broths infused with herbs to richer lentil-based varieties seasoned with cumin and coriander. Each recipe emphasizes natural flavors, avoiding overpowering spices to maintain a delicate balance.
Salads are similarly diverse, featuring fresh vegetables, herbs, and dressings that enhance their natural crispness.
Salads often include traditional ingredients such as sumac, pomegranate seeds, and toasted pine nuts, adding both color and texture. Dressings are house-made, emphasizing lemon juice, olive oil, and regional spices to maintain authenticity.
Comparing Popular Soups
| Soup | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Serving Style |
| Lentil Soup | Red lentils, onions, cumin, garlic | Earthy, mildly spiced | Hot bowl with lemon wedge |
| Chicken Soup with Vermicelli | Chicken broth, vermicelli noodles, parsley | Light, aromatic | Warm cup garnished with fresh herbs |
| Vegetable Soup | Seasonal vegetables, tomato base, herbs | Fresh, tangy | Served hot with crusty bread |
- Tabbouleh Salad: Parsley, bulgur, tomato, and mint with lemon dressing.
- Fattoush: Mixed greens, radishes, cucumbers, and toasted pita chips.
- Beetroot Salad: Roasted beets with garlic and lemon vinaigrette.
Main Courses: The Heart of Cedar Palace
The main courses at Cedar Palace showcase the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East, featuring a range of meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetarian options. Each dish is prepared with an emphasis on flavor, texture, and presentation.
Grilled kebabs and slow-cooked stews form the core of the selection. Kebabs are marinated overnight in a blend of spices and herbs, ensuring tenderness and depth of flavor.
The slow-cooked lamb and chicken dishes often include aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and allspice, creating complex and hearty meals.
Vegetarian dishes do not take a back seat, with offerings like stuffed grape leaves, falafel, and mujaddara providing satisfying alternatives. Every main course is paired with traditional accompaniments such as rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or fresh flatbreads to round out the meal.
Highlights from the Grill
- Shish Tawook: Tender chicken skewers marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled to perfection.
- Lamb Kofta: Ground lamb mixed with herbs and spices, shaped onto skewers and char-grilled.
- Salmon Kebabs: Fresh salmon chunks with a citrus-herb marinade.
“Our grill techniques are designed to lock in juices and flavor, delivering an unforgettable taste experience.” – Head Grill Master
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Cedar Palace understands the growing demand for plant-based dishes and proudly offers a diverse range of vegetarian and vegan options that are both nourishing and flavorful. These dishes draw on the natural bounty of the region’s vegetables, grains, and legumes.
From hearty stews to crisp salads and wraps, the menu’s vegetarian selections are anything but ordinary. The use of herbs, spices, and traditional preparation methods elevates these dishes, making them equally appealing to omnivores and plant-based diners alike.
Additionally, many vegan-friendly dishes are clearly labeled on the menu, ensuring that guests can dine with confidence and ease. The kitchen is also open to customizing dishes to meet specific dietary preferences.
Popular Plant-Based Dishes
- Falafel Plate: Crispy chickpea patties served with tahini sauce and pickled vegetables.
- Mujaddara: Lentils and rice cooked with caramelized onions, a classic comfort food.
- Stuffed Grape Leaves: Vine leaves filled with rice, herbs, and pine nuts.
- Grilled Vegetable Platter: Seasonal vegetables marinated and charred over the grill.
| Dish | Vegan Friendly | Gluten-Free | Contains Nuts |
| Falafel Plate | Yes | Yes | No |
| Mujaddara | Yes | Yes | No |
| Stuffed Grape Leaves | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Grilled Vegetable Platter | Yes | Yes | No |
Side Dishes and Accompaniments
To complement the main dishes, Cedar Palace offers an extensive selection of side dishes and accompaniments that enhance the overall dining experience. These sides range from simple staples to flavorful additions that add depth and variety to the meal.
Popular sides include fragrant rice pilafs, freshly baked flatbreads, and a variety of pickled vegetables that provide a tangy contrast to the rich main courses. The flatbreads are baked daily, offering a warm and soft texture perfect for dipping into sauces or wrapping around grilled meats.
Other accompaniments include sautéed greens, spiced potatoes, and creamy yogurt-based sauces that balance the spices found in the main dishes. These sides are designed to be shared, encouraging diners to mix and match flavors according to their preferences.
Essential Sides to Try
- Rice Pilaf: Aromatic rice cooked with vermicelli and seasoned with spices.
- Pita Bread: Soft, warm flatbread, ideal for dipping and wrapping.
- Pickled Turnips: Tangy and crunchy, a traditional palate cleanser.
- Yogurt Sauce (Tzatziki): Creamy cucumber and garlic dip that refreshes the palate.
“Our sides are crafted not just as accompaniments but as integral parts of the dining narrative.” – Culinary Director
Desserts: Sweet Endings with Authentic Flair
The dessert offerings at Cedar Palace provide a delightful conclusion to the meal, showcasing the sweet traditions of Middle Eastern cuisine. These treats combine ingredients like nuts, honey, rosewater, and phyllo dough for an indulgent finish.
Baklava is a standout, featuring layers of crisp phyllo filled with chopped nuts and soaked in fragrant syrup. Other sweets include knafeh, a cheese-based dessert topped with shredded pastry and drizzled with syrup, offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
For those seeking lighter options, fresh fruit plates and rose-infused puddings provide a refreshing contrast while maintaining the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity. Each dessert is carefully prepared to ensure a harmonious balance of texture and flavor.
Popular Dessert Choices
- Baklava: Layered phyllo pastry with nuts and honey syrup.
- Knafeh: Sweet cheese pastry topped with pistachios and syrup.
- Ma’amoul: Date-filled semolina cookies dusted with powdered sugar.
- Rosewater Pudding: Creamy dessert infused with rosewater and garnished with pistachios.
| Dessert | Main Ingredients | Texture | Sweetness Level |
| Baklava | Phyllo, walnuts, honey, butter | Crisp and sticky | High |
| Knafeh | Cheese, shredded pastry, syrup, pistachios | Soft and crunchy | Medium |
| Ma’amoul | Semolina, dates, sugar | Crumbly and tender | Medium |
| Rosewater Pudding | Milk, sugar, rosewater, pistachios | Creamy and smooth | Low |
Beverage Selection: Complementing Every Dish
The beverage menu at Cedar Palace complements the rich and diverse flavors found throughout the food offerings. Carefully selected wines, traditional teas, and refreshing juices round out the dining experience.
Traditional drinks such as mint tea and Arabic coffee are served with precision, capturing the essence of Middle Eastern hospitality. These beverages not only refresh but also enhance the flavors of the dishes, providing balance and contrast.
For those seeking alcoholic options, the wine list features selections that pair well with grilled meats, spicy dishes, and lighter fare. Non-alcoholic options include pomegranate juice, tamarind drinks, and rosewater lemonade, all crafted to refresh the palate.
Recommended Pairings
- Mint Tea: Served hot, it aids digestion and refreshes the palate.
- Arabic Coffee: Strong and aromatic, often accompanied by dates.
- Rosewater Lemonade: A fragrant, cooling drink perfect for warm days.
- Red Wine: Pairs excellently with lamb and grilled meats.
“Our beverage choices are curated to enhance every bite and create a harmonious dining experience.” – Beverage Manager
In essence, the Cedar Palace menu is a carefully woven tapestry of flavors, textures, and traditions. It invites guests on a sensory journey through the Middle East, showcasing the region’s culinary richness in every dish.
Whether indulging in the smoky delight of grilled kebabs, savoring the freshness of tabbouleh, or finishing with a sweet bite of baklava, diners are assured an experience that is both authentic and unforgettable.
The thoughtful inclusion of vegetarian and vegan options, alongside traditional favorites, demonstrates Cedar Palace’s commitment to inclusivity and excellence. This menu is not merely a list of dishes but a celebration of culture, hospitality, and the art of fine dining.
