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