Mediterranean food, particularly Middle Eastern, is one of the “in” culinary trends of late, but all the new restaurants have some work to do to catch up to Khoury’s, which has been operating since 1966 (not to be confused with Khoury’s Fine Win & Spirits, a wine shop on the east side). What sets Khoury’s apart from other Mediterranean restaurants in Las Vegas is that it’s Lebanese, which is a different style from Greek, Iranian, or any of the others that serve Mediterranean cuisine.
Off the Strip
Khoury’s is located at 9340 W. Sahara, which is a bit of a drive, about 11 miles from the Strip. The easiest route is to go straight up Sahara and it’s in a shopping mall at the corner of Sahara and Ft. Apache. We’ve eaten here with Lebanese friends who confirm that this is the real deal, so you’ll find it worth the trip. Khoury’s is open seven days a week from 11 am to 9 pm (10 pm weekends).
The Food
All the Lebanese favorites are here: hummus; baba ghanoush; loubieh (green beens); bamieh (okra); olives; pickles; grape leaves; falafel; six different kabobs; schwarma and gyro sandwiches; lentil or beef and rice tomato soup; and salads of all kinds made with tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, spinach, onions, mint, lemon juice, even some with lettuce, and we rate the tabbouleh as the best in town. Chicken livers are $17.95, Farooj (whole baked chicken in spices) $23.95, and lamb chops $32.95. Good stuff, but we go for the kibbi-naya ($34.95), ground raw lamb mixed with cracked wheat and spices. Scoop it with the pita that’s baked fresh in brick ovens and brought to the table hot and risen.
The Mediterranean Feast
You want to get a taste of lots of things here, so you can go for the house mezza ($35.95) or mini-house mezza ($21.95). There’s also a “dinner for two” option ($54.95) that gives you a choice of several options. If you want to go nuts, the Mediterranean Feast is available for parties of six or more for $32.95 per person. It’s a whole lotta grub. We did it, but probably wouldn’t again, as some of the meat dishes were dry and there are just too many other good things on the menu to go for rather than the MF that’s bound to have some things you don’t necessarily want.
The Verdict
Khoury’s is our top pick of all of Las Vegas’ Middle Eastern options. Our play is the kibbi-naya and tabbouleh, which is easily enough for two, for $50. If raw lamb isn’t your thing, there are the options listed here and more. Top it off with an Almaza Lebanese beer.
