Hommos is such a simple dish and it's a constant resident in my refrigerator but I'd drive clear over town to enjoy a taste of the hommos they serve at Byblos. It's so good I wish they offered a take away version as well.
Byblos is not the sort of restaurant/bar that you will easily stumble across as it's perched on the edge of Portside Wharf at Hamilton, right at the end of the boardwalk. During the day there are great views of the Brisbane river and at night the dark and mysterious river reach stretches out before you.
I also like the decor at Byblos. It makes me dream a little that I am in some exotic foreign place and the menu certainly has more than a hint of Lebanon. However within their 'modern Lebanese' theme there's also a few Asian inspired dishes including salmon sashimi with a wasabi, soy and ginger sauce.
We were hungry so we put some dedicated effort into trying the many dishes. Here's what we ate (after the hommos).
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| Byblos Salmon sashimi marinated with a wasabi, soy and ginger sauce. Served with cornichon and baby capers. |
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| Makanek -Homemade Lebanese spiced sausages sautéed in butter and lemon juice and finished with toasted nuts. I loved the unusual taste of cinnamon in the sausages. |
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| Custaleta - Flame grilled lamb cutlets served with a dauphinoise potato stack and slow cooked baby onions. |
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| Samak Harra - Grilled dory fillet with roasted red pepper ratatouille, mixed nuts and a light lemon juice dressing. I'm still thinking about the ratatouille. |
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| Fattoush |
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| Dessert sampler |
Byblos is operated by the Ghanem family who have Lebanese origins. They also own Fifth Element at South Bank. Family members travelled to Lebanon and China to research their Byblos menu.
It's more than a restaurant, with a large bar area with some very cosy seating.
Bottom line: Can't afford an airfare? Save on a trip to Lebanon by dining at Byblos.
Best tip: Don't forget to sample the extensive cocktail menu.
Disclaimer: E,d+bK was a guest of Byblos
Byblos, 7/ 13 Portside Wharf, Hamilton