beirutina

I’ve been watching and waiting for the opening of Beirutini since I first found out my friend Fourat Achkar was embarking on this new project. I first met Fourat back in 2012 shortly after she moved here from Beirut, via Barcelona, with her husband Richard Saad (they are both architects). Her passion for food and culture was apparent from the start and for a while she held supper clubs at her home. So when I found out she had channeled her creative energy and gastronomic experience into an actual restaurant – and one a stone’s throw from my house! – I got excited.

Beirutina is a small and tasteful spot on a quiet pedestrianised street just off buzzy Calle San Eloy. The first thing you notice when you enter is the welcoming aromas coming from the open kitchen, at once comforting and enticing. The space is all natural wood, marble, brick and metal… again very comforting and also very charming, with Fourat’s touch for detail noted at every turn. There is the main dining area when you walk in that opens onto a small open patio at the back with lots of plants, including a century-old olive tree.

The menu is short and you really want pretty much everything on it. I have a weakness for labneh and mutabel (aubergine paté) and these are some of the best I’ve tasted anywhere. The house made Lebanese bread is perfection. Lots of great vegetarian options – the baked halloumi cheese is a must have – and for meat lovers there is also beautifully spiced kefta and lambajin. To finish try a selection of the honey-laden pastries on offer with a cardamom spiced Lebanese coffee or their azahar-infused “cafe blanca”.

A good selection of both Spanish and Lebanese beers and wines are on offer. Service is welcoming and friendly and also available in four languages (Spanish, English, French, Arabic). Open for breakfast and specialising in Lebanese Brunch, Beirutina is a very welcome addition to the barrio.

Bread/Service Charge: 1€ (for extra)