Kazbah is a Moroccan, African and Mediterranean influenced restaurant bringing 3 cultures together. Judging from the prices I would consider this a an up market suburban restaurant. After hearing and reading many reviews about their breakfast and hardly anything on their dinners, I knew what I’d be expecting in terms of the mixed reviews on eatability.

It was luck that my social company for the night had liked this restaurant. So I had to see this for myself. Waiter brought to our attention to share a mixture of dishes rather than go for the full main course cuisine.

Dontcha just love restaurants that cater for children’s needs? Obviously, I don’t have any kids myself (thank god – way to young for that) but I know its always handy to know places that provide some sort of entertainment for kids who have the tendency to run around like tornadoes.

Mezze Plate
From memory this cost $42 for 2 people and we shared this between 4 of us. This is exactly what you would get when going to a Lebanese restaurant but bigger portions that last forever.

I found this quite standard.. I think the price is very expensive and Id rather a like mezze platter at Lebanese restaurants as $45 can get you a banquet with grilled meats and dips and bread =| and more..

Crispy Chicken Wings, Honey Orange Blossom Sauce

Lamb Kafta
Lamb was tender and moist and I believe that is the most important part.

Atlantic Salmon Kibbeh Nayeh with Garlic Labne, Salmon Roe and Pickled Turnips
Amazingly yummy, it was like having a home made fish patty. The large Salmon roe explodes in your mouth when consumed.

Fried Cauliflower with Eggplant Jam, Pinenuts, Yoghurt Tahini Sauce
One of my favourites on the mezze platter but that’s because I’m a sucker for greens and salads. Cauliflower was great combination with the pinenuts and yoghurt. *thumbs up*

Tabouleh and Hummus, Babaganouj, Taramasalata
Cant go wrong with these two dishes unless your eating somewhere dodgy. Dips were beautiful.

Crispy Breads
Unusual, I’ve never eaten a crispy super fried bread with hammous and baba ganoush. It was almost like eating a huge smooth plain corn chip without any flavour. I think if the breads were similar to Lebanese cuisine (soft flat breads) it would make dips more drool worthy at tastier. Felt like I was eating a mouth filled with dips cos the breads wouldnt step up and balance it. – Dips were great!!!!

Dukkah Falafel
When I picture Falafel’s I automatically think of how big and crunchy it is. Unfortunately they were quite small. But the advantage of these being small is that its super crunchy.

Ras El-Hanout Soft Shell Crab with Lemon and Herb Toume
Soft shell crab portions were very generous and meaty I would say it was quite a good dish

Grilled Halloumi Cheese
I instantly thought of Perama and their magnificent halloumi. Halloumi is one of those things you cant go wrong with. mmm god damn I love halloumi!

Kazbah Seafood Tagine, Carrot Steamed Couscous
No point coming to Kazbah if your not gonna have a tagine. Couscous is extremely light and healthy, overall nothing fancy about this dish other than the fact its presented on beautiful decor and the dish is complemented by the seafood presentation.

Desert

Sahleb – Middle Eastern Milk Pudding with Fresh Berries and Dried Mix Fruit and Nuts
Thought we’d be different and try something out of our league. Nice pudding with the taste of rose water, almost reminding you of turkish delight. The Persian fairy-floss adds the magical touch to the presentation and the nuts and berries throughout the pudding are delicious. – Definitely give this a go if your not up for playing it safe.

Chocolate Eton Mess
Meringue was cooked to perfection and the mouse and berries were delicious when combine. The boys however found the basket quite strange. Taking a bite of it myself… it felt like I was eating a noodle basket. Definately dessert for chocolate eaters.

Date and Banana Tart with Butterscotch Sauce and Double Cream
Dish didn’t have any cream instead I could see a chunk of butter melting on the top of my tart… WEIRD!!.. This dish was way to sweet that I couldn’t salvage anything. Tart base was delicious and so was the banana.

Moroccan Mint Tea
Definitely must have while having dessert, the waiter suggested we try this tea and it was beautiful. – Definitely for those who love peppermint tea

Kazbah, Balmain
379 Darling St
Balmain NSW 2041
P:(02) 9555 7067