Al Bader — The best restaurant in Coventry?
Tucked away behind the Earl of Mercia, down a little alley opposite from the Spar supermarket is hidden possibly Coventry’s finest restaurant. Al-bader is a recently opened Morrocan Lebanese delight, serving some of the freshest food we ever tasted in Coventry.
We stumbled across Al-Bader by chance this summer, drawn by the exotic eastern décor on view we ventured inside. Initially it appeared empty, but then we were reassured by the gentle pater of Arabic from other customers (It sounds almost taboo to say, but isn’t it always reassuring when expats visit a restaurant selling food from home?). And then we were greeted by the owner, and taken to the intricately carved tables, and sumptuous seating. Knowing little about the food we asked for recommendations, decided that a selection of starters would be the best place to begin. Let me reassure you that this man knows his food, although he did find it hard to choose what he considered the best he did recommend above all the Merguez (a fried dumpling of buckwheat stuffed with spiced lamb.). Besides that we’ve eaten there so much recently that I can’t honesty remember what we ordered!
The only thing I need to really tell you about the first time, is how many other times we have been back. Which is a lot, writing this we are a little concerned that it will seem as if we have been paid by Al-bader, we can assure you that we have not, although frankly if they were to pay us in food…
Taboulleh — fresh, zingy parsley intensity. Instant hit.
Chicken Schwarma — crispy spiced chicken floating on a bed of hummous, served with fresh bread. Classic.
Mutabale — chargrilled aubergine with a sprinkle of olive oil. Boom.
Lamb tagine — falling of the bone, cooked to slow perfection. Mmmmm
Lahem meshwi — juicy, tender, tasty. More pleeeeeeeease
The list literally goes on and on, we have tried between us 15 dishes, none of which have disappointed in the slightest and all of which show a genuine love for freshness and taste. Tap water is served with all meals as well as flat bread, which is just another nice touch. The service is actually that, service. These guys care about you having a pleasant experience which would probably lead to a good time without the food, or the drinks or the décor. The pricing is so cheap, so very very cheap, it could conceivably be cheaper to eat here than to cook these dishes at home, which comes as a shock in this day and age. A welcome, tasty shock.
Now a final word on desserts, Kunafa. What is Kunafa? Well its crispy sweet pastry strings on melted hard Arabic cheese. That’s right, cheese, I wont say any more than this — ORDER THE KUNAFA!
I might go now.
Al-Bader 31 High Street, Coventry City Center
Overall 5/5
Price very reasonable.
