Al Jaima de Abou Khalil Lebanese
The Original and Best Lebanese Food in Barcelona
Al Jaima de Abou Khalil is a Lebanese restaurant serving authentic, fresh cuisine. Miguel Katib, the owner, opened the first Lebanese restaurant in Barcelona in 1983 called Abou Khalil. In 2004 he opened a second restaurant called Al Jaima. Since the pandemic Abou Khalil has remained closed and the second restaurant has changed its name to Al Jaima de Abou Khalil, which is the restaurant featured in this review.
“a complete refurbishment”
During the recent pandemic the restaurant had a complete refurbishment, resulting in a wonderfully decorated dining space and the beautiful waiting area pictured above.
Combinations and tasting menu available
There are a number of combinations available. Take the ‘els nostres combinats’ with shredded lamb shawarma pictured above. It comes with falafel, hummus, betenjan (an aubergine paste), salad and a mince meat pastry. You can have the same thing with chicken or a vegetarian version.
Another option is the tasting menu for under €30 called mazza, which includes 12 plates of virtually all the starters.
There are a lot of great vegetarian options, mainly in the starter section, but there’s also a lot of great grilled meat to choose from. For instance, the kastaleta (lamb chops), pictured above, which are so succulent and absolutley delicious.
For seafood lovers, there are some fish dishes available as well.
“the best and tastiest option has to be the lamb shish kebab”
Also from the grill there is shredded lamb or chicken shawarma meat and more. However, the best and tastiest option has to be the lamb xix kebab (shish kebab), due to the combination of herbs and spices and perfectly cooked meat.
“spicy dishes”
If you like your food hot you’re in luck because there are a couple of spicy dishes on the menu. Look out for the word picant, which means spicy in Catalan. Or just ask for some spicy sauce on the side, as it has a real kick to it.
The traditional Arabic desserts available are really good. For instance the mini selection of baklawa.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for good quality, authentic Lebanese food in Barcelona, in a wonderful setting, you can’t go far wrong with Al Jaima de Abou Khalil.
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See my full list of the other best restaurants in Barcelona here.