Just had a terrible experience with this restaurant and a general lack of compassion and empathy was displayed by the staff inside. We arrived at the restaurant 5 min prior to their opening on Saturday, April 5th patiently waiting outside on the porch area. The weather dramatically changed for the worse and we went under a tornado warning very quickly. The clouds became ominous and torrential rain started coming down. It was definitely not safe to go back to our car or remain outside on their porch. We could see the staff moving about inside so we knocked on their door and they completely ignored us. They even came to the window and put up a sign that said “Go to the gas station.” Not only was that extremely rude but it showed just how uncaring the staff could be. We were from out of town and expected much better hospitality and concern for our safety. I’m sure their inconsiderate behavior does not represent the whole of the East Nashville community.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Neil Long
We have been coming to Lyra about once a month - mainly for happy hour - and have seen the level of service drop considerably. Most recently we made a reservation 15 mins after opening on a Tuesday and asked for a table outside - also put it in a note in the reservation it was a special occasion and we wanted to sit outside. The weather was great.
We were told there was a wait list in front of us and it wasn’t possible. Three tables were open and one party was waiting. So we asked further. They said someone was on the “wait list” and would be back so we couldn’t have a table. Also there was a walk in that came before us.
Then when we noticed the tables went empty for another 15 mins we asked again and were told that friends of the owner had requested the table. There was room to setup an additional table outside as they left most of the patio empty but they wouldn’t agree with that suggestion.
We watch the table outside sit empty for another hour and a half. But as locals who frequent this place once a month, living a block away, we were out of luck. There wasn’t even an apology for giving tables to walk ins at basically the same time vs a reservation of a regular - what are notes even for? Not even an offer of a drink or something. It’s our last time there. The hospitality world has lost its sense of customer service.
To be honest the food has also gone down hill - but could have been the bad taste in my mouth. The only bright spot is the beverage director who also serves some times - she’s excellent. The hosts and manager are not so much.
First off, everything we had at the restaurant was great. The flavors were amazing, and the wait staff was very professional and polite. HOWEVER, I can't overstate this enough, the main dish portions, at least what we ordered, are NOT sharing sizes. The only dish we received that was of sharing portions, was the hummus appetizer.
It was emphasized to us that the portions are of sharing sizes, and ordering a few dishes would likely fill our table of 4 up perfectly. Taking that, we ordered the Lamb Kefta, Fried Chicken, the Octopus, and the Broccolini veggie plate. And when I say we left the restaurant hungry, I mean we left HUNGRY.
Everything was great overall flavor wise, but do not fall for the group portions. Definitely recommend getting your own dish if you'd like to be full. It was a shame too, because we spent close to $140 on food before tip, and pretty much all left hungry.
So overall, just know going in that the food is great, but portions are small if you attempt to share!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Zi Ad
Some of the items are a must try. Like the fatayer, olives and the arak of course Was a bit disappointed by the service and the music. It would have been perfect if they played Mediterranean music
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
Jason Watkins
A little disappointed tonight. I had such a good experience the first time I had gone here and decided to go again with my partner. Our server JC was pretty amazing and had it together but the evening was soured because the food runner twice decided to ignore our table and deliver our food to the table next to us. The first time was kinda excusable if not a little negative but the fact that it happened again was a little jaw dropping. Luckily our server was nearby to correct it after the food had already touched the table. The food runner never even acknowledged or apologized for the mistakes. Everything after just felt like a let down. Having worked in the service industry and would have appreciated that if a manager would have even came by for a table touch. The overall experience led a bit to be desired. Really can’t say I would be back. Kinda lost a lot of my appetite after.
Valerie Joyce
First time in Nashville. Local friends recommended we all eat here. We had the babaganoush, roasted cauliflower, eggplant, broccoli, hummus diahes. Everything was top notch and delicious. The pita bread was fluffy and savory. For dessert we had the yummy pistachio ice cream cookie. Our server was very attentive and helpful with our choices. I highly recommend Lyra! We will be back on future visits to Nashville.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ziad El Ghoul
Some of the items are a must try. Like the fatayer, olives and the arak of course Was a bit disappointed by the service and the music. It would have been perfect if they played Mediterranean music
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
Erwin van de Griek
Food to share but small portions. Food burendag and sour.
Vegetarian options: Just a small choice of vege optioneel
Parking: Was ok
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
Erin Nystrom
We had one night in Nashville and chose to come here. It’s always a little nerve wracking when you have one night anywhere—you want to make it count. That said, we were beyond satisfied with our choice. Everything we had was incredible and our server Grace was amazing. We had the Hummus with Lamb Merguez, grilled broccolini, kale salad, fried chicken, steak, and orange almond cake and everything was top notch—thought, I especially recommend the chicken. I will be recommending this place to everyone I know visiting Nashville
I went to Lyra with my son on a impromptu visit. Our server was amazing, and I was surprised by the quality and flavor of the food! We had lots of small size dishes, the hummus is so creamy, but the highlight for us was the freshly made pita bread and the marinated olives that were out of this world. Delightful! The only item we did not like was the kale salad which although well presented was bland. Atmosphere & decor is modern American , not middle-eastern. Will definitely return!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Elizabeth Nunley
Lyra is a nearby favorite! We have always loved the food and it’s a date night go to for us. Last night was our first disappointing experience. :( Regarding atmosphere, the sun was in my face for the first 30 min or so, which feels like it could be an easy fix. Then one of the dishes we ordered (mushrooms) just wasn’t good. We are normally very easy to please when it comes to food and I can’t remember a time that we’ve been out and left any food on our plates. Because we hardly touched it, I let two of the servers that checked on us know that it wasn’t our favorite. I was surprised to see it still on our check. I guess I just expected better customer care from such a high end restaurant. Overall, and for the first time, we felt like we overpaid for both the food and experience at Lyra. I’m sure we will continue to dine there, but will be more cautious about what we order and how much we are spending. Also making sure the table we get isn’t in direct sun. :)
There is so much to love about Lyra. It's been one of our favorite East Nashville restaurants for years. Great for dining with friends. Very creative rotation of cocktails and menu items that are reasonably priced. Friendly and attentive service. Only ding is the noise on Eastland getting a little bit for outdoor dining. But it's an otherwise perfect place to dine.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wangari Mbuthia
Visited Lyra for a birthday dinner. It was a beautiful restaurant setting and our server Melissa was so helpful in giving us good recommendations. We enjoyed everything we ate and we ate A LOT.
Just had a terrible experience with this restaurant and a general lack of compassion and empathy was displayed by the staff inside. We arrived at the restaurant 5 min prior to their opening on Saturday, April 5th patiently waiting outside on the porch area. The weather dramatically changed for the worse and we went under a tornado warning very quickly. The clouds became ominous and torrential rain started coming down. It was definitely not safe to go back to our car or remain outside on their porch. We could see the staff moving about inside so we knocked on their door and they completely ignored us. They even came to the window and put up a sign that said “Go to the gas station.” Not only was that extremely rude but it showed just how uncaring the staff could be. We were from out of town and expected much better hospitality and concern for our safety. I’m sure their inconsiderate behavior does not represent the whole of the East Nashville community.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
We have been coming to Lyra about once a month - mainly for happy hour - and have seen the level of service drop considerably.
Most recently we made a reservation 15 mins after opening on a Tuesday and asked for a table outside - also put it in a note in the reservation it was a special occasion and we wanted to sit outside. The weather was great.
We were told there was a wait list in front of us and it wasn’t possible. Three tables were open and one party was waiting. So we asked further. They said someone was on the “wait list” and would be back so we couldn’t have a table. Also there was a walk in that came before us.
Then when we noticed the tables went empty for another 15 mins we asked again and were told that friends of the owner had requested the table. There was room to setup an additional table outside as they left most of the patio empty but they wouldn’t agree with that suggestion.
We watch the table outside sit empty for another hour and a half. But as locals who frequent this place once a month, living a block away, we were out of luck. There wasn’t even an apology for giving tables to walk ins at basically the same time vs a reservation of a regular - what are notes even for? Not even an offer of a drink or something. It’s our last time there. The hospitality world has lost its sense of customer service.
To be honest the food has also gone down hill - but could have been the bad taste in my mouth. The only bright spot is the beverage director who also serves some times - she’s excellent. The hosts and manager are not so much.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Recommended dishes: Fried Chicken, Grilled Octopus, Fatayer
First off, everything we had at the restaurant was great. The flavors were amazing, and the wait staff was very professional and polite. HOWEVER, I can't overstate this enough, the main dish portions, at least what we ordered, are NOT sharing sizes. The only dish we received that was of sharing portions, was the hummus appetizer.
It was emphasized to us that the portions are of sharing sizes, and ordering a few dishes would likely fill our table of 4 up perfectly. Taking that, we ordered the Lamb Kefta, Fried Chicken, the Octopus, and the Broccolini veggie plate. And when I say we left the restaurant hungry, I mean we left HUNGRY.
Everything was great overall flavor wise, but do not fall for the group portions. Definitely recommend getting your own dish if you'd like to be full. It was a shame too, because we spent close to $140 on food before tip, and pretty much all left hungry.
So overall, just know going in that the food is great, but portions are small if you attempt to share!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Some of the items are a must try. Like the fatayer, olives and the arak of course
Was a bit disappointed by the service and the music. It would have been perfect if they played Mediterranean music
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
A little disappointed tonight. I had such a good experience the first time I had gone here and decided to go again with my partner. Our server JC was pretty amazing and had it together but the evening was soured because the food runner twice decided to ignore our table and deliver our food to the table next to us. The first time was kinda excusable if not a little negative but the fact that it happened again was a little jaw dropping. Luckily our server was nearby to correct it after the food had already touched the table. The food runner never even acknowledged or apologized for the mistakes. Everything after just felt like a let down. Having worked in the service industry and would have appreciated that if a manager would have even came by for a table touch. The overall experience led a bit to be desired. Really can’t say I would be back. Kinda lost a lot of my appetite after.
First time in Nashville. Local friends recommended we all eat here. We had the babaganoush, roasted cauliflower, eggplant, broccoli, hummus diahes. Everything was top notch and delicious. The pita bread was fluffy and savory. For dessert we had the yummy pistachio ice cream cookie. Our server was very attentive and helpful with our choices. I highly recommend Lyra! We will be back on future visits to Nashville.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Some of the items are a must try. Like the fatayer, olives and the arak of course
Was a bit disappointed by the service and the music. It would have been perfect if they played Mediterranean music
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 3
Food to share but small portions. Food burendag and sour.
Vegetarian options: Just a small choice of vege optioneel
Parking: Was ok
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 4
We had one night in Nashville and chose to come here. It’s always a little nerve wracking when you have one night anywhere—you want to make it count. That said, we were beyond satisfied with our choice. Everything we had was incredible and our server Grace was amazing. We had the Hummus with Lamb Merguez, grilled broccolini, kale salad, fried chicken, steak, and orange almond cake and everything was top notch—thought, I especially recommend the chicken. I will be recommending this place to everyone I know visiting Nashville
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Salad, Fried Chicken, Orange Cake with Edible Floral Petals
Excellent food, but every male member of the bar/wait staff treated me like I was a buffoon any time I asked a question.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
I went to Lyra with my son on a impromptu visit. Our server was amazing, and I was surprised by the quality and flavor of the food! We had lots of small size dishes, the hummus is so creamy, but the highlight for us was the freshly made pita bread and the marinated olives that were out of this world. Delightful! The only item we did not like was the kale salad which although well presented was bland. Atmosphere & decor is modern American , not middle-eastern. Will definitely return!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lyra is a nearby favorite! We have always loved the food and it’s a date night go to for us. Last night was our first disappointing experience. :( Regarding atmosphere, the sun was in my face for the first 30 min or so, which feels like it could be an easy fix. Then one of the dishes we ordered (mushrooms) just wasn’t good. We are normally very easy to please when it comes to food and I can’t remember a time that we’ve been out and left any food on our plates. Because we hardly touched it, I let two of the servers that checked on us know that it wasn’t our favorite. I was surprised to see it still on our check. I guess I just expected better customer care from such a high end restaurant. Overall, and for the first time, we felt like we overpaid for both the food and experience at Lyra. I’m sure we will continue to dine there, but will be more cautious about what we order and how much we are spending. Also making sure the table we get isn’t in direct sun. :)
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3
Best middle eastern food in town!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Katafi Wrapped Carrot, Lemonade, Salad, Seared Octopus, Feta Dip, Fried Chicken, Lamb Chops, The Hummus Collective, Lamb Mante, Pistachio Ice Cream, Grilled Octopus, Fish, Cake, Roasted, Muhammara, Fig Glazed Octopus Freekeh & Olive Salad Marinated Fete, Lamb Rillettes, Fatayer, Hummus Collective, Orange Cake with Edible Floral Petals
There is so much to love about Lyra. It's been one of our favorite East Nashville restaurants for years. Great for dining with friends. Very creative rotation of cocktails and menu items that are reasonably priced. Friendly and attentive service. Only ding is the noise on Eastland getting a little bit for outdoor dining. But it's an otherwise perfect place to dine.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Visited Lyra for a birthday dinner. It was a beautiful restaurant setting and our server Melissa was so helpful in giving us good recommendations. We enjoyed everything we ate and we ate A LOT.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Feta Dip, Fried Chicken, The Hummus Collective, Pistachio Ice Cream, Fatayer
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