Suraya

1528 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA

★★★★★4.7(4,065 Google reviews)

Crema's Take

Suraya is a meticulously crafted Lebanese destination in Philadelphia where every detail—from silky housemade hummus to thoughtfully plated mains—reflects genuine culinary ambition that diners consistently compare to fine dining experiences. The warm, attentive service and convivial atmosphere make it equally suited for lingering coffee dates, special occasions, or family meals, though reservations are essential to secure a table at this beloved neighborhood gem.

What to expect

Slow sitMeetingsLight foodTraditional drinksPastriesFamily friendlyFull breakfastOutdoor seatingSpecialty drinks

Google Reviews

Joshua McCauley
★★★★★a month ago

If I could give this 10 stars I would. Having been to a Michelin-starred restaurant before, I believe this is a prime candidate for evaluation. Attention to detail is what best exemplifies what Suraya does. I had the "Taste of Suraya", and each dish set the bar for what those foods should look like for me. All mezze came out fresh and stunning, where I'll particularly highlight the fatoosh and arnabeet mekle. The former was balanced to perfection, so much so that I found myself in wonder at how well the romaine lettuce was. Every single ingredient had its own role and did so not at the cost of any other, but to complement them. The arnabeet mekle beat what I expected to be possible in precision. Had the chilis been not simmerred enough, their spice would have overpowered. But even more, the cauliflower were roasted so precisely that truely, 30 seconds more in the oven would have removed their moisture that completed their crispy outside. When I got to the mains I was also speechless: the potatoes with the djej meshwi had lemon in the skin which I've never seen before, and I nearly cried at how well the kawarma tasted. Desserts showed me that salted ice cream does have a role in fine desserts, and that it can elevate already amazing pastries when served with sweet cream. Drinks were to die for as well, I regret not being able to have more than two. The finest details outside of the food just floored me. Staff's shirts were ironed, and they all had a uniform way that they folded their hands when waiting in the dining area. And look, this is minor but it showed me how much they think about customer experience: their XLERATOR hand dryer had the motor turned down to make its sound, speed, and heat be significantly less harsh than the factory settings. This set the bar for fine dining to me, and I'm coming back.

Sophea Son
★★★★★2 months ago

Suraya has been on my list for years, and it finally happened! My husband took me here for Valentine’s Day brunch, and it truly lived up to the hype. Reservations are a must. We did the tasting menu ($42 per person) and also added the pastry basket. Highly recommend doing both. Everything was amazing, from the spreads to the main dishes. High-quality ingredients, so fresh and full of flavor. The pita bread comes out hot and freshly baked (so good). The lamb kabab was tasty and well-seasoned. The chicken kabab was a little dry, but still okay. The pastries are a must. You really can’t go wrong, but my favorites were the olive oil cake, donut, and sticky bun. Ambiance-wise, the place is huge with plenty of space, making it perfect for any occasion, brunch, date night, celebrations, you name it. The inside is very cute, aesthetic, and beautifully designed, warm and inviting without feeling crowded. Service was excellent! very friendly, attentive, and welcoming. Overall, I’m very impressed. This spot absolutely lives up to expectations, and I can’t wait to come back.

Phoenix
★★★★★2 months ago

I dont say this lightly, this was one of the best meals I have ever had! We did the tasting menu (Saturday) and I was truly blown away by the dips and yellow tail starter. The main even was the lamb and WOW I have never had lamb so tender. Every element of the dishes is so well thought out, I even loved the apricot sorbet desert. The wine was also really good. The service from our waitress Anne was TOP NOTCH. She was able to accommodate my cousins nut allergy and gave great menu recommendations. This place is truly a unique/wonderful experience.

Sukesh Sathyamoorthy
★★★★★4 months ago

We tried Suraya, a truly excellent Lebanese restaurant, and the experience was outstanding from start to finish. The hummus, as expected, was beautifully creamy, generously finished with olive oil, and had a lovely garlic aroma that made it irresistible. The muhammara, a roasted red pepper and walnut dip, was equally impressive, rich, smoky, and perfectly balanced. One of the highlights was the Arnabeet Mekle. Crispy cauliflower tossed with chillies, golden hazelnuts, and raisins, it was exceptional, so flavourful, crunchy, and addictive. The Fasolia bi Fatar with white beans and oyster mushroom kebab was another winner, incredibly meaty in texture, deeply satisfying, and cooked to perfection. Service deserves a special mention. It was attentive without being intrusive. Our water glasses were refilled 5 to 6 times, and the staff checked on us regularly, always polite and welcoming. For dessert, we had the vanilla and apricot vacherin, featuring vanilla ice cream, poppy seed and pepper meringue, and apricot sorbet. It was a refreshing and well executed finish to a fantastic meal. Overall, a memorable dining experience with excellent food and genuinely thoughtful service. Highly recommended.

Maria L
★★★★★4 months ago

Our Friday date night in the city was exactly the escape we needed. A huge thank you to the team at Suraya for making the evening feel truly special from start to finish. From the moment we arrived, the staff handled our late arrival due to parking with warmth and reassurance, immediately putting us at ease and making us feel welcome. The food was, as always, exceptional—each visit brings new flavors and thoughtful combinations that feel both exciting and intentional. The service and overall hospitality were spot on; every interaction felt natural, attentive, and well-timed. I tend to notice the small things, and here, every detail was clearly considered—there was nothing I would change. This time we sat at the chef’s counter, which added an entirely new layer to the experience. Watching the rhythm of the kitchen and the quiet coordination between the team was a joy, and it was evident how much care goes into even the smallest touches. Even the restrooms were immaculate and beautifully scented, which never goes unnoticed. The restaurant had a wonderful Friday-night energy—lively yet comfortable—and it only added to the experience. We can’t wait to dine with you again. ✨

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