Barbounia, a large and welcoming restaurant on 20th Street and Park Avenue South offers delicious and interesting Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. The space is open and chic, dotted with high arches and Moorish style columns. Although seating on the banquettes can be tight, the cushions are comfortable and since the restaurant is so airy, you never feel too uncomfortably squished.
Barbounia, a large and welcoming restaurant on 20th Street and Park Avenue South offers delicious and interesting Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. The space is open and chic, dotted with high arches and Moorish style columns. Although seating on the banquettes can be tight, the cushions are comfortable and since the restaurant is so airy, you never feel too uncomfortably squished.
For appetizers, try the Tuna and Hamachi Carpaccio ($12.50) with red tobiko, pomegranate, pickled onion and poppy seeds for $12.50. Another good starter is the Lachma Hajuan ($12.95). This turkish lamb served over oven-baked flat bread drizzled with tahini and pine nuts has a richer taste and is quite nice.
As far as entrees go, there are many good options. If you are feeling for a traditional Mousaka ($24.50), give it a try here. The oven-baked casserole the eggplant, lamb and spices topped with sheep’s milk cheese is rich and hearty. Or, try the tasty Grilled Lamb Chops for $32.95 which come with lentils, swiss chard, caramelized onions and lamb jus. If you are feeling for a fish dish, taste the Crispy Wild Striped Bass ($27.50). Served with artichokes, fava beans and tumeric emulsion, this was a light but very flavorful dish.
Also sample many of the mezze and side order dishes, ranging from Swiss Chard Keftedes $8.95 or the “ Married" Sardines with harissa, cilantro and pine nuts for $12.50.
