Al Beik

AL BEIK HAS PERMANENTLY CLOSED.

Al Beik is an authentic slice of Lebanon found tucked away on a corner in downtown Spring Hill and a welcome addition to a neighbourhood where ethnic eateries are few and far between.

Owner Ali, a recent arrival from Lebanon himself, has put his personal and fastidious stamp on the ambient restaurant bar, which is easily missed when walking past due to the terrace with sandwich booth out front.

But Al Beik is well worth seeking out for its delicious traditional menu and the setting, which is a bright airy space that blends contemporary (stone, pale wood furniture, and driftwood sculptures) with traditional – colourful banquettes, mosaics, ottomans, glass and silver lamps and the odd hookah pipe. Not to mention that it’s one of few real Lebanese restaurants in Brisbane.

If you’re expecting cheap and cheerful this isn’t the place but the food is still good value due to the presentation and quality of ingredients. All beef dishes are made with wagyu beef including the skewers, nothing is oily and everything is made freshly and served on earthenware and stone platters.

Entrees range from house bread with delicious trio of dips (Labne, Hummus and Moutabal), Sambusi Jeban (cheese spring rolls), Batata Harre (diced potatoes pan-fried with parsley, chilli, fresh garlic and oil) and Tabbouli to the highly recommended Falafel and Arayes Kofta (delectable Lebanese spiced mince with parsley and onions baked in flat bread).

Mains include fish or stew of the day, Chicken shawarma (here it is baked, not grilled), Wagyu Grade 6 or 9, Seafood Plate or the excellent Grill Plate - beef and chicken skewers, lamb cutlets and Arayes Koftes with salad and house dip or pickles.

Al Beik is also fully licensed with a selection of red and white wine, champagne and beers bottled or a choice of 2 including Asahi on tap.

Need to know: For the best of all worlds and value wise, order the Lebanese Mezze (for 2) which is a generous selection of hot and cold entrees, or the Lebanese Banquet (for 4) which incorporates the Lebanese Mezze plus a mixed grill, some sides and Arabic tea or coffee. And for those with tots in tow, high chairs are available.