Today Luncher John tries Aya’s kebabs
On the quiet 2100 block of Arch Street is Aya’s Café, a restaurant specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine. While the primary focus for this Zagat-rated spot is undoubtedly its BYO dinner service, Aya’s also serves up some lunch options for those craving some good Middle Eastern food.
Posted at 11:11 am, September 18th, 2012 under BYOB, MIddle Eastern.
I was upset at first when I heard that S &H Kebob house, a favorite South St cheap eats Turkish spot, had turned into Leziz Turkish. But, luckily it was just the name that changed. The menu is intact. And lunch specials are still under $10 including my favorite dish- the manti. I made a return trip to try some of the other lunch specials, like the lamb shawarma.
Posted at 1:48 pm, August 13th, 2012 under BYOB, MIddle Eastern, Team Baba Ghanoush.
This week, Luncher Janeane from Phillyism is in Old City eating an Israeli favorite of mine- shakshuka.
Café Ole, an Israeli café sandwiched between Old City boutiques, is somewhat of a Mediterranean Oasis for lunching locals – with an otherworldly vibe and unique lunch eats. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee, grab lunch, or just hang out with an iced tea, with tables inside and out and doors swung open as if they’re waiting for your arrival. If the café isn’t busy, it’s really the perfect place to relax in Old City. On beautiful days during the coffee rush and lunch, it can get jam packed, so expect slower service and to have to make your way through a ravenous lunch crowd.
Posted at 12:06 pm, June 21st, 2012 under MIddle Eastern.
Baklava Cafe opened last week on South Street with welcoming open window seating and a selection of Mediterranean pastries and platters.
Posted at 4:45 am, May 16th, 2012 under Mediterranean, MIddle Eastern.
The last lunch date of my Israel travel friends at Mamma’s was very successful. We wanted a new place to try when we all got together again. After doing some online research, I found out that the speciality food store Bitar’s also serves Middle Eastern food. A long walk to Federal street worked up our appetite.
Posted at 12:17 pm, March 26th, 2012 under MIddle Eastern, Team Baba Ghanoush.
Today, we are getting a report on a new Turkish restaurant in Old City from profiled luncher Stephanie.
I prefer to trek west for Middle Eastern, seeking out Kabobeesh. Marrakesh Express and Manakeesh to satiate my kafta and doner kebab cravings. When Leyla Turkish Cuisine opened up in Olde City a mere half-block away from my office, the lure of convenience and the possibility of a new lunchtime go-to brought me to its doors. Leyla is open for lunch at 11am, Tuesday through Sunday.
Leyla boasts a colorful menu of exciting options, such as Yogurtlu Adana and Sac Kavurma. Unfortunately, most of these dishes are over the $10 mark. Not to despair, lunch budget-friendly salads and appetizers dot the menu and there is also a back page with selections of sandwiches, paninis, and burgers under $10.
Posted at 8:17 am, March 14th, 2012 under MIddle Eastern, Old City.
Walking down 13th Street, you might notice the flashing LED sign of the Halal Express Cart. The cart owners came from NYC less than 2 months ago bringing their street feed to Center City. After getting good feedback from Luncher Mary, I stopped by.
Posted at 9:46 am, March 5th, 2012 under food truck, MIddle Eastern.
