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Al Wadi
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1249 VFW Pkwy(between Charles Park Rd & Gardner St)
Boston, MA 02132
Neighborhood: West Roxbury
(617) 325-3254
- Nearest Transit:
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5 Charles Park Rd (36)
Charles Park Rd @ Vfw Pkwy (36)
Veterans Hospital West Roxbury (36)
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 11:30 am - 9 pm
Thu 11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 10:30 pm
80 reviews for Al Wadi
80 reviews in English
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Review from Dan G.
3/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Al Wadi was recommended by a friend of a friend. So we went and loved it. It was pretty packed, granted it was Saturday night around 8pm. We were seated fairly quickly and greeted by our hostess almost immediately.
We started with a few appetizers hummus and Rekakat bi Bastirma. The hummus was great, it reminded me of the one I can buy at my local Arabic market. The rekakat was really good, can't really describe it but DO IT.
For dinner I had the beef kibbeh, was exactly what I was expecting and hoping for and definitely hit the spot. My other half had beef kabob which was nicely seasoned and cooked to order.
We also got dessert to go, which was an assortment of baklava (YUM) and Essmalia, which was shredded phyllo and a very thick cream filling. I loved both and I now want both again!
Overall i had a great time, came home stuffed and was excited to continue on into the night with dessert, hope to be able to get out this way again! -
Review from Karin M.
West Roxbury, MA
4/27/2012
Tried Al Wadi last night for the first time.
I really wanted this place to be good, but unfortunately there was nothing compelling enough that would make me return.
Hummus: I actually thought it was decent. I've had better but it wasn't bad
Chicken kebab: was a bit dry which was disappointing
Rekakat: 3 cheese mixture in Phyllo dough - kinda boring
We had a few other items but all were just "ok".
The best part of the meal was the Wardy Chardonnay from Lebanon - pleasant surprise.
The service was a bit disorganized - waitstaff were waiting on tables all over the restaurant (not in sections) as well as on people at the bar. There was no bartender, rather each waitperson retrieved their own beer/wine. It just seemed a bit inefficient. -
Review from Zev X.
Boston, MA
2/17/2012
MEDIOCRE at best.
We went on a Friday night and bought several appetizers to share, rather than eat entrees... (we asked them to space them apart, but they brought them all at the same time....so much for listening.
Mediocre dishes:
Arnabeet Mekleh: fried cauliflower was tasty and seasoned well but very oily
Sfeha- minced meat in a pastry dough - decent but not great. the cucumber sauce was good.
Kibbeh Krass- brown on brown...not very appealing looking but tasted ok not great
Dishes to avoid:
Rekakat bi Bastirma- cheese and meat in phyllo dough- this has to be one of the saltiest things that i have ever tasted. Seriously, I typically like to salt my meals but this was SOOO incredibly salty it was inedible. Did they accidentally knock over an entire salt shaker into this dish??
Pita - cold, dry, definitely from a package
Hummus - refrigerated, cold, tasted like it was bought from any supermarket shelf- though they stuck a couple of cut cucumbers in it to garnish it. skip it - not good
we didn't get the dessert because we overheard the people at the table next to us complain how bad the baklava was.. -
Review from Ilana B.
Foxborough, MA
5/20/2012
This restaurant was recommended by several friends, so we thought we'd give it a try. We had a reservation for dinner, and upon arriving, found two interesting things: 1- there was NO parking available in their lot and 2- we saw people going inside who were very dressed up! That should have been a clue... We ant inside and were seated mediately... within about 5 seconds, the DJ started playing unbelievably loud music for the WEDDING RECEPTION that was about to begin! In the same room! Not only could we not hear ourselves, we couldn't hear the waitress when she came to tell us about the specials, and she had trouble hearing our order.
The falafel was OK- 3 of us ordered lamb kabob- 2 of us couldn't eat it- overcooked, very tough, no flavor.
They never should have taken reservations if there was a wedding reception join on. Obviously the kitchen could not accommodate so many meals at the same time. I doubt that I would try this place again. -
Review from Emily H.
Roslindale, MA
2/7/2012
I'd been wanting to try Al Wadi for a long time and finally made it there for lunch this past weekend. We had the Al Wadi for Two because it gave us a chance to try a variety of items.
The bad:
-Pita bread was cold, dry, uninspired (is this always the case???)
-Chicken soup was purely American. Very salty, uninspired. Why aren't they serving something more Lebanese? Perhaps I just chose the wrong soup.
-The service was SLOW
The good:
-The kebabs were delicious
-The rice pilaf was delicious
-The hummus was delicious
-The yogurt sauce that came with the kebabs was to die for (I was so disappointed they didn't pack it up in my to-go box!!)
-The baklava was good
-The grape leaves were decent
I would probably go again, but only if I was in the mood to spend a long time. -
Review from Cris E.
Boston, MA
12/22/2011
I was super excited to get outta Cambridge and try AL wadi in west Roxbury.
But man was I so disappointed :(
First off, our server had to force a smile and clearly couldn't wait for her shift to end. I felt like she was doing us a huge favor. B.s.
The pita bread came out cold which I didn't touch. Very rare thing.
We couldn't decide what to order so we got the AL wadi sampler. I would like to try an entree if I give this place one more shot.
Hommus- a little bitter, tasted more like tahini. I did like the cut cucumbers in it!
Kebabs- so dry! They have been sitting around for hours.
Kafta- delicious and full of calories! :p
Falafel- meh
Baklava- always good. One star
Sovenion blanc from Lebanon was very good. One star
Don't remember the rest.
Cafe Barrada in Cambridge is so much better as its run by a family of three serving the freshest ingredients. -
Review from Jeff E.
Boston, MA
3/25/2012
We were taken here by a friend who loves the place, and despite the odd location and outside that looks strip mall-ish, it's quite good. Everything from appetizers to our entrees to the desserts were excellent. Patient, friendly service from a waiter who explained dishes well. My favorites: Chicken Shish Taouk and the chocolate mousse dessert. The hoummus was delicious, you just didn't get very much of it and, guys, really? Store-bought thin pita not even toasted or bake? I expect pita at a Middle Eastern restaurant to be fluffy and warm. Baklava were pretty good, too, so I don't get the nasty reviews about it here.
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Review from john b.
Dedham, MA
4/1/2012
My wife and I enjoyed the Al Wadi dinner for two here. at 49 bucks, it's a good deal. Soup, salad, hummus, stuffed grape leaves, a big mixed grill platter of lamb, chicken and kafta, plus baklava for dessert. We had leftovers for take out. It was all good and well prepared. Restaurant was full by the time we left and many of the patrons seemed to be of middle eastern descent....a good sign. Lots of middle eastern families actually. I recommend it here, and we would definitely go back...maybe sit at the bar and feast on kafta...the highlight of tonight's dinner.
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Review from Rachel S.
Boston, MA
4/28/2012
Hankering for some Middle Eastern food, we went last Saturday night. Wow! The place was filled by 6pm, but luckily we grabbed some seats at the bar with a very helpful bartender offering full service. She let us sample two Lebanese wines (which we ended up ordering) and made great recommendations. The Labnah, spinach pies, and sea bass appetizer were absolutely amazing. The hummus was, as another review pointed out, too salty (we left it virtually untouched) and the baklava definitely not made on the premises, but the overall dining experience was great.
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Review from Baron F.
Newton, MA
1/3/2012
Recommend it without reservation. (My enthusiasm may be slightly irresponsible, since I've only been once, but I was very favorably impressed.) Really very good. Groupon NOW coupon $10 for $20. Went on a Friday for lunch. Not crowded.
Was giving my friend's mom lunch so, following her lead, I ordered lamb sandwich and lentil soup ($10). Low degree of difficulty, but well-prepared, fresh, tasty. Asked for only lettuce and tomato in the sandwich. (The risk is always that the standard raw onion & pickle inclusions will be too strong-tasting for the delicate lambie. Get them separate if you crave them.) I requested, and was brought, mint leaves to put in the sandwich (do it!). Sauces (tahini and toum) were as good as anywhere around. (Get those on the side, too.)
Service was helpful, friendly and cooperative- thank you Joelle. (As a general rule, you get back what you give out, beastlies. Everyone knows that, but some need to be reminded.)
In sum, stayed with Lowest Common Denominator meal first time, and was very pleased. The list of unfamiliar (to me, anyway) Arabic dishes is extensive and alluring and available in combination plates . So, next visit I plan on an Arabian menu safari (Swahili via the Arabic safra).
Cheers. -
Review from Christine N.
Milton, MA
11/15/2011
I went here with a friend of mine for the first time tonight. It was pretty empty considering it was just a Tuesday around 5pm. We were immediately seated a few tables down from another couple. I must go on my little rant before i comment on the food.
This woman was nothing short of rude and obnoxious. She had finished her meal and proceeded to get up to go find the manager, to whom she complained with that her meal was inedible. She was in her own words, "offended" that she was even served such a disgusting meal. In between this woman's rude banter, the manager came over to apologize for the woman's outbursts while we were trying to enjoy our dinner. You would think she left after she said her peace right? Wrong. She sat down for a coffee and called everyone in her phonebook to tell them how awful this place was. We then had the manager, waitress, and 3 bus boys come over to move us to another table to we could actually enjoy our dinner and we were also offered a free dessert.
Now on to the food! This was my first time having Lebanese food but I was pretty excited. I had read previous reviews and going in there, I knew what i wanted to try. We decided on the prefix menu for 2. It had a little bit of everything. With the appetizer course, we had falafel, chick pea hummus, baba ghanouj, warak enab, fattoush and i ordered an extra side of sfeha. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the sfeha, which i only ordered because i had read a good review on it. but everything else was good. With the main course, it was a beef, lamb, and chicken kebob over a plate of rice. It was absolutely delicious. And for our free dessert? Our waitress had suggested snod al sit. It was a pleasant surprise. It was sweet and the texture was nice.
Over all, my experience here was nice and the food was good. Aside from the god awful woman who complained for about half an hour. She most likely had something stuck up her ass. -
Review from Masha B.
7/18/2011
I mean put a plate of Lebanese food in front of me and I'm happy- regardless. That being said, Al Wadi definitely delivers an exceptionally good meal.
The fattoush salad is a heaping portion and really flavorful and fresh. The sfeeha mezze were orgasmic. Sorry, but that's the only word to fully describe how good they tasted.
Our server was great, the food came out quickly, and the ambiance of the restaurant was beautiful and calming.
We were there kinda late so some of the last patrons in the restaurant, I'm curious what it's like on a busier night- I'll definitely be back soon! -
Review from Stephanie G.
Boston, MA
10/20/2011
I went here with the bf for the first time last weekend. It was prime dining time, so we opted to sit at the bar. The bartender was very friendly and helpful with any questions we had.
We started with the falafel and hummus plates. I am currently obsessed with falafel and Al Wadi's falafel definitely didn't disappoint. For my main dish I got the tabbouleh topped with the kafta kabob (it's like a lamb meatball with herbs and spices - delish!) and the bf got had the beef tenderloin. Overall, we really enjoyed the meal and I had enough to enjoy the next day.
I think it was worth the trip out of the city to try Al Wadi. We will definitely be going back in the future. -
Review from Robert C.
Boston, MA
Updated - 1/31/2012
Our first several visits to Al Wadi, in a nondescript location along VFW Pkwy in W. Roxbury, MA, we were delighted with the authentic (I brought guests from the Middle East) Lebanese food, great value Lebanese wines and a friendly owner hovering around the bar. Open and inviting decor, and the acoustics weren't too bad even when the place was full. Then....last week we find that the menu has changed, portions shrunk and quality of food declined. The happy feeling at the restaurant - gone. The wine increased in price by over 10%. No owner present. Maybe their earlier success has gone to their heads? Maybe a change of management or ownership? Don't know, but won't return.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/27/2010
Went on spur of moment Sunday evening for dinner. The place was packed. "Gus" the owner, went out… Read more »
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Review from Erick S.
Dedham, MA
5/12/2011
Let's get real. There's nothing more difficult than pleasing Arabs at an Arabic restaurant (except maybe pleasing Italians at an Italian restaurant). They're always going to be the harshest critics, because if their teita (or siti or sitoo or whatever else they might call their grandmother in Arabic) or mom aren't making it, Middle Eastern food at ANY restaurant just isn't going to hold up. That said, Al Wadi must have a slew of Arab grandmothers and mom's slaving away in their kitchen, this is one darn good Middle Eastern restaurant.
Everything from the mezza plate, to the shish-platters are satisfying and filling. It's a little pricey, but it's worth it every once in a while to give grandma and mom a break! -
Review from Tina S.
Boston, MA
3/13/2012
The place is beautiful inside, bar area and in general the lighting, wall decor etc. Loved the background music. The hostess and waiter were nice as well. For openers we had the fattoush salad- romaine, radish etc. What killed it was the salad dressing used. Supposed to be a lemon vinaigrette, that was moreso red tang than lemony :( I had the beef kebab which was amazing - great texture and consistency and huge pieces of meat, and my rice was yummy ,warm, and perfect. My company ordered the Sayadreh Bi Samak - baked haddock with rice, which I also tried. The fish was good, a little dry. The rice however was very cold with some sort of cinnamon/nutmeg like powder on top... I think the coldness factor killed it more than the spice. I wasn't wowed by the food sadly.
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Review from Jessica S.
Cumberland, RI
1/20/2012
I love the food here for the most part. the hummus is really good. I've had the beef turnovers, lentil soup, chicken wrap, and chicken soulvaki with rice. Baklava is just ok and I didn't like the falafel. Service is good
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Review from Calli C.
5/16/2011
For Mothers' Day, my mom wanted food from Al Wadi. Who was I to complain? I like Lebanese like anyone else. Since there were four of us, all with big appetites, we ordered up tons of food: falafel, stuffed grape leaves, baba ganoush, these meat-pie-like things, these spinach-pie-like things, this special sausage dish, that fried cheese thing, and some salad. It came to about $80, which was a bit steep, especially when I saw that the portions weren't really even. The pie dishes each came with only four little pies each, when the orders of stuffed grape leaves were piled high.
Overall everything was tasty, especially the stuffed grape leaves. I found the baba ganoush to be a bit bitter and lacking enough seasoning, but everyone else enjoyed it. The salad was surprisingly tasty, with lots of different vegetables and these seasoned pieces of toasted bread tossed in. Still, the dishes I especially enjoyed didn't make up for the inconsistent portion size and prices. -
Review from peter r.
Dedham, MA
12/8/2011
What a find! We were searching for a place to eat after 10pm and all the local eateries kitchens were closed - we walked into Al Wadi and were WELCOMED. The food was incredible, the sangria was tasty and the service was all delivered with a smile. Not the usual "order fast -I wanna go home" delivery you get in some places! We'll be back!
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Review from David H.
Brookline, MA
3/5/2011
Simply put: the best overall Middle Eastern food in the area. This was our third visit, and this time we got the prix fixe dinner for two. The first courses include some of the best falafel I've had in the US (including Sammy's truck and Rami's). The hummus & baba are also outstanding, all served with the all-important FRESH pita bread. By the time the entrees came (chicken & lamb kebobs), we were really too stuffed to appreciate them, but I'd certainly rate them as at least above average. Service is excellent - we were seated just as the place was filling up, but we never once felt neglected.
If you find yourself hungry in WRox, don't hesitate to give this place a try. -
Review from SCL L.
Boston, MA
3/13/2011 3 photos
This is about as good as it gets. Two weeks ago my husband and I met some friends at Al Wadi. It was so fantastic that we went there agin the following weekend. The location does not do it justice. A stone's throw from Home Depot, it's challenging to imagine that behind the heavy, wood-carved doors, such a gastronomical nirvana would stand. But its true. If you can get past the orange glow and stenciled type face of it's neighbor's sign, you're in for one of the best meals you've ever had in the Boston area.
All of the ingredients are fresh and, when possible, local. The fish, which I had two weeks in a row (Bass one week, Snapper the next) were delicious. Tart fresh lemon juice with middle eastern spices. My husband the carnivore, chose lamb.
The hommus was as good as I've had in the Middle East, and the falafel was super fresh, light and fluffy.
Arnabeet, cauliflower pan seared with tahini, is a must to order.
A vegetarian pumpkin kibbeh was featured last week, made with cracked wheat , pine nuts and fresh pumpkin.
Salads are dressed with lemon juice and the right pinch of pepper and there's always plenty of fresh soft pita.
The Lebanese wine collection is plentiful, and the owners are happy to offer "tastes." But my favorite is the house sangria.
Allover my very favorite restaurant. Thank you.
http://www.alwadibosto... -
Review from Mike P.
Cambridge, MA
2/26/2011
I finally got the chance to try this place out with a friend tonight. We couldn't decide what to order so we went with the prix fixe menu for 2 and I'm glad we did.
First off, the prix fixe selection has a ton of food so go there hungry (hungry like "I don't remember what day it is anymore" hungry). Secondly, everything was absolutely delicious. I'm kind of a Middle Eastern food snob and I was very impressed with how fresh and perfectly cooked everything was.
What kept this place from getting 5 stars? The $9 sangria was way too sweet and it's a bit tough to have a conversation with people at your table due to the acoustics of the room. The price is definitely on the steeper side as well.
China Blossom - I'll always miss you and the many lunchtime memories but, Al Wadi, you are a worthy replacement and I look forward to the many memories will shall have together in falafel bliss. -
Review from Michelle L.
Boston, MA
2/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Al Wadi is a great pick for authentic Lebanese food. We dined on Mezze (an elaborate variety of hot and cold small plates) to share that included an a la carte pick of hummus, grape leaves, kibbeh, fried shankleesh, fattoush salad and more. Everything was delicious-- so delicious that we scarfed it all down without talking until we slumped into our chairs completely full. But not before ordering an assortment of baklava.
The suburban-fancy decor made me giggle. The dining room is over lit and there is a long bar that opens to the entire dining room, with a flat screen t.v. mounted on the wall (of course). To polish it off there are a few (fake?) plants and portable room dividers...one that almost came crashing down on us. Sweet.
Hardly fine dining but worth the short drive from the city. I'll definitely eat here again when I don't feel like getting gussied up for a city night. -
Review from Stephanie K.
Roslindale, MA
11/16/2010
Since I am 100% Lebanese, I thought my insight on the food would help a lot of people out regarding al Wadi. Regardless of what some people are commenting, the food is 100% authentic traditional Lebanese food. I saw some comments about this place not being "traditional Lebanese food" and I think respectfully that person has no clue what they are talking about. I cannot get enough of this place. I look forward when my mom doesn't cook so I can have an excuse to go eat there.
Furthermore, it is a brand new place, and like most new restaurants, you will have a wait time and some chaos, possible disorganization, regarding the staff and service. However, I think Al Wadi and its managers are doing a great job continiously growing and changing for the better. They are also very open to critisim. I went there the first weekend it opened, and continiously every other week, and I can say that this place keeps getting better and better.
The place has a friendly vibe and I meet new people everytime I go. I can spend hours there without realizing it. For the most part, people need to give this place a shot and judge individually. Everyone has different experiences regarding Middle Eastern food in general and what their idea of tasty or salty might be. If you go definetly try the lamb shank, the tabbouli, the grape leaves, the chicken kabob and the hummus... -
Review from Michael C.
Boston, MA
11/24/2010
Ultimately if they get their act together this will be a good restaurant however right now this place needs work especially with the wait staff.
The Setting: 4 Stars: They have done an excellent job turning old space into a truly comfortable well appointed dinning room.
The Food: 5 Stars: Food is excellent. My advice is to order from the mezza menu if you have a large group. The hummus and baba ghanouj were outstanding. The order of spicy beef sausages was on the small side but the taste was top notch. We ordered about 8 plates, all of which were excellent.
Wine / Beer: 3 Stars: Al Wadi only serves beer and wine. The wine selection is limited with little value found on the list.
Service: 0 Stars: Truly AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL. Our waitress was MIA much of the night. However I could put up with that for the most part. What I do not like their inflexible attitude with menu and the waitresses ability to deal with it. We ordered several kebabs which she insisted must come with the salad adding 50 bucks to the bill. I normally would be more understanding but the service was awful yet this was the one area she seemed most efficient.
My advice is to give this place some time to shake out before trying it. -
Review from Alan T.
Boston, MA
10/27/2011
Al Wadi is a Lebanese/Middle-Eastern food restaurant.
As such, it is mediocre at best.
Standard dishes such as Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Tabouli, Stuffed Grape Leaves, Spinach Pies are good, but far from very good or excellent. The Tabouli was particularly disappointing.
The dining area is nice, but not particularly great.
It is not separated from the bar area; unusual, but not that big of a deal.
What is a big deal for me is that there is a large television screen which is not something I welcome in a dining area unless there is a particular reason for it. These televisions seem to be on all the time regardless of what is being shown.
The waitress was unpleasant and appeared annoyed at our presence.
I'll cut her some slack and assume that for some reason we were annoying, although I don't know why she might have thought so.
Bottom line: I am Lebanese and have eaten Lebanese food all my life, both at home, at parties and at restaurants and my opinion is that if you want good Lebanese food, go elsewhere, perhaps Byblos in Norwood,
which is not that far away and far better in every regard
(food, atmosphere, entertainment, service). -
Review from Aboud Y.
Cambridge, MA
4/30/2011
I've been a few times and overall I liked it (particularly their raw meat dishes like kibbe nayye). Yes, meat sushi. Yum.
Everything else was fairly decent (though their grilled meats can come out dry at times). At any rate, I will be back. -
Review from Miranda R.
Brighton, MA
12/24/2010
Delicious. It's right next to Home Depot on the VFW. The food is AMAZING. I do love Middle Eastern food, so my review may be a bit biased, but the food here is really good. My boyfriend and I took the food to go so I cannot comment on the wait staff except to say that everyone was really friendly while we waited at the bar for our food. The atmosphere is great: lots of ambiance. The bar is surrounded by lights and under the bar, where your feet go, is lit as well. Anyway, back to the food.
Dinner --
Halloumi - Hard cheese served with tomatoes and olives. Tastes best when eaten with pita bread and tzatziki (cucumber dip).
Warak Enab - Grape leaves filled with beef, spices, etc. A little salty - eat it with some pita bread and cucumber sauce to even out the salty flavor
Beef Kebab - ordered it medium and it was "pretty good" says the boyfriend
Falafel - crunchy and phenomenal. Loved this - served in pita wrap.
Dessert --
Atayif -Thick pancake style dough stuffed with sweet cheese, which has the consistency of feta cheese, which is a little disconcerting but delicious in the sweet rose water syrup.
Mouhllabie - Custardish, white, rather bland (in a good way) dessert topped with fruit berries and rose water syrup.
We spent about $64 and could have fed another person. The appetizers were all between 7-9 dollars, the desserts around 5. The beef kebab was the most expensive at $18.
We will definitely go here again. -
Review from Cindy K.
Needham, MA
10/28/2010
Just found this place a few weeks ago and have been there several times already! Decor and ambiance is really nice and the food is really delicious. The lamb shank and the dinner for two have been our top two choices. The dinner for two includes FULL size appetizers which was very surprising...great value for the price.
The only weakness right now is service and wait times. Still need to work out the kinks with operations and customer service but it isn't awful either (I've definitely had worse service at more established restaurants).
Overall, a solid recommendation for authentic Lebanese food in the 'burbs. -
Review from Gladys M.
Cambridge, MA
12/6/2010
Delicious Lebanese food outside of Boston, a bit out of the way but so worth it! Dined there with a friend on the dinner menu, lots of wonderful choices.
My favorites were the Kofta (lamb) Kebab - very flavorful - and Rekakat (cheese wrapped in phyllo dough) - cheese melts in your mouth! I tried the entree, Mixed Grill Platter, which served 3 different types of meat on skewers: lamb, beef, chicken, (which was the lamb being my favorite - perfect seasoning of spices). Rice was fluffy and seasoned just right too. I enjoyed the meal so much, I brought home Kibbeh Beseneyah to my husband who fell in love with it right away! Every bite had some great tasting flavor or seasoning which I couldn't get enough of even on the last bite.
Waitstaff was friendly and knowledgeable on all things on menu.
Will definitely return with more friends soon.Listed in: Lebanese Food
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Review from Adam D.
West Roxbury, MA
11/3/2010
Looks nice inside, we got take out. Falafal wrap was good, with pickled radishes and onions. Very tasty, could have used a bit more tahini sauce for my tastes, but the falafal was really good.
I'll order here again before I go to the King on Center St. -
Review from Heather C.
Chestnut Hill, MA
1/9/2011
I would actually give this place 4.5 stars if I could.
Went here for the first time Friday night. Since we went a little on the early side, we didn't think to make a reservation. When we got there, it was already really crowded and the hostess asked us if we had a reservation. I was sure that she was going to tell us that they couldn't seat us, but they were so accommodating, and found a table for us right away. I loved the atmosphere in the restaurant and bar. It has a really cool open layout and I loved the intricate light fixtures and decorations.
Our food was absolutely delicious. And they do not skimp on the portions. Our waitress brought out warm pitas with different dipping sauces/spreads as soon as we sat down. Our appetizer plate (frites with a garlic dip) was enough to fill two people. Then were our "side" salads that come with the entrees (but was enough to fill me before my meal even came). And then our entrees: the chicken shish taouk was incredible, the marinade gave it a great flavor and the rice pilaf was perfect. My boyfriend got the mixed grilled platter which had chicken, lamb, and beef, all of which were also delicious.
Service was good, atmosphere and food were great. I will definitely be back! -
Review from Ran r.
Dedham, MA
6/23/2011
I am from lebanon and I cook lebanese food the way my mom showed me!! I mean I am a real good cook!! and I absolutely LOVE Al wadi's food!!! and believe me I've tried all the middle eastern restaurants around by far AL wadi is a winner!! Love it and I take all my friends when coming to visit from out of town there so I can get to brag about our food and how good it is;) well OK i admit that it's an excuse for me not to cook too! I just wish the drinks were not that expensive...that's all!! everything else is absolutely awesome!! I really really recommend! A tout a l'heure!!
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Review from George G.
Stoneham, MA
1/10/2011
Wow, another great Lebanese restaurant near my work!
I recently stumbled across Al-Wadi online and had to give it a try. I'm glad I didn't miss this place!
If you're a fan of Lebanese cuisine, or middle eastern in general, you have to try Al wadi. They have great lunch specials, a fixed price dinner special, and a daily special. The kebabs and kafta are delicious, although the baked kibbe wasn't as good as my other favorite Lebanese food place.
The appetizers are delicious.. From the perfectly spiced hummus to the lemony chicken wings to the tasty sfiha, I wasn't disappointed with anything. The tabouli was so fresh that a coworker I brought swore to never buy it from the superarket again. The fattoush salad is also a winner. I could go on and on, but I've tried nearly everything on the menu, and there is no wrong choice. They even have the elusive raw kibbe, which is a Lebanese twist on steak tartare. It might sound scary, but don't knock it till you've tried it!
Plenty of parking and cheerful, helpful staff. Worth the drive! -
Review from Lauren B.
Worcester, MA
12/6/2010 1 Check-in Here
While I am a fan of straying out of my comfort area when it comes to food, I never before had the opportunity to sample Middle Eastern cuisine until just recently.
I visited Al Wadi with my friend and his family for dinner this past week, and spent the evening learning all about the different types of foods associated with Lebanese culture - from falafels to eggplant paste, our table was crowded with appetizers and entrees galore,giving me the opportunity to sample all sorts of new foods I've never before been privvy to.
I enjoyed my entree, which was an offering of chicken shish kabobs over a bed of rice pilaf - it went well in conjunction with all the appetizers I got to try, but I wasn't particularly taken with the choice of spices and ingredients that seem to be consistently associated with Lebanese foods; maybe it's because I just have a differently defined palate, having been raised on Italian and Polish meals, or maybe the tastes associated with these dishes are just acquired.
Overall I had a good time at Al Wadi - the atmosphere was enjoyable, and it was definitely interesting to sample new fare, but I think I'll have to try Lebanese food a few more times before I can give you an accurate rating of places like this. However, I do recommend it if you have an affinity for Middle Eastern foods - everyone I know that eats the foods offered here all the time insists their take on it is fabulous - or even if you're being a little adventurous like me. It's definitely worth it. -
Review from Eyal S.
Boston College, MA
1/18/2011
Great authentic Arabic food!
Desserts are disappointing though. -
Review from elaine t.
Dedham, MA
8/21/2010
I was very excited to see that a Lebanese resteraunt was coming to a town near me!!!!!
So I just want everyone to know if I was rating the food alone..........Well they get 5......However I cannot overlook the service, boo.
Nothing urks me more than bad service. DAMMIT!
Okay, I'm over it now.
The food was spectacular!
I had the lamb shank and it was perfectly cooked and seasoned.
One more thing, There wasn't any music. Not to much ambiance either. You can definatly bring the kiddies along. -
Review from Sami W.
6/9/2011
This review can be found on the Al Wadi website in the News section. I think they need to take that review down because it's a little offensive.
Read it and tell me what you think.
"When it comes to grub, West Roxbury's historically been limited, squeaking by on pizza shops, subs, and Latin that, while good, leaves you no choice but to bang chicks from Winsor. Outfitting the West with Lebanese, the folks at Al Wadi.
From the father-son duo behind South End stalwart Nicole's Pizza, Al Wadi's the manifestation of their family dream to open an upscale Leb joint, and's located in the completely overhauled former Spring Blossom space, now elegantly outfitted with plush brown suede & leather banquettes, marble pillars, a 12-seat mirrored bar, and imported Egyptian chandeliers sporting jewels dangling from golden crowns of hammered metal (apparently Ozzy can still hang). Meaty Mid-East delectables include spiced lamb tartare w/ onions and parsley; Kibbeh Beseneyah, baked ground beef stuffed with minced beef/pine nuts & yogurt-cucumber sauce; and a mint-sprinkled grilled steak served over bulgur -- far healthier than Bulger, which'll murder your arteries. With guns. There're also exotic large-portion plates like a tahini sauce'd sea bass & mixed nut tajine, turnovers stuffed with spinach/lemon/sumac, olive oil sauteed gourmet sausages, and chicken wings dressed in garlic and cilantro known as Jawaneh, which explains why it doesn't come with breasts.
To satiate your sweet tooth, they're baking traditional pastries, from pancakes stuffed w/ sweet cheese, to cream layered, rose water syrup'd shredded dough, also what parents suspect they did if you went to Latin and ended up at Not Harvard."
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Ok, I came here with my "hottie" friend. She loved the food. I, on the other hand, found it to be ok, not great. It's authentic Lebanese but I feel the food is missing something.
We shared the following:
- Rekakat: Blend of 3 cheeses, wrapped in thin phyllo dough and lightly fried.
- Makanik: sausages sautéed in olive oil and lemon.
- Samak Tajine: Baked sea bass topped with tahini sauce and mixed nuts.
- Fattoush: Romaine, tomato, cucumber, radish, green peppers, toasted pita, sumac served with lemon vinegar oil dressing.
- Lentil soup: Good
And for dessert:
Mouhllabie: Pudding style topped with fruit berries and rose water syrup. -
Review from Sarah P.
Boston, MA
4/20/2011
Went here with the Groupon I bought. SUCH good food. The atmosphere is great and the service is good. The food was a bit more expensive than I was expecting, but not too expensive. Not cheap, but affordable for a nice night out. The food was delicious. Got the vegetarian grape leaves, very lemony - nice change. Beef was cooked the way I asked and came with an out of this world garlic sauce. We'll be back!
-
Review from Dan P.
Jamaica Plain, MA
1/13/2011
Excellent middle-eastern restaurant.
As a middle-eastern guy , I must say this is the best one I have seen in the Boston vicinity so far....
Way to go.
