The International Flavors of Old Towne

Byblos Café: A Mediterranean Mainstay in Old Towne Orange

Byblos Café, located at 129 West Chapman Avenue, has stood the test of time, serving the Old Towne community for over 21 years. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Adel and Zalfa Mahshi, the café brings the flavors of authentic Mediterranean cuisine to a historic space that once served as a Lebanese deli and grocery.

From Grocery to Café

Originally from Lebanon, Adel and Zalfa were regulars at the former grocery store. Adel recalls how his journey began:

“We used to buy our groceries there and I would bug the previous owner, asking him if he would ever consider selling the place to me,” Adel said. “Finally he decided to get out of the grocery business, so I bought it.”

Adel initially attempted to maintain the grocery format, but he soon realized that the deli offerings were more popular. That realization sparked a transformation:

“I took a chance and transformed the space, turning it into a café and doing what I love to do, which is to cook,” he said. “Everybody looked forward to our new restaurant opening up, because there were very few places in town at the time.”

Dining Experience and Menu Highlights

The café features two patios (front and back) and can seat up to 60 patrons. Byblos Café is known for its delicious and healthy Mediterranean menu, including:

  • Kabobs
  • Eggplant dip
  • Hummus
  • Lentil soup
  • Gyros
  • Falafels

Breakfast is served all day and into the evening. Menu options include:

  • Variety of omelettes
  • Yogurt dishes
  • Fava beans cooked with garlic, lemon, and olive oil

“Everything is cooked on the light side,” says Adel. “Our food is considered healthy, light food.”

Hours and Community Support

Byblos Café Hours:

  • Monday–Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Thursday–Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Over the years, the café has continued to build a loyal and diverse clientele.

“We still have customers who have been coming here for 20 years when it was first a sandwich shop,” Adel said. “They are confident and I am confident that they are getting a good product made with heart. I appreciate that.”

Visit Byblos Café

Address: 129 West Chapman Avenue, Orange, CA 92866
Phone: 714-538-7180

Published in the Apr/May 2010 edition of the Old Towne Orange Plaza Review

Written by Karen Anderson | Photograph by Will Hare

Julie Bawden-Davis

Julie Bawden-Davis is a bestselling journalist, novelist, blogger, and YouTuber. A prolific author, Julie writes in several genres. She enjoys creating page-turning suspense served up with a dose of romance, garden books that turn any brown thumb green, and spiritual books meant to enlighten and inspire. Widely published, Julie has written 45 books and more than 4,000 articles for a wide variety of national and international publications. She lives in Southern California, where she enjoys sunny, blue skies most days and year-round gardening. Julie gains inspiration from being surrounded by plants when she writes.