A quick fast-casual eatery for the healthy eaters, Salata sells only salads. One of Beirut’s newest and friendliest eateries, Salata has opened in the heart of downtown Beirut. When everyone left this neighborhood, Salata took the challenge to invest in the zone of offices and businesspeople. A one door shop welcomes you for lunch, proposing the same menu for takeaway or dine in; it’s the Lebanese version of “Prêt a Manger” without the sandwiches.
The first impression was not great: behind the counter, a man takes delivery orders, fills bags, tells you not to take photos of the menu because it can be found on Zomato and doesn’t explain the ingredients of the salads. Do I order first? Do I wait? Sit? Do I bring back my plates to the counter when done? I was lost! No soft drinks, why not?
Wood decor, ceramic floor, a fig open fridge and positive or vibes. I loved it how the owner tours around the table welcoming her guests and friends. Let’s eat!
On the menu: with six choices of add-ons proteins.
- The Mexican 18,000
- Nutty chicken 15,000
- Asian bowl 18,000
- Fabulous freekeh 21,000
- The yogini 15,000
- Urban salad 18,000
- Wolverine 21,000
- Spring salad 15,000
- Salmon rice bowl 24,000
- October salad 21,000
You can read on their website: “We believe that eating a consistent healthy meal can be fun and delicious at the same time. That’s why we are committed to creating large, chopped; nutritious salads served in our unique, colorful bowls. Located in Downtown Beirut, we offer a healthy selection of gourmet salads and daily pressed juices while supporting our local communities and the environment.”
FABULOUS FREEKEH 21,000
- Served with cilantro-cumin dressing.
- Kale, mixed greens, freekeh, goat cheese, dried figs, toasted slivered almonds, toasted cashew nuts, beetroots, pomegranate seeds.
SALMON RICE BOWL 24,000
- Served with spicy ginger dressing.
- Kale, black rice, smoked salmon chunks, white cabbage, spinach, soy beans, avocado, spring onions, pickled ginger, toasted peanuts, lemon zest.
At first, you will say; “these salads are expensive”, until you start eating. A loaded, super rich salad made with love. Dig in and feel happiness. Textures, flavors, aromas, and ingredients. The salmon rice bowl is not a poke bowl filled with rice, it’s a salad of fresh greens, aromatic lemon zest, notes of spiciness and enjoyable edamame. I loved this one.
Freekeh is as good as the first one and even better. I’m a fan of Freekeh, a huge fan of this local superfood super grain and this salad free a smile on my face. It needs a skilled chef to put together this kind of ingredients together into a salad created to amaze. It activates all your senses at once. Bravo chef, you made my day!
PS: Or add a trash bin in the restaurant, or serve salads on a tray, or add trash containers so one can throw away a napkin!
I heard that chef Charbel Safi consulted for this project, and I’m a big fan of his work: great job chef, your salads rock!
