A very pleasant outside eating area on a perfect day…read more The food was fresh, flavorful, and delicious Our server was excellent

They say beauty can come from suffering. As a land that has seen its fortune boom and bust over…read moremillennia, Lebanon is a multi-layered, complex country, full of contradictions, historical significance, joy and beauty. Lira Beirut celebrates this through its food, decor and service. The whole vibe of the place seems extracted from a cool corner of Beirut with beautiful retro-cool artwork that is colorful, happy and sophisticated. From graphic prints, to black and white photos and architectural studies, it gives you a sense of a culture that takes the best of the middle east and cosmopolitan worlds. That sets the stage for the food served here. This is not a watered-down shawarma spot to pacify over-served revelers. It's a place to meet real foodie friends who appreciate authenticity and carefully prepared dishes in an elevated way. I haven't had a chance to go to the Middle East, but I can tell from the deft use of spices, heat and technique that their intention is to share the best from their food memory of the old country. I've gone on a few occasion and really enjoyed the fattoush salad, the labneh mtwame, the muhammara, the chicken shawarma plate and the kafta. Many of the dishes come with the crispiest, most addictive fries I've had, gorgeous savory rice and a heap of fresh, fragrant herbs. Even the wine list is pretty nice, and I've had the well priced Sauvignon Blanc and the Pouilly Fuisse. I wished the location were better for us and for them. It could use a more visible location where nice traffic goes by it. Since it's at the edge of Wynwood where it borders with the slowly gentrifying Overtown, it could take a while before its riches are recognized. I can't wait to go back for happy hour again, and I long to see the day when this becomes an awesome neighborhood hangout as they build more apartment buildings in the area that can house people who will appreciate all that Lira Beirut offers.

We recently went to Amal for a Saturday meal and had a wonderful time. The staff were very…read moreaccommodating of a member of our party with mobility issues, ensuring their walker was stored nearby. Our waiter, Mo, was an excellent guide through the menu and provided excellent service. We picked the tasting menu and were delighted with all the different parts of the menu we got to try - my personal favorite was either the Muhamara or the grilled octopus. The ambiance on a Saturday evening certainly evolved more into a club like setting with dancing and live music but we had a fantastic time and would certainly come back!

I had been excited to try Amal for years. I actually worked in the neighborhood when they were…read morebuilding it during the pandemic, then moved away and never got the chance to go until now. For context, I worked in fine dining in New York and Miami for almost 20 years, so I notice the details immediately, hospitality, management presence, the energy of a room. You can usually tell pretty quickly what kind of operation you're dealing with. We were a party of five. I arrived with my four-year-old son and was greeted warmly by the hostess. That warmth ended instantly. Standing directly behind her were two managers in suits blocking the main entrance. Both looked straight at me and my child and said absolutely nothing. No hello, no smile, no acknowledgment. Anyone in hospitality knows that moment sets the tone. As an Arab woman who grew up around a culture where hospitality is everything, it was already a bad sign. We were seated outside and the vibe stayed cold. Unfortunately, the food matched it. We ordered a lot because I genuinely wanted to give the kitchen a fair shot. I grew up eating Lebanese food and what stood out most was the lack of soul. Everything felt flat, like it needed salt, lemon, brightness, that warm Mediterranean seasoning Lebanese food is known for. The tabouli was especially shocking. A $20+ tabouli with no bulgur that was so roughly chopped it was basically whole parsley leaves and slices of onion. Any Lebanese auntie would die at the sight of it. At one point I asked our server if they had harissa or any kind of spicy sauce. She said the only option was Sriracha. In a Lebanese restaurant that charges $18 for a tablespoon of hummus. An Asian chili sauce as the only option. What made it even stranger is that harissa is listed on multiple dishes on the menu, so it clearly exists somewhere in the building. I asked for the Sriracha anyway out of desperation for flavor. It never came. Same with ketchup for my toddler's fries, it took three requests. Throughout the meal I walked around the restaurant several times taking my son to the bathroom, looking around the space, even going upstairs to the lounge. Not a single person acknowledged us. Not a host, not a server, not a manager. The bar is right by the entrance and every time we looked over at the bartender and bar manager, just blank stares. At one point we were clearly standing there confused looking for the bathroom in an empty restaurant and still had to say "Excuse me, where is the bathroom?" Wild. Later I walked up to the bar myself to ask if they carried mezcal. After dinner I went back to order one. Same energy--zero warmth, zero engagement. And this is with an automatic 20% gratuity already on the bill. The mezcal was a $25 two-ounce pour and I still had to ask for an orange slice garnish because no one offered it. Empty bar, two people behind it, and I still had to request it. Also worth noting, our reservation was at 5:45pm and the restaurant was practically empty. Yet I didn't see a single manager walking the floor, greeting tables, or checking on guests. I had talked this place up to my party because I'd been so curious about it for years, and it was honestly a huge letdown. If you know Lebanese food and understand Middle Eastern warmth and hospitality, this probably isn't the place for you. Expect cold, almost nonexistent hospitality and food that feels stripped of the soul that makes Lebanese cuisine special. The space is beautiful. I'll give them that. Everything else felt like a very on-brand Miami disappointment, what happens when you give people a beautiful restaurant, expensive food, automatic gratuity, and no leadership. From the lack of authenticity and attention to detail, it's hard to believe anyone truly Lebanese is behind this operation. If anything, it feels more like a polished money grab. Honestly, it might have been less jarring if they just called themselves "Mediterranean" like so many other places in this city. But if you're going to call yourself a Lebanese restaurant, the culture and hospitality should actually be there.

I was at the excellent dental office across the street (separate review, look for it), and the…read moredoctor there told me I should check out Shaddai. I love ethnic food of all sorts, and it's not easy to find a good Lebanese in my area, so I was happy to check it out. And I'm glad I did. First, the server could not have been nicer. He was jolly and patient and answered all of my questions. I placed an order for kabobs (because you can't go wrong with that), and enjoyed the ambience of the restaurant as I sipped my Diet Coke. The food soon came, and it was delicious. I even had dessert, which I'm trying not to do so much, but they had baklava, and I can't resist. And it was awesome. Definitely a great restaurant and one that needs to be visited again and again. I have more dental work to do, so I'm sure I'll be back.

I recently ate here with my hubby and kiddo. We all really liked the food, which was fresh and…read moretasty. Our server was great and had good recommendations. The restaurant itself is decorated nicely. It is relatively expensive for what it is.

The entire experience my family had will not soon be forgotten! The atmosphere was charged by…read morebeautiful decor and lighting while a DJ was mixing Mediterranean music. The food and drinks were so delicious and a belly dancer came out with a flaming sword and danced at every table. The experience was unforgettable!

I came here with some friends for Happy Hour and absolutely had a blast. We were there from 5 PM to…read more8:30 PM and did not feel rushed. Even after paying, the staff continued to make sure we had water and asked if we needed anything else. This small gesture meant a lot. Sufrat has a great happy hour menu that ends at 6 PM. I tried the Moroccan Mojito, which was so refreshing. To eat, we tried the Shawarma Sushi and $1 chicken wing. The Shawarma Sushi name can be a bit misleading. It a wrap that was cut in form of sushi. It was good. I was hesitant about ordering chicken wings but I'm so glad we did because they were so delicious and crispy. They may have been the best chicken wing I've had. The service was excellent. I accidentally dropped my cocktail and they immediately cleaned it up and moved us to another clean table. I apologized for dropping it but not once did they made me feel bad about it. Instead, one of the staff stated it was an indication of having a great time. They also replaced my drink at no extra cost. A guy, who I assumed was the manager or owner, also passed by our table and ensured we were enjoying our time. Our server mistakenly brought me the wrong drink that I ordered, but I did not mind it because I actually loved the Moroccan Mojito and instead ordered another one. I also loved how they have copper cups because it makes water taste so much better. Their attention to small details like that makes the difference. Overall, I felt so welcomed and definitely have to return for more chicken wings.

Just go and have a wonderful meal and experience - Owner is community minded and generous with her…read moretime

A truly exceptional dining experience!…read more First, food... Authentic in flavor. We ordered a lot of different things, but what stood out the most was the kibbeh. Just delicious! Second, staff... The owner (I think) is a gem. She's so attentive and kind, and recommends excellent food items. Lastly, the ambiance... It is for real, for real. Vibrantly decorated, enough seating, good music. My only issue was leaving the space smelling like food. Huge pet peeve of mind, but be aware that the kitchen is open to the main dining space and market. If you want to not walk out smelling like the back kitchen, sit outside (but on a cooler day).

I am new to the area and was craving good Lebanese food, found this place on Yelp and I visited: I…read moreAM SO GLAD I DID! I grew up with Lebanese neighbors and also restaurants around and I have to say that since I've been in this country (different state) I haven't been able to had a almond rice with chicken like the one I had home: I actually cried a little! (Tears of joy, of course!). I started with a Tabbouleh salad (so fresh!) and kibbehs (perfectly cooked). For my protein I had the chicken Taouk- not dried at all, so flavorful! And the Lebanese chicken almond rice that was just exactly how it's supposed to be! Of course I couldn't finish all that food but I had to get some dessert and the Baklava is my fav, here they serve it with pistachio rolled ice cream. Oh boy was I full! It was worth every penny. This place did more than delivery a great meal: they took me back to my childhood. The tables, chairs, decor and music were on point and they take care of their customers in a timely manner, very efficient. I recommend. Can't wait to come back!

I genuinely wish I could give this place 6 stars. The hospitality really stands out, it's so clear…read morethey really care and hold an insanely high bar The food is also wonderful! Rich and authentic flavors - if you want to REAL thing, order here and you'll really get a slice of Lebanon Kuddos to the chef and the team here. Hats off to you all

Nasif 03-14-2025…read more We recently hosted an engagement party for about 50 guests at Layali Miami, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice for a special celebration. The restaurant offers a beautiful atmosphere that blends elegance with a lively Middle Eastern vibe, making it perfect for a memorable event. From the moment we started planning, the staff was extremely accommodating and professional. They were responsive, flexible with the setup, and helped organize the seating so our group felt comfortable while still enjoying the energy of the restaurant. For a group of around 50 people, the space worked very well and still felt intimate rather than crowded. The food was one of the highlights of the evening. Guests loved the variety of authentic Middle Eastern dishes, especially the fresh mezze, flavorful grilled meats, and delicious desserts. The presentation was excellent and the portions were generous, which made sharing and enjoying the meal together easy for a large group. The ambiance added a lot to the celebration. The music, lighting, and décor created a festive mood that felt perfect for an engagement party. Many guests commented on how unique and fun the environment was compared to a typical restaurant event. Overall, Layali Miami provided great service, delicious food, and a vibrant atmosphere that made the engagement party truly special. If you're looking for a place in Miami that can comfortably host a group of around 50 people while offering a memorable dining experience, this is definitely a venue worth considering.

Absolutely delicious! Tried so many things and everything was amazing. The one downside was the…read morefire alarm that went off THREE times while we were there. Not sure if it was from the hookah or the kitchen but it was super annoying. Servers and staff just laughed about it. Not discount was offered. It was very unpleasant.