Persian Delight on Laurier

The 411

Nestled on Laurier close to Papineau, Byblos is a trip to another place and time. Serving up some amazing Persian dishes, Byblos offers great food with an equally great decor.

At 1st glance

Although the outside is quite nice and is rather unique I keep almost missing it every time I go by, but once you walk in you will be taken aback by how amazing the inside is. It’s not a modern interior but rather a Persian style place with nice wood doors, a bookshelf with books in it that you can grab and read as well as amazingly decorated walls, banquets and pictures on the wall that take your breath away. If you require wheelchair access this is one of the few places downtown that has it; there is an entrance on the side of the building (the front has a small lip) and the washroom are wheelchair accessible as well.

Food

The menu is not that long and it’s much more enjoyable if you are 3 or more people so you can order a bunch of items and share them. The menu actually has printed stories and some history of Iran which makes it as much fun to read as to order from. Ther are 4 combos you can order from and each comes with choice of coffee or tea (no refills but the tea comes as a pot and is good for 4 drinks). If you want a coffee cup you need to pay an extra $0.50. The 4 combos are: #1 ($5.20) Croissant, sweet bread, jam and butter; #2 ($5.75) 2 eggs, sweet bread and jam; #3 ($7.50) feta cheese, halva (a sweet confection), sweet bread, fine herbs and nuts; #4 ($8.00) Sweet bread (I changed this to a croissant for $0.50 extra), jam, choice of omelette, or Halym. My friend and I chose number 4 (with the croissant), and it was unbelievable; it was warm, fluffy and buttery. The omelette options are: Feta ($4.30), the Oriental ($4.30), which is made with flour, sugar, rose petals and cardamom, Tomato and Onion ($4.30) and Dates ($4.30). All of the omelettes are great although my favourite of these is the Tomato and Onion; it’s so simple yet out of this world.

Service

Service was a touch slow, and only at the end did we realize that for your bill you have to go to the cash and ask for it and pay it there (knowing in advance would’ve of been nice). Besides that hickup our staff was pleasant and the owner walks around and checks up on people, she is very sweet and if you speak Farsi chat her up (although sadly no discounts).

Vegetarian

None of the plates we ordered had meat in them and meat eaters won’t notice that they’re missing it. Unfortunately there are no vegan options whatsoever.

Wrap up

Byblos is a truly amazing place that you should definitely try out. The price is good, the ambiance is amazing and the food is rock solid. This is one of those places where it’s more than a meal, it’s an experience. I suggest going with 3 or more people for the full sampling options, you won’t regret it.

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Price	$$	<$10
Overall		4.5/5
Wheelchair Access		2/3

Outside

Decoration

Tea

Croisant ($2.00)

Bread (complimentary)

Jam

Omelete Oniont and Tomato ($4.30)

Omelete Oriental ($4.30)

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