What an incredible find tucked away and easy to overlook. The food and spices - and desert, coffee and tea - are amazing!!The only down side is the neighbor is a smoke shop and sometimes the odor can be noticeable. Go for the food, and the owner is super helpful and personable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vivian Nguyen
My boyfriend and I stopped here on a road trip. The restaurant we had originally planned to go to was closed... but this was a blessing in disguise! The food was so good and we could see this was a great local spot (we saw several locals during our time eating there). We got the samosas, falafel wrap (swap tzatziki sauce with tahina sauce) with fries, and the sample platter which includes hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and falafel. The chef also understood dietary restrictions (e.g. vegan) and was very accommodating and helpful.The only con, which is not the fault of the restaurant, was that it's situated next to a cigar shop. When we first got there, you could smell the smoke. The smell dissipated though as we got used to it.Dietary restrictions: The chef is knowledgeable about dietary restrictions.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Samosa, Hummus and Babaganush, Falafel
A Fox
An absolute delight! The food is incredible. Our host was so hospitable. Highly recommended. Everything was wonderful. Loved this intimate dining establishment. Authentic cuisine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Greek Salad, French Fries
Kelsie Jo
I stopped in for the first time, and felt like a guest at the owners house. He was kind and shared stories with me. I’m sure I’ll be a regular for life. And the food is amazing !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matthew Huckfeldt
Service was fast and friendly. Food was so good! The only thing that surprised me in a bad way was the smell of the establishment, like old cigarette smoke. I didn't see anyone smoking inside, but it sure smelled like it... I would order again, but would get it TO
Was working downtown and saw this place nearby. Decided to give it a go, and I'm glad I did! - I got the lamb burger and the baba ganoush. I honestly think the lamb burger was the most amazing thing I've ever tasted in my life. I will DEFINITELY be back. If you're looking for incredible Mediterranean food, look no further. Kind service, quaint cozy place, and incredible food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tammy A. Mosley
It’s such a cozy hidden gem. The food is absolutely delicious ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lamb Platter
Curt
Awesome food and experience. The samosas are super tasty. The pistachio baklava is just right, not those syrupy concoctions that maybe you had elsewhere.We had an incredible time here and look forward to visiting again.Parking: The parking on the street is easy to find and the best part is that it's free.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shwarma, Baklava
RPF Owner
I have visited Al Ryan for many years and always make point to stop when I am downtown. I read the other reviews and I agree with the flavors, selections and quality, but one valuable factor for me is the pride with which the owner prepares and offers his food. Many times, I will walk in and ask for him to prepare anything for me, as if I was a guest in his home. Every dish he has served has been amazing. The service is exceptional, the food is even better and it is all credited to the owner who truly takes personal pride in every menu item, ingredient and dish that he serves. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marianne L.
I love their baklava and lamb platter! The owner is kind and the food is really good!
I was really in the mood for Mediterranean and Al Ryan did not disappoint. I ordered through door dash for takeout. From the moment I walked in I was happily greeted. I had a lamb gyro, and half of my sides chicken gyro.We also ordered the hummus it came with harder chips a option for their Greek pita sliced in pieces.The baklava was also delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shwarma, Baklava, French Fries
Shari Tjo
Great food for a great price!! My husband and I went here on a whim and so great we can’t wait to go back!! We got the stuffed grape leaves, lamb burger, and kofta!! The man who works here is incredibly kind and the place is so lovely!!
Fresh and delicious! And the owner is lovely- very warm and welcoming. All the positive reviews are accurate! Best falafel Ive ever enjoyed. First time visit. Definitely won't be the last.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Falafel Appetizer
Kathy Sullivan
My husband and I stumbled upon Al Ryan on a quiet Saturday evening, our first time in Lynchburg. We had eaten a big Southern lunch, so wanted just a light meal. We were so happy to find Al Ryan, because we had lived for 30 years in the Middle East and knew some mezze would hit the right spot. At first it looked like they weren't open, no diners were seated inside, but the chef/owner welcomed us and said he mostly did take away orders at night. Within a few minutes we learned that he is Jordanian, from Shobak, and we knew a few members of his tribe who had positions in Amman the capital. We ordered hummus babaghanouj and falafel. We kept chatting while Mr. Nayif Hababneh prepped our order. We wished we had been hungry enough to order Jordanian Mansaf, a hearty national dish of layered flat bread, topped with rice and chunks of lamb stewed in a fragrant yogurt onion sauce ?. It seems business has not recovered fully since pandemic days, and many downtown offices remain closed. But Nayif still cooks from quality halal meats and fresh produce. He apologized that his babaghannouj and hummus lacked the usual level of garlic used in Jordan, since most of his local customers don't care for such a punch. It came with pita chips and some soft Flatbread. Falafel were well seasoned and nicely crunchy. We enjoyed this surprise reunion with Jordan via the personable Nayif. Worth going for a meal in person and to learn something about Jordan and this gentle man's life in Virginia. There is a bedouin-style lounge with floor cushions for dining in the traditional way, that can be booked for groups. Give it a try!Vegetarian options: Mezze like hummus, babghannouj, falafel
What a delightful meal. All homemade. If you are in town looking for incredible food. This is the place to stop. Best meal of my whole weekend. Amazingly good and super fresh.
What an incredible find tucked away and easy to overlook. The food and spices - and desert, coffee and tea - are amazing!!The only down side is the neighbor is a smoke shop and sometimes the odor can be noticeable. Go for the food, and the owner is super helpful and personable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My boyfriend and I stopped here on a road trip. The restaurant we had originally planned to go to was closed... but this was a blessing in disguise! The food was so good and we could see this was a great local spot (we saw several locals during our time eating there). We got the samosas, falafel wrap (swap tzatziki sauce with tahina sauce) with fries, and the sample platter which includes hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, and falafel. The chef also understood dietary restrictions (e.g. vegan) and was very accommodating and helpful.The only con, which is not the fault of the restaurant, was that it's situated next to a cigar shop. When we first got there, you could smell the smoke. The smell dissipated though as we got used to it.Dietary restrictions: The chef is knowledgeable about dietary restrictions.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Samosa, Hummus and Babaganush, Falafel
An absolute delight! The food is incredible. Our host was so hospitable. Highly recommended. Everything was wonderful. Loved this intimate dining establishment. Authentic cuisine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Greek Salad, French Fries
I stopped in for the first time, and felt like a guest at the owners house. He was kind and shared stories with me. I’m sure I’ll be a regular for life. And the food is amazing !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Service was fast and friendly. Food was so good! The only thing that surprised me in a bad way was the smell of the establishment, like old cigarette smoke. I didn't see anyone smoking inside, but it sure smelled like it... I would order again, but would get it TO
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Stuffed Grape Leaves, Makloubi
Was working downtown and saw this place nearby. Decided to give it a go, and I'm glad I did! - I got the lamb burger and the baba ganoush. I honestly think the lamb burger was the most amazing thing I've ever tasted in my life. I will DEFINITELY be back. If you're looking for incredible Mediterranean food, look no further. Kind service, quaint cozy place, and incredible food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It’s such a cozy hidden gem. The food is absolutely delicious ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lamb Platter
Awesome food and experience. The samosas are super tasty. The pistachio baklava is just right, not those syrupy concoctions that maybe you had elsewhere.We had an incredible time here and look forward to visiting again.Parking: The parking on the street is easy to find and the best part is that it's free.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shwarma, Baklava
I have visited Al Ryan for many years and always make point to stop when I am downtown. I read the other reviews and I agree with the flavors, selections and quality, but one valuable factor for me is the pride with which the owner prepares and offers his food. Many times, I will walk in and ask for him to prepare anything for me, as if I was a guest in his home. Every dish he has served has been amazing. The service is exceptional, the food is even better and it is all credited to the owner who truly takes personal pride in every menu item, ingredient and dish that he serves. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love their baklava and lamb platter! The owner is kind and the food is really good!
Restaurantji Recommends
I was really in the mood for Mediterranean and Al Ryan did not disappoint. I ordered through door dash for takeout. From the moment I walked in I was happily greeted. I had a lamb gyro, and half of my sides chicken gyro.We also ordered the hummus it came with harder chips a option for their Greek pita sliced in pieces.The baklava was also delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shwarma, Baklava, French Fries
Great food for a great price!! My husband and I went here on a whim and so great we can’t wait to go back!! We got the stuffed grape leaves, lamb burger, and kofta!! The man who works here is incredibly kind and the place is so lovely!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lamb Burger, Stuffed Grape Leaves
Fresh and delicious! And the owner is lovely- very warm and welcoming. All the positive reviews are accurate! Best falafel Ive ever enjoyed. First time visit. Definitely won't be the last.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Falafel Appetizer
My husband and I stumbled upon Al Ryan on a quiet Saturday evening, our first time in Lynchburg. We had eaten a big Southern lunch, so wanted just a light meal. We were so happy to find Al Ryan, because we had lived for 30 years in the Middle East and knew some mezze would hit the right spot. At first it looked like they weren't open, no diners were seated inside, but the chef/owner welcomed us and said he mostly did take away orders at night. Within a few minutes we learned that he is Jordanian, from Shobak, and we knew a few members of his tribe who had positions in Amman the capital. We ordered hummus babaghanouj and falafel. We kept chatting while Mr. Nayif Hababneh prepped our order. We wished we had been hungry enough to order Jordanian Mansaf, a hearty national dish of layered flat bread, topped with rice and chunks of lamb stewed in a fragrant yogurt onion sauce ?. It seems business has not recovered fully since pandemic days, and many downtown offices remain closed. But Nayif still cooks from quality halal meats and fresh produce. He apologized that his babaghannouj and hummus lacked the usual level of garlic used in Jordan, since most of his local customers don't care for such a punch. It came with pita chips and some soft Flatbread. Falafel were well seasoned and nicely crunchy. We enjoyed this surprise reunion with Jordan via the personable Nayif. Worth going for a meal in person and to learn something about Jordan and this gentle man's life in Virginia. There is a bedouin-style lounge with floor cushions for dining in the traditional way, that can be booked for groups. Give it a try!Vegetarian options: Mezze like hummus, babghannouj, falafel
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Falafel Appetizer, Jordanian Mansaf, Sample Platter
What a delightful meal. All homemade. If you are in town looking for incredible food. This is the place to stop. Best meal of my whole weekend. Amazingly good and super fresh.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Baklava