Suraya Restaurant - Philadelphia (PA)

5 /5 Sukesh Sathyamoorthy: We tried Suraya, a truly excellent Lebanese restaurant, and the experience was outstanding from start to finish. The hummus, as expected, was beautifully creamy, generously finished with olive oil, and had a lovely garlic aroma that made it irresistible. The muhammara, a roasted red pepper and walnut dip, was equally impressive, rich, smoky, and perfectly balanced. One of the highlights was the Arnabeet Mekle. Crispy cauliflower tossed with chillies, golden hazelnuts, and raisins, it was exceptional, so flavourful, crunchy, and addictive. The Fasolia bi Fatar with white beans and oyster mushroom kebab was another winner, incredibly meaty in texture, deeply satisfying, and cooked to perfection. Service deserves a special mention. It was attentive without being intrusive. Our water glasses were refilled 5 to 6 times, and the staff checked on us regularly, always polite and welcoming. For dessert, we had the vanilla and apricot vacherin, featuring vanilla ice cream, poppy seed and pepper meringue, and apricot sorbet. It was a refreshing and well executed finish to a fantastic meal. Overall, a memorable dining experience with excellent food and genuinely thoughtful service. Highly recommended.

4 /5 Ginka Nikolov: Overall a wonderful experience, but has room for improvement. Service was absolutely amazing. Nice ambiance particularly with the real wood fireplace. Appetizers were very delicious especially the muhamara and the hummus. Good cocktails. Kuneffe was very delicious. Chicken poussin was charred on the outside (nice), but not fully cooked on the inside (poultry is not ok to be undercooked). Also extremely difficult to eat since it wasnt separating easily from the bones. The Kawarma lamb was mutton. Sorry, but you cannot confuse one for the other. I specifically asked is it really lamb, I was told yes, but it had the mutton smell. Knives with every course, please. Its difficult to eat with the very large spoons and fork on a small table. Please add pepper towels in the bathroom or a way to open the door without touching it. Its gross having to touch the door to exit. Theres no way to open with foot. Wed definitely be going again, but maybe akip the meat.

5 /5 Ben Teich: Suraya absolutely exceeded our expectations on every level. The mezze selection was incredible - we couldn’t get enough of the dips, particularly the eggplant dishes which were perfectly seasoned and had amazing texture. The halabi kebab was a standout, cooked to perfection with wonderful spice balance. The bronzino was fresh and beautifully prepared, and don’t even get me started on the desserts! The knafeh was absolutely divine - crispy, sweet, and the perfect end to an amazing meal. But the food is only part of what makes Suraya so special. The open kitchen creates such a dynamic energy - you can watch the skilled chefs at work, which adds to the whole experience. And that giant back garden seating area is absolutely magical! The outdoor space has such a unique, vibrant atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve been transported somewhere exotic. The vibe throughout the entire restaurant is just incredible - from the bustling open kitchen to the lush garden, every corner has character and charm. This is more than just a meal; it’s a complete sensory experience. We’ll definitely be back to work our way through more of the menu and soak up that amazing atmosphere again. Highly recommend for anyone looking for top-tier Middle Eastern cuisine and an unforgettable dining experience in Philadelphia

4 /5 Elaine Lee: My husband and I went to Suraya last weekend. We needed a reservation as they usually dont have walk in availability. We didnt wait much when we arrived. This restaurant has a great atmosphere. Last time I was here, I was with my girlfriends for lunch and remembered it had great atmosphere. It was still good this time. We were seated in the sun room with a fireplace and it was cozy and nice. But when the fire got weaker, the cold air from the windows made it a little chilly. The service was good as well. My husband and I tried Zahav and Laser Wolf and so we were familiar with this type of cuisine. I wasnt sure if the appetizers (pita, hummus and the dishes) were unlimited, but when I asked for to-go for one of the side, they gave me two new pita bags (total 4 pitas). All the dishes tasted good but nothing was really blowing our minds. We would recommend branzino as it was really good. Solid 4 stars for the food. It was good food but it wont make us travel to Philly and spend the money for it again. Overall, service was good, food was good, and atmosphere was great. Its a good experience to try at least once.

5 /5 Maria L: Our Friday date night in the city was exactly the escape we needed. A huge thank you to the team at Suraya for making the evening feel truly special from start to finish. From the moment we arrived, the staff handled our late arrival due to parking with warmth and reassurance, immediately putting us at ease and making us feel welcome. The food was, as always, exceptional—each visit brings new flavors and thoughtful combinations that feel both exciting and intentional. The service and overall hospitality were spot on; every interaction felt natural, attentive, and well-timed. I tend to notice the small things, and here, every detail was clearly considered—there was nothing I would change. This time we sat at the chef’s counter, which added an entirely new layer to the experience. Watching the rhythm of the kitchen and the quiet coordination between the team was a joy, and it was evident how much care goes into even the smallest touches. Even the restrooms were immaculate and beautifully scented, which never goes unnoticed. The restaurant had a wonderful Friday-night energy—lively yet comfortable—and it only added to the experience. We can’t wait to dine with you again. ✨