Byblos, Portside Wharf, Hamilton.
This experience is one for those of us who LOVE food and have a terrible desire to eat until they can eat no more… Sure you could order a main off the menu, but each time I have been I have opted for the Mezza Banquet, the second time the waiter did warn me of the punishment I was about to endure on my stomach lining. But I laughed it off, highlighting the fact this wasn’t my first encounter!
While I am sure this FEAST (apparently for 2 people) could easily satisfy four I would rather over eat and suffer the consequences then to leave unsatisfied, hehe.
The first encounter was much more satisfying in regards to the seafood ordered: Tuna sashimi, Octopus and Escargot.
I would stick with the pasties, grilled plates, dips and HALOUMI SALAD!
And the only dish I wouldn’t eat was the chicken wings, though I am still very finicky about eating meat from the bone!
My recommendations:
Haloumi Salad- Pan-fried Cyprian haloumi served with fresh mint, mixed greens, tomato and avocado. V, GF.
Baba Ghanouj- This dip combines smoky, char-grilled eggplant with roasted garlic, tahini, and fresh lemon juice. V, GF available.
Trio of Dips- This is the best way to taste and share a selection of our authentic Lebanese dips. The Byblos Trio of Dips comes with hommos, baba ghanouj and labneh. V, GF available.
Kebbi- Kebbi is Lebanon’s national dish. Hand-rolled ovals of ground lamb and ground beef with pine nuts, chili, and traditional spices. There are four pieces per serving.
Sambusek- Homemade pastries filled with marinated lamb, pine nuts, and traditional spices. Sambusek is lightly fried and there are four pieces per serving.
Pumpkin Kebbi 16.5- Hand rolled ovals of pumpkin, spinach and feta cheese seasoned with onion and spices. There are four pieces per serving. V.
Baby Octopus 17.9- Tender boiled baby octopus pan fried and sautéed with basil, garlic, chili and tomato.
Lahim Meshwi - Pieces of tender lamb marinated in olive oil and traditional Lebanese herbs and spices.
Shish Tawook - Chicken tenderloin marinated in olive oil garlic, coriander and lemon juice.
Atleast once, you must try…
Mezza 1 $45 per guest
Start with:
One item from our salad menu.
One item from our menu of traditional dips
(add $2 for the trio of dips)
Follow with:
Four items from our mezat menu
(add $4 each for escargot and Mussels)
One type of skewer from the mixed grill.
Finish with:
Tea or coffee and Turkish delight
Of their cocktail menu I have sampled: Lavender and Rose Clouds, Perfect Pear and The Lychee and Basil Martini.
Lavender and Rose Clouds
A complex, floral cocktail that showcases some flavours we also use in our desserts. House-made lavender syrup, rose water and Hendricks Gin is heated and served in a tea cup with Persian Rose fairy floss on the side. You can either place the fairy floss in the tea cup and watch the clouds disappear or just enjoy it as a tasty treat on the side- the choice is yours.
This was INTERESTING, it was presented in a delicate floral tea set alike to that of my grandmothers, not having consumed a hot cocktail previously, I was hesitant but as it reached room temperature and the addition of the fairy floss it became quite lovely.
Perfect Pear
This delicious after dinner style cocktail combines Glenfiddich 15 year old Scotch whiskey with cinnamon sugar syrup, Bertrand pear liqueur, and barrel aged bitters. It is served over ice with a cinnamon poached pear as garnish.
Not that I generally drink dark spirits, even my companion was not sold on this, the scotch seemed to take over the palate, presented well however mine was not garnished with a pear.
The Lychee and Basil Martini
Zen Green Tea liqueur and Malibu mixed with Massenez lychee liqueur and a splash of Opal Nera white sambucca. Shaken hard with fresh lime, basil, and apple juice. Served straight up.
This was delightful, now I love lychee cocktails personally so have a high standard when it comes to such drinks, this exceeded my expectations.
It was pure delight!
I have just locked in my third Byblos dining experience as a treat after I finish my two assessments but this time I am thinking it may be time to order JUST a few tapas… and their fabulous cocktails.
I have just ventured to their sister restaurant Fifth Element in Southbank but the fact I am choosing to return to Byblos I believe speaks volumes, being twice the distance from my house, however Byblos having complimentary basement parking is more convenient than hunting for a park in bustling Southbank!
Contact Details
Email: brisbane@byblosbar.com.au
Opening Hours: Monday - Tuesday 5pm till Late
Wednesday - Sunday 11:30am till Late
Best Parking: Complimentary Undercover Parking
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