Carousel Restaurant

This is a very lovely and elegant restaurant. They have the best Meza and one of the top tastiest kebabs just excellent. The appetizers are very yummy and authentic as well. I recommend the Kebbeh Nayyeh (chi-kofta), hummus and the Frri (quail). I usually have enough to take home leftovers. On Friday and Saturday night they have some kind of entertainment so just call for reservations in advance. Great upper end Middle Eastern Restaurant with great ambiance.

I went to Carousel for a party, and they had one of the most extensive menus I’ve seen for a Mediterranean restaurant.

I didn’t really like their falafel much, and their mint tea was the bagged variety. But the ambiance is great, some of the appetizers were fabulous, and the service was good.

I’ve been to Carousel for lunch twice, and found it to be hit and miss. The first time, I loved the meal, but the second time, I felt letdown.

My first visit was with three coworkers and we started by sharing a slew of mezze, ranging from hummus to labneh (yogurt dip), served with ample pita bread to share. I picked the quail for my entree, thinking that it would be a small order since it’s actually listed as an appetizer. It turned out to be a large appetizer, basically entree sized. More importantly, it was delicious. Beautifully pan roasted and seasoned in lovely Lebanese spices and super moist.

When I went back again a few months later, again for lunch, I had their lentil soup and falafel appetizer…and was totally underwhelmed. The lentil soup was very average, like a lentil soup at any ol’ diner. The falafel, shaped into little doughnuts, were cute but cute doesn’t cut it with my taste buds. These falafel were dry and lackluster in flavor.

I don’t know that I’d return again for lunch, given the high prices of everything. (My quail “appetizer”, for example, was $14!) Might be a good dinner spot, as the restaurant is quite nice and has a festive ambiance, but again, keep in mind that the menu has its highs and lows.