The story
Suraya, located on Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood, is a restaurant, market, and garden that serves Lebanese family recipes alongside broader flavors of the Levant. The restaurant is named after partner Roland Kassis’ grandmother, whose hospitality during Lebanon’s wartime fed allies and enemies alike. This spirit of generosity and community is central to the experience.
The menu draws on ancient Levantine ingredients, flowery essences, and heritage recipes from Suraya herself. Diners can enjoy fresh mezze plates and deeply flavorful offerings from the wood-fired grill, thoughtfully paired with selections from the arak collection and cocktails named after the Lebanese poet Khalil Gibran. The restaurant serves lunch, brunch, dinner, and bar service, with a menu that changes to reflect the seasons.
Beyond the main dining room, Suraya offers two distinct spaces. The Market is a modern-day bazaar open all day, serving man’oushe, salads, sandwiches, and house-made French and Levantine pastries alongside coffee and cocktails. The adjacent marketplace sells grab-and-go fare, local and imported pantry items like spices and olive oil, plus cookbooks and housewares.
From April through October, the Garden opens as a lush outdoor oasis. Guests can enjoy drinks and meals surrounded by greenery, with the voices of classical Arab artists like Farid El Atrash and Fairuz providing the soundtrack.
Suraya’s commitment to authentic Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine and its warm, welcoming atmosphere have earned it a Michelin Recommended distinction. The recognition reflects the restaurant’s ability to translate deeply personal family recipes into a dining experience that feels both classical and modern.
Recognition
Ambience
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