Al Bahsaly or Al Bohsali Palace

Al Bahsaly Palace, as the name was spelled on the signage outside, or Al Bohsali Palace, according to the menu inside, provides a very spacious dining experience.  Entry to the family section the night we went was around the side which, if you're in an unhappy mood, can make you feel like a second class citizen shafted round the corner and out of sight especially as the lighting wasn't that stunning and the signage indicating use of the stairs was completely missing.

However, once inside things take a change for the better.  The downstairs foyer on the night we went was empty except for lots of earthy toned tiling and stonework and an elevator.  So into the elevator we went and were delivered to a very elegant restaurant entrance that my point and shoot camera work does not do justice.

Rounding the corner to the main dining area you're greeted with wide hallways, still in earthy tones, and minimal decor save for the rather stunning lighting hanging from the ceilings and gracing the walls.

We followed a waiter around to the open dining area where the feeling of space continued.  The table settings are large, perfect for groups or for a couple who like to spread out, and the one we scored was next to a tinted window decorated with not too thick drapes and funky blinds allowing a view over King Abdullah Street below.

Solid wooden dividers separated us from fellow diners but unlike other restaurants where dark, heavy wood can make you feel quite claustrophobic, these gave the impression of being in a great, grand library and didn't intrude on the dining space at all.

The table itself was a deep black embedded with sparkles providing a contrast for the stylish white dishes and plush, ruby colored chairs and reflecting the arabic lights above.  It was all quite impressive though not overdone.  After ordering we waited, in anticipation, for the food.

Al Bohsali Restaurant is Lebanese.  Given the quality of the surroundings we were expecting great things.  The food wasn't a disappointment. What was served to the table was, in fact, perfectly delicious for a couple of hungry Kiwi's.  The hummus was divine.  The meat cooked perfectly.  The presentation was fine.  The serving sizes ample.  However, as Hubster commented, despite all this the overall effect didn't quite have the same level of grandeur that the backdrop suggested.  It was more like mums meal in a castle although, let's admit, any meal that mum cooks is perfect, anywhere.

Hubster had sufficient that he declined dessert.  Umm Ali was on the menu and, I have to say, it is such a pleasure being in a restaurant that serves a traditional arabic dessert.  One can get tired of cheesecakes and slices and a warm traditional dessert has a real home comfort factor.  (That fact that it is very similar to Bread Pudding, a dish my mother served up on many an occasion in my childhood, may have something to do with the 'down home' feeling I have for this particular dessert).

I enjoyed our dinner at Al Bohsali/Bahsaly Palace - we weren't rushed, we loved the space and the place wasn't loud or crowded (though we did go early'ish).  I thought the food was very nice, but then I'm easy to please.  As I don't pay the bills, I can't comment on the price and there's no point asking Hubster as he's beginning to complain about everything because, let's face it, he's getting on in years. Every week after Arabic class I drive past Al Bohsali and have no qualms about eating there again.