Lamaya Lebanese Restaurant Review

Lamaya is a wonderfully authentic Lebanese restaurant, right in the heart of Bristol. It’s warm and welcoming, perfectly positioned in Finzel’s Reach for lunch meetings, after-work drinks, and family meals. The low lighting creates a cosy ambience, making it a great choice for a romantic dinner, too.

The menu has been designed to showcase incredible Lebanese flavours using locally sourced ingredients. Owner Maya proudly explained how everything is made in-house. They have a range of vegan, vegetarian and meat dishes which are prepared daily. The pride themselves on the freshest ingredients and all the meat is halal.

On arrival, we ordered drinks – a crisp glass of Lebanese wine for me, and a refreshing Lebanese beer Almaza for my husband – and tucked into some homemade pitta chips with Labneh while we perused the menu. We wanted to sample a wide selection from the menu, so ordered a couple of the sharing platters – we both agreed they’d be great for an after-work social as the portions are generous and there’s something for everyone. The mixed mezze included charcoal-grilled chicken wings, the best falafel I’ve had in Bristol, hummus, tabouleh, and lamb kibbeh. The main course sharing platter was laden with exquisite meat, including chicken shawarma, shish taouk – beautifully flavourful chicken cubes served with homemade chilli and garlic sauce – and tender lamb.

The autumnal lunch menu also offers a range of wraps, burgers, and salads. My husband tried the spicy lamb sausage wrap, while I devoured the aubergine halloumi burger – the Lebanese-style chilli, onion, and red pepper relish was delicious. Our charming waiter provided boxes for us to take home our leftovers – we had an incredible lunch the following day – which meant we had just enough room for dessert. Our generous host, Maya, kindly brought us a pot of mint tea and a plate of traditional Lebanese desserts, including scrumptious baklawa.

Our meal at Lamaya was flawless. The food was superb and the service couldn’t be faulted – it was like being invited over for an authentic family feast. We’re looking forward to returning soon – amazingly for how much we ate, the expansive menu still has plenty for us to try.

Lamaya Lebanese Restaurant
Unit 2 Fermentation, Ground floor
Fermentation Building, Hawkins Lane
Finzels Reach, Bristol BS1 6JQ
Tel:01179 244969
www.lamayabristol.co.uk