"I was in search for a restaurant with Lebanese food and outdoor dining yesterday and found Shisha Cafe. They have an expansive covered outdoor area. I had only quickly scanned the listing when I first found it online and had known that this is more Iraqi-style Mediterranean cuisine. I started out with the rainbow smoothie which was fresh watermelon, banana and mango juices. So refreshing! My husband had the melon juice which was from a honey dew melon. The Mix Dip Plate was a great sampler plate with Hummus, Baba Ghanouj, Iraqi Eggplant Salad, Jajeek and Labneh but I wanted to try Toom and changed out the Labneh for it. After trying this food, I feel that all the other Mediterranean food I had before didn’t seem as authentic or flavorful as this. My Lebanese mentor used to make Jajeek and this tasted just like her homemade version! I was a little worried with more food to come because I was semi-full already with the Mix Dip Plate. I had ordered the Lamb Tikka sandwich and my husband ordered the Chargrilled Chicken. He really wanted to try the Grilled Fish (Iraqi Magoof) but need a 3-hour notice on that one. I had a bite of the Lamb Tikka and it was tender and such flavor! It was not small at all as I had expected. More food to enjoy later. My husband enjoyed the Chargrilled Chicken but it was slightly on the dry side. I had the chicken skin so that was tasty. I save some room to taste test their desserts so we tried the Baklava, Basbousa (coconut cake), and Halawa Dihiniyya (Iraqi fudge). Everything was delicious! The Baklava was so flaky. There was so much dessert that we ended up taking the rest home too. We realized after the fact that we should’ve ordered tea to go with our desserts. Next time! Erica was a great server who patiently answered all my questions! This place is the real deal and is the best kept secret for authentic Mediterranean food! Shisha Cafe is also known for their hookah. Kababchi Grill next door is the same food, indoor seating only and doesn’t allow the hookah. Everything is halal here which is based on how food is prepared. No alcohol is served here or allowed on the premises. Honestly, I hadn’t missed it with all the great food, drinks and flavors!"
