After a full day of house hunting, our friend Francisco recommended Shawarma El Badawi for our dinner.

Approximately 0.7 miles west from Wal-Mart on Road no. 3, at San Francisco, Heredia, sits the very small and comfortable restaurant. With only 5 tables and 10 counter stools in an open setting the atmosphere is very warm and inviting. One entire wall is a photo of Beirut. The owner Nataly Nassreddine followed her brother, who is a chef six years ago to the central valley. Combined with what her mother taught her as a child, encouragement from a sister, and training from her brother, she decided open a restaurant.

In just two years, she has quickly gained a loyal following. So what makes her food so different?

Nataly prepares all the dishes herself. She adds additional spices and healthy ingredients to many of the menu items. For example, we ate Kebbi, which usually contains meat, wheat and spices. Her secret was adding walnuts for a very rich and unique taste. Her grape-leaf rolls and the smoky babaganoush were truly among the highlights of the dinner. To gain a real prospective of Lebanese food order Plato Mini Tauli for two. It has 12 different items and includes Kebbi.

The Portions ensure no one will leave hungry and the pricing is very reasonable.

Seven out of ten Costa Ricans who try her food come back with a friend. We were the first to enter the restaurant and within 20 minutes, it was full. The hours are 11:30 am to 9:30 pm Tuesday thru Sunday, and closed on Monday. If you love the food but feel a little cramped fear not, as the restaurant will be moving to a larger location within the next four months.

For more information call 2261 4061 or 8626 4760.