Liza

This wonderful Lebanese restaurant is located a few blocks from the Bourse. Its owner, Liza Soughayer, channels modern Beirut with both the food and the décor. She hired a talented young Lebanese decorator, Hubert Fattal, to incorporate traditional elements like carved wooden screens but they are painted high gloss white. Even the lighting brings together Middle Eastern chandeliers and sconces in the shape of open hands. The food, too, reinvents the classics as well as those that are considered beloved family recipes. The menu changes daily according to the market but there’s always incredible bread made by a Lebanese baker. Huge platters of raw vegetables and soft thin breads arrive with bowls of hummus, oils, olives and dips. Then you might dig into a form of beef chawarma, or a brochette of chicken with potatoes and coriander or grilled lamb with a pureé of lentils and cherry tomatoes. Leave room for the honeyed desserts. Open daily.

Tip: While brunch on Sunday draws many Lebanese families—a testament to the authenticity of the food—the menu is more extensive for lunch or dinner. It is also possible to request catering at home for everything from snacks to a full dinner.