Wow, went to Jasmins last night, and I'm not an afficionado of Lebanese food but I have to say, this was delicious. I've eaten at a few places in Leichardt, Balmain, Surry Hills etc but this is really on another level.
The mixed plate is easily enough for 2, the lamb was tender and delicious, the tabouli was fresh, and the felafels were nothing short of a revelation for me. All up, highly recommended.
Excellent tasty food. Highly recommended. Meat platter is my favourite which can feed two. Falafels are the best we have tasted and very consistent. Garlic and chilli sauces care a nice bonus.
It is more of a cafe than a restaurant and can get very busy so recommend you visit outside 'normal' meal hours for the best experience. The service and good delivery is very quick as they need high table turnover due to small seating capacity. Go with an open mind and an empty stomach.
If you're looking for authentic, tasty and inexpensive Lebanese food, and more ambience than you can poke a felafel at, then a trip to Jasmins in Lakemba is a must. Yalla!!
Upon arrival we felt a sense of urgency to order before the rush at 6 pm. Our menus were 'whisked away' before we had a chance to study them and were told, "I will bring you 2 mixed platters". Being our first time we agreed. We began nibbling on the bread and dips on the table and were told to stop eating out of respect for the people who are fasting as there have been numerous complaints?! I thought this was a restaurant!
Most of the food was ok apart from the meat, the chicken was undercooked (pink was visible) and the lamb pieces were overcooked, were very fatty and chewy. Disappointed, we won't be returning!
I must say haven't been there in a while, and the standard has dropped, had mixed plates all round, the quantity isn't like it used to be, yes falafels and dips were great, but the meat was burnt and dry. The service was pretty friendly, just disappointing, because their food was always so fresh.
There is better Lebanese food available if you know where to look (not El Mustafa's or anywhere in the Inner West). As a previous reviewer said, Jasmin does serve good honest food at reasonable prices.
Their mixed plate is hard to beat for the price with nice crispy falafel, the toum is fresh and tangy, the skewers are tasty and the bread fresh. What else could you ask for? You will not walk out hungry (unless you are an eating machine). Their homemade lemon drink is great too and always a popular accompaniment to the meal.
The only gripe I have with this place is not so much with Jasmin as with some of their clientele. Take a shower would you? Seriously, the stench can take your breath away on a hot day. But the food is so good, I can handle it.
Couldn't possibly fault the food. Falafels are light and crispy, all the dips are beautiful (garlic dip is to die for!). Service is quite rushed, as they are (most of the time) busy. Must try the store made lemon drink!
Checked this place out after reading all the reviews after going to another place up the street for many years. I wouldn't come back, although the service was lovely the food just wasn't as good as the place up from it and this place is more expensive.