We have been meaning to try Zezafoun for years, but somehow never have. However, a recent event near Yonge and Eglinton finally got us to go and we brought along 2 friends. We mainly focused on less familiar dishes, hoping to try dishes more specific to Syrian cuisine. We loved the warm, family-run atmosphere of the restaurant; when carollers stopped by, the staff brought them drinks and treats. The food itself was very good for the most part, so we hope to return at some point.
We started with the Syrian Mezza Board:
- Hummus - creamy and nicely balanced.
- Muhammara - roasted red peppers, chili, walnuts, pomegranate molasses, tahini, and olive oil - the sweet peppers were well offset by the tang of the pomegranate molasses and the slight bitterness of the walnuts.
- Mutabal - smoked grilled eggplant puree with tahini, garlic, olive oil, and sumac - perfumed with smoke and a hefty garlic kick.
- Mom’s Labneh - cool yoghurt with olive oil and dried mint
- all served with ample warm pita
Sourki was a homemade aged cheese (feta-like) topped with freshly chopped tomatoes, onions, chili, and olive oil - also went well with the pita.
Makdous Fatteh featured eggplant with a savoury tomato sauce over crispy pita, topped with ground beef, tahini, pomegranate, parsley, and almonds - a wonderful combo of flavours and textures.
Slow-cooked lamb shank was accompanied by freekeh, which had been cooked in the lamb broth, and some yoghurt. The chewy freekeh, full of lamb flavour, was particularly enjoyable.
Molokia leaves (jute) was cooked with chicken, onions, lemon, and served with side rice. Very tangy and delicious.
The highlight was the Kabab Karaz: ground beef marinated with black cherries, grilled, then topped with more cherries, almonds, and parsley.
Alas we were too full for dessert.
