Hiba Restaurant

On arrival there are plenty of waiting staff and they are quick to show us to a table next to the toilets, not a great start and when we ask about today’s special “There is no special today”.

We order lentil soup and falafel to start and the lentil soup is light and tasty, with lots of crunchy bits to add. In contrast the falafel are leaden, look as though they have been commercially extruded and have no distinguishing flavour. The accompanying salad is fine but dull, with only the pickled turnip adding interest.

The waiter puts down the cutlery for the main course and clears the other plates from the table before I have even finished the falafel, and another tries to remove part-filled beer glasses.

Main courses are a mixed grill and a lamb kebab dish with a spicy sauce. The grill is the winner as the chicken is moist and some of the grill is vegetables. The lamb dish is four large kebabs with lots of tasty spicy tomato sauce. This is accompanied by a wedge of lemon, half a tomato and a large leaf of undressed lettuce. We have a basket of tasty flat bread but a salad would have been nice, I wish the waiting staff had suggested that this dish might need an accompaniment.

Coffee and baklava to finish were good and came with unanticipated fresh fruit, which was nice.

Overall it was a successful meal and the room is decorated nicely, but I will not be racing to return.
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Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7
Friday, September 19, 2008

Had a meal for 2 on 27 Aug. Can't fault the food - always arrives promptly and even though we only stuck to hot & cold meze, was more than enough for us two foodies to work through (and at £17 a head, including a glass of wine each, a bargain!). Only nag has to be directed at service, can be rather haphazard.

Lively atmosphere coupled with excellent fare will keep me recommending and of course, coming back for more!
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TF
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Monday, September 01, 2008

A very good restaurant with excellent service. The food was authentic and fresh and the Lebanese rose complimented the food. The set menu for two was more than ample. A very relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
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M.Wells
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Saturday, August 30, 2008

I went there with quite a big group, of work colleagues, for lunch. Very friendly and good service. Great Lebanese food and good value lunch options, that allow you to try a variety of dishes. Ideal for evening meals too. You can also get wraps to takeaway for lunch. Freash jucies as well. I highly recommend Hiba.
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Charlotte
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Thursday, September 20, 2007