For more than a decade, Khoury’s has arguably been the most consistent of Las Vegas’ Mediterranean restaurants. Previously situated in the southwest, it closed briefly in December to accommodate a relocation to Village Square shopping center. The new location is more convenient for most, and the food might be even better.
The Khoury’s experience begins with the delivery of piping hot, puffed-up pitas to your table; these freshly baked. You’ll gladly endure the sear to your fingers as you dip into the accompanying za’atar and olive oil blend—particularly noteworthy since the traditional Mediterranean spice blend of thyme, oregano and marjoram is a rarity on Las Vegas menus.
Khoury's chicken shawarma sandwich.
Mezze, or small plates, are a staple of most Lebanese meals, and Khoury’s options are plentiful. The house sampler ($33) is a ridiculous amount of food and a great way to sample the menu if you’re with a crew. No visit is complete without an order of the mtabel baba ghanoush, which has serious smoky undertones. Other standouts include bamieh (sautéed okra) and a not-too-tart labni-matoom (yogurt). Any of these can be ordered individually, as can a biting, jalapeño-infused hummus and herbaceous falafel served with a sharp tahini sauce.
The expansive Greek salad ($10) delivers a solid option while the tabbouleh ($10) is a light-yet-healthy meal. On the heartier side, the hummus ma’a-lahmi (lamb over hummus) is addictive, with the meat’s hints of cumin and nutmeg tempered by the cooling chickpea dip. If you’re feeling a little more daring, try the kibbi-nayi ($28): raw, ground lamb blended with a bit of bulgur and served with a plate of pickles, mint and olives. Wash it down with an Almaza (beer), and you couldn’t get a more authentic Lebanese experience.
If you haven’t done Khoury’s before, the relocation gives you a new reason. Just don’t forget to order the baba ghanoush.
Khoury's 9340 W. Sahara Ave. #106, 702-671-0005; Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
