Big Disappointment
The whole experience started off at mediocre and it just got worse from there. The atmosphere left a lot to be desired - just a glorified Denny's. Our melodramatic waiter brought out the appetizers in a very timely fashion, and they were ok. The second course, soup and salad, were a bit different than we expected, but at least they were edible. On the other hand, I ordered the swordfish kabobs as a main dish, and they were horrible - inedible! And I'm not a picky eater! We had high hopes for the live belly dancing, but that too was a disappointment. Three different staff members asked us if everything was ok, and when we mentioned the fish, their reactions were far from empathetic. The waitress even said, "That's how fish is." We're never going back again, and we recommend that you save your money and avoid this place!    [24 Oct 2003 22:43:54]

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Recommended Dishes: baba ganoush

     ­Anonymous   

Horrible
The service was bad; our waitress filled our water glasses and never came back. When she finally did 20 minutes later, she took our order, but then forgot to put it in, so we didn't get our food for another 20 minutes.

The food was awful - almost inedible - and I am not a fussy person by any means. We ordered baklava for dessert and couldn't cut it. I then had to request a steak knife and still could not cut through the pastry dough. Who would have thought that baklava was so hard. Besides that, it tasted like I was licking sap off of a tree; it was awful.

I would never eat there ever again. I would recommend that nobody should waste their time and money here.    [25 Feb 2006 21:09:26]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: hummos appetizer

     ­Anonymous   

Not Accomodating
The food at Cafe Lebanon is good for Springfield (there are no other middle eastern restaurants) however, the restaurant is not very accommodating and you get charged extra needlessly. For example, at lunchtime if you buy a meal that costs $12.00 you get charged for tahini or to switch from a one type of rice to another type of rice or to switch your salad from one style to another. You also get pita bread with nothing to dip it in. If you order falafel and want to dip it in hummus, it is an extra $4.00+ for a very small serving of hummus. And, if you dip your chicken in the white sauce and you run out, you will be charged. Also, if you get a platter meal which comes with multiple appetizers on it, they will not substitute - which makes it very hard for vegetarians or picky eaters.

For the prices you are paying, they should be more accommodating and more generous. It is not about the money, but about the principle. For the prices, the portions are small. The food is good but plan on paying more than you expect if you ask for any substitutions, request dipping sauces, or run out of condiments.    [01 Aug 2006 14:25:40]

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     ­Anonymous   

Excellent Food and Atmosphere
Perhaps the reviews above reflect the way this place was, but not the way it is now.

Everything we had was excellent. The falafel appetizer featured 5 falafels cooked to perfection, extra crispy on the outside and tender and moist inside, and nicely seasoned.

The entrees were very nice. I'm a vegetarian, and there was no shortage of choices for me. The Vegetable Kabobs were nicely charbroiled fresh veggies served with an amazing side of mdardara (rice, lentils, fried onions). It also came with a single serving but generous fattoush salad - Romaine lettuce, tomato, cucumber, parsley, mint, onion, sumac spice, toasted pita bread, olive oil, and lemon juice.

My mate ordered a dish who's name I forget, but it was a large fattoush salad with a chicken kabob on top. Her report was that the chicken was delicious, reminiscent of a good tandoori chicken.

We shared a dessert that was out of this world! Again, I forget the name, but it was a square of warm ricotta cheese, covered in shredded filo dough and soaked in rose water and honey. Fantastic!

We were very tempted by the gourmet martini menu, but we were too full by that point. I did order an Arabian coffee though, dark and dense, but not at all bitter.

The belly dancer was certainly an interesting touch! The overall layout was fitting to the theme. Next time, I'll try a gourmet martini outside on the patio while smoking from the hookas they offer.    [11 Aug 2006 22:09:23]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: warm ricotta cheese dessert

     ­CM   

My Pride, My Joy, My Restaurant
Hi,

My name is Nadim. I am the owner and chef here at Cafe Lebanon. This place is my dream; I put in a minimum of 60 hours a week just to make sure every thing is done the right way. Customer service is my first priority. I always make sure everybody is satisfied and happy, and as far as the food quality I have to beg to differ - everything we make, we make from scratch. Every piece of meat is carefully trimmed and marinated by either myself or my kitchen manager.

Please come see me. I'm off on Sunday, but every day I'm here come down and let me show you what authentic Lebanese food is all about.

My name is Nadim and this restaurant is my pride and joy. Hope to cook for you some time soon.    [16 Aug 2006 19:21:48]

Food: -   Service: -   Ambiance: -   Overall: -

     ­Your host and chef Nadim K.   

Food and Service Was Not Good
The food and service is not typical Lebanese food. Maybe the cooks are not trained properly or maybe the business is good and no one cares any more.

The prices for Springfield area are too high. You pay less at Peter's Grill than you pay at Cafe Lebanon. I am sure no Lebanese would accept this reputation. Nadim, you need to go back to basics and cook yourself and get back to earth.

Wish you the best in moving the needle up again.    [17 Dec 2006 01:01:32]

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     ­A Lebanese client   

Simply the Best - Perhaps Only Naysayers Post Reviews
I can't say enough about Nadim's food. It is simply sublime. Period. Springfield is lucky to have a restaurant of his quality. I eat lunch there at least three times a week along with fellow professional people and we continue to dine there because it's Springfield's most consistent restaurant.

I often will not order and just tell the chef to surprise me; usually I will receive the daily special and its food I've never had before.

I urge you to explore the menu and also try the specials.

Nadim is very accommodating and will go the extra mile...he never wants a customer to leave disappointed and you simply need to alert him as to food preferences; if something is not up to your standards he will replace it.

More chef/owners should take as much attention in their restaurants as Nadim does.    [29 Jan 2007 17:34:53]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: daily specials

     ­Anonymous