So far we've only visited bars, like the prohibition-inspired The Vault KL and the orientally inspired PS150. Today, we're switching gears from alcohol. We're trying out Lebanese food instead.

Lebanese Food in KL

Image: Byblos

Byblos Café & Lounge is located at H-G-05, The Hive, TREC, Jalan Tun Razak. You know, where the newly built Zouk is. It's located at the quieter end of TREC but it's rapidly being filled with other food options.

Inside

Image: Byblos

SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE TO SEE OUR VIDEO WALK-THROUGH OF BYBLOS

Byblos is the name of the most ancient city in Lebanon and the interior of Byblos Café & Lounge evokes the old-world aesthetics of its namesake tastefuly. Exposed brick walls meet earthy elements to subtly transport you to another time and place. It straddles the line between fine dining and casual family restaurant very well.

Our Recommendations

From left to right: Tabbouleh, Mixed Grill, Hummus.

Based on the literature, they aim to offer fine dining options while providing the warmth of a neighbourhood bar and grill, and on most accounts, they succeed. Here's what we recommend from the menu:

1. Hummus (RM15) The mashed chickpeas is a must for the table from the start. Have this with anything on the menu and it makes it inifintely better.

2. Mixed Grill (RM49) Grilled beef tenderloin cubes, marinated chicken breast and minced lamb is served with hummus, garlic sauce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and french fries. The meat was succulent and prepared very well.

3. Tabbouleh (RM25) This refreshing salad is a mixture of parsley, tomatoes, onions, and burgul wheat topped with lemon, olive oil and spices.

4. Jallab (RM17) If you're looking for a unique and refreshing drink, the Jallab is a concoction made from dates.

5. Homemade Mint Lemonade (RM16) Another refreshing drink on the menu. It's not as sweet as the Jallab, but great on a hot afternoon.

There are performances every Friday and Saturday night from 10pm onwards. There is usually a belly dancer and one singer. It's unlike anything you've likely experienced at a bar or a restaurant in Malaysia. We guarantee it. Also, shisha starts at RM36 with 20 different flavours on offer. There is also a Sunday lunch buffet starting from 1pm to 4pm.

Too Long; Didn't Read

Come for: Good Mediterranean food, and shisha varieties

Not for: The xenophobic

Bring at least: RM150 (for two drinks, one main dish and two sides)

Address: H-G-05, The Hive, TREC, Jalan Tun Razak

Opening hours: Fri & Sat: 11:00 am - 5:00 am | Mon-Thu, Sun: 11:00 am - 3:00 am

Contact: 03 2110 0460 or 012 902 2240

Social media: Facebook.com/bybloscafeandlounge/

Find out how we lived it up at Byblos here:

Pi Mana? Byblos Cafe & Lounge