Eating My Way Through University City: Ranoush

If given the choice, I will always dine out somewhere where I can enjoy foreign cuisine as opposed to your standard American fare. Thankfully, University City has a plethora of diverse options, everything from to . One of my all-time favorites thus far, however, is Syrian food, found at the Loop restaurant Ranoush.

After two visits to this wonderful restaurant, it was high time I shared the experience with my Patch readers. Though the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining, both times my husband and I have taken advantage of the nice weather and found ourselves enjoying the sights and sounds on Delmar over lunch. Service here is fast and friendly; each employee we came in contact with was kinder than the next. On our most recent visit, the owner (I’m assuming) was even making rounds to many of the tables, chatting up customers.

Those of you who don’t frequently find yourselves enjoying a meal at an ethnic restaurant might be a tad intimidated by the look of the menu. Familiarity might shift to confusion when you peer down from Hummus and see words like Makdous, Kibbeh, and Knafeh. Don’t despair, though, each menu item has a thorough description and servers are more than willing to offer assistance!  (One thing they aren’t willing to share? Their spice combination for chicken shawarma! Despite my pleas, they maintained that it’s a secret recipe. Totally understandable, but I couldn’t help but be disappointed about not being able to go home and try to make it myself!)

One thing I’ve found is that all of the food at Ranoush is incredibly well-seasoned. I have yet to taste anything bland, nor over-spiced. They know what they’re doing there! From the vegetarian platter, a sampler of five different dishes including falafel and grape leaves, to the aforementioned chicken shawarma, we have been impressed with everything we’ve ordered. On our most recent visit, I ordered the Fatoush, curious to compare this version of the salad to one I’ve created at home. Again, it did not disappoint, and despite the heaping portion, I couldn’t help but finish the entire plate…on top of an order of Baba Ganoush (grilled and pureed eggplant served with pita bread). My husband’s Beef Kafta, much like his favorite Chicken Shawarma, burst with flavor.

Do yourself a favor and pay this U City restaurant a visit. Stop in for lunch and enjoy one of their ever-changing lunch specials (typically the vegetarian platter, the falafel sandwich, or a few other options) for a steal at less than $8/plate. Or, stop in for an early dinner between 4-6. Here, the price is right, the service is spot on, and the food is outstanding! Let me know what you think!