Soup in the summer? Get it hot and cheap at Byblos
By ADRIENNE FRANK
Get Out

Soup in July? In Arizona? Most diners would say, “No thanks.” But then, most diners probably haven’t tried Byblos.

The Tempe hole-in-the-wall — located on Mill Avenue just south of Southern Avenue — serves up Middle Eastern and Mediterranean specialities, such as hummus, shawarma, tabboule and the like. But the real show-stopper at Byblos, owned and operated by the Mirza family, is the cream of tomato soup.

Patrons can order the hearty, flavorful soup as a stand-alone meal, or pair it with one of Byblos’ pita sandwiches, including the yogurt dip or feta cheese.

I dropped in on Byblos one Friday afternoon and opted for the roasted chicken pita sandwich and a bowl of — you guessed it — that incredible tomato soup. (The lentil soup, which is offered most days, is also excellent.)

The sandwich, stuffed with marinated grilled chicken, tomatoes, parsley, onions and pickles and drizzled in a tangy garlic sauce, was excellent. A tad messy — as evidenced by the garlic sauce stains I later discovered on my shirt — but delicious nonetheless. And as for the cup of soup, I only had one complaint: There was simply not enough of it.

And while the food at this popular lunch spot is certainly the main draw, Byblos also boasts a warm ambience, where regulars are greeted by their first names and baklava — if you’re lucky — is sometimes on the house.

The Mirzas — who do the cooking and the serving — are gracious hosts, and diners not only leave with satisfied stomachs, but with a sense that their patronage is truly appreciated.

The verdict: Triple digit temperatures, be damned. Run — don’t walk — to Byblos for a cup of cream of tomato soup.

Value meal deal
Where: Byblos Restaurant, 3332 S. Mill Ave., Tempe,
What: Roasted chicken pita sandwich with soup ($4.95)