The food portions come with so much! I ordered to go and they packed it all very nicely. They even let me try some Lebanese tea before I bought it as I didn’t know what it would taste like. Definitely recommend!
Overview
Walking into Albasha Greek & Lebanese Café at 3501 Severn Ave #1, Metairie, LA 70002, United States instantly transports you into a warm, inviting space filled with the rich aromas of Mediterranean cooking. From the moment you step in, the friendly staff greets you with genuine enthusiasm, setting the stage for a dining experience that feels both personal and authentic. Over the years, I’ve visited several Mediterranean cafés across the city, but the attention to detail here-from service to presentation-truly stands out.
The menu at Albasha blends traditional Greek and Lebanese favorites with modern twists, ensuring there’s something for everyone. One of my go-to dishes has always been the lamb gyro platter, perfectly seasoned and served with fluffy rice and freshly baked pita. Each bite reflects an understanding of classic Mediterranean flavors, a balance achieved by chefs who clearly have deep experience and training. Another standout is their chicken shawarma, which comes generously seasoned and tender, often paired with garlic sauce and fresh tabbouleh, giving a full spectrum of taste in every mouthful. For those new to Greek and Lebanese cuisine, the mezze platters are a fantastic introduction-they allow diners to sample hummus, baba ghanoush, grape leaves, and falafel, each prepared with a distinctive freshness that sets this café apart from others in Metairie.
One of the things that impressed me most was the consistency in quality. Research on customer satisfaction in the restaurant industry consistently shows that repeat patrons often cite consistency as a top reason for loyalty, and Albasha seems to embody this perfectly. On multiple visits, both lunch and dinner options maintained the same high standard. Even during busier hours, the staff remained attentive, serving dishes promptly without compromising on flavor or presentation. This demonstrates not only skill in the kitchen but also an operational understanding that ensures diners always leave satisfied.
The atmosphere of the café itself enhances the dining experience. Soft Mediterranean music complements the décor, which features subtle nods to Greek and Lebanese culture without overwhelming the senses. The space is clean and well-maintained, which is particularly important in establishing trust with diners. According to surveys conducted by the National Restaurant Association, cleanliness and ambiance are top factors influencing customer trust, and Albasha nails both effortlessly.
For those curious about exploring more of the menu, the café offers seasonal specials that rotate regularly. On a recent visit, I tried the grilled halloumi with roasted vegetables-a combination that paired textures and flavors beautifully. The chef even recommended pairing it with a side of garlic yogurt sauce, highlighting an expertise in flavor profiling that makes every meal feel thoughtfully curated. Reviews from local food bloggers and repeat customers also echo this sentiment, praising Albasha not just for the quality of food, but for the overall dining experience.
Visiting Albasha is also about accessibility and location convenience. Situated at 3501 Severn Ave #1, Metairie, LA, the café is easy to reach, with ample parking and a layout that accommodates both casual diners and families. For those who prefer takeout or delivery, the staff ensures orders are prepared with the same attention to detail as dine-in meals, which reflects a dedication to customer satisfaction across all service methods.
What sets Albasha Greek & Lebanese Café apart is the combination of authentic recipes, a welcoming atmosphere, and professional expertise in preparation. From the freshness of the ingredients to the subtle seasoning that highlights Mediterranean flavors, each visit feels like a culinary journey. Whether you’re sampling classic dishes for the first time or returning for familiar favorites, the café demonstrates an understanding of both tradition and modern dining expectations, making it a standout choice in Metairie’s vibrant food scene.
Good to know
Service options
✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great tea selectionPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Halal food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Quiet ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LocalsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Really fresh ingredients and well presented. I had the shawarma chicken which came with a small salad and hummus and some pita bread. I also had some mango juice which was really tasty. The staff are very efficient and polite. The food was out quickly. It's a very comfortable and spacious environment. Unfortunately, I think I got sick later from something in the food. In retrospect, the shawarma was very dry. Which tells me that it was not cut fresh and probably was sitting around for several hours before they rewarmed it for my wrap. It was way too dry
Oh my God, I found my favorite new Greek restaurant in New Orleans. If you do not come to this place, then you're silly, that's all there is to it. Now, let me explain to you the reason that I'm giving you such an amazing, qualified and absolutely ridiculous testimonial. That is that the service here's absolutely amazing. The food is absolutely authentic, the people and the crowd of other guests are absolutely just amazing, and they allow service animals with no questions. If you're looking for amazing authentic, Greek, and Lebanese cuisine, this is the place to go.
The restaurant is bright and clean looking with delicious smells all around us. I ordered the grilled shrimp plate, it came with fresh humus, and a green salad,and rice with peas. Everything was delicious. The rice was perfectly cooked, light and fluffy the peas sweet. The salad was simple just chopped romaine but the dressing was so yummy. Feta on top was a little salty a little tangy. The humus was cool smooth and tasty. The grilled shrimp were buttery garlicky and cooked just right. The plate came with house made pita tender and just a little chew. I enjoyed every bite.
Friendly staff, clean bathroom, good atmosphere, and overall the food was great. Even though, the veggie grape leaves were not tasty and the Lebanese tea tasted different than what I am normally used to at other Lebanese restaurant.