Abla's

Mietta's Eating & Drinking in Melbourne 2000

Contributors' Choice
Page 86

Eating at Abla's is like going home to Mum's for dinner. This small, unpretentious and cosy Carlton restaurant is almost entirely run by women-many of whom have worked in the kitchen with Abla for many years. Out front her daughters often help out-the welcome is always genuine and warm and they are quick to offer explanations about the menu. Even on a busy Saturday night service is prompt and pleasant. After 20 years Abla is still dedicated to her food, but after service is finished she will often emerge from the kitchen looking like someone's favourite aunty-apron-clad and tired, yet beaming-she always makes sure she chats with regulars and generally liks to make sure people are enjoying themselves.

As we said last year, nothing changes at Abla's, the menu and the decor remain the same and the customers like it that way. It is in a time warp in the most positive way, there are dishes here which could be better than in Lebanon.

The quality of the basic ingredients and the care with which the food is prepared is what makes Abla's food outstanding. The menu is simple with all the classic Lebanese favourites-tabbouleh, baba ghannooj, kibbeh and kebabs. Later in the week, and for larger groups, the set price banquet menus are popular and include all these dishes at a very reasonable price. And, on request a belly dancer can organised for large groups.

109 Elgin Street
Carlton
Middle Eastern Cuisine
Melways reference 2B:H6
Phone: 9347 0006
Opening hours: Lunch: Thur-Fri 12 noon-3pm, Dinner: Mon-Sat from 6-11pm
BYO
Accepts credit cards
Seats Inside: 80
Closed: Christmas Day
Features: Kids encouraged, private room seats 50
Favourites: Rice with chicken, almonds & pine nuts $13, Kibby $13, Baklava $1.00 piece

*An updated review of Abla's