Safi

1.5 Not Recommended

Food  2      Ambience  2      Service  1      Value  1     

We went to Safi expecting a really nice meal but instead we got really bad service and food. I agree with one of the other reviews about the beetroot salad- it was too vinegary and worse than beetroot from a can. They also are not accommodating if you have any special dietary requirements and were extremely rude to us instead of apologetic when they had served us food with dairy in it after I had advised them twice that my son was allergic to dairy. Needless to say we will not be returning nor recommending it to anyone.

Sep 10, 2011 

2.8 Not Recommended

Food  2      Ambience  4      Service  4      Value  1     

The food was poor quality and a waste of money. Four of us eat and left wanting to get something to eat. It cost $120 and the food was garbage. The beetroot salad was like it came straight out of a can. The falafel were the same processed product you can buy at Woolworths. We will never go back and would only have bad thoughts about the (lack of) experience.

Jun 26, 2011 

7.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  9      Value  7     

Excellent service, good lebanese (hard to find on north shore).

Jun 26, 2011 

7.3 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  8      Value  7     

The food was wholesome and the flavors were good, it really was like that no real character or anything but good solid tastes,, the chicken skewers a bit dry - they really needed some thing moist on, but the rest was 'good'. We got there early with a reservation on a weekday, after an hour it filled and we had to start shouting to hear each other, low ceiling, clean and non-cluttered ambiance, very very noisy. Will go back one day when we want Hummus but it's not a huge draw for us.

Feb 10, 2011 

4.8 Average

Food  2      Ambience  7      Service  9      Value  1     

This place is terrible. "Beetroot salad" meant small side plate tinned beetroot with a tiny drizzle of garlic oil. The kafta: I've had better meat patties in a Big Mac. Terrible. The service was great but this place is a complete waste of time.

Dec 02, 2010 

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  9      Value  8     

We enjoyed our Thursday night dinner at this popular Lebanese restaurant in North Sydney.

It’s always advisable to book ahead (even on a week night) because this is a small place with room for only about 40 people (although there is also a function room at the back). And it’s noisy as well. Tiled floors, wooden tables and plastic chairs packed closely together don’t make for good acoustics. It was bearable when we arrived at 6.30 pm but by the time we left at 7.45 pm, the noise, especially from the next door table of drinkers was deafening.

But apart from that, Safi has much to recommend it. The food is delicious and the portion sizes are generous. Service is polite and efficient and the ambience is friendly and relaxed. The place is nicely decked out in white, with interesting carpet hangings on the wall.

We ordered the baba ghanouj and a fattoush salad for starters. The salad had lemon juice and olive oil dressing which gave it real zing. For mains we had a “moujaddarra”, (a vegetarian dish of lentils and rice topped with fried onions), Lebanese sausages and shish taouk, which are chicken skewers served with lettuce and garlic sauce. Everything was fresh and tasty and brimming with those tangy Leb flavours. Nothing disappointed.

And our friendly waiter was like Ali Baba. He didn’t miss a beat as one dish after another was swiftly brought out. We liked the arrangement where, instead of bringing out all the dishes at the same time, they’re brought out one by one, allowing you to savour and enjoy each one.

We finished off with baklava, shortbread and a coffee for dad. All yummy stuff but I’d give the Arabic coffee a miss next time, too bitter for me. We paid $72 for that lot. It’s BYO with corkage at $3 per person but we didn’t bring any wine. The single toilet is inadequate and you could find yourself queuing to use it. But it is clean and well provisioned.

We parked in Council Car Park next door where there’s a flat rate of $5 after 5.30 pm and plenty of spaces on a Thurs night. But street parking restrictions seem to end at 6.00 pm so that might be another option.

Overall this place is definitely worth a visit but I’d recommend you try it on a weeknight and aim to kick off your evening early before the crowds arrive. It’s much more pleasant then.

Nov 08, 2010 

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  8     

Absolutely loved all the food I tried here, especially the spinach parcels. The spinach was so lovely and sweet and the pastry so soft. My boyfriend wolfed down the lebanese sausages even though they were burning his mouth, which seems to be a good sign! He did complain that the plates were a bit small for the price, but I found it to be just right and it is perfect for sharing, and overall it was under $60 for dinner, dessert and drinks.

I wouldn't really recommend the baclava or the almond cookie, they were a bit dry, but everything else was excellent. Our waiter was really friendly and she was always very attentive without hovering. The atmosphere was great, even though a bit loud from all the people, and it was nice to see so many vegetarian options! Good idea to book ahead a few days, as I tried to book a day ahead for my birthday but they were completely booked out, and even midweek they were extremely full!

Oct 17, 2010 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  9     

First time at this little restaurant last week and so pleasantly surprised. The food was great and the service wonderful! The prices were relative and so our experience was excellent, value for money! Would recommend to anyone who wants to eat Lebanese Food on the Lower North Shore! We're going back again!

Sep 15, 2010 

7 Recommended

Food  6      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  8     

The ratings on this restaurant are ridiculously high. It is average Lebanese food at a reasonable price but cannot be compared to the likes of the Lebanese restaurants in Newtown. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff but the food is nothing special.

Aug 23, 2010 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  8     

Wonderful food in a pleasant atmosphere with friendly and attentive staff for a reasonable price. On top of this, one of the few/only middle-eastern eateries in the area. What more do you need? Just great.

Jul 08, 2010