Big Disappointment
DESCRIPTION: The whole experience started off at mediocre and it just got worse from there. The atmosphere left a lot to be desired-- just a glorified Denny's. Our melodramatic waiter brought out the appetizers in a very timely fashion, and they were ok. The second course, soup and salad, were a bit different than we expected, but at least they were edible. On the other hand, I ordered the swordfish kabobs as a main dish, and they were horrible--inedible! And I'm not a picky eater! We had high hopes for the live belly dancing, but that too was a disappointment. Three different staff members asked us if everything was ok, and when we mentioned the fish, their reactions were far from empathetic. The waitress even said, "That's how fish is." We're never going back again, and we recommend that you save your money and avoid this place!!
DATE: 2003-10-24
FOODRATING : 2
SERVICERATING : 4
AMBIANCERATING : 4
OVERALLRATING : 2
RECOMMENDED DISHES : baba ganoush

Horrible
DESCRIPTION: The service was bad; our waitress filled our water glasses and never came back. When she finally did 20 minutes later, she took our order, but then forgot to put it in, so we didn't get our food for another 20 minutes. The food was awful - almost inedible - and I am not a fussy person by any means. We ordered baklava for dessert and couldn't cut it. I then had to request a steak knife and still could not cut through the pastry dough. Who would have thought that baklava was so hard. Besides that, it tasted like I was licking sap off of a tree; it was awful. I would never eat there ever again. I would recommend that nobody should waste their time and money here.
DATE: 2006-02-25
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 2
AMBIANCERATING : 4
OVERALLRATING : 2
RECOMMENDED DISHES : hummos appetizer

If Only They Could Ship It!!!!!
DESCRIPTION: I remember having to drag my husband into El Basha to try the food. It was a struggle, but he finally gave in. Every week thereafter for nearly a year (until we moved out of state) we made dining at El Basha a weekly affair. He was especially fond of the lentil soup, when it was "in season" which frustrated him as he craved it year-round. The chicken Port Saiid was another particular favorite of ours, as were the hommus blahmee and fassoulia. The service was good - the only time I ever remember waiting for a drink was when it was exceptionally busy.
DATE: 2003-04-30
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Seriously - I loved everything I tried. Go nuts.

Wonderful
DESCRIPTION: My husband and I have dinner last Friday night at El Basha. The food and service were wonderful. The fava bean salad, fallafel, kibbee and port saiid were all terrific
DATE: 2003-09-01
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : kibbee & port saiid

El Basha! El Basha!
DESCRIPTION: We always love to eat the Middle Eastern food at this restaurant. Falafel, hommus with fresh pita bread, chicken port saiid, kabobs, stuffed grape leaves, salad and the rice pilaf are sure to please even the pickiest customer. It is fabulous food cooked to perfection and at the right portion and price for family dining!
DATE: 2004-01-04
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 10

Great Shows!
DESCRIPTION: If you are looking for something fun to do, check out Christine's! Great entertainment! Food is average.
DATE: 2003-08-25
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 6

A Terrific Middle Eastern Restaurant
DESCRIPTION: After many visits to this great restaurant, we have been consistently pleased with the selection and quality of the food. The owner and family are the waitstaff and kitchen staff, too. They are very accommodating. The small restaurant is quiet and pleasant. Do not be in a hurry when you visit, the service, although gracious, is not swift. Terrific value for your money.
DATE: 2001-08-30
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 6
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : vegetarian kibbe, falafel, homemade pickled turnip

Great Value for Money
DESCRIPTION: Great food, good service. One of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Greater Boston. Owner Maurice personally came to the table to see if we are satisfied. Great falafel (Could have been crispier though), Tasty baba ganoush, kibbeh. Hommus was out of this world. Also be sure to order their special hot sauce (not for wimpy people).
DATE: 2002-08-12
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : hommus, baba ghanoush, falafel

Superb
DESCRIPTION: This is authentic Lebanese cooking, prepared with an expert hand and great care for taste and texture. It's the best I've had in this region for a long time. I had the food at a catered affair, but have not been to the restaurant yet. We were so impressed we are driving 50 miles (round trip) this Friday night to eat there.
DATE: 2003-04-15
FOODRATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : chicken and rice, kibby

DESCRIPTION: Some of the best traditional Arab food in the state.
DATE: 2003-07-03
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 10

My Favorite Restaurant
DESCRIPTION: This place is fantastic. Very authentic Lebanese food. Everything is fresh and well-prepared. Excellent vegetarian menu. Service is great, and the new location means that the place no longer gets so over-crowded. I highly recommend Byblos.
DATE: 2003-11-20
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : tabohleh, veggie platter, fatoyah

Very Good
DESCRIPTION: Very good Lebanese cuisine. I enjoyed it. Maurice (the owner) was present there all the time and spoke to most of the customers. A little pricy though, and not a very good idea if you want to do a party there. They charge $85 per person and then they charge for alcohol in addition to the room. That is their only downside
DATE: 2004-09-09
OVERALLRATING : 6