Authentic Lebanese Cuisine in Sheikh Zayed
No time to dash across to Beirut for a dose of your favorite food, some amazing music and that unbeatable vibe? Well, Beirut has come to you. Right in the heart of Sheikh Zayed, at Guezira Plaza.
Slogan: “From Beirut with Love”
Type of cuisine: From impeccably prepared traditional Lebanese favorites to the latest street buzz – amazing sandwiches with an unmistakable Lebanese identity. Not to forget addictive desserts, and innovative juice combinations.
Signature dishes: Hummus with either roasted almonds and red chili, or topped with slivers of tenderloin fillet and pine nuts. Homemade Soujouk with tomato, bell pepper and onions. Sandwiches for sharing: Francisco with roast chicken breast, sweet corn, cheese, soy sauce and aoli sauce, or the Lebanese Burger with their special burger sauce. And desserts!
Dishes sampled:
Should we feel a tad embarrassed? With such a cornucopia of tempting dishes to choose from we just waded in and munched our way through most of the menu! Predictably, might we add, everything was spot on. Stand out items were the superb hummus, the Rkakat Jebne w Soujouk (rolls of phyllo pastry stuffed with a tasty blend of cheese and soujouk, served with a tomato dip), and the chicken wings which came in two version, one with a tangy BBQ sauce, the other with a coating of lemon and garlic. The Batata Harra took potatoes to a new level, crisp cubes tossed with chili, garlic and fresh coriander. Dish after dish, tabbouleh, Chicken Mac n’ Cheese, an authentic Greek salad, sandwiches with either fino or shamy bread, laden with freshly grilled chicken tawouk, basterma and halloumi… it came close to being a sensory overload.
We had to try the signature burger, shared of course, then the perfectly presented mixed grill. After some serious convincing we succumbed to dessert: melt-in-the-mouth homemade ashta rolls, fried phyllo stuffed with cream, drizzled with syrup and topped with a sprinkle of nuts. Then the to-die-for Lazy Cake, a chocolate fridge cake that took chocolate to new intensities of flavor. With a demi-tasse of unsweetened Lebanese coffee on the side it wound up a lunch that will remain on our short list of exceptional gastronomic memories. But hey, let’s not just dwell on memories; you can count on us being regulars!
Other menu options that appealed:
We would say everything looked great, just dive in.
Beverages available:
Great juices, and soft options, with beer and wine expected to be available within a month or two. Authentic Lebanese coffee, we should add.
Décor and ambiance:
It totally pops, without being too overstated. Sleek, functional, minimalist details create a relaxed space with appealing design features, a tribute to Lebanese chic. The feature wall by artist Chanel Arif pumps up the energy, creating a relaxed but upbeat atmosphere. The music alone is worth the visit. DJ compiled, it is an eclectic mix of whatever is playing in the places in Beirut, along with international music that is worth listening to. Not intrusive, just the perfect mood-setter.
Clientele mix:
People in the know, food lovers, urban professionals and groups of friends of all age groups.
Bonus points: The service is smooth, relaxed and professional from a team that makes you feel welcome. Shisha and Wifi available as well, with a choice of seating indoors or outdoors on the airy terrace.
Top tip: Go in a group, and share, share, share…
Price range: Moderate, and excellent value for money.
Address: Guezira Plaza, Sheikh Zayed
Opening hours: 11 am to 1 am
Tel: 0111 900 0585
Facebook page: Lebanese Diner
Instagram: Lebanese Diner
