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Positive vibes is what Dar Bistro is all about. A few words I can use to describe this place include fresh, soothing, interactive, interesting and unique... a place where people come to enjoy food in an interesting hidden spot down in Clemenceau. On a small street before the Medco station, half way between Clemenceau hospital and Hamra street, Dar Bistro&Books welcomes you in is individual Lebanese old house for drinks, coffee, meetings, lunch or dinner... Greenery, flowers and fresh colors is what attracts your attention while you decide to sit outside or in one of the two rooms inside.
The place is nice:
- It's lovely to find a small and old Lebanese home in Hamra. On an off road you walk into a house that's full of architecture details that are interesting to look at
- Green wood panels cover half the wall surface
- The space is filled with colorful tables. Green, orange, blue and yellow
- White wooden windows are left open, the sight of curtain floating up from the cool summer breeze is soothing to look at
- Surrounding the tables are thick wood benches and chairs covered with cushions
- Welcoming you to the left is an old piano facing facing a bar where drinks and smoothies are prepared
- Old chandeliers pend from the ceiling
- An ethnic feel all around the calm and serene location
- A cafe style sofa and low tables fill in the first room
- Outside, the space is fresh and colorful, separated into different private areas around the house
- The walls are decorated with painting and old photographs
- Up on the first floor is "Dar el Mousawer" where photography classes as well as photo exhibitions take place
- Blue and orange salt and pepper pourers decorate all the tables
- There's a room back inside where a number of books and magazines, as well as small details like agendas can be bought. It's lovely to check out, it adds a kind of feeling to the place
The menu:
- Hot drinks
- Cold drinks
- Soft drinks
- Smoothies
- Wine and beer
- Specialty cocktails
- Small bites
- Salads
- Platters
- Savory pastries
- Cheese fondue for two
- Desserts
We ordered:
- Avocado and beetroot summer salad LBP17,500: Rocca, avocado, beetroot, cranberries, roasted walnuts, crumbled of goat cheese in honey-balsamic dressing. I loved the generous portion of goat cheese on top and the freshness of the greenery. A simple salad which you will enjoy, especially that it has a sweet taste the honey provide. But what I didn't like at all was the fact that the salad was prepared and put as is in the fridge and served when ordered. All ingredients were too cold, as well as the plate
- Spinach goat cheese filo savory pastry LBP17,500: A pastry roll filled with spinach and melted goat cheese. It is crunchy and tasty but a bit too oily for my taste. Couldn't enjoy it as I would have wanted to since the knives were unable to cut it.
- Fish Tacos LBP22,000: Three flour tortillas filled with seasoned grilled fish fillet, red and white cabbage slaw; A bizarre combination. The opened tacos are mouthwatering and generously filled, slightly toasted and ready to be enjoyed. Enjoyable, even though a bit too oily. Something was missing in here, I couldn't get it.
- Mousakhana with spicy yoghurt sauce LBP12,500: Four pieces of triangular bites are served on a plate with a side bowl of yoghurt that is said to be of a Palestinian specialty. Markouk bread filled with a special mix of ingredients like chicken and sumac, wrapped in triangles. You can taste the well seasoned chicken with oriental spices. A slight crunch of the envelop followed with a juicy heart. Interesting.
I liked:
- The place is great and colorful. Nice soothing music plays in the background
- I liked the fact of being in Hamra, the city, yet feel I am in a place far out in nature
- Positive vibes and fresh air passes through the place. You feel the love
- Waiters are welcoming and helpful
- Oslo ice cream is sold in here
- I was happy that they served San Pellegrino
- The smoothies were tasty and freshly made on the spot
- Their plates are generous
I'll change:
- I think the prices are a bit too high... way too high for what you get
- Before serving, I suggest that the plates be cleaned further from oily spots around
- Please, can we have some knives that cut?
- Food is good but not exceptional; something was missing in every bite
I enjoyed the place so much and this is why I was honestly unimpressed by the food. The way the food was described on the menu makes you expect the best. I believe that it can be much better.
But without raising the bar too high... You must come to DarBistro and feel the positive vibes, cool breeze and fun relaxed atmosphere in the heart of the city... I think it's a great place to come for a meeting and do some work...
