A FRESH and unique dining experience in Reading is just what's needed amongst the broad variety of restaurants along the riverside.

Comptoir Libanais brings a good introduction to Middle Eastern food, at a tasty and affordable price.

The relaxed restaurant, deli-cafe is very welcoming with friendly staff giving you the option to sit where you like to get the most out of your experience.

If you've never been to an Al Comptoir, then rest assured - as you will be guided through each part of the menu in full detail about what each dish includes.

The restaurant manager Versailles was warm, attentive and gave us many recommendations such as the mixed meze plate, which covers all bases of Lebanese food.

Olivia and I almost didn't have room for our mains because the starter was delicious.

It consisted of a heap of quinoa tabbouleh (with a little too much coriander for my liking), a generous dollop of Hommos, baba ghanoush, naturel labne dip, cheese sambouusek, falafel, pickles and flatbread (£19.95).

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The pickles were quite tangy but added a nice crunchy texture to the pallet and of course, pomegranate jewels were a staple used to decorate each dish - from starter all the way through to the deserts.

Drinks wise, the menu has lots of juices, lemonades and native middle-eastern beverages to try.

I opted for a large freshly squeezed carrot and orange juice which had the right balance between sweet and citrus.

After a short break, our mains arrived and for a plain looking lamb kofta halloumi burger (£12.95), I was impressed by the flavours. The texture, however, could have been a little more soft and juicy as lamb shouldn't be dry and of course, the halloumi has to be eaten quick as it does go like rubber.

Nevertheless, the flavours packed a punch and the crispy potatoes on the side worked a treat with the garlic dip.

The more authentic meal would have been my colleague Olivia's as she opted for the Aubergine Moussaka. It was served in a terracotta dish and looked hearty.

Despite feeling like I was going to pop, I had to order something sweet as 'desert goes to the heart not the stomach'...

The manager, who claims to have previously worked in a patisserie, said: "The cheesecake here is the best I have ever tried", so I had to try it to see if he was right.

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He was. It was creamy, tangy with the mango and packed a punch with the crispy pistachios and soft pomegranate seeds.

I don't know how authentically Middle Eastern this desert was, as I did see baklava on the menu but going by his recommendations, I was not disappointed.

Review check list:

  • Food - Tasty, flavoursome, wholesome - 8/10
  • Service - Fast, attentive, welcoming, friendly - 10/10
  • Affordability - Fairly priced meals from cheaper wraps to pricier tagines /slightly pricier for burgers - 7/10
  • Atmosphere - Relaxed vibe, music playing and quirky decor - 10/10

I would definitely come to Comptoir Libanais again and have already recommended my friends to go.