‘Fantastic' restaurant to close after two years as heartbroken owner sells her ‘dream' venue despite ‘thriving'
A BUZZING restaurant has been forced to close as the owner waves goodbye to her "dream."
Despite serving "stunning food" Chef Eman Boutrous, is selling the restaurant she worked so hard for because of family obligations.
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Arabian Nights based in Yarm, Yorkshire, received rave reviews and enjoyed a whopping 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor, and 4.6 on Google reviews but has announced it will close for good on May 17.
Eman told the Northern Echo she was "really sad" but explained: 'The restaurant is doing very well. We worked hard to do this; it is my dream.
'It's always been busy- but family circumstances are why I've put it up for sale.
'I have to leave the country and go and look after my family.'
Heartbroken regulars commented that the closure was "such a shame", and that "the best restaurant in Yarn" was closing.
One commented: "They worked so hard to get there, they felt like family, and the food was just outstanding."
Customers raved about the 'fresh, absolutely delicious' food, 'cooked with a good touch of love.'
One wrote: 'Arabian Nights is a gem for Arabic cuisine, my rice pudding was stolen by my children and we had to order another one.
Another added: 'It is unbelievably good, the hummus is the creamiest I have ever had, and I've had a lot'
The service received particular praise, described as 'lovely' and 'kind', creating a 'warm cosy ambience.'
One person said, " I had lunch here today with my girlfriend, and we weren't disappointed. The reviews are all spot on about this place.
"The food was delicious, the portions generous, along with excellent service and really friendly staff."
Specialising in Mediterranean cuisine, Arabian Nights cooked up a kaleidoscope of delicacies from lamb and chicken gyros to souvlaki chicken, moussaka and kebabs.
The venue has 40 covers and an estimated annual turnover of £225,000.
It was originally marketed by Christie and Co. for £85,000, but the price has been slashed to £59.000 on Rightmove.
Agent Christie & Co described the venue as 'an excellent opportunity', saying an owner-operator would be suited to operate the site 'along the same lines as the current owner'.
Eman completely revamped the venue when she took it over from Lost Property, the steakhouse that occupied the space before her, glamming it up with traditional Middle Eastern decor- creating a subtle ambience.
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