© Carolina Reinertz
Blending soulful Levant cuisine with Almaza beer and Arabic vinyl, Levantine offers a cozy tone for autumn dining.
Last week, Levantine opened its doors to the public – and they did not disappoint. As autumn settles in, the restaurant’s warm, sandy tones offer a cozy contrast to the cool grey streets outside. Guests are welcomed with a big, genuine smile by the owner himself, Alaa-Eddine, who many will already know from Bao Bar in Clausen.
This time, though, he’s gone for something closer to home: the vibrant, soulful cuisine of the Levant.
What immediately caught my eye is the display of Arabic vinyl records behind the counter: Fairuz, Oum Kalthoum… iconic names every Arabic speaker would recognise. My Lebanese friend, who joined me for dinner, pointed them out, and indeed, hearing these melodies softly playing in the background adds a touch of authenticity and warmth. They aren't just meant as a decoration; they showcase a piece of culture, something that is important to Alaa-Eddine.
The Food
The menu at Levantine is all about Middle Eastern comfort food: fresh, flavourful, beautifully presented – made to share. We had falafel, a silky hummus with just the right balance of lemon, and tahini; and my personal favourite, the halloumi kataifi: halloumi wrapped in delicate strands of kataifi pastry, baked until golden and drizzled with honey.
If you like it sweet and savory, crisp and creamy, then this is for you!
The menu offers plenty of vegetarian options, from baba ganoush to labneh with pistachios and olives, roasted cauliflower, and carrots, alongside a few meaty choices like Angus shawarma. Prices range between €11–14 for dips and small plates, and €26–34 for larger dishes.
Extras
Alaa-Eddine’s story adds another layer to the restaurant’s charm. After eight years working as a project manager in the energy sector, he decided to follow his passion for food and open small, independent spots that reflect authenticity and warmth. He travelled for inspiration and, as he says, approaches menu-building "like an engineer", structured but creative, with a lot of heart put into it.
Together with his team of five at Levantine, he’s built something that feels thoughtful and full of heart.
He also made sure to bring Almaza, a Lebanese beer, to Luxembourg – which wasn’t an easy task! As someone who studied in Brussels and has had her fair share of pilsners, I can confirm that Almaza pairs beautifully with Levantine’s dishes: light, crisp, and perfectly refreshing alongside falafel or hummus.
Final Thoughts
It’s clear that Levantine isn’t just about food; it’s about sharing culture, music, and hospitality. It’s the kind of place where you feel welcomed, where every detail, from the music to the plating, feels intentional.
Alaa-Eddine also hinted at hosting Middle Eastern nights soon, with DJs playing Arabic tracks, which sounds like exactly what Luxembourg’s winter evenings need if you ask me.
Warm, intimate, and full of heart. Levantine is a beautiful new addition to the city’s dining scene, and honestly, just what we needed.
Food quality: 4/5
Family-friendly: 4/5
Budget-friendly: 4/5
Date-friendly: 5/5
Veggie-friendly: 5/5
Carolina Reinertz, former RTL Today editor turned contributor, is testing every hotspot in Luxembourg with honest reviews on whether a place is date-friendly, budget-friendly, or worth the hype – so you can spend your money wisely.
