Along with the high priced, glitzy restaurants moving into Miami, I’m  happy to see more honest, reasonably priced eateries with delicious food opening up, like my newest find, Lira Beirut Eatery in Wynwood. Lira is the creation of joint Lebanese and Italian investors including one who owns a restaurant chain in Lebanon (quite a combo right?). They went all out to make it authentic, from the Chef who makes everything in house and décor graced by works of Lebanese artists and artisanal light fixtures, to the furnishings and food products. How authentic is it? The Lebanese community in Miami comes here regularly.

In one entrance you walk through the door of a façade with windows framed by colorful turquoise arches decorated with Arabic script . Find the small inside space with tables and an inviting backlit bar with a wall covered in original paintings and metal chandeliers that emit a soft light. Or walk through the other entrance to the spacious outdoor area that brings to mind a festive taverna, with lights strung up overhead, walls of greenery, and people obviously enjoying themselves. The highlight is a cartoon like mural depicting life in Beirut and a neighboring street sign from the city.

But on to the food. The menu is divided into cold and hotel mezze, from the grill, sides and dessert. You must start with a selection of the mezze. We had eight different ones, all delicious. Favorites were the fried halloumi cheese served in chunks, with walnuts, cherry tomato, basil, honey and balsamic vinegar; beet hummus; and the soujouk, sliced beef sausages with tomato, garlic and cilantro ($18).

Also very good were the batata harra,  fried tender baby potatoes, Aleppo pepper, garlic and cilantro; muhammara roasted red bell pepper dip, and the hummus with grilled lamb. They rank among the best mezze we’ve had in Miami – fresh and tasty ($14-$18).

I had read reviews raving about the grilled whole branzino so opted for that for my main course and was glad I did. The fish, as fresh as they come and perfect for one person, was marinated in herbs, garlic and lemon and then perfectly grilled. ($42). With much anguish to decide as he loves kebabs, Mr. W opted for the lamb chops, three to an order, that had been marinated and were served with the baby potatoes, pearl onions and topped with some rosemary. He gave them a big thumbs up ($42). On a second visit a French friend whose husband is Lebanese opted for the Chicken tawouk which was uber tasty (she proclaimed the food authentic and delicious).

For dessert we had the baklava ($12) and the yummy house made ice cream in unusual saffron and date flavors ($10). Also very good is the Knafeh, made with spun pastry  soaked in a sweet, sugar-based syrup called attar, and  layered with cheese, and nuts.

The restaurant offers a selection of Lebanese, and international wines (it’s awaiting its liquor license). A glass of wine (5 ounce pour) starts at $12 and bottles at $50. Lebanese beer is also available. If you like lemonade or just want a refreshing and delicious non-alcoholic drink, try their mint lemonade.

Service is very good and friendly as well. You feel as if you’re at a friend’s house.

It’s open for dinner every day but Monday and for lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Lira Beirut Eatery, 2000 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33127. Street parking.

And speaking of tasty food, reasonable prices and good ambiance, here’s my review of Coral House on Coral Way, another of the group’s restaurants. Click here.