EPIC FAIL I used to love the original Rays food, but this location has been getting worse & worse. Even when it opened the food was bland, but it keeps going downhill. The food is now completely lacking in distinctive Lebanese flavours, like they've either cut corners everywhere or the owner (nope, not a chef) has the palette of a camel. . I ordered chicken Shwarma, and my friend had chicken kebab. The meat was so dry it was hard - he LITERALLY couldn't get his teeth through it. My chicken was only a bit better - chewable, but bland and grossly overcooked. I took the kebab back to my terrier. Even he had to chew it hard on his back teeth, then he coughed and looked for water. TRUE STORY! The rice & lentils were mostly just rice, with no hint of the signature browned onions. It was served with some other pretty tasteless yellowish rice, so half my plate ended up being boring rice. The almost grey cabbage was too soft and had no added flavour. The potatoes had become soggy victims of the steam table and lost whatever browned taste they might ever have had. The hummus was wet and over processed. It lacked both taste & texture, and neither it nor the garlic sauce seemed to have ever met garlic. There seemed to be no lemon in ANY of it. Even the Tabouleh just tasted like soggy old parsley. My food was $20, and his was $22. We didn't buy the Baklava. The pastry looked stale, and it there wasn't enough honey (or syrup) to keep it tender or hold it all together. Not sure about the nuts, either. They looked pale the (ahem) peanuts-like. Baklava just shouldn't be made like that. I will never go back and was sad for my friend's failed introduction to Lebanese food. May you rest in peace, old Mrs Ray. I'm so sorry your recipes are also as tasteless as the grave. read more

Ordered via skip. Good food, very flavorful and fresh. I paid $2 extra to double up the portion for one of the two plates I got and they both looked the same... in the same sized bowls. The one that I doubled up had more tabouli, that was it. Thought that was a bit of a small rip off.. Anyhow $12 for a chicken plate is not bad, will probably order again but just won't upgrade. read more

Ray's Lebanese Cuisine - Chicken plate - Lebanese Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

You have lost 5 customers. This is why: Consumers have a right. We pay a price for food and expect to get our money's worth. Bad enough Mezza is getting skimpy on the food but now you guys?? We expect better from Rays Please see the pic of the chicken shawarma plate. We measured it out, literally a tablespoon of dry overcooked chicken flakes. A tablespoon. You can have better quality in a can of chicken flakes from Sobeys. Please change this, because again, as a staple of Halifax for many years...we need you. We need you to be better. Please note, do not let the massive amount of garlic sauce throw you off. 1 tablespoon of meat. read more

Ray's Lebanese Cuisine - a bowl of food - Lebanese Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Listen, I've eaten a lot of Lebanese food from authentic to fast food garbage filling. But, Rays was the closest thing to authentic Lebanese food in all of Halifax. Go here, get a chicken pita with all the mix ins and your welcome. Food: 9/10 Value: 10/10 Best Lebanese ive had in a while. read more

Disappointing. I've loved Ray's since Scotia Square. The potatoes used to be plain oven roasted with lots of lemon and olive oil. Now they seem to be mass produced frozen wedges. The falafel used to be fluffy and delicious. I couldn't cut my falafel with my fork. Maybe microwaved too long? The fatoush salad - the lettuce brown and wilted. The cabbage still delicious. The hummus delicious and creamy. Lentils and rice also still tasty. We've eaten at the Bayers Lake location a couple of times. I hope Ray sees this and remembers the old days and returns to his old methods. read more

I happened upon Ray's the other week when I was getting some paint from Benjamin Moore next door. I didn't realize there was a restaurant in the plaza. Then I visited Ray's again today (needed more paint!) I have to say I find their wraps a bit on the bland side. I had the chicken shawarma wrap last time, and the kofta wrap this time. Chicken shawarma was unmemorable, and the kofta wrap had more flavour. Today I find the server lady cold, no smile, and no personable skills. She assembled the whole wrap on her own without asking what I wanted in it. Interesting, considering I was the only customer in the restaurant (it was only 11:35am, the hungry lunch crowd hadn't been released yet). One star lost. They lost another star for the overpriced appetizer garlic potatoes: $4.99! and where was the whipped garlic? I was expecting at least a small dollop in the box. Nope. It was brushed on the wedges. Very disappointing. read more

Ray's Lebanese Cuisine - That's $4.99+tax I'll never see again. - Lebanese Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Best food & big portions., I recommend the chicken shawarma plate, it's just over $10 after taxes. So many choices too, great food once again. read more

Ray's Lebanese Cuisine - Chicken Shawarma plate 10/10 - Lebanese Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

First time here at Rays. If I could make the rating 4.5 I would. Pros: Friendly helpful staff. Big portions. Very reasonable prices. Clean and energetic atmosphere. I had the shawarma plate, enjoyed every bit of it but the potatoes. Cons: The cafeteria setting. I can assume this is to save money on staff wages, but with food prices being reasonable this is only a mild negative point. The potatoes are large and the serving was generous but they were cold and soggy. The potatoes need a lot of work compared to other Lebanese restaurants I've been to. Perhaps cook them freshly for most orders. Make this something you excel at, don't let it be a weak point. I really enjoyed my meal, although i couldn't finish it! I will be back to try more! read more

Ray's Lebanese Cuisine - Lebanese Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Wow! Everything is tender, fresh and delicious! I ordered a plate - you get about 9 different things both hot and cold. Very friendly staff helped me select gluten free choices, of which there are many. Try it! read more

Came here for lunch one day after work. I can't say I'm disappointed. The chicken shawarma warp was great and I love the lemon garlic potatoe thats made itself to the wrap. Very different.. very welcome! I also got a aide of e falafel. They are great as well. It doesn't matter where I go for a shawarma in the city... It's always going to get a 4 out if 5 stars unless they're better than Tareks cafe... Which I don't think will happen. Love Rays though and would for sure come back and try a Combo plate! read more

Ray's Lebanese Cuisine - Dah menu - Lebanese Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

Had the beef shawarma platter and it was amazing. So delicious and a huge portion. There was nothing on the plate that I did not like. The food was so flavorful and fulfilling. My wife and I will be back. read more

Ray's is a great alternative to greasy take-out food. You walk in and order at the counter. Most of the food is on the other side of the sneeze guard, so you can see what it is in case it's new to you. Then you pay at the other end of the counter next to the drink fridges. They have cafeteria style trays to load up and carry your food to the table of your choice. You also grab your own napkins, etc. Ray's has some gluten-free options if you need them. A great spot to grab delicious shawarma and perfect for grabbing food while you're out shopping or running errands in Bayers Lake! read more

I'm a newly diagnosed Celiac and am just starting to navigate eating out gluten free. With Celiac disease, cross contamination is a big deal. My workplace ordered a kabob and salad for me from Ray's one day when we were doing training and I had no issues. So a week later I was there with a friend who was picking up some food. I wasn't going to get anything, fearing the cafeteria style serving would be too risky for cross contamination. When we pulled up and I saw the big "GLUTEN FREE" signs outside I was excited! I had the donair platter. It was huge, it was delicious and after 3 days I can safely say I was not cross contaminated!! I told them when I went up to place my order that I had Celiac disease and they took great care of me. I had lunch, dinner and a midnight snack out of the platter. All the meat is gluten free and the person behind the counter knew which items I couldn't have. A lot of people from work (we are close by) are regulars and I'll be joining them! read more

This is the second location opened since moving out of Scotia Square and I'm so glad they opened. The food at rays is amazing - most of the time I get a shawarma plate, but the Rays club wrap, or any of the wraps even, is amazing! The food is prepared with love - you can tell that they care about their customers, and it shows in the willingness of the staff to explain the dishes to newcomers. Everything I've eaten has been awesome. Highly recommend checking it out. read more

Delicious. Affordable. Great service. Ray's used to be downtown in Scotia Square. They now have two locations - Dartmouth and Bayers Lake. I had Chicken Schwarma with a side of garlic potatoes. My wife had the schwarma but with grape leaves. We devoured every morsel. Absolutely delicious. I ordered via phone and my order was ready in 5mins. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The decor is dry nice - fresh and bright. In Bayers Lake, you're limited to crappy chain restaurant. But there are four gems - the Gecko Bus at Kent (when it's there), Dhaba Express, Freddie's and now Ray's. read more

Large portions of unremarkable, lukewarm Lebanese food (we had a Shawarma Plate and a Falafel plate, all items came from the bins pictured), for a low price. Pretty much exactly how I remember the former Scotia Square location. Service was efficient, and the restaurant was clean at least I still don't get all the love for Rays's. Don't think i'll be returning. read more

Excellent garlic sauce, very strong which makes it nice in my opinion. I tried the chicken schawarma and it was more food than I could easily eat, I probably should've split it into two meals! If I wasn't eating alone, that one plate would've been enough for two people easily. And for the price, I was very impressed with the quality and the portions. I would definitely go here again. It's not fancy so don't bring a date because it's not romantic, unless you want to impress her with the food quality and you're on a budget. You could spend less than $20, split a platter and leave content. Or spend $30 between you and both leave bloated, like I did! read more

Ray's Lebanese Cuisine - So much healthy! - Lebanese Near Me - Halifax, Nova Scotia

I don't know where people find anything against this place. Everyone has their bad days but I have not seen one from them yet. It's Clean they are friendly and the food amazing with a very reasonable price. In all honesty for the quality and quantity it's hard to beat. Unfortunately a lot of (now this might come off rude) clueless culture less people might not have enough knowhow to critique some cuisine. read more

Great middle eastern food and a superb value of food for the cost. I got the grilled haddock plate for $9. It had a fattoush, rice, lentils, pickled radishes, garlic potatoes, pita, and hummus. Was more than 1 person should reasonably eat for a single meal. Everything came out delicious. It does have a fast food feel to it but don't let that stop you from visiting this restaurant. read more

Disappointing service! Great food, great portions, great prices. Usually service is fast and friendly. Tonight as I placed my order, the server asked what I wanted. He obviously misunderstood that in wanted multiple items. As I continued with my order, he commented that I sounded unsure. I continued with my order and ignored the remark. As he was making my Club, I added an item. He THREW down his gloves and turned away. I explained it was in addition to the club. He went back to making my order while laughing and rolling his eyes. Awkward and uncomfortable, I cancelled my order and left. I've been here many times, the server is not new, but I'll not return. read more

Ate there for 1st time today Oct 10 food was okay not great rice was cold, but I will never eat there again. While I was there two young ladies came in, one was blind and had her service dog,they refused her service. The young lady tried to explain but they would not listen, I was shocked and sorry I did not say anything but the time I processed what had happen they had left, to them I am sorry. I left my plate have full and left immediately Glenn Halifax read more

I discovered this place by accident one day when I was shopping at Best Buy and looked across the street - it just caught my eye. I already was thinking of grabbing something quick for supper, but had the time to stop in somewhere, so gave it a go. (I had no idea this was the same Ray's that used to be in Scotia Square, mind you I had never tried it there). This visit was on a snowy evening around 6pm on a Thursday in March? When you walk in, the place looks a lot bigger than you'd expect with high ceilings, seating for 50 I would guess, lots of bright colors, photos on the wall of food, Lebanon, etc and a large service counter. Normally I only review restaurants with table service, but felt this was decent enough to mention, although you order your food at the counter and bring your tray to your table. There were three tables taken when I arrived, with a few people coming and going for take-out. The Vegetable Combo plate was quite good with a ton of options to choose from. I don't see it on their online menu, the other combos seem to be $8.95 so it must be that price or less, and that's excellent for the quantity of food you get. Mine had two different rices, baba ghanoug, tabouli, pita, mixed vegetables, a cabbage dish, garlic potato wedges (which were soft and had a vinegar taste). Very friendly service. I'd go back here anytime. read more

See all

Consistent high quality food, I watched them make the shawarma, its fresh chicken breast and seasoned so well... I'm just finishing the shawarma plate. It's a mountain of food for 9 bucks. I came in starving and am packing half of it for laYou can't get this in Halifax. Really worth the trip to Bayers Lake. read more

I went here with a friend after reading the other reviewer who was impressed with their gluten free knowledge. The gluten free options are made to order and therefore are piping hot when they are served. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and helped me pick something. The portion sizes were huge too. I wouldn't usually review, but after so many restaurants of feeling awkward about a bunch of dietary restrictions, the staff were so incredibly nice, I had to leave a review. Thank you! read more

Got take out today, a shawarma and chicken kabob platter, it was all delicious. The garlic sauce is amazing. The shawarma was the same as always, a-one! read more

Very disappointed with the food quality purchased from Ray's today . We ordered chicken shawarma wrap, falafel wrap and fattoush salad. Wraps were both dry, cold and bland tasting . ( husband and I split them ) both tasted like something was missing but we couldn't think what . The fattoush salad that is by definition a bread and veggie salad had no pita in it at all and was also lacking in flavor . We have eaten at Ray's MANY times at the Robie Street location and way back in Scotia Square. I eat all these things on occasion at Mezza and the now closed Layla's in Clayton park and have always been satisfied . We will not return. read more

Food wasn't great and prices to high. Forgot napkins cutlery and salad in delivery order. Owner made excuses why he's the best.

Positives: Tasty food. Clean restaurant. Good prices. Negatives: Lukewarm food served from bins. Service without a smile. Probably won't return. read more

First time at this restaurant tonight and I would absolutely recommend it to anyone. The service was very friendly and helpful, and the food was incredible. Huge portion size, everything was hot and fresh, and for a great price. I will definitely make this a regular takeout place in Bayers Lake. I ordered the chicken shawarma plate....So good. Also, the homemade grape leaves are some of the best I've had. read more

Ive eaten a LOT of Lebanese food. And there is just simply no comparison. The food is AMAZING, the customer service is AMAZING, and its SO fast!! Hady (the owner) is the sweetest. Even if you dont know what to order, ask him. You wont be sorry!! read more

Maybe going on a Monday lunch not a good idea. Ordered a chicken schwarma plate. Soggy vegetables, re-heated rice and potatoes. Chicken dry and overdone. Salt, Salt, Salt......Must be covered in to disguise lack of flavour. Took two bites and left...... Service not very friendly either..... Will definitely not be returning....... read more

Ray's Lebanese is great fresh food with great customer service ... You get a lot without paying a lot... and you always feel satisfied when your done... A great alternative for a healthy food choice while on the go read more

I have been three times to the Bayers Lake location. Whilst it does not taste exactly the same as the Rays in Burnside (and previously Scotia Square) it is still good tasting. My only complaint is that each time the good is barely lukewarm. Last time I was there, I actually asked for it to be microwaved, and the girl was shocked, saying it was very hot. Sadly, even after microwaving for 45 seconds, it still was only warm. Not sure what's going on there, whether the bottom layer in those large warming pans is hot, but the top and middle layers certainly are not. However, I will definitely be returning as I love the food. read more

I would definitely NOT recommend the chicken shawarma plate. Soggy mounds of something topped with chewy chips of something else is not my idea of good food. You might be better off trying a wrap (pita) instead. read more

The food is delicious, the portions are typically quite large, the service is hit or miss. I tell everyone I know about Ray's when the topic of where to eat comes up. Only negative experience was when we had one of the new staff help us and the places were probably 1/3 less food than we usually get. When we brought this up to the female owner, it wasn't received very well and made the experience somewhat awkward. I will chalk it up to being a one off as it is typically a great experience. read more

I was disappointed - I spent the better part of a decade eating at Ray's in Scotia Square and the quality of the food was not anywhere near what it used to be. The service was slow and I actually found the rp9ices a little steep for what you get. read more

when I was there I seen the female owner being very rude to a customer that complained about their food and sent it back. Moments later as I was walking to bathroom I am almost 100% certain I seen her spit in his food. I told the customer and they walked out without paying and I feel she knew I told him because she was not very hospitable to us afterwards, wouldnt check on us and wouldnt say thanks or anything after we paid our bill and left a decent tip. This was heartbreaking because I loved the Rays in Burnside but I live closer to Bayers Lake. I would never return to Bayers Lake Location. read more