Pashmak - saffron floss, clotted cream, seeds, dried fruits, apricot tea - was probably my favourite of all the desserts on Beirut's evening menu.

Or maybe it was Buttermilk ice cream - Turkish delight ice, candied walnuts, plum, meringue? I cannot remember. They were all really nice. 

Beirut's dishes are so delicately presented in dainty portions, that you end up going through most of the menu list.

The photos all came out really dark because the interior is so dark and sombre; it's chic.

M, L, P and I came here for our pre-concert dinner. We were hesitating between Ima, Lucky Buddha and Beirut, but Beirut had won the vote clear and square. It was the only place all four of us had yet been to, and had heard good things about the place. We were all keen to try it out.

The cuisine is Middle Eastern but not the waiters. They described each dish detailing its ingredients, but honestly, it all got lost in the hubbub of the diners around and music overhead us.

Ahh ooh-ing over the presentations. 

In the end we decided we had ordered a bit too much. 

The drinks went down very well with the group, with the German Mosel Riesling especially popular. 

A successful dinner before an awesome concert at the nearby Vector Arena with friends.

Beirut

85 Fort Street

Auckland Central, 1010