Noujaim's Bistro was fantastic!! It was my first time dining there and everything exceeded my expectations. The mediterranean food was incredibly fresh and flavorful. The dining area was charming, and the staff was friendly and helpful. I had the steak kabob with chimichurri sauce, roasted potatoes, and green beans. The steak was cooked perfectly, and the beans were delicious. The homemade hummus was packed with flavor and the olives were out of this world. I cannot wait to go back. read more

Noujaim’s Bistro - Steak kabob - Middle Eastern Near Me - Winsted, Connecticut

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ORIGIN: The restaurant is named after owner and Chef, George Noujaim. The location of his business has changed since he started in 1988, but always served the Berkshire area. LOCATION: The present location is on Winsted's main thoroughfare. Ample parking is available in the lot behind the brick building that houses the restaurant. CONCEPT: Chef Noujaim brings the culinary traditions of his native Lebanon, as well as some dishes from other Mediterranean cultures. AMBIANCE: The restaurant is divided into two dining areas. Sunlight streams through the large exterior window, and mirrors placed along the brick walls of the interior dining room bounce light and make the space feel more expansive. SERVICE: Service is exceptional... Chef Noujaim is very active in all aspects of the restaurant, yet takes time to personally connect with customers. There is such a welcoming feeling when visiting Noujaim's Bistro -- one that is uncommonly experienced in Connecticut. FOOD: I haven't been able to match the Lebanese food I've had at Alladin Restaurant in Allentown, where there is a large Lebanese community. After decades I've finally found a match during my first visit to Noujaim's Bistro. I chose dishes to best compare my U.S.-based benchmark-- Hummus, Baba Ghanouj, Fattoush, Turkish coffee and Halvah. Portions were generous, inviting sharing. The Fattoush was far better than my benchmark in both presentation and preparation. Likewise the Halvah, which was served with candied orange. This dessert paired perfectly with the intense coffee. So good, I was eager to return the next day. Given it is an hour long drive from home, my solution will be to order additional dishes to take home! TIPS: The restaurant is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Catering is a popular option, and the business is able to cater in New York and Massachusetts as well. Consider coordinating a visit with the American Museum of Tort Law just down the street, founded by another community member of Lebanese descent, Ralph Nader. Portions are generous and invite sharing. read more

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Ive wanted to go to Noujaims for years. So many years - I had a restaurant.com certificate since 2023. They have a reservation system on their website, I highly recommend using it because they can fill up quickly. The restaurant is on main Street, so there's street parking and a public lot at the end of the block. There is a front dining area and smaller tables in back, and they cater and do take out. The food is so good! The menu says their hummus is the best, and I believe them. The restaurant has also picked amazing seasoned chips to dip them in. The special yogurt soup was refreshing, it'll be perfect for summer. Spanakopita and halloumi rolls were both great appetizers, and the spanakopita comes with a small salad. The falafel entree had six and a huge salad - definitely enough for lunch tomorrow, or to share with someone else. The dessert was chocolately and apparently homemade, with this amazing candied orange I could have eaten with every meal. Plus, in addition to the waitress checking in, so did the actual chef! It was a great experience. read more

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I'll start off with saying that if I had to eat just a single cuisine for the rest of my life it would be Lebanese. It's such a wonderfully flavorful and healthy diet. Lots of hummus, tahini, parsley, fish, and salads. Noujaim takes is a step further, by adding influences from other countries, such as chimichuri sauce. What earns this restaurant five stars is that everything was perfect. Our server could not have been any better. She knew the menu inside and out, and could remember everything we asked her. She was able to think on her feet and to react appropriately for unexpected situations. The restaurant was very cozy with centrally located restrooms and it was the perfect size. The food itself was mouth-watering. I'm a huge fan of hummus, smelt, branzini, and mashed potatoes, and have had dozens of preparations, both homemade and professionally prepared. All of them were executed perfectly for our dinner. The chef came by several times, to check how everyone's food was, and I was trying to think of a single thing that could have been done better, and couldn't. For those that know me, they will appreciate that this was a first. read more

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Delightful find in Winsted, Connecticut. This small Mediterranean bistro was a gem. We started off with homemade hummus and perfectly toasted and spiced pita chips, with a glass of red wine from the owner's brother's vineyard (highly recommended) and a pilsner beer from Lebanon. We ordered the falafel sampler which were the best falafel's we've ever eaten. For our main courses, we both ordered steak dishes - steak chimichurri and a steak kabob. The service was outstanding - lots of personal attention. The waitress worked with the owner / chef on a dairy/nut allergy to discuss the menu to find appetizers and main courses (and sides) that worked. The owner came out and said that since everything was made fresh, any accommodations could easily be made. Food was amazing and is highly recommended! Make reservations since there are so many repeat locals eating there! read more

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Outstanding, fresh food. You will not be disappointed. Every single thing was great and we tried a lot of different dishes. The service was also friendly and on top of things. Great place to come after a movie at the Gilson or the Happy Hour Piano Series at AMP. read more

Everything about Noujaim's Bistro exudes warmth: the people, the food, the atmosphere; walking into this restaurant you feel comfortable and welcomed, like family. The food is just all really good. Each meal comes with a vegetable and either rice or mashed potato. Those are both very nice, but the star of the show is the meats. The chicken shawarma and lamb kabob were nicely spiced and cooked to perfection, just the right amount of pink in the lamb. The portions in the main dishes are actually a bit large. My recommendation would be to order multiple appetizers and the split a main meal. Everything here is loaded with flavor. Noujaims cares about their customers, and it shows. The chef and owner make sure to check in more than once at each table, and given the conversations I heard, there are many return customers here. Because of a technical error, our meal took a little bit longer than expected, and the restaurant graciously comped us a couple of desserts to go. We took home the desserts and plenty of leftovers for another meal. What wonderful restaurant! read more

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Local gem. Authentic middle eastern cuisine. Helpful serving staff and comfortable atmosphere. Looking forward to our next visit...

Excellent! Great service, delicious food. Got the halloumi rolls and escargot appetizers. Both were huge for the price and delicious. Husband got chicken shawarma and I got falafel plater. Wished we lived closer, we would definitely get take out! Pictures are missing food because I dug in before I took them! read more

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After reading all the great reviews, my husband and I stopped here at the end of our road trip. The waitress brought over hummus and friend pita chips while we were looking over the menu - the hummus was delicious! The owner/chef came over to our table while we were looking over the menu and asked if he could help us or if we had any questions. We asked if the Labne was a spread and he said yes, and then disappeared in the back and came out minutes later with the Labne, compliments of the chef; it was delicious. You can really tell that he is passionate about his food and sharing it with his diners. There were so many wonderful things on the menu, it was hard to decide what to order so we opted to get a series of five small plates. We ordered the stuffed grape leaves, falafel sampler, Grilled Halloumi, fried Halloumi Rolls, and the Spanakopita. Ingredients were super fresh and of high quality. Loved the casual and clean atmosphere. Service was great. We will definitely be back :) read more

My co-worker recommended the falafel and chicken shawarma to me! So I split these with my boyfriend at the Big E and I craved more! The chicken was seasoned so well and I loved the sauce that came with it. Defs will have to try again, this time at their restraint! read more

Noujaim’s Bistro - Chicken Shawarma Wrap Lunch - Middle Eastern Near Me - Winsted, Connecticut

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Hearty, tasty Mediterranean food in a nice, relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant is on a Main Street, but the inside is nicely decorated and spacious. On a hot day it felt like the perfect air conditioned oasis to escape to. We were also nicely surprised by live music - a woman with a guitar singing relaxing music. The menu offers a broad selection of mezze platters, Greek salads, falafel offerings and fresh fish. We started with a chopped tomato, cucumber, and mint salad with crumbled feta. For the main dish we split a paella with shrimp, mussels, chicken and chorizo. The two made for a well-flavored, delicious meal. read more

George catered a lunch for 35 with more than enough left over. Everting we ordered was excellent - the best hummus , falafel, lamb and chicken skewers, tatziki, eggplant. Exceeded all expectations. Thank you read more

Just had the most incredible meal of my life. Invited five people to Noujaim's for the Lebanese feast for a last minute birthday party. George and his staff went far above and beyond for us. We were treated like royalty. We had 7 courses of the most incredible food you can find. We had hummus, mediterranean eggplant, labne, baba ganoush, falafel, tabouli, eggplant chimichurri, cod, grape leaves, shrimp, chicken, steak chimichurri, short ribs, mussels, kibbeh balls, pasta, rice and chocolate and classic baklava. Huge portions. Every part of every course was unbelievable. I highly recommend the Mediterranean eggplant, the short rib, the steak chimichurri, the pasta, the veggie grape leaves and the chocolate baklava. By far one of the best meals we have ever had in our life. They worked will all the dietary restrictions we had at the table. So much food for the price and we were so full we took home more food than we ate. Take my word for it, you will not find a better meal on the east coast. This place will knock your socks off. Perfect party idea for small or large parties. I can't wait to take more friends to try the Lebanese Feast. Better than five stars. read more

I wish I could put 100 stars. WOWED me and my two travel companions one of whom is Vegan. We were so grateful and impressed and blissed out. One of those dining experiences you remember for a long time. The chef owner made a point of introducing himself and checking on us several times which was an extra special touch. Best baba Ghanoush I've ever had. We ordered fettuccine with gulf shrimp; a mezza plate and the falafel plate. read more

Noujaim’s Bistro - Mezza plate - Middle Eastern Near Me - Winsted, Connecticut

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We were guests for the Lebanese Feast. From start to finish the food was amazing! Eating at Noujaim's Bistro is like being welcomed into Chef George's home for a family meal. Truly an experience to be had. Thank you to all of our servers and Chef George for making my sister's birthday so memorable, fun and delicious for our family! read more

Noujaim’s Bistro - Lebanese Feast - Middle Eastern Near Me - Winsted, Connecticut

We Arrived at the restaurant and given a menu at our table. After trying to attract the waitresses attention for 30 minutes we gave up and left. I don't think that I will be going back. read more

I've been wanting to check this out and finally scheduled some time to go with my parents. I knew there was an early bird special, so we planned to go at 4:30 as indicated on their website. As it turns out their hours were a little funky and they didn't open until 530(in person, they said they typically open at 5 for dinner) My dad was a little annoyed but we poked around town until we could go back at 5:30. My dad and I decided to do the early bird special, three courses for 24.95. My mom just wanted an appetizer. The complementary hummus was delicious. I was happy that it's BYOB so we brought a bottle of wine. I had the spanakopita, chicken shawarma and baklava. My dad had kibbie, a four piece rack of lamb(subbed for the lamb loin that day) and bread pudding. Everything was really yummy. Well seasoned and great spices. The sauces were amazing! The one that came with my chicken shawarma was garlicky and creamy. My dad loved his lamb, it was cooked to perfection. For dessert, the baklava was OK though I have had better. I like it a little more juicy. My dad gave the stink eye to his bread pudding when it was put in front of him, it wasn't the traditional little ramekin he was expecting. Once he started it though, he was in heaven. He said it was one of the best bread puddings he's ever had. I agree! Even though I was full, I couldn't stop having bites. The service was good. George stopped by the table to see how things were. All in all we'd definitely go back! I can't wait to try more! The garlic soup and falafel are next on my list. read more

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I think this was one of my favorite meals! This place was unassuming and one of the most pleasant surprises in terms of dining, quality/fresh ingredients, and kind staff/ownership. We ordered a tomato,cucumber, & mint salad, the grilled halloumi, the salmon, and the grilled steak w/ chimichurri. Oh man, the chimichurri was the best I ever tasted, the salmon was cooked to perfection, and the steak was mouth watering. The white rice that came with the dishes was heavenly and unlike any white rice I've ever tasted. It tasted like it was basted in a delicious garlic-olive oil. The owner/chef also came out to greet us and check-in. The place itself has a great atmosphere, casual and laid back, but well kept. My only feedback would be to vary the veggies that came with the entrees. Lots of squash/zuchinni, but maybe that's a personal preference. We will def be back! read more

What sets this restaurant apart from any other is 1 main thing. Besides the phenomenal food, the owner/chef came out to our table before we ordered to talk to us and answer any questions that we had. He had a genuine passion for his food and wanted us to love it as much as he did. Everything was spectacular. The food was made with fresh, quality ingredients and flavored perfectly. We will definitely be back! Thank you for such a wonderful dining experience. read more

Delicious food and especially the hummus. Large portion for the price ! I'm happy to see restaurants like this in smaller towns

Great food, local, part of the community and beautiful restaurant right in the town center. Nice staff, very friendly, food was right out and delicious. read more

Was driving through and decided to get dinner here. We had a 3 course meal and every dish was delicious. The atmosphere was very relaxing and the service was amazing. I really recommend this place. We had garlic soup, lamb chops & salmon, and baklava for dessert. read more

Delicious, fresh and reasonably priced especially considering how good the food is... and the quality. We do take out a couple of times a month. Consistently good. read more

George and his team provided my family and friends with an endless flow of the most incredible mediterranean culinary delights. The evening is filled with exceptional service and personal kindness. You feel like you are the only people being cared for in the restaurant. This however was not the case, as the restaurant was filled to capacity with happy smiling patrons with very full bellies. We can't wait to bring more of our friends and families so they can also experience this extraordinary place. They also had a acoustic performer who was amazing. The perfect choice that just made the night that much better. read more

My family frequents this place because they are consistently delicious with great customer service

Amazing restaurant ! The chef is the owner , serves excellent Mediterranean food , so flavorful , we had the Lebanese feast menu and it was phenomenal ! Absolutely delicious ! Try it ... you won't regret . Can't wait to go back :) Thank you George for an exceptional dinner . A second dinner trip to Noujaims Bistro for another amazing Lebanese feast ! Fish was phenomenal consistently delicious A+ read more

Noujaim’s Bistro - Middle Eastern Near Me - Winsted, Connecticut

Ordered takeout here and the food was flavorful! Only feedback would be to add more parsley to the tabouli. I'm used to homemade grape leaves and not sure if the grape leaves were homemade. I would order here again! read more

Just mediocre. Chicken needs the most help. It's often way over cooked and super dry. Could benefit from some marinade and a lighter hand when cooking read more

George is great and always accommodating . During Covid we would order and he would walk it out to car mask and all. The food is well prepared and every dish that we have eaten has been magnificent. It is a great restaurant and we are so glad we found them!. read more

Wonderful food! Sweet staff! Chef owner!! Wonderful food, excellent service and Art Gallery. Thank goodness for this lovely little gem in Winsted. The food is excellent!! read more

The way a restaurant leaves you feeling counts for a LOT. My husband and I walked into Noujaim's for lunch, only to find it was closed. Instead of turning us away, George (owner/chef) offered to make us something to eat. I guess we looked so hungry and bedraggled he took pity on us. He warmed us up with his deliciously creamy "Signature" garlic soup, a Fatoush salad and lamb and chicken shawarma. Nothing fancy, but they sure hit the spot. We regretted not being able to return for dinner - we had taken an unexpected detour and wanted to continue our way home. Five stars for the warm hospitality alone, with many thanks. read more

A real find! We had an awesome feast Friday night. The food was amazing. We had a great chat with the owner. And our waitress was smart, kind, and efficient. The baba ganoush and the hummus were unreal. The wine was perfect. And the steak and salmon were terrific. There is even a sweet little art gallery up on the walls. We will be back soon. read more

In the tradition of Mediterranean dining Noujaim's Bistro did not disappoint. Warm atmosphere and excellent traditional dishes. read more

Noujaim’s Bistro - Middle Eastern Near Me - Winsted, Connecticut

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Finally tried this place, decided to get take out. I got a falafel wrap with hummus and a Greek salad. The wrap was packed with great texture and flavors and the Greek salad came complete with grape leaves and parsley. Overall very happy with everything! read more

Noujaim’s Bistro - Falafel hummus wrap - Middle Eastern Near Me - Winsted, Connecticut

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This is a great little restaurant I give it five stars the only problem I have is that you only get one kabob with the meal and make sure you order it medium or medium rare which I didn't do read more

Used to be in Torrington off the beaten path, now in Winsted on Main St. George is a great host. The new location is very spacious and cool vibe. Being from NY it kind of makes me feel like I'm in the LES or in Astoria with the exposed brick and high ceilings. The food is always amazing. Extremely flavorful with generous portions. I despise veggies and I completely cleaned my plate! I even ate beets!!!! I've had tons of Lebanese food. This is by far the best so far! This place is great for large parties or even date night. We've done both. Even have my NY friends and family come up for the food and get together. I don't know how to describe how the food tastes, except to say it's got something for everyone's palate. Each bite excites your taste buds. Did I mention it's BYOB for a small fee. I think $3 pp. Worth going to the NEW location. read more

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I was really excited when Noujaims came to town. I love middle eastern food, and to have a local resource for this appetite is great. While not having the greatest shawarma I've tasted (that goes to Jerusalem Garden in Ann Arbor, MI) , they have a decent variety and the owners are very, very nice. Grilled wraps, deli-style mixed salads, Baklava, the works... as to be expected. It's also a specialty food store, complete with a built in ice cream stop of all things... A bit expensive, but worth it.. read more

Having been a loyal customer of Noujaims across from Loews, was very interested in trying Noujaims Avila Bistro. Good but could be so much better with just a little tweak! Fried smelts were a special appetizer, delicious but 6 tiny smelts. Salads excellent. We had Halloumi appetizer, very good but maybe a touch too overdone. We shared Chicken Shwarma...delicious spice, lovely fresh green beans, good mashed potatoes. But chicken was really dry...why not used thighs instead of breast? BYOB awesome. Service was excellent. Atmosphere was very nice Will come back and try again. read more

Yum yes, go now. We ordered the sampler plate of appetizers, meat grape leaves and a sampler plate of entrees. SO SO SO SO GOOD!! YES, I AM YELLING. This place is in a sweet building on the main strip in Winsted. They have a great atmosphere and it is BYOB. read more