Byblos Bar and Restaurant
Editorial
Decked out in luxurious style, Byblos brings the lavish flair of the ancient Phoenician civilisation to the portside city of Melbourne. Gently lapping waters evoke the memory of these skilled seafarers, while exotic surroundings invite diners to leave their cares at the door and enjoy the warm hospitality and modern Lebanese food. The two-level restaurant includes an upstairs terrace and cocktail bar as well as a gorgeous riverside dining area, perfect for warm summer nights.
French trained, Lebanese chef Nino Kanaan offers a taste of the exotic, mixing Mediterranean cuisine with Middle Eastern delights to tempt the eye as well as the palate. At his talented hands, each dish twists authentic recipes with using traditional techniques for contemporary creations.
Zesty salads such as tabouleh or cuttlefish salad and traditional dips make a delicious starter or a great accompaniment to succulent meats that come straight from the grill. Mezat (tasting plates) are fun to share between friends for those after a casual social stop-off rather than a sit-down dinner. Try the delicious fatayer (homemade pastries filled with spinach, walnuts and carefully blended spices), some lightly battered whitebait served with a rich tahini, or pan-fried baby octopus sautéed with basil, garlic and tomato. The extensive menu requires a little skill to negotiate for Byblos first timers, but the staff are adept at making helpful suggestions - perhaps a few mezat to start, a mixed platter from the grill, and a Phoenician Sunset cocktail to really set the mood? Or leave it in the hands of chef Kanaan and sit back to enjoy a banquet that explores the diversity of the menu and the wonderful flavours of Lebanese cuisine.
Angela Costanzo, January 2011
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