A Lebanese Christmas Feast at Comptoir Libanais

Christmas is in full swing – Exeter’s lights have been switched on and you’ve secretly been listening to Michael Bublé’s Christmas album, now it’s time to think about how you’re going to celebrate with your friends and family!

Not everyone is a fan of a traditional turkey dinner, which means finding a restaurant for a Christmas meal could turn out tricky for some.

Comptoir Libanais, located in the Queen Street Dining complex, offers the perfect Christmas alternative for fans of Lebanese delicacies. The ‘Lebanese Christmas Feast’ (more like a banquet!) is priced at £24.95 per person which includes a starter, main and dessert – plus a pot of rose mint tea to finish!

To Start...

You'll first be presented with a mezze selection to share which will cover your entire table. Feast on falafel with green tahini sauce, turkey kibbeh with cranberries and mint yoghurt sauce (a favourite of my table!) plus a plate of flatbreads with bowls of hommos and beetroot yoghurt dip to tickle your taste buds. The first round was accompanied by tabbouleh; a light and refreshing salad made from chopped parsley, quinoa and tomatoes!

Main Course...

Next up is your main! Choose from salmon shakshuka, lamb kofta and spiced tahina, harrisa and honey baby chicken or aubergine and feta shakshuka – there’s an option for any taste palette! My party was served with the chicken and the lamb dishes, the portion sizes were incredibly generous and rich with flavour. The honey and spice infusion creates a unique, fresh alternative to the traditional Christmas roast.

 

Time for Dessert!

There’s more food yet to come, now it’s time to make room for dessert. Pick from the dark orange and red rose berries cake or the spiced Christmas rice pudding, order a mixture between your table and try both of the sweet treats! Also presented with the dessert is a mixture of baklawa pieces, you’ll even have the option to select a few as a gift for someone who couldn’t make the celebration – or tuck into them yourself when no-one’s looking!

To finish off...

A pot of rose mint tea is the perfect way to finish your Christmas extravaganza. This delicious blend is comforting and calming – just what you’ll need after this hearty feast!

Don’t forget to check out Comptoir Libanais’ wine and cocktail list throughout the evening, the restaurant serves a wide range of alcoholic beverages (The ‘Comptoir Cosmo’ is a must!) plus mocktails and juices for those who would prefer it. Alternatively, pre-order a glass of prosecco for you and your guests for £5 each!

The Comptoir Libanais experience is sensational and authentic. Just like the food, the fantastic service plays a huge role in the success of the restaurant which has intrigued me to return and try out the rest of the menu…

A huge thank you to Comptoir Libanais for a fantastic evening!