The Most Legitimate Lebanese Restaurant Outside of Beirut Lives in a Strip Shopping Center in Weston
Habaybi, Hayetes and anyone with a palate. You're welcome. And Sahten.
A few years back, I had the privilege of meeting one of the most magical humans ever. His name is P!PE Yanguas. He’s an artist, a husband, a ball of joy and his energy supersedes mine. Imagine that! Anyhow, after developing a friendship through his publicist, he invited me over for a bottle of wine at his home and our relationship since flourished. I met his husband and am a frequent guest at his apartment where he hosts the most beautiful dinner parties alongside his chef and dear friend Andres Bremudez who whips up different menus based on my allergies of the moment and everyone’s mood.
Anyhow. Ever since we developed a friendship P!PE and his husband Jo have been raving about a Lebanese restaurant in Weston called One Lebanon. They knew I spent much time partially residing there, so after a few re-schedules, we finally found a date that worked. I grabbed my bestie Dara, P!PE, Jo and Chef Andres and we met in the 954.
Formerly, the only reason to go to Weston was to enjoy Sawgrass but now that Neiman Marcus closed, WTF would be a reason for me to head up there?
I now have discovered why….
Last week, we all met out West. And boy was it worth that one hour drive. From the food to the Chef/Owner Dalal Sabek from Hasbaya outside of Beirut….Let me reiterate that the evening was poof that sometimes it’s the most simple things that are the best.
Anyhow, there was not one morsel of food that remained. We spoke throughout the dinner, laughed - etc. But we mostly moaned. It was THAT good. I suggest you grab a group, rent a sprinter, do whatever you gotta do. Just go. And, you are welcome!
The space: It’s a two story, very well designed space with colorful tiles that line the staircase and the walls. It feels a bit like Greece - and that makes total sense. The ceilings are high, there is a semi-open kitchen and a bar that displays the wines.
What to eat and drink: First of all, I suggest going with a group of friends. And that’s because this restaurant is the type that’s ideal for sharing. Kick off your evening with a Lebanese beer - or a Leb wine. The selection is vast and their soil is stupendous so the grapes flourish in the various regions within the country. Immediately, you’re welcomed with those heavenly, fried pita chips with a dip. Dive in. It’s worth the calories and zaatar lovers would be proud as they are seasoned accordingly. As noted in further detail below, the grape leaves, the friend and the raw kibbeh. They use no preservatives so everything is legit from garden to the table - and it tastes as such. I also suggest that you try the ‘Lebanese taquitos’ which are fried cheese sticks, but with hints of basil. And the desserts were wow. To wrap up the experience, don’t forget to place an order of Mhalabiye. It’s a milk pudding with orange blossom syrup, rose petal, and a halva-esque cotton candy!
Don’t miss: This is a heated answer…but, the grape leaves were out of this solar system good. The fried kibbeh, and the eggplant dip which is called moutoubal. Meat eaters who can handle steak tar tar - DO NOT MISS the Kibbeh Nayyeh. It’s heaven. You serve the raw meat piece by piece - on a raw white or purple onion and a piece of garden-fresh basil…. And, the tabbouleh was as garden as it gets. Crispy. I swear.
Perfect for: Lunch (which thankfully starts at 11:30 a.m.) or dinner. They even have a space upstairs for intimate events.
Expect to pay: Between $50 and $125 pp (gratuity is included)! We drank and ate like champions, and for the five of us, the total was $400.
How’s the parking? It’s abundant! There is a parking lot as it’s in a shopping center.
@onelebanse // 1396 SW 160th Ave. Sunrise.