Magical Beirut – revisited

Liza Beirut is a jaw dropping restaurant created by Liza Asseily located in the stylish suburb of Achrafieh in East Beirut. The interiors were designed by self-taught Maria Ousseimi. The restaurant, named after it’s owner and the city that inspired it is a sprawling 500 sqm interior housed on the first floor of a historical venue that is the Metropolitan Club, the former residence of some of Lebanon’s most prominent families.

The interior is inspired by the floors of the 19th-century palace with a subtle mix of modern furnishings and lighting by Tom Dixon. The walls are covered with Arjumand wallpapers, resulting in the creation of 4 distinctive themes – there are huge lush banana leaves to give the restaurant an exotic presence, large money notes inspired by the country’s former currency, and skyscrapers which form a chic backdrop for the contemporary furniture.

Bright with lofty ceilings, natural light floods into the space through windows that line the front of the restaurant whilst bespoke lighting created by architect Jan Van Lierde casts a soft hue come night time. Historical references like the polished brass tableware, decorative objects and corner bar by Karim Chaya in the Main room, are laced with contemporary design features like the carved wood furniture by Orient 499.

While remaining soothing due to the harmonious combination of colours, prints and materials, the restaurant is a celebration of Lebanese history and culture. This has to be one of the most beautiful restaurants that oozes soul and character. It has a feminine luxe edge which creates an amazing atmosphere that anyone would love to eat in.

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