Three years in the making, the newest eatery on the Pearl also boasts a sister restaurant in the heart of Paris. Liza offers fine Lebanese cuisine and is described as ‘an art of living, a state of mind,’ by its co-founder, Ziad Asseily. With our curiosity and appetite piqued, we wonder if this restaurant can make the transition overseas to a country brimming with folk that know and love their Lebanese fare.

An impressive design, this octagonal restaurant sports large floor-to-ceiling windows, permitting diners views over the marina whilst eating inside and alfresco, as one can alternatively dine on the large patio area that sits alongside Liza. The decor is predominantly black and white and strikingly interspersed with turquoise. A contrast of floral curves and strong lines, this restaurant is modern in concept whilst still retaining traditional Lebanese influences. The walls are constructed from dark, smooth pebbles from which hang metallic egg-shaped lights. Additional lighting takes the form of glass domes encased in black crocheted netting, which are suspended above the octagonal-shaped central bar. A quite breathtaking design overall.

Comfortable floral-patterned chairs and eye-catching striped sofas encircle coloured wooden tables bearing an unusual metallic surface decorated with flowers cut into the design. The brightly-coloured menus bear a similar frontage, and we are warned of their weight before distribution, which slightly ruins the sophistication of the design, but we were glad of the forewarning, as it’s the heaviest menu ever to be placed in my hands. Not weighty in choice, however, it bears just one page listing all the available fare. The ubiquitous staples of tabbouleh and hommous feature, and hot appetisers detail such temptations as sweet and sour kebbe and halloumi, and fig and jam rolls.

The falafel comes highly recommended. Deep-fried to perfection, these crispy chickpea balls are a delight, containing just the right amount of spice and served with a delicious accompanying spicy tahina. The fresh shrimp with avocado moutabal are also outstanding. Lightly seasoned, the four large skewered shrimps are incredibly succulent and rest delicately on the creamy piped avocado moutabal. Of course, we
can’t resist a bowl of houmous to accompany the tasty, complimentary warm olive oil and pitta bread. Well presented, the houmous is piped into an attractive flower design; however, the consistency is slightly too pasty and we end up dipping the moreish bread into the tahina and moutabal.

Wine, champagne, beer and cocktails and available, with wine varying from a reasonable QR175 to a hefty QR1,480. Entrees are all reasonably priced and are split between ‘Grill’ and ‘Liza Signatures’. Although a limited selection, all bases are covered, with such favourites as a mixed grill, grilled kofta, red mullet and king prawns on offer.

The marinated chicken skewers are delectable. Moist and chargrilled with a slightly spicy flavour, they are tender and flavourful, and rest atop a sumptuous mound of sweet baby potatoes, gently sautéed in garlic and olive oil. Equally enchanting is the signature five-spices lamb with rice. Impressive in appearance and taste, the large chunks of tender lamb are luxuriating on a circular bed of fluffy rice and are sprinkled with crunchy pine nuts. The lamb has been slowly cooked in a combination of spices that unlocks the flavours and juices of the meat, resulting in a melt in the mouth consistency. Curious to trace the origins of this palate-pleaser, we ask the waiter exactly which spices have been used. We are initially disappointed when he mumbles a few random ingredients, however it’s not long before he surprises us by reappearing with an exact list. Overall the service is impeccable, the staff donning uniforms to match the decor, they are both smart and helpful.

Desserts are compact in their presence on the menu, but with such beguiling fare thus far, temptation overrides the voice of reason proclaiming we are already quite full. Lebanese pancakes with clotted cream and syrup and pain perdu with cinnamon ice cream are therefore the order of the day. The mini pancakes look delicious, carefully folded and oozing with cream, however they prove disappointing – cold and with a filling reminiscent of semolina. The cream was definitely not clotted, and the combination of the syrup further diluted not only the taste, but also the consistency. In complete contrast, the pain perdu is luscious. The crispy hot sweet bread is a perfect partner to the creamy cinnamon ice cream, which rests atop a layer of sweet, juicy cooked apple. It’s positively sublime.

Lebanese restaurants are scattered across Qatar, but none with the unique look and ambience of this eatery. With superb traditional cuisine beautifully presented, this authentic fare beguiles the palate without depleting your wallet. Another high class hit has arrived on the Pearl.

The bill (for two)
1x Water QR25
1x Orange juice QR25
1x Diet Coke QR20
1x Falafel QR20
1x Houmous QR20
1x Fried shrimps QR48
1x Chicken skewers QR70
1x Five-spices lamb QR95
1x Pancakes QR35
2x Pain perdu QR35
Total (incl charges) QR393