5 /5 Mehrab Shahriar: I drove 130 miles round trip to Eat Authentic Lebanese Food at Tacoma’s new place - Beirut Bites
Here’s the summary: Shawarma, Kibbeh, and Toum — loved much that I’d come back.
Lebanese cuisine holds a very special place in world cuisine, so when I first moved to Seattle from DFW, I was shocked to find none here. A lot of mediterranean places but not a single one was authentic lebanese. Years passed, we got one then a long pause. Finally, Tacoma has given us a gift: Beirut Bites, an upscale and authentic Lebanese restaurant that I couldn’t resist visiting. And I’m glad I did.
From the décor to the hospitality, you can tell the owners take real pride in showcasing Lebanon. It becomes even clearer once you strike up a conversation.
Appetizers
We started with Kibbeh (Kibi), rarity in the PNW. Or even if I found it was dry, dense, and flavorless. Not at Beirut Bites. The minced beef was moist and spiced beautifully, studded with nuts, with a thin crisp shell that gave way to flavor in every bite. Paired with tahini, it was so good.
Another standout was the fried cauliflower - perfectly golden, crunchy, not greasy, and delicious dipped in tahini. I also enjoyed the Batenjen Me’le (fried eggplant) and their smooth, thick creamy Hummus, where the chickpeas and Lebanese olive oil shine. The Mutabbal Batenjen (known also as Baba Ganoush) was good too, though I personally prefer a creamier version.
The house-made falafels were also good — spiced with fresh cumin but in a very balanced fashion, crisp on the outside, moist inside. Not the best falafel I’ve ever had, but definitely very solid.
Tabliyit Beirut Platter
This generous platter easily feeds three and showcases the best of the kitchen.
The shawarma here deserves a standing ovation at least from me (I know talking about shawarma is very sensitive but let me take the risk). I’ve been searching for the one in the PNW for years — and I think I’ve found it. Both beef and chicken were tender, flavorful, balanced perfectly with pickles, toum, and flatbread with just the right crunch. Even reheated the next day, it was still excellent, the meat and the bread still were the heroes.
The toum was another star, smooth as butter, garlicky but not ghostly, lifted by olive oil. Finally, a toum I can truly appreciate.
The platter also included grilled tawook and lamb over fragrant yellow rice. The rice was delicious, so was the tawook, though I wished the lamb had a bit more moisture and both kebabs were slightly larger. Still, paired with toum, they tasted good. The tabbouleh was super fresh and finely chopped, another great salad dish. and yes the platter even comes with fries.
Drinks & Dessert
At the juice bar, the freshly squeezed juices stood out — carrot and orange tasted like pure fruit in a glass. The mint lemonade was refreshing and cooling, perfect alongside the meal.
To finish, the house-made walnut baklava had just the right touch of orange blossom water announcing Beirut, fragrant, balanced, and a sweet send-off.
Final Thoughts
With spacious interiors, traditional lights, Lebanese decor, and a passionate kitchen team, Beirut Bites is bringing the flavors of Beirut straight to the Pacific Northwest.
Lebanon has officially arrived in the PNW once again.
*from this week they have gone Zabiha Halal. Welcome, Beirut Bites - may you go a long way.
Price : upscale vibes, so the prices have reflection, but felt reasonable for the experience.
