I cannot even express to you how incredible Alyssaar is. You really just need to go to experience…read moreit. All my other dining experiences in France (and probably even in America) pale in comparison. By "Mediterranean," Yelp means to say "Syrian." I had never had Syrian food before, but after my trip to France, I had had it twice (both times at Alyssaar) and enjoyed both times immensely. My five friends and I came to Alyssaar after seeing that it had good reviews on Yelp, but we couldn't possibly have expected how attached we would get after just one trip. We were first greeted at the door by Abboud, the one man serving tables who was genuinely excited to meet us. One couldn't possibly fake his friendliness and hospitality. He is absolutely a pleasure (très charmant!) and went out of his way to make everyone feel comfortable, despite having only learned English from movies. He started out by explaining to us that this meal would be an experience of discovery, which it most certainly was in the most enjoyable way possible. Everything I tried here was incredible. I suggest coming with a friend (or a large group of friends) and ordering one of the fixed-price menus, because you'll be able to share with each other. Abboud paired our group up and taught each pair what order we should share our appetizers in to maximize the pleasure in our meals. Each appetizer was wonderfully flavorful. All the main courses we tried were phenomenal, but the one that especially stood out to me was the "boeuf à la cerise" (beef cooked in a cherry sauce, wrapped with herbs--subtle flavor, just the right amount of sweet and tart and savory). But really, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. It's perfect. Same with the desserts, although if you want to try something you've never had (and probably never will again), try the Syrian cheese dish--it's this lovely, soft cheese served with cream and a sweet sauce. Amazing. The baklawa also puts all other baklava I've ever had to shame. After dinner, try the house digestif--again, absolutely lovely. Expect to spend three hours here and to enjoy every second of it! I certainly did.

This place is wonderful! Warm and inviting plus delicious food. What more can I say? The host is…read morefriendly, helpful and funny. As the only one working the busy tables, I don't know how he keeps up with everything and do it with such charm! I was lucky enough to go with a Syrian friend who recommended various things to me so my experience was extra special. Highly recommended.

From the owner: Mezzé, Houmous, Falafel, Babaghanouj, .... Layaly Al Sham Restaurant Syrien Libanais avec Une…read morecuisine 100% frais " fait maison " Nous vous proposons des Végétarien, sans Gluten ou avec Viande, avec des prestations de traiteur pour professionnels et particuliers. L'équipe de Layaly Al Sham met à votre disposition son expérience et son savoir-faire en portant une attention spéciale à la présentation et à la qualité du service. Layaly Al Sham vous accueille tous les jours de 11h45 à 15h pour le déjeuner et de 17h à 23h pour le dîner.

Why is this place so expensive?? It's an OK restaurant in an arguably undesirable part of town…read more Yet we find ourselves here when we want to have lunch "under the sun," as if Saveurs du Liban has some sort of proprietary rights to the sun that we can't get elsewhere. The plat du jour is about CHF19, which usually gets you a generic salad and a passable main dish. The plat du jour on our first visit was two approximately 2 inch ground beef medallions in passable tomato-based sauce and rice, and on our second visit four small meatballs in some sort of passable almond-based sauce and rice. If you haven't noticed, there's a common theme here. Everything is simply "passable," and just slightly too expensive to feel like I've gotten my money's worth. The mezze platter which is usually CHF38 is CHF22 during lunch, which is, again, a "passable" bargain for a "passable" platter. Rather than thinking CHF22 is a great discount, though, I couldn't help wondering why on earth I would normally pay CHF38 for what looked like a plate of food, comprised mostly of dips (such has hummus on yogurt) from a "passable" middle eastern buffet. Oh, and you can smoke hookah in the outside terrace for CHF35. CHF35 for hookah at a mediocre restaurant, in my opinion, is NOT passable.

Oh wow that sucked! I came in because there were so many Arabic customers outside and I assumed…read morethey must know the food is good. I didn't have reception to check the reviews so I saw the rating only after I had ordered. My salad and main course were served at the same time. Only fast food places do that, I assume, since I don't eat fast food. My pita breads were leathery and cold served in a nylon bag. What's the point of the nylon? I asked for warm ones and they brought me another cold leathery batch in another nylon. The hugely overpriced salad was soaked in oil. My "Lebanese sampler" dish was all cold (despite supposedly having some warm bits) and was half hummus type stuff. I had asked if there were greens (or I wouldn't have ordered the salad) and they said no, but yeah there were. I barely ate half I said I wanted a piece of meat and was considering ordering one and they just cut me off that they serve them in 4. Horrible. Couldn't have offered me one. Don't go to this place. Absolute rip off of fast food (as I imagine fast food)

From the owner: On s'étonne d'arriver si vite au Grand Large, si proche de la cité, si proche de la nature. Ici le…read moretemps s'est arrêté, la vue ne donne que sur l'espace sauvage et protégé du plan d'eau du Grand Large, à 200 mètres de la station de tramway ! C'est ici que la famille Gharbi accueille tant le monde des affaires que les familles en promenade. En cuisine, la jeune chef Maria Gharbi, diplômée de l'Institut Paul Bocuse, s'active à la préparation du buffet quotidien, des spécialités syriennes qu'elle cuisine dans la tradition familiale, des desserts dans lesquelles elle excelle. La proximité de l'eau, l'ambiance " sauvage " du lieu se traduisent aussi dans les assiettes avec les grenouilles fraîches en persillade et de la petites friture. Peu de temps pour le repos, d'autant plus que le restaurant ouvre ses portes 7jours sur 7. Heureusement la passion est là ! En salle s'activent son frère Nicolas, sa soeur Eugénie et sa Maman pour que chacun passe le meilleur moment.

Delicious food. If you are celiac they can accommodate gluten-free! We had chicken & beef skewers…read morewith rice. Yum!

I hate to be the naysayer after reading so many great reviews about the desserts/meringues at this…read moreplace. I walked by this place and saw all the beautiful meringues on display, and loved watching the pastry chefs work their magic with the mixers, making each dessert, and going inside and smelling all the sweet sugar and freshly baked goods. After reading all the rave reviews, I decided I wanted to try this and we got the praline flavor. The meringue is basically the base of the dessert and then it's topped with a chantilly cream which is really fresh and then it's topped with nuts or chocolate flakes, depending on the flavor. We got the praline one and it was topped with almonds and hazelnuts. While everything was really fresh and the pastry was light, it was just really sweet. Neither of us were really craving more, and we were glad we had only just gotten one to share. I can't remember the exact price but it was somewhere around 2,50-3€. For me, I'd much rather have an ice cream or some other kind of French patisserie. The desserts here are certainly unique and you probably won't find things like this elsewhere, but just not for me. I wouldn't come back here nor recommend it.

Stopped by right before they closed not knowing what it was. The staff were lovely and made…read morerecommendations for us as well as sent us away with a classique! We loved everything and then started to read all about their amazing merengue. Love the chocolate and it's all perfectly French and quite outstanding. Highly recommended.