Nestled in a strip center near the intersection of Bering and Westheimer, we found what is arguably the best Lebanese restaurant in town. We have been frequenting Cafe Lilli for quite some time and have to share this jewel. Don't let the strip center location fool you - there is a cafe-style seating area in the front and a message board with the daily special (alas - 'tis usually for two). The interior is very immaculate and well organized -- salads displayed neatly next to a cold case of beverages (including beer). There are photos and a map of Lebanon gracing the walls. The owners have been there on every visit we have made, they are extremely nice and will help you make menu choices based upon what you are interested in. On our last visit we ascertained what Foul Mudammas is, and discovered it is a favorite dish of the owners. We will have to try it on our next visit, as our standard order is the single chicken kebab entree with hummus and a substitution of Cucumber Yogurt Salad for the Pilaf (a slight extra charge - very well worth it). The menu - for your perusal – boasts a wide array of vegetarian dishes.
The cucumber yogurt salad is prepared with a hint of dill and homemade yogurt and is excellent. The kebabs are always tender and cooked to perfection. Complete the hummus by pouring olive oil into the well and scooping into a pita -- save some for kebab consumption. Our tip is below. Other menu favorites include: tabouli, feta cheese salad (fabulous), moujadara and the chicken kebab american sandwich.
The small paper cups hold a garlic paste, it is very garlicky and very addictive for garlic-lovers like ourselves (note: Bring breathmints if you indulge, better yet, a toothbrush/toothpaste). We consumed three containers on this venture -- no vampires and no mosquitos dared get near us for days. To the right of the garlic is the cucumber yogurt salad and top left is a salad. The beef kebabs were served with pilaf, as pictured. Just below and right of the kebabs is a complementary plate of olives and pickled turnip. In the center is a bottle of Ksara (Reserve du Couvent)- Lebanese red wine - very nice table-quality red, priced at approximately $19/bottle. Finish with a small demi-tasse cup of Lebanese coffee to round out the experience (the coffee is spiced and very strong, similar to espresso). We were out with friends celebrating a birthday (dig the trailer trash t-shirt you can barely see in the background) - this is on of our very favorite restaurants for get-togethers or a quick dinner out.
During lunch Cafe Lilli is a walk-up and the menu board is posted on the wall behind the register. Dinner brings seated service and the waitstaff are very knowledgeable and very friendly. We like to go for dinner and recommend an earlier start as the restaurant closes at 9:00 p.m.: unfortunately they are closed on Sundays.
Here is a little history lesson on Lebanon - courtesy of Cafe Lilli's website.
Proper kebab consumption (our favorite way) - cut into bite-sized pieces - slather garlic paste on pita bread - dot with hummus - top with kebab pieces - fold like a tiny taco and mange (feel free to add additional garlic as needed, we do).
Bottome Line: The prices are right, the food is excellent and the service is outstanding. We highly recommend a visit. Galleria-area types should definitely make a stop for lunch or order take-out.
Cafe LiLi Lebanese Grill
5757 Westheimer Plaza Suite 112
Houston, Texas 77057
713-952-6969
Have a favorite Lebanese/Middle Eastern restaurant - send us an e-mail.
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