Welcome to Al Dar Bistro
At Al Dar Bistro, nestled in Bala Cynwyd, a culinary journey awaits. Fusing Middle Eastern flavors with seafood delicacies, this vibrant eatery thrives on a passion for fresh, authentic cuisine. Signature dishes include classic falafel, succulent seafood, and fresh salads that burst with flavor. The warm, inviting atmosphere, combined with attentive service, makes every visit feel like a family gathering. Whether you're diving into sautéed mussels or savoring a perfectly grilled chicken gyro, each dish showcases a commitment to quality and tradition. This is not just a restaurant; it's a celebration of culture, flavor, and community—your next dining destination awaits.
- 281 Montgomery Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 Hotline: (610) 667-1245
Welcome to Al Dar Bistro, a delightful culinary gem nestled at 281 Montgomery Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA. This Middle Eastern establishment specializes in an inviting mix of falafel, delectable seafood, and authentic regional fare, creating a dining experience that is both comforting and exotic.
As you step inside, you are greeted by a warm ambiance reflecting Mediterranean culture, complemented by a well-curated bar that enhances the dining experience. Guests often appreciate the elegant dining room and the accommodating outdoor seating that makes Al Dar Bistro a great spot for both casual gatherings and special occasions.
The menu is a testament to the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. A standout among the assortment of appetizers is the Steamed Mussels, served in your choice of garlic-white wine or a light tomato basil sauce, priced at $15.99. For vegetarians, the Mujadara—a hearty mix of lentils, rice, and caramelized onion—offers a comforting taste of tradition at $13.99. The Baba, a creamy eggplant dish, and the Chilled Moussaka are also favorites, showcasing the bistro’s commitment to gluten-free and vegetarian options.
- Hummus: A classic, creamy blend of chickpeas—perfect for sharing at $11.99.
- Arugula Salad: Topped with goat cheese and walnuts, drizzled with a zesty lemon olive oil dressing for $14.99.
- Kibbeh Ball: Minced lamb delicately seasoned, available at $11.99 per piece.
For those craving heartier fare, the bistro's entrees reflect a careful balance between tradition and creativity. The Octopus and Chicken dishes continue to receive rave reviews, testament to the chef's dedication to quality ingredients and bold flavors. Diners have also enjoyed the well-executed Kobe Burger priced at $17.99, which delivers a premium experience for burger enthusiasts.
Customer experiences highlight Al Dar Bistro’s dedication to service and hospitality. One guest, Robin S., shared how the bistro made their son's rehearsal dinner feel intimate and special, with attendees praising the food and atmosphere alike. Although some reviews mention minor service delays during busy times, the overall sentiment is that it’s well worth the wait due to the culinary excellence that Al Dar consistently serves.
Whether you are indulging in takeout—like the outstanding coconut salmon and Arctic Char—and being treated like a valued guest, or enjoying the experience of dining in, Al Dar Bistro promises a memorable rendezvous with Middle Eastern flavors. Join the ranks of loyal customers who regard Al Dar as more than just a restaurant, but a home where great meals and treasured moments come together. This is an establishment where you can savor the essence of Mediterranean cuisine while making lasting memories.
Don't miss the chance to visit Al Dar Bistro—call (610) 667-1245 or stop by for a dining experience that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Food & drinks were excellent. Pricing was fair. Service left something to be desired, as they seemed understaffed.

We just had our son's Rehearsal dinner at Aldar Bistro. Our out of town guests were raving about the food and we agreed. Walid was a pleasure to work with and was as excited about our event as we were. We were welcomed as if we were family. The private room made for a nice atmosphere to have our rehearsal dinner. Service was fantastic and we felt there was great value at this restaurant. We highly recommend a visit and it is a great choice if you have a larger group event.

Good good and like their service and ambiance. Would recommend their octopus and chicken dishes. Strange that they have beer taps at the bar but no tapped beer but decent bottled collection. Loyal clientele who are treated like family so good place to be a regular.

Stop here often since it's right down the street from our personal training studio. The menu has interesting food choices that are good. And the price is very reasonable. Chris Vtrainers Personal Training.

The other night my wife and I did takeout and it was fantastic. I actually ordered through Yelp (powered by Grub Hub) for delivery and we received in 30 min. She got the Artic Char and I got the coconut salmon - both outstanding! When we get takeout, we typically are not impressed with the presentation because, well, it's takeout however Al Dar put each entree in a large enough container that it looked like the plate you would have received at the restaurant. We also shared the chilled moussaka which was outstanding. They also provided three large pitas and their famous dipping oil. Everything was warm (with the exception of the chilled moussaka of course.) Even the pita was warm and we live about 15 min away from Al Dar. Very impressed with the service and I'm glad we were able to support a local business during this challenging time. Thank you Al Dar! We will be back!

I decided to go to Al Dar Bistro with two of my grandsons, Ace and Ivan and granddaughter, Samantha. This restaurant is very well know on the Main Line with some of the leading medical professionals dining. I met a doctor at the bar while I was waiting for my table, who recommended the Arctic Char to me. Unfortunately, ten minutes after I ordered it, the waitress came to the table and announced they were out of it. Tough blow to my stomach. We ordered a few appetizers and each of us ordered an entree as well. My grandson Ivan couldn't decide on getting his lamb rare or well-done. He ended up getting medium-rare and loved it. The food didn't come out in an orderly fashion. The waitress brought out my appetizer and Ivan's before everyone else's. Two minutes later, they me my Mediterranean Pizza followed by Ivan's lamb. Literally, 25 minutes later, and only after we asked, they brought Ace's and Samantha's entrees, when Ivan and I were already done eating. There was a bad storm that day and the place was packed. Nonetheless, the food was excellent. The mix-up in serving the food could be attributed to the place being so crowded. Usually, they don't make mistakes like that, so I'll keep coming back. This just not my best experience though, given that they didn't have the food I ordered and they didn't serve the meals in an orderly fashion.

A friend of mine was in town from New York so we decided to go to Al Dar. When you walk in, you are greeted with the sight of a bar with a couple of TVs to your right and on your left is the main dining room. The main dining room is elegant with a Mediterranean feel. The bar serves high-quality drinks and does not have a rowdy crowd allowing you to bring children. They also have some limited outdoor seating. Once inside the hostess greeted me. She quickly escorted me to my seat. However, she was unaware of what they had drink-wise. In the middle of the meal, she just left and April became the waitress. I started off with the grilled calamari. It was actually really solid. It was nice and flavorful! It also was topped with some nice lemon. For my entree, I got chicken and pasta. The pasta was really good topped with parsley and cream sauce. However, the chicken was a little hard. Al Dar can be pretty pricey, but that can be expected with most Main Line restaurants. Altogether, I had a good meal andI will return!