Byblos

I went to Byblos for the second time yesterday. To be clear, the first time was probably over a decade ago. it wasn't intentional. We enjoyed our meal for the first time, but for whatever reason, just never made it back. What a mistake!Since my last visit they've completely remodeled the restaurant. It's gorgeous! It feels like we're vacationing in Morocco, not that I've ever been to Morocco, but I watch movies! The staff were warm and welcoming. Because of a previous appointment, we decided to get our lunch to go. While we waited the bartender chatted with us and gave us water.The meal traveled well and looked fresh and inviting. We got, and these aren't the official names, lentil soup, chicken soup, roasted cauliflower, Greek salad, zatar fries, and chicken shawarma. It was delicious. everything was warm and tasted fresh. I have to be honest, we didn't love the salad or its dressing. The only "Greek" element of the salad was the feta cheese. Plus we didn't love the dressing. If we got the salad again we would use our own dressing.We made a mistake not going back to Byblos sooner. We won't be making that mistake again! We already have plans to go back for dinner soon!

Overall *** 3.17 weighted stars. Byblos is a Lebanese/Italian restaurant that I would come back only to sit at the bar for the BOGO Happy Hour and the wings. For the rest of it, I found the food and service just not good enough to return forSetting *** There is a street front entrance but we entered through the back due to the lack of parking in front. The parking situation isn't much better behind either. There is a very small, tight lot but mostly it is just sketchy street parking next to the train tracks. There is a lot they use somewhere but I couldn't find it, might be best to call ahead and ask.Inside it is nice enough but with low ceilings the volume level rises dramatically as the restaurant fills up. Our group of five were shouting at each other by nights end.A DJ comes on around 8pm but oddly sets up in the dining room instead of the bar.Service ** Our server claims he worked there for three years but didn't know much and couldn't explain any of the dishes in much detail. Drink service was very slow but that is likely due to the 4-7pm buy one get one Happy Hour which means for our table of five they were making ten drinks at a time.At one point I just got up and went to the bar to get my own drink.Food *** The menu is large and varied enough to satisfy most palettes however, I found the food to be very bland and uninteresting outside of the wings which are on the specials menu and are not a regular item.Much of the appetizers we ordered came off the Happy Hour menu so I suspect that is why the portions were small. The assorted dips came with just about the worst, chewiest pita I have ever tried. The lone highlight was the super crispy wings however they need more sauce or ask for a side of Tzatziki.Chicken and Steak Kabobs had no flavor or taste like they were ever on a grill. They are served off the skewer without rice and a sad vegetable medley of carrots and zucchini that seemed boiled.The Branzino was way overcooked and devoid of any flavor.Value **** They succeed in delivering good value obviously aided by the BOGO HH. Chicken Kabobs $25, Steak Kabobs $29, Grouper $32, Bronzino $46.$330 before tip for five people.

This is easily one of the best Lebanese restaurants I've visited in Tampa. The service was outstanding, the food was flavorful, and the ambiance struck the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. Overall, it was a fantastic experience.Parking was initially a challenge, but the manager went above and beyond by personally coming outside to guide me to a safe spot to avoid being towed. I came with my fiancée, and we ordered a variety of dishes from the small plates section. Every dish we tried was exceptional. I especially recommend the Soujouk and Tabbouleh--both were outstanding.The only downside was the Dolma, which I didn't realize were vegetarian until after ordering. That was on me for missing it in the menu description.

Delicious, authentic Lebanese food. My fiancées family is Lebanese and said it tastes like home. We ordered a bunch of appetizers to share and everything was delicious. My favorite was the soujouk (beef sausages) and the tabbouleh (salad). Our server was great and we even had a belly dancing show!

Great service, excellent surroundings with great parking. The food was made fresh .... Especially important with hummus and yogurt in Middle Eastern cuisine. My friends had the kabobs which were cooked to order accurately - important with filet mignon. I had the fish over seasoned rice. Both were incredible. The wait staff was expert, knew the menu and wine selection, confident to make recommendations, attentive but not intrusive. It was a lovely evening after a long day on the River Walk.

I absolutely enjoyed my dinner at Byblos this past Saturday! This cute restaurant in South Tampa has been on my list for years! Started with the garlic cauliflower- To die! It was simple but soooo garlicky and fragrant, I could not stop eating it. The octopus ceviche was refreshing with the zesty lime juice. The ceviche was more like a salad but it was still delicious. For entrees, we ordered the beef kafta and shawarma (beef & chicken combo). The kafta was flavorful and had pine nuts I think in the seasoning. I would get this kafta again. The chicken shawarma was a little dry and the flavor was off. The entrees came with sauteed zucchini and carrots but no rice. Lavash bread is served with the entrees too. Service was great. We were told they have belly dancing every Friday night! The decor of the restaurant is romantic and has plenty of outdoors seating too. I can't wait to come back.

Consistently great service and food. So grateful to have found this Lebanese restaurant. So many good things to say!Let's begin. The portions are generous. The price is reasonable.The taste of Lebanon for two $120 and totally worth it.Great smoky flavor and good quality grilled meats. The falafel are excellent, the kibbe delicious. The decor and windows are a great aesthetic calming vibe and the bar is beautiful. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun clean friendly and delicious place to meet friends and family for food drink smokes or dessert.

Long-time customers. We have always enjoyed dining at Byblos over the last 10 years. I find the food was very authentic years ago. Now I still feel it's authentic, but it has kind of a fusion to it incorporating some of Tampa's food culture in some of the dishes. My favorite dish is the chicken Shawarma with humus. As far as the decor goes, I think the renovation that happened a few years ago was fabulous. The restaurant looks beautiful inside and out. Street parking is available. This place is definitely a hidden South Tampa gem. If you enjoy Lebanese food, you will love it. The Lentil Soup, Fattouch, Falafel, and Kabobs are also great. A lot of the menu is gluten-free if you skip the pita bread.

Byblos is definitely my favorite Mediterranean restaurant in Tampa. We've been coming here for years. I come here with friends, family, groups of friends, etc. The food is seriously amazing, and the ambiance is lovely.

Beautiful restaurant with exceptional service. Started with the house sangria and apps, and ended with the homemade chocolate mousse cake- HIGHLY recommend. Service was great, wasn't too packed at all on a weeknight. Will definitely be back to try more from this menu.