Albasha. Metairie: 3501 Severn. 504-304-8441.

Written by Tom Fitzmorris October 21, 2013 00:40 in

2 Fleur
Average check per person $15-$25
 BreakfastNo Breakfast SundayNo Breakfast MondayNo Breakfast TuesdayNo Breakfast WednesdayNo Breakfast ThursdayNo Breakfast FridayNo Breakfast Saturday
LunchLunch SundayLunch MondayLunch TuesdayLunch WednesdayLunch ThursdayLunch FridayLunch Saturday
DinnerDinner SundayDinner MondayDinner TuesdayDinner WednesdayDinner ThursdayDinner FridayDinner Saturday

Albasha

Metairie 2: Orleans Line To Houma Blvd: 3501 Severn. 504-304-8441. Map.
Casual.
AE DC DS MC V
Website

WHY IT'S NOTEWORTHY
As common as Middle Eastern restaurants are in New Orleans proper, they are rare on the North Shore. The Covington branch of the Baton Rouge-based chain Albasha is the only one of significance. It offers the standard menu of Lebanese cooking, plus a smattering of Greek food, in a spacious, bright, sharp restaurant.

WHAT'S GOOD
The food here is just okay. While I've never considered sending anything back, everything I've had here is less good than what I'm accustomed to eating in the best New Orleans Lebanese restaurants. I've certainly tried it often enough: when one has a taste for this cuisine, one must have it, and it's really the only game in town. Maybe that's the problem.

BACKSTORY
The name translates as something like "the man in charge" or "the boss." Albasha opened its first location in Baton Rouge, which has long had a larger community of Middle Eastern restaurants than New Orleans. The Covington branch opened in 2007, in a new strip mall next to the Abita River.

DINING ROOM
The big windows, tall ceilings and clean lines make the restaurant airy and comfortable. The young servers are efficient and pleasant.

ESSENTIAL DISHES
Hummus
Baba ghanouj
Tzatziki ("Grecian sauce")
»Fried kibbe
Falafel
»Spinach pies
»Fried halloumi cheese
Meat stuffed bell pepper, grape leaves, cabbage rolls, or squash
Feta cheese with olives
Mujadarah
Lentil soup
Feta cheese salad
Fatoush salad
Tabboule
»Gyros plate or sandwich
»Chicken shawarma plate or sandwich
»Souvlaki (shish kabob) plate or sandwich
Falafel sandwich
Chicken shawarma or gyros salad
»Mousaka (eggplant or squash)
Lamb shank
Kafta kabob plate
Vegetarian plate
Shrimp shish kabob
Broiled shrimp scampi
Broiled tilapia
Broiled redfish
Combination seafood platter
Baklava
»Ashta (phyllo filled with cream cheese)
Tiramisu
Chocolate cake

FOR BEST RESULTS
The portions are very large, and unless you're splitting dishes there is no real need to order more than an entree platter. A meal of appetizers is an attractive possibility.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT
It's hard to say what makes it this way, but I find the food here dull. The ingredients are of good quality and everything comes out hot, but I usually register disappointment in the flavor.

FACTORS OTHER THAN FOOD
Up to three points, positive or negative, for these characteristics. Absence of points denotes average performance in the matter.

  • Dining Environment +1
  • Consistency +1
  • Service+1
  • Value +2
  • Attitude +1
  • Wine & Bar
  • Hipness
  • Local Color +1

 

SPECIAL ATTRIBUTES
  • Good for business meetings
  • 25-75
  • Open Sunday lunch and dinner
  • Open Monday lunch and dinner
  • Open all afternoon
  • Unusually large servings
  • Quick, good meal
  • Good for children
  • Easy, nearby parking
  • Reservations accepted