Undercover Diner Visits Al Ryan Mediterranean Cuisine

As someone who has been spending a lot of time on the LYH airport corridor and eating along Wards Rd, I found myself in need of an excuse to partake in the downtown dining scene. Yearning for something different from the norm, I did a quick Google Maps search and found a curious-looking place offering Mediterranean cuisine called Al Ryan, located in downtown Lynchburg’s historic Main Street corridor.

I went in the evening after shopping, and thankfully, parking was plentiful and convenient. Upon entering the restaurant, I was enthusiastically greeted by the owner and his staff, and a visitor also dining at the restaurant informed me that I was in for a treat. Nayef Alshubaki, the restaurant’s head chef, immigrated to America from Jordan over 30 years ago, and his deep passion for Mediterranean food has led him to own and operate restaurants in three states over the past twenty-nine years.

Dining individually gave me time to reflect on my experience and enjoy the restaurant’s intriguing Middle Eastern vibe. Growing up in the DC area, my parents often treated me to delicious Arabic cuisine and was exhilarated to discover that I could relive that same experience at Al Ryan.

My experience, which effectively became a three-course meal, began with a delicious side of Turkish coffee. The thick, rich flavor was unlike any form of Columbian brewed roast I had experienced here in the U.S., and it was a great way to start my dining experience. For a quick appetizer, I had samosa, and the three lightly fried dumplings with potato, green beans, and onion possessed a spicy flavor that made its taste both savory and unforgettable.

When enjoying Asian cuisine, which often does share some similarities to Middle Eastern dishes, it’s difficult for me to pass on an order of curry. For my entrée at Al Ryan, I decided to go with curry, and the combination of chicken and vegetables along with potatoes, garlic, cilantro, peppers and onions mixed in with yellow rice in a thick, creamy sauce very much had a distinct flavor to it compared to Thai and Indian curry dishes I’ve experienced. I could have decided to go with a purely vegetarian option, but adding chicken or lamb to your order is something I’d highly recommend for diners seeking to enjoy this dish.

As someone who often orders Baklava for dessert when enjoying Middle Eastern fare, I decided to do things differently and try the Ma’amoul to close out my dining experience. The fine semolina with stuffed dates, containing both touches of pistachio and walnut also, was both sweet and delectable and well worth the order.

I was very pleasantly surprised by my dining experience at Al Ryan. To begin with, I love supporting local, family-owned businesses in Lynchburg, and since everyone is struggling in this economy, all of us should support each other’s passions and endeavors. Also, it’s so exciting that we have a growing market for diverse foods in Lynchburg, and my dining experience reminded me of enjoying Arabic food in the nation’s capital many years ago. I highly recommend everyone in Lynchburg to check out Al Ryan as soon as possible!

For more information on Al Ryan and to see a menu, click HERE.