Habibi Lebanese Eatery, Sandton

Updated: 21-11-2024

This new Lebanese eatery is cute and casual with gorgeous aesthetics. With tables inside and booth seating outside there is plenty of space even for large groups. For the locals who know Sandton City, it’s located where Strada used to be.

I liked the ceramic crockery that gave an authentic middle eastern feel. We ordered the mixed bakers plate of starters which had kebbeh and pastry stuffed with a mixture of mince and nuts, delicious, and a crispy cheesy filled pastry like a thin springroll.

Zulfi and I shared a shawarma platter which is just enough for 2 if you’re not too hungry and Taufeeq’s chicken and beef kebab was quite tasty. Middle eastern food is not overly spiced so don’t expect heat, rather more subtle flavours and lots of herbs. I particularly liked the chopped parsley and onion side flavoured with zesty sumac.

The young owner, Habib, after whom the restaurant is named, came over to check on us after giving us some time to taste the food. You could see his excitement at wanting to make sure we were happy. He explained that sumac was indeed a wonder ingredient in their food which they bring in from Lebanon. It is a herb that grows on the mountains but sadly it has become more and more difficult to obtain as it does not grow as prolifically as before.

The fresh lemonades were delicious, I had the lemon mint but Zulfi’s Strawberry lemonade was the star! They also offer milkshakes of which Taufeeq had the lime, and a range of other drinks.

Service was efficient and prices are a little higher than average. This is Sandton City after all. Our total bill came to about R550.

There was still room for dessert and we shared a traditional rice pudding. They also offer Baklava and a type of Kunefe. The owner explained that the rice pudding was lightly fragranced with rose water and orange blossom. It was very subtle and not too sweet, a lovely ending to a relaxed and uncomplicated Lebanese meal.