Syriana

Syriana Restaurant, 1-7 Constitution Hill, Hockley, Birmingham
19th June, 2009
We’d seen the restaurant each time we’d passed it on the number 16 bus for the past year, and were intrigued by the idea of Lebanese-Syrian food, but for some reason, we’d never visited until this evening.
We’re glad we went! We asked the waiter to make some recommendations, and were grateful that we had, as the ‘mazza’ (billed as ‘starters’, but in fact were more than a full meal by themselves) were absolutely superb. There was a selection of (possibly more than) seven dishes, some hot, some cold, but each one prepared that day with absolutely fresh ingredients, and delicately spiced. These included the familiar hummus, the less-familiar moutabal (tenderly smoked aubergine with sesame paste and lemon juice), kibbeh (balls of lamb, minced), a fresh and fragrant tabbouleh and fattoush salads, generous borack pastries with minced lamb and haloumi cheese. This was accompanied by a generous basket of griddle-cooked soft, puffy breads. Everything was prepared to perfection.
We didn’t need a main course, but the staff accommodated our wishes for a ‘rest’ between course. We then launched into the ‘main’ course of ‘mixed grill’, which, in fact, was a ‘kebab’ selection of two different types of chicken, marinated minced lamb and fillet of lamb. Accompanying this was a departure from the Syrian-Lebanon theme - couscous, with a lightly-spiced thick vegetable sauce and (optional) garlic sauce. It reminded me of an Algerian sauce I’d tried once. We loved it.
We are ashamed to say that at first we chose not to opt for a dessert, assuming that these were ‘bought in’, as is the case in so many restaurants. We were assured, nevertheless that the small selection of desserts was home-made. Two portions arrived with a pot of freshly-brewed green and mint tea). This was the highlight of the evening. The baklava was absolutely the very best we’d ever tasted – utterly unlike any of the ersatz baklavas served anywhere else. This was light and creamy, and not too sweet at all. And all prepared with absolutely the finest fresh ingredients.
What was particularly good about Syriana is that the staff are very sincere and pleasant, without being obtrusive or overpowering. It was delightful to that the chef came to talk to us about his food, and to ask whether we had enjoyed the meal. He was only to happy to explain about the food culture of Syria.
For all this, the bill came to under £30, including drinks. (Alcohol is available, but we did not feel the need on this occasion – the food was too exquisite to think of wine or beer!)
We came away thrilled to have found a place where we would be happy to make a weekly visit, but disappointed and kicking ourselves that we had not tried it sooner.
There is a lack of genuinely authentic restaurants in Birmingham, and Syriana deserves to be up there in the top five. We will certainly be revisiting very soon!
Paul Dolan & Karen O’Rourke (Handsworth Wood, Birmingham)
19th June, 2009

I have now been to Syriana a few times and have never failed to have a great time.
The first time we went we weren't aware they didn’t serve alcohol, but this wasn’t a problem for us. They do allow (even encourage) you to take your own with you, and there is a small cover charge for this.
The food is always superb, we always go for the Mezze (Mazza), which gives you a selection of dishes (the principle is the same as a Greek/Turkish/Mediterranean mezze but with Lebanese variations). This is excellent value for money and provides you with a large amount of food!
The service is always excellent, and the staff are very friendly and helpful, I really cannot find any fault.
We have always been on a Friday evening and it has always been quiet in the restaurant, which is a shame, it deserves to be full.
Give it a go, you won’t be disappointed.

This restaurant is just great it made me homesick
the decor there is astonishing as well as the food

Really enjoyed it. You could almost walk past it if you didn't know it was there, but once you know it is then I promise you'll never walk past without going in again.
The food was all freshly prepared and the meats where the most tender I can ever remember eating! Really nice subtle flavours, good service and a great atmosphere. Really reasonable prices too - perfect if you're going out with a group of friends.