I have visited Abdul's about 5 times in the last year and the sensational food always amazes me. Being a chef and designer I have to say the flavours, quality and value for money are amazing but Abdul's loses points on the design side and ambience for the shotty bathroom. But who cares? Staff are friendly and helpful and private rooms are a must with belly dancers on weekends. Abdul's - the greatest Lebanese food in Australia. EASILY!
I've been here three times in the past few years. Being that they were organized birthday's etc....It wasn't my choice. The food is ordinary, way too overpriced for what you get in the set menu, and leaves little to the desire to ever go to Lebanon.
Their Falafel's are cruddy, the meat is dry and the drinks (if you don't bring your own and you should) are expensive for a rundown little restaurant wannabe.
Looking for a quick, casual lunch while cruising Cleveland Street, we popped in here on a whim and ordered a mixed vegetarian and mixed bbq meat plate over the counter. Alas! The meagre seating was already taken up by others contentedly chomping on kebabs, so we were, at first hesitantly, but then very kindly ushered into the adjoining restaurant.
We did enjoy tucking into a fresh (highlighted by the tabouli) and tasty (the dips!) Lebanese feed. Heaps of food between the two plates, with falafels featuring a very satisfying crunch that yielded to a tender, tasty centre, while the barbecued meats were had a pleasant, smoky edge. Definitely liked it and would go back when next in the area.
Have to say we were very dissapointed, we went to Abduls thinking it was great from all the reviews read on here as opposed to going to our usual restaurant.
What a mistake that turned out to be!!
First off, staff are very unprofessional. We were told to be seated right near the door. Our table only had one napkin ( never received another one). We ordered the $25 p/p Mazza Banquet... Within 3 mins the Ladies Fingers & Falafel were brought out along with the dips..Trying to be impressive with the quick times was nothing but a bitter disappointment. The ladies fingers were pretty much cold and obviously had been re-heated before hand as they were soggy and not crunchy, and were only 'luke warm'. The Falafel were ok. I have to say the Dips were very nice though.
It took a very long time to get one of the staff's attention to get a drink whilst my mouth was burning from one of the peppers. After about 20mins then came out a tiny dish with few pieces of chicken (which was undercooked, very pink in some areas, though I still ate it) and then a few pieces of lamb which were funny enough severely burnt, and very fatty "off cuts".. Could't even eat the lamb!! The Lebenese sausage was nice though..
After the rather non-impressive effort with the meat dish, we did'nt even bother staying for dessert and left. Upon leaving we were taken to pay on the Take away side of the restaurant which was pretty disgusting kept in my opinion. I know it's Surry's Hills and all but I had eating at far better restaurants who want the business.
Just thought I would share my honest experience about this place..I have absolutely no idea where all these "great" reviews came from...Relatives or friends as someone suggested earlier?? Wouldn't be far off maybe...!! Think twice before going here.
The best ladies fingers ever!! I travel almost an hour to get to this restaurant and it is worth it every time. My family having been going to Abdul's for years and would recommend it to Lebanese food lovers everywhere.
Been coming here since the late 70's and it hasn't changed much in that time. The best Lebanese food around. The houmous is so smooth and creamy and the taboulie so yummy. Those stairs to the toilet though - wow, it's a wonder people don't break their necks. Worth a try.
Wow. So yummy. The food was great. And there was so much of it. Got to love the banquet because you get a bit of everything and you will definitely not leave with an empty stomach. Delish!
This place delivers time and time again, this is now the 3rd time I have eaten here and the food, as always, was just superb. Took along a friend of mine who was a first timer, rest assured he will be returning.
The service was also a real bonus, something they have really worked on since my last visit. Don't be fooled by the simple ambience! It's what's on your plate that will blow you away.
This place has the best falafel rolls in Sydney. Try em with garlic sauce, chilli and tahini! The falafels are crunchy on the outside and flecked with sesame seeds, while the green-tinged interior is moist and flavoursome. Cheap too.
Ate lunch at Abduls today. Having lived in Brazil, we know Lebanese food and this was good! Spiced and cooked to perfection. Owners are from north Lebanon. Value was extraordinary.
Wish they would open one where we live in Hawaii. Unpretentious - looking at it one might walk past, seems low end - but the food was sooooo good. The big sweaty cook knows what he is doing. We're here for 6 more days and will go back.