Al Dar Bistro in Bala Cynwyd - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Recently visited Al Dar, the ambience is very good reminds me of old middle eastern architecture. The food was amazing, the moutabbel dip, which is a blend of tahini and eggplant was just the right amount of creamy and smoky. The kebabs were tender and had amazing flavor. Will come again

I was here for a family celebration. The entire experience of food, atmosphere, drinks, and ambience was top notch

Wonderful atmosphere. A brief escape.

This restaurant has the potential to be a 5 star experience. It's one of those hit or miss kind of places. Definitely ask questions, be friendly and intrigued. Post your own pictures as well to help aid in promoting their business and offering more visibility for their business if you can. The salmon was really good. It had a crispy candied essence to it, highly recommended! The broccolini was too salty, and the rice was fine, nothing out of the ordinary. Chicken was lightly seasoned at best, it more so had a tasty charred flavor. The complimentary pita is fresh and excellent. The sampler was good, but seemed to lack a pazazz of flavor I wish it possessed. Overall it really was a great experience. A bit pricey for what you get, but the vibe and atmosphere is really relaxing and enjoyable. Service was alright, they got the job done, not perfect, but not bad either. I do recommend this restaurant as the options for of a Mediterranean restaurant in this price range are limited in this area. Enjoy!

Enjoyed my last visit, flavorful food and beautiful atmosphere. The wisteria was in full bloom!

What a WONDERFUL place.. Great food, great service...and the owners are masters of genuine hospitality.

This place is always amazing. The food is fresh, delicious, and perfectly prepared every time. Walid is a gem of a human who always makes you feel special when you come in and puts a smile on your face. 5/5, 10/10. Will always recommend this restaurant!!

The appetizers are wonderful, the rack of lamb is outstanding! The staff is welcoming and friendly. This is my favorite restaurant. Thank you, Al Dar's!

My family and I enjoyed our dinner at tbis establishment. It was the 1st time which family members were here and it will not be the last time. Thank you Al Dar Bistro!

Another consistantly great meal at Aldar. Best drinks around. Great food and service.

Quite possibly the best restaurant in the Philadelphia suburbs. Incredible food. Great service. Very friendly staff.

Dry, overpriced food. You can find much better middle eastern restaurants for a fraction of the price if you go to Allentown. Still searching for a good Arabian restaurant here in philly

Great neighborhood establishment.

Waitress was rather disappointing. After placing our order and delivered our appetizers she disappeared until it was time to give us our bill. Not impressed with her service. We came with high expectations. Sadly disappointed

Amazing food and customer service is out of this world!

We just had our son's Rehearsal dinner at Aldar Bistro. Our out of town guests were raving about the food and we agreed. Walid was a pleasure to work with and was as excited about our event as we were. The private room made for a nice atmosphere to have our rehearsal dinner. Service was fantastic and we felt there was great value at this restaurant. We highly recommend a visit and it is a great choice if you have a larger group event.

We just had our son's Rehearsal dinner at Aldar Bistro. Our out of town guests were raving about the food and we agreed. Walid was a pleasure to work with and was as excited about our event as we were. The private room made for a nice atmosphere to have our rehearsal dinner. Service was fantastic and we felt there was great value at this restaurant. We highly recommend a visit and it is a great choice if you have a larger group event.

Great ambiance. Server was off her game and was inattentive, but the food was good.

An absolutely fantastic Middle eastern/Mediterranean meal with a happy and helpful staff! Pictured is the Hummus starter and the Moroccan Chicken

This place has horrible customer service. They canceled my order after waiting an hour (I was willing to wait) under the prepairing food status only to tell me that they're now closed and that it's not on them. He advised that I should take it up with doordash. I told them that I'd be willing to pick it up as I am 12 minutes away and he rudely told me if I'm not there in 12 he won't be there. No one reached out to me to give me a heads up and they just closed! Then told me I should thank him for allowing exactly 12 minutes to come. Hopefully this place takes accountability for their decision to use doordash and act like people getting their food is a privilege. I'm leaving this review on a previous order because I can't leave it on the cancelled order.

Ordered three different dishes for take out. They were so bland (how can a Moroccan chicken dish have no flavor?), and one of the chicken breasts was hard as rubber. Very disappointing as we’ve heard great things.

I will definitely return. Prices were reasonable and affordable.

Food is pricey. The owner or manager, a bald guy was super nice, but our waitress seemed like she was having a bad day. Great mediterranean menu offerings. Free pita but it was hard at the ends.

Stop here often since it’s right down the street from our personal training studio. The menu has interesting food choices that are good. And the price is very reasonable. Chris Vtrainers Personal Training.

Awesome place with great food and staff.

I visited the restaurant as a meet up with colleagues. The service was amazing. Even though there were many of us (10+), the food was served hot and fresh and in a timely manner. I had the penne and portobello mushroom pasta dish. It was amazing and I would definitely get it again. I plan to try the salmon next time.

A special treat. Excellent cuisine as well as top notch service.

Top quality all around! Clean, well lit, outstanding good and service! Ample parking.

I really give this establishment 10 stars. Upscale feel with Old World Cafe vibes. I ordered a grilled, pistachio encrusted, artic char with couscous and bok choy. It makes a huge difference when restaurants cook everything fresh with attention to every detail. The meal was outstanding. Pleasant service throughout the evening. I definitely recommend .

Often overlooked this small and sometimes noisy restaurant. offers a very good menu and nicely spiced Mediterranean dishes. Entre dishes and drinks were priced higher than expected but you can stay within budget and enjoy the flavors by ordering several small dishes to share and wine by the glass or beer.

Have been going there for years and will continue to do so! If you haven’t been there in awhile go back. You must try it so please stop by!

Delish and authentic Mediterranean dishes, friendly and attentive staff, wonderful atmosphere and service

We drove long distance to try Al Far Bistro due to the good review. We were not disappoint. Food and staff were great. Highly recommend!!

I was excited to try this place when I was searching for middle eastern restaurants near by. The food was really delicious and huge portions! The naan was amazing as was the olive oil dip that came with it. The grilled octopus was DELICIOUS!!!! Highly recommend!!!

My favorite place when visiting from out of town. Food and service always first rate.

Update: Got take out last night for 4 of us. They did a great job packaging all the food. Falafel on the side so it didn't get soggy in the salad. The kafta kebab was delicious. Flavors were so good. The rice was like crack with all the flavors. Vegetables were cooked perfectly. Still a little crunch and color. The Israeli salad was made with beautiful ripe red tomatoes. Didn't love the salad dressing that it came with (on the side) but I used some of the pita dipping oil and that was supurb. ---- Everything is so fresh and delicious. The pita and oil is like crack. Soooo addicting. Great spot for my vegan daughter. So much to choose from.

Great food and service with a very warm ambiance. Hummus, chicken kebob and kafta kebob are great. Grilled Bronzino is superb, best i have ever had! Large portions! Highly recommend!

Wonderful food and even better service

Great place to have a taste from the Middleeast

Aldar was a wonderful choice ! We ordered the pistachio crusted salmon with couscous and bok choy. Very delicious! The appetizer was eggplant moussaka- it was a bit spicy for me. The dessert was delicious- key lime pie with scoops of ice cream and covered with chocolate sauce. The waiter at the bar, where we sat, was very friendly. Overall, a great experience.

Great food and wonderful atmosphere

A little overpriced and slow for the quality of the dishes we ordered (eggplant entree was one). Glasses of wine were very steep. Nice ambience tho.

Going back year after year the food is consistently good.

Great food, people and atmosphere

Best food and atmosphere on the Philadelphia mainline

Everything was great. WI'll be back

Went to night -Great Steak Kabob. Regular for 5 years. Service perfect.

The staff were very nice and very accommodating to our allergies. Regarding the food...if you know and love authentic middle eastern food, then I don’t recommend this place. The hummus and Baba were highly disappointing. The rest of our food mussels, calamari and chicken entree were barley warm and mediocre at best. We were hoping to find a good place outside the city and this restaurant had really good reviews. We left disappointed. Sorry.

Always eat here and always a great time and great food!

We call him Waleed bayk el m3allim, in other words, Waleed is the man, he is the boss. Amazing familial atmosphere, very warm and welcoming. The caring and service was top notch. I would move to that neighborhood just to see those guys more often and enjoy the nice bite with a nice drink. Thank you guys

Cozy, close and friendly atmosphere. Great selection of delicious foods. Drinks to match. Wait staff/mgmt very accommodating and courteous.

We've loved this place since it opened! Food is delicious and consistent in quality. I have lately been ordering fish there which they make amazingly especially the bronzino. Every dish has fabulous sauce that matches the fish. The garlic chicken wings are Mmmmm. All of the apps are wonderful... We love the Mazza platter or grilled veggies with feta. Oh, yes the service is always spactacular and friendly even when very crowded. It's also a place where the local famous crowd can be seen. It is a terrific place to eat and drink. Just Go!

amazing service ! the waiters and waitresses were very attentive to my food allergy . amazing food and very classy! great friday night spot for a drink or for a classy date night . the manager was very welcoming to our group as soon as we entered ! loved it there

Some friends of ours took us here. I believe it is a Lebanese restaurant, definitely they have a strong middle Eastern menu. I had the lamb kabob and it was outstanding. We had a number of appetizers which were really good as well. One of my friends got a gyro which was the biggest one I've ever seen in my life and she said it was excellent.

My husband and I enjoyed a casual dinner this past week, sat at the bar, just the two of us. Generous wine pours, food is tasty and reliably good. Good service. Only complaint is prices are a bit on the high side for what you get.

Awesome food! Expensive. Nice bar and great staff.

Excellent food and even better service! Menu always has a lot of great features and weekly specials that will knock your socks off.

The restaurant has parking and a nice atmosphere. I stopped in here for dinner with a friend as our first choice was not available There are a number of specials. I would describe the restaurant as having an emphasis on Middle Eastern food The drinks from the bar were okay. I ordered a curry chicken which was a large portion. My friend had a steak skewer. We ordered a side. Food was just okay for a price with the tip of $46.00 a person. I asked for a box for my portion and my friend asked for a box but hers was thrown out. I think that one skewer for over $20.00 is just ridiculous.

The only place on the Main Line that you should eat Middle Eastern food. In addition to traditional Middle Eastern food they make an absolutely delicious Kobe burger that's unforgettable.

We enjoyed meals here a few years ago , but we're disappointed when returning. Previously flavorful dishes and spreads were bland....as if the chef washed the lustre of simple, good food. Service was also slow and the server unattentive.

Food was very tasty and service was great. They were very welcoming and friendly. Definitely will go back.

My wife and I ate here while we were having our MINI serviced. We anticipated better as we were greeted cordially and seated promptly. The place was full of locals--usually a good sign. To be fair, the warm pita bread and seasoned olive oil were delicious. My chicken gorgonzola salad was fine; it was my wife's entree-the advertised special of a grilled eggplant sandwich--that was the problem. It was terrible. My wife grimaced after her first bite and said, "The eggplant is NOT grilled. It's been soaked in some oil." So disappointing. We won't ever return.

Institution on the Main Line serving consistently great Lebanese food. The more Lebanese you go, the better the food. Try the chicken and rice simmered with pine-nuts and cinnamon. Also, give the bulgar wheat cake s a try. Really quite good.

Good selection of Middle Eastern food. We were very pleased with the half chicken with Lebanese spiced skin.

Stopped in for dinner and was pleasantly surprised. Very nice decor and beautiful bar, but the rack of lamb was tops. Will return!

It's OK but too many newer places to try.

Always a great meal and great service!

Never been disappointed 4 of us went all had great food from a Greek salad with grilled chicken to filet mignon kabobs and a mixed apps of middle eastern salads. The owner recommended his mother’s home made rice pudding and it was outstanding. Fair price for good food and a friendly staff.

One of my favorite neighborhood restaraunts- delicious food, relaxing environment and friendly service. It's all good: the hummus, falafel, grilled calamari, the lamb chops, and any of the seafood specials...

Aldar is family. Always a great meal and wonderful dining experience!

Warm, friendly atmosphere. Great food.

I've been here a few times and the food has always been ok at best. The staff and ownership have always rubbed me the wrong way. It seems like they're doing us a favor and we should be lucky to be in their presence. Not a fan at all.

I've had a lot of good meals at this restaurant. Staff is friendly. I love the Israeli salad. Best ever.

Usually food and service are pretty good when we come for early dinner with the kids. I really enjoy the fish there. Appetizers are decent some better than others. You pay a premium for the neighborhood but that's usually ok. Last time I was there service was very slow and inattentive, food was not as good as usual. Hopefully a one time incident.

First time to this restaurant. Luckily there is parking in the rear of the building so that is very convenient. The appetizers were wonderful- Hummus, stuffed grape leaves all yummy. Entrees were good size and very flavorful. I had curry chicken that was great- and I had enough for lunch the next day. Will return!

We started with some amazing hummus - garnished with cucumber and a pickled turnip. The wines were delicious and the food seemed very authentic. My vegetarian moussaka was different from others I have had, but very good. Others had the arctic char, salmon and chicken -- all with rave reviews. We finished by sharing some cake made with rosewater and topped with almonds. It was a nice end to a great meal.

I've been having dinners here for a couple of years now. Every time I come, the food has been exceptional. The arctic char is of the best quality and so fresh. Love their salads, grape leaves, falafel and even though I'm not a meat lover, will succumb to their kibbe. The bartender is really awesome and friendly too!!

The food is amazing and the service is excellent .

Good food. Great Service. Quick seating on weeknights.

I was craving Lebanese food, and thought to try this out. However, it was expensive for really nothing.

Amazing food, little bit cramped on the weekends, great service

Nice restaurant in the local Bala Cynwyd, Merion area. Nice ambience, tasty food Enjoy the kabob and the bread and oil first is a nice treat.

Excellent authentic Lebanese food!!!

Good Middle Eastern food, with friendly staff and a decent bar selection. Pita with a tasty oil dip is served for the table. Drinks are good, although priced just slightly too high. The fish special was surprisingly good,

Good Mediterranean food. Nice staff but need some professional training. No sense of structure.

A friend and I tried it since our original choice was closed. The area has a large menu of choices to choose from.in the Middle East style. The setting was pleasant but its high ceilings and walls make for difficulty in hearing someone talking to...

Went on Sunday after a long period of not dining there (no reason in particular) and we had a very good dinner. Everyone was happy with their meal. But, what prompted my review was that on our way out, every single employee thanked us for...

Very good! Loved the gyro platter for lunch. Will definitely be back!

This is quite a busy local restaurant offering an eclectic variety of food influenced by the meditteranean and middle-east. Portions are generous, pricing medium, wine a bit expensive by the glass. All of us found our dishes over-salted for the modern American palate including the...

Amazing food and the staff is always friendly

We enjoyed the taste of the food and the ambiance, but the prices were too high. Service was fine.

Four for dinner on a Sunday evening--pleasant decor, lots of choices on the menu. Other couple had a chicken dish and a moussaka dish, while we shared a few appetizer plates and then the pistachio crusted red snapper. Appetizer plates were tasty and plentiful and...

Excellent service. Great, tasty food. Good size portions. Vegetarian choices available. Pleasant atmosphere.

The Rotary club of Bala Cynwyd-Narberth meets in the private, backroom at Al Dar Bistro every Wednesday at 12:15 PM for the last three years. The food is delicious and the service is excellent!

I've had lunch here a few times and dinner once, and the food has always been delicious. The appetizers are like tapas, small dishes that are enough to share. Some plates, like the hummus or grilled veggies, are delicious while others, like the feta plate...

I enjoyed the food and ambience... Will be noisy when the bar is filled so be prepared. Excellent hummus, baba ganoush, and pita bread is outstanding. I generally mix and match from the appetizer side of the menu. The staff has always been friendly and...

Not the best for the price, that's for sure! Wait time for the main entree took about an hour to serve a party of two. I Got the Moroccan Chicken which was tasteless. Absolutely could not be more bland. The setting was nice though.

Worked here! It was very nice and friendly service! Great Atmosphere! Great Food! It has very good Mediterranean food!

Amazing food! Their lamb dishes are superb and they make the best hummus I've ever tasted

It's small, it's busy, and it's delicious. We often take friends here for a casual dinner and have never been disappointed. Everything from fish to lamb done delicately, no hot spicy stuff here.