Lebanon’s rich culinary heritage shines brightly through Cedar Grill, a restaurant that has earned a reputation for delivering authentic and flavorful Lebanese cuisine. The Cedar Grill Lebanon menu is a celebration of fresh ingredients, traditional recipes, and vibrant tastes that reflect the cultural tapestry of the region.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring this menu offers a journey into the heart of Lebanon’s gastronomic delights. The diverse offerings cater to a wide range of palates, from the spice enthusiast to those seeking simple, wholesome meals.
What sets Cedar Grill apart is not just the quality of its food, but the care and passion infused into every dish. The menu is thoughtfully curated to include classic staples alongside innovative twists, ensuring that each bite tells a story of heritage and innovation.
Diners can expect rich, aromatic spices, hearty grilled meats, and an abundance of fresh vegetables and herbs. Every item speaks to Lebanon’s culinary traditions, making it an essential experience for anyone eager to indulge in Mediterranean flavors.
Whether you’re dining in, ordering takeout, or catering an event, the Cedar Grill menu offers a robust selection that promises both authenticity and satisfaction. This comprehensive exploration of the Cedar Grill Lebanon menu will guide you through its main categories, highlighting key dishes, flavors, and the unique qualities that make it a standout choice for Lebanese cuisine lovers.
Appetizers: A Flavorful Introduction
The appetizers at Cedar Grill Lebanon set the tone for the meal with a variety of small dishes that pack a punch of flavor. Designed to tantalize the taste buds, these starters offer a perfect balance of textures and spices, showcasing some of Lebanon’s most beloved traditional bites.
From creamy hummus to crispy falafel, the appetizers are crafted using fresh, high-quality ingredients. They provide an excellent way to experience the diversity of Lebanese flavors in smaller portions, ideal for sharing or enjoying as a light start.
The menu also includes vegetarian options, making it accessible for different dietary preferences.
Popular Appetizer Choices
- Hummus: A classic dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, served with freshly baked pita bread.
- Falafel: Deep-fried balls of ground chickpeas mixed with herbs and spices, offering a crispy exterior and a soft interior.
- Tabbouleh: A refreshing salad combining parsley, tomatoes, bulgur, and mint, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Baba Ghanoush: A smoky eggplant dip blended with tahini, garlic, and lemon, perfect for spreading or dipping.
“The appetizers provide a perfect gateway to the rich and diverse flavors of Lebanon, awakening the palate with every bite.”
Each appetizer is crafted to balance acidity and creaminess, offering a harmonious start to your meal. The freshness of herbs like parsley and mint brings an aromatic quality that complements the depth of spices used throughout the menu.
Whether you prefer the tangy brightness of tabbouleh or the smoky warmth of baba ghanoush, the appetizers are designed to satisfy and intrigue.
Main Courses: Grilled Perfection and Traditional Staples
Main courses at Cedar Grill Lebanon focus on expertly prepared grilled meats and hearty dishes that are central to Lebanese cuisine. The menu features a variety of options catering to meat lovers and those seeking balanced, wholesome meals.
The grilling methods emphasize slow cooking over charcoal, infusing the dishes with a distinct smoky flavor that enhances the natural taste of the ingredients. These dishes are often accompanied by traditional sides that complement the main flavors, creating a well-rounded plate.
Signature Grill Items
- Mixed Grill Platter: A generous assortment of grilled chicken, lamb, and beef kebabs, marinated in a blend of spices.
- Shish Tawook: Tender cubes of chicken marinated in yogurt and lemon, grilled to juicy perfection.
- Lamb Chops: Juicy, flavorful chops seasoned with garlic and herbs, grilled over an open flame.
- Kofta Kebabs: Minced beef or lamb mixed with parsley, onions, and spices, shaped onto skewers and grilled.
Dish | Main Ingredient | Flavor Profile | Recommended Sides |
Mixed Grill Platter | Chicken, Lamb, Beef | Smoky, Spiced | Rice, Grilled Vegetables, Garlic Sauce |
Shish Tawook | Chicken | Juicy, Citrusy | Pickles, Hummus, Pita Bread |
Lamb Chops | Lamb | Herbaceous, Tender | Tabbouleh, Roasted Potatoes |
Kofta Kebabs | Beef or Lamb | Spiced, Savory | Garlic Sauce, Rice |
Each main course is a testament to traditional Lebanese grilling techniques, ensuring that every bite is infused with robust flavors and cooked to perfection.
“The art of grilling is embodied in every dish, crafting meals that are both satisfying and true to Lebanese culinary heritage.”
Salads and Sides: Freshness and Balance
Complementing the rich main dishes, Cedar Grill Lebanon offers a selection of salads and sides that emphasize freshness and balance. These dishes provide a crisp, vibrant contrast to the heartier grilled items.
The salads are made with the freshest seasonal ingredients, combining herbs, vegetables, and grains to add texture and flavor. Sides range from simple rice dishes to more elaborate preparations, designed to round out the meal harmoniously.
Popular Salads and Sides
- Fattoush: A tangy, crunchy salad featuring mixed greens, tomatoes, radishes, and toasted pita chips dressed with sumac and lemon.
- Lebanese Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with vermicelli and butter, serving as a staple accompaniment to many dishes.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables marinated and grilled, adding a smoky sweetness to the plate.
- Batata Harra: Spicy roasted potatoes seasoned with garlic, coriander, and chili.
The salads and sides are crafted to be light but flavorful, offering both palate cleansers and complementary tastes. The use of sumac in fattoush adds a distinctive tang, while the rich buttered rice balances the spices found in the mains.
Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Notes | Best Paired With |
Fattoush | Mixed Greens, Pita Chips | Tangy, Fresh | Grilled Meats, Kofta |
Lebanese Rice | Rice, Vermicelli, Butter | Buttery, Mild | Shish Tawook, Lamb Chops |
Grilled Vegetables | Seasonal Veggies | Smoky, Sweet | Mixed Grill Platter |
Batata Harra | Potatoes, Garlic, Chili | Spicy, Garlicky | Kofta Kebabs |
“A well-composed side or salad can elevate the entire meal, providing contrast and enhancing the main flavors.”
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Recognizing the diverse dietary preferences of its customers, Cedar Grill Lebanon offers an impressive range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. These options ensure that plant-based diners can enjoy authentic Lebanese flavors without compromise.
The vegetarian selections feature traditional dishes that naturally exclude meat, while the vegan items go a step further by avoiding animal products altogether. Fresh herbs, legumes, and vegetables form the basis for these flavorful creations.
Highlighted Plant-Based Dishes
- Mujaddara: A hearty dish of lentils and rice topped with caramelized onions, rich in protein and fiber.
- Stuffed Grape Leaves (Warak Enab): Grape leaves filled with rice, tomatoes, and herbs, served cold or warm.
- Falafel Wrap: Crispy falafel balls wrapped in pita with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce.
- Spinach Fatayer: Flaky pastry filled with spinach, pine nuts, and onions, baked to perfection.
These dishes highlight the versatility of Lebanese cuisine and its ability to cater to a range of nutritional needs. The use of spices such as cumin, coriander, and sumac ensures that the flavor remains complex and satisfying, even without meat.
Dish | Main Ingredients | Dietary Note | Serving Style |
Mujaddara | Lentils, Rice, Onions | Vegan, Gluten-Free | Hot |
Stuffed Grape Leaves | Grape Leaves, Rice, Tomatoes | Vegan | Cold or Warm |
Falafel Wrap | Chickpeas, Herbs, Tahini | Vegan | Wrap |
Spinach Fatayer | Spinach, Pine Nuts, Pastry | Vegetarian | Hot |
“Lebanese cuisine offers some of the most flavorful and satisfying vegetarian options in the Mediterranean region.”
Seafood Selections: Coastal Flavors
Cedar Grill Lebanon’s seafood offerings bring the tastes of the Mediterranean coast directly to your plate. Freshness is paramount, with fish and seafood carefully selected to ensure optimal quality and flavor.
The seafood dishes balance the rich, natural flavors of the ocean with traditional Lebanese spices and cooking methods, including grilling and baking. This section appeals to those seeking lighter yet flavorful main courses.
Featured Seafood Dishes
- Grilled Sea Bass: Whole sea bass marinated with lemon, garlic, and herbs, grilled to tender perfection.
- Shrimp Saj: Succulent shrimp cooked on a saj griddle with garlic, chili, and olive oil.
- Samkeh Harra: Baked fish topped with a spicy tahini and pine nut sauce, a Lebanese classic.
- Calamari: Lightly fried squid rings served with a tangy garlic sauce.
Seafood dishes at Cedar Grill are often paired with fresh salads or rice to balance the richness of the fish. The use of lemon and garlic is a recurring theme, enhancing the natural sweetness of the seafood without overpowering it.
Dish | Main Ingredients | Cooking Method | Flavors |
Grilled Sea Bass | Sea Bass, Lemon, Herbs | Grilled | Light, Citrusy |
Shrimp Saj | Shrimp, Garlic, Chili | Griddled | Spicy, Savory |
Samkeh Harra | Fish, Tahini, Pine Nuts | Baked | Spicy, Nutty |
Calamari | Squid, Flour, Garlic Sauce | Fried | Crispy, Tangy |
“The seafood menu at Cedar Grill expertly captures the essence of Lebanon’s coastal cuisine, delivering freshness with every bite.”
Beverage Pairings: Complementing the Meal
To complete the dining experience, Cedar Grill Lebanon offers a variety of beverages that pair perfectly with the rich flavors of the menu. These drinks range from traditional Lebanese options to international favorites.
The beverage selection includes fresh juices, aromatic teas, and carefully chosen wines that enhance the flavor profile of the food. Each option is selected to provide balance and refreshment alongside the robust spices and grilled dishes.
Recommended Beverages
- Mint Lemonade: A refreshing blend of fresh mint, lemon juice, and sugar, ideal for cooling the palate.
- Arabic Coffee: Strong, cardamom-flavored coffee served in small cups, perfect for after the meal.
- Lebanese Red and White Wines: Locally sourced wines that complement the flavors of grilled meats and seafood.
- Rose Water Drinks: Light and fragrant, these beverages add a floral note to the meal.
Choosing the right beverage can elevate the dining experience. For example, the acidity in mint lemonade cuts through the richness of lamb chops, while the tannins in Lebanese red wine enhance the smoky flavors of grilled kofta.
Beverage | Flavor Profile | Best Paired With |
Mint Lemonade | Refreshing, Citrusy | Grilled Meats, Spicy Dishes |
Arabic Coffee | Strong, Spiced | After Meal |
Lebanese Red Wine | Fruity, Earthy | Lamb, Beef |
Rose Water Drink | Floral, Light | Appetizers, Desserts |
“Pairing the right beverage with your meal enhances both the flavors of the food and the overall dining experience.”
Desserts: Sweet Endings with a Lebanese Twist
The dessert offerings at Cedar Grill Lebanon provide a sweet conclusion to an already memorable meal. Emphasizing traditional Lebanese sweets, these desserts bring warmth, richness, and delicate floral notes.
Many of the desserts are based on nuts, honey, and aromatic spices such as rose water and orange blossom. They are designed to be enjoyed slowly, allowing the complex flavors to unfold with each bite.
Signature Desserts
- Baklava: Layers of phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey syrup.
- Knafeh: A warm dessert made with shredded phyllo dough, sweet cheese, and topped with pistachios.
- Mouhalabieh: A creamy milk pudding infused with rose water and topped with crushed nuts.
- Maamoul: Date-filled semolina cookies, often enjoyed during special occasions.
The desserts at Cedar Grill combine texture and sweetness beautifully. Baklava offers a crisp contrast to the creamy softness of knafeh, while mouhalabieh provides a delicate floral hint that cleanses the palate.
Dessert | Main Ingredients | Texture | Flavor Notes |
Baklava | Phyllo, Nuts, Honey | Crispy, Sticky | Sweet, Nutty |
Knafeh | Phyllo, Cheese, Pistachios | Soft, Creamy | Sweet, Floral |
Mouhalabieh | Milk, Rose Water, Nuts | Creamy | Delicate, Floral |
Maamoul | Semolina, Dates | Crumbly | Sweet, Earthy |
“Lebanese desserts are a perfect blend of sweetness and tradition, offering a beautiful finale to the meal.”
Special Dietary Accommodations
Cedar Grill Lebanon understands the importance of catering to various dietary needs, making it a welcoming destination for all diners. The menu includes clear indicators and options for gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free diets, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their meal with confidence.
The staff are trained to assist with allergies and dietary restrictions, offering suggestions and modifications where possible. This attention to detail reflects the restaurant’s commitment to exceptional customer service and inclusivity.
How Dietary Needs Are Addressed
- Gluten-Free Options: Many dishes such as grilled meats, rice-based sides, and certain salads are naturally gluten-free or can be adapted.
- Vegan Choices: A wide range of appetizers, salads, and main dishes are vegan, made without animal products.
- Nut-Free Requests: Staff can guide diners to avoid dishes containing nuts or prepare alternatives where necessary.
- Customizable Orders: Flexibility in preparation to accommodate spice levels, ingredient swaps, and portion sizes.
Clear communication between guests and staff ensures that dietary preferences are respected without compromising on flavor or experience. This thoughtful approach encourages repeat visits from a diverse clientele.
“Inclusive dining is at the core of Cedar Grill’s philosophy, making authentic Lebanese cuisine accessible to everyone.”
Conclusion
The Cedar Grill Lebanon menu is a vibrant tapestry of traditional flavors, fresh ingredients, and expertly prepared dishes that capture the essence of Lebanese cuisine. From the first bite of a zesty appetizer to the last spoonful of a fragrant dessert, the menu offers a memorable culinary journey that honors Lebanon’s rich food heritage while appealing to modern tastes.
With its diverse offerings, including grilled specialties, fresh salads, vegetarian and vegan options, and carefully selected beverages, Cedar Grill ensures that every diner finds something delightful.
Its commitment to quality and authenticity is evident in every dish, making it a standout choice for those seeking genuine Lebanese flavors.
Whether you are indulging in the smoky aromas of the mixed grill or savoring the delicate sweetness of knafeh, Cedar Grill Lebanon delivers an experience that is both satisfying and soulful. The menu’s thoughtful balance of tradition and innovation invites guests to explore the culinary richness of Lebanon in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.