Socrate

Socrate specializes in Lebanese dishes that capture the magic of grandma’s homemade cooking. Expect a hybrid in modern and traditional cooking with soft Oriental music accompanying your meal.

When with a group, go for a generous mezze sampling which always makes for fun sharing. Experience the joys of dipping pita bread into some creamy labneh or perhaps a traditional kibbeh arnabieh into a bowl of pine-nut ornamented humus (our national pride).

Socrate puts out a new selection of savory specials each day served up in portions so generous that leftovers are frequently taken home by diners. I personally lust over dishes such as moghrabieh, fish sayadieh and chicken moghrabieh -- substantial Oriental chow that doubles as comfort food. A heads up for the hungry and indecisive: you have the option of combining two dishes on one plate.

The plat du jour menu suggests light options including their calorie count such as the zesty mango beef curry or the pescatarian shrimp & calamari spaghetti. With waiters that embody typical Lebanese hospitality, you are bound to feel cared for during throughout meal. One drawback worthy of mention: they generally do not serve liquor. During the month of Ramadan, many flock to this restaurant to break their fast for iftar.

Besides providing a dine-in experience, Socrate has a reputation for their highly regarded catering services, providing elegantly presented and highly edible food. You have not lived until you’ve eaten a slice of Cortina (a chocolate cake covered in cream-filled chocolate balls).