Toot Beirut

Doing away with the naff trappings of faux-classic Lebanese decor that bedevil most Lebanese restaurants in the city, Toot Beirut puts a chic, modern spin on the national cuisine. As its name suggests, it reclaims the traffic chaos of Hamra as a marker of urban cool – which is certainly the watchword in this roomy, artfully decked out restaurant. Among the usual mezze suspects, shawarmas and grills, the menu sneaks in a couple of quirky signature dishes, including the delectable mou'ajanet Toot pie. A generous bar menu, including a handful of house cocktails, continues to draw in the punters after dinnertime.