Byblos

LOCATION
Prestige position on the Brisbane River, Portside Hamilton.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
Lebanese cuisine is a master of spices and fragrant dishes. Each one serves to remind that this is one of the world’s oldest cuisines. And, when it comes to Brisbane’s Middle Eastern dining scene, Byblos is where you should head for inspiring Lebanese fare. This establishment boasts lavish, bordering on eccentric, interiors and impressive decor. A moody bar area of plush lounges, chandeliers and distinctively Middle Eastern artefacts settles guests into a night of macadamia coladas and spills out into the cool night air and riverside vibe. Byblos also has a more contemporary, though nonetheless graceful, dedicated dining area which offers more traditional seating for guests.

The bar has earned a collection of awards for its world class drinks menu. Add to this a perfectly preened selection of Lebanese fare and you have a pretty great night ahead. Begin said night with a selection of authentic Lebanese dips (hommus, baba ghanouj, labneh) and freshly-baked Lebanese bread. An exceptional way to move forward is with a combination of grilled skewers like the shish tawook (chicken tenderloins marinated in olive oil, garlic, coriander and lemon juice) paired with hommus, tabouleh, grilled vegetables, garlic sauce and Lebanese bread. The custaleta, flame-grilled French-trimmed lamb cutlets, served with a warm potato kebbi, pine nuts, fresh herbs and spiced jus with a light carrot salad is another brilliant example of the exquisite fare. Extravagant and slick without being unattainable and snooty, Byblos is a wicked establishment for a sometimes modest Brisbane.

Katharine Chapman