When your wife and in-laws are Lebanese and make the best authentic versions of the food you've…read moreever had there's always the quest to find something close to that bar, and going to many different Lebanese restaurants around the world looking for that same quality never stops but is never met.... until that one night and one restaurant knocks you out of your chair and you can't stop thinking about the amazing cuisine right in your own backyard. This was that such night! The Awaijane family has brought their family tradition in great Lebanese cuisine since 1973 and maintained by their children generation after generation, and through their fresh grape leaves, perfectly pan baked Kibbeh (OMG and the raw!!!!), lemon kissed Tabbouleh, & authentically cured Labneh, we intended to take it to go but it was so irreisistable we sat down and ate half of it on site. Don't let the quaint store front on University pass you by, the the truly authentic food amaze you, and the family friendly service bring you back!

How is it that I have never reviewed Emily's before now? I have been a loyal customer for over 30…read moreyears and have always enjoyed this small, yet mighty restaurant. For ambiance, well, let's say it's authentic in types of a typical Middle Eastern Restaurant that is in the Middle East (not the US) meaning that it is sparse. Whatever, that's not why you come here. There used to be a woman who occupied one table peeling about 10,000 garlic cloves. Again, typical (sadly, I have not seen her lately). Service is good. There are not very many tables, so it's not much of a challenge to see the entire restaurant at one time. However, they are attentive and happy to answer all questions. Food: This is why you here. They literally (and I do mean literally) have the best Tabouli salad I have ever tasted anywhere in the world. The menu says it is made fresh every day and it is. Freshness is the absolute key to good tabouli and if it's not fresh, it's not worth eating. Let me say this again: This is the BEST tabouli you can find and if you think you don't like tabouli, at least give theirs a try. But Emily's has much more than tabouli. I love their lamb shish kabob. If you are not a fan of lamb, their chicken kabob is also excellent. Both of them come with an excellent rice pilaf. Pro Tip: You can get a full portion that comes with soup or salad, just a skewer, or half a skewer. Their humus is good, but perhaps not as favorable as other versions I've had. I can also vouch for their spinach pie, which is a great price too. And of course, you can't go wrong without a piece of baklava for dessert. They do have an upstairs eating area that is used for groups. I had not seen this until I went upstairs to use their restroom and saw it on the way. This is a neighborhood gem of a small, family owned quality restaurant. I hope they stay in business for another 50 plus years!