Mediterranean goodness
The first sense you encounter when you visit Taboon is the smell. The aroma of spices that permeates from the stone oven (or Taboon in Arabic), set at the heart of this modern middle eastern restaurant, is the perfect entree of what to expect from your meal – traditional spice combinations like cinnamon, cloves and cumin, meats grilled to perfection, Falafal, seasoned vegetables, hummus, couscous and a delicious menu of pizzas unlike any you’d order at your local Italian.
It’s little wonder Taboon, nestled in the Easy T Centre on Christine Avenue in Robina, is well known among locals and draws diners from Brisbane to Byron Bay. It is a lunch time favourite, with a ‘specials’ menu to suit, and a restaurant of choice for those looking for a delicious and hearty meal to share with friends, family and loved ones at dinner.
Established in 2006, the restaurant draws its influence from cuisines from Marrakesh, Istanbul, Cairo, Beirut and Tel Aviv, inspired by suburban bakeries, grill and hummus houses that are popular throughout the regions.
Being regulars of the lunch menu (we usually pick the Falafal lunch bowl – flavoursome, filling and affordable!), we decided to go for a ‘meater’ choice for this review.
We started with a mezze selection to share – the Turkish Beetroot, a vibrant dip that – if you eat with your eyes (in true Masterchef lingo!) is a winner from the moment it hits the table. Topped with yoghurt and a generous side of warmed bread the dish is served on a beautifully traditional and colourful plate, and is the perfect way to start the meal.
We heard the apple iced tea was a must try and we must say it was a great accompaniment to the meal – fruity and lightly spiced, it was a refreshing drink to wash down the dishes to follow.
The mixed plate for two gave us a chance to try an extensive range of grilled meats from the menu – we were served a lamb, chicken and beef skewer, along with chicken and lamb shooftas accompanied with Egyptian rice, vegetable couscous, salad and a yoghurt sauce.
Each and every piece of meat on this plate was cooked to perfection – juicy and inviting, with the right level of spice. The sides were the perfect addition to round out the meal and together it was more than enough for two people.
While we didn’t get a chance on this visit, the pizza selection (think spiced lamb mince, zucchini and yoghurt; Egyptian cheese, eggplant and zahtar; mushrooms zucchini and yoghurt, along with choices boasting toppings of Falafel, shoofta and prawns) is hard to go past, and the hearty Moroccan Tagines – there’s a lamb shank and a chicken version – will definitely have us heading back.
We also recommend the dessert choices – who doesn’t love a traditional Turkish Delight?
Taboon Robina is licensed and BYO, enjoy dining in, ordering takeaway or if you want a meal delivered to your door you will find Taboon on Uber Eats. Our eye was also caught by the selection of food that can be purchased and cooked at home, so you can deliver a middle eastern feast from your own kitchen.
Located in the Easy T Centre, at 514 Christine Avenue, Taboon is open from 10am daily, closing at 4pm Monday, 8pm on Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday and Sunday, and 9pm on Friday and Saturday.
Check out Taboon’s uplifting menu on the Taboon website and be sure to share the love and follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.
