Byblos Market
2020 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006, USA
Metairie 2: Orleans Line To Houma Blvd
Backstory
Byblos Market opened in the late 1990s, on the heels of the success of the two full-service Byblos restaurants elsewhere in town. Same owners.
Dining Room
It has the look of a convenience store, its shelves and refrigerator cases full of Middle Eastern foodstuffs for those looking to make their own. A row of tables next to the deli makes for comfortable eating, although everything id disposable.
Why It's Essential
This is the grocery-and-deli adjunct to the Byblos restaurants on Metairie Road and Magazine Street, but it has its own menu and special attractions that keep it on my mental map of restaurants. Particularly for days when time is short. In fact, this may be the best fast-food restaurant in town. You can come in, eat, and be gone in fifteen minutes if you needed to. And yet eat very well.
Why It's Good
Behind the counter, a pair of vertical rotisseries slowly turn with gyros and chicken shawarma. The latter is the best in town, made in the most traditional way--not something many Middle Eastern restaurants do. The chicken is roasted, then sliced and stacked on the rotisserie. As it turns, it gets crusty at the edges, and that's the part the chef slices off for you. It comes with a fluffy garlic sauce, basmati rice pilaf, hummus, a salad with feta cheese, and a few black olives for far under $10. It's almost too much to finish. Daily specials of things like kafta kebabs and roast chicken are also here and just as cheap and good.
Most Interesting Dishes
»Hummus.<br /> »Baba ghanoosh.<br /> »Tabbouleh.<br /> Falafel.<br /> »Chicken shawarma.<br /> Gyros.<br /> »Greek salad.<br /> »Spinach pie.<br /> »Daily specials.<br /> Baklava.
Deficiencies
Plastic plates and utensils are unappealing, but it's hard to argue at these prices.
For Best Results
Check the board for the day's specials. You might miss it, and these are usually very good.
Bonus Ratings
2
Attitude
3
Value