- Lebanese culture is built around family and friends.
- This restaurant takes that ethos and passes it on to customers.
- The food is up there with the best Lebanese, while the friendly neighbourhood atmosphere is exceptional.
As I was leaving Byblos Lebanese in Bondi after a long, joy-filled family dinner, co-owner Roger clasped my hand, looked me in the eye: “Call me anytime — you’re family now.”
Anywhere else that might have seemed strange, every scarry. But at Byblos Lebanese Cuisine in Bondi, it just seemed like friendly.
Byblos is not just a restaurant; it’s a family affair — both behind the scenes and among the many families who fill the tables each night. The atmosphere is warm, unpretentious, and alive with the soft hum of conversation, sharing, and celebration.
Roger, whose relatives hail from the ancient Lebanese city of Byblos (or Jbail), is one of three partners behind the restaurant. Together, they have fused their combined years of experience and the cultural patrimony of three Lebanese villages into one cohesive culinary journey. Their mission, they say, is to honour tradition through flavour, craft, and generous hospitality.
One of the World’s Oldest Cities
Byblos, Lebanon, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, dating back to the 5th millennium BC. And the team at Byblos has tried to bring that tradition to Australia. The team imports spices directly from Lebanon and handcrafts each dish. And it shows in the taste.
We loved the house-made capsicum and spice dip that accompanied the meats.
The Food: Bright, Fresh, and Crafted With Care
Our meal showcased everything that makes us love Lebanese cuisine. We began with a generous spread of dips — silky house-made hummus, tangy yogurt with eggplant, and a beautifully refreshing fattoush that delivered crunch and acidity. Each dip tasted unmistakably fresh, brought to life with spices.
From there, the table filled quickly: crisp falafel with a soft green centre; succulent lamb and chicken shawarma and lamb kofta that was fragrant, tender, and seasoned.
As good as the food is, what makes Byblos truly exceptional is the hospitality. Throughout the evening, Roger moved from table to table, checking in on guests, sharing the stories and making sure everyone felt welcomed, and looked after. It’s rare to find this level of personal warmth in a busy restaurant.\
Byblos Lebanese Cuisine — Contact & Location
Address: 212 Bondi Rd, Bondi NSW 2026
Phone: 02 8004 0033 Email: [email protected]
Hours: Open 7 Days — 12pm to 10pm
