Hawa Beirut is a stylish Middle Eastern restaurant, known for its vibrant decor and lively atmosphere.

Named after the capital city of Lebanon, the restaurant celebrated its grand opening in November 2024. It is one of the first Middle Eastern restaurants to set up shop in the King East corridor, as well as the only hookah lounge in the area.

The first thing you will notice upon walking into the building is a large selection of shishas, lined up behind a glass barrier.

The second thing you will notice will depend on where you look. Hawa Beirut is full of colourful furniture and creative decorations, all competing for your attention.

Some guests may notice the mirrored ceiling or the neon lights. Others may be drawn to the rose-covered arch or the scooter hanging above the bar.Regardless of what catches your eye, a quick glance will confirm that the staff put a lot of effort into making the dining room look presentable.
On weekends, the restaurant transforms into a glamorous night club, complete with live entertainment. Other events, such as Ladies Night, are held throughout the week, ensuring that each night feels like a special occasion.

Hawa Beirut's menu consists mainly of grilled meat dishes and bite-sized appetizers, paired with Middle Eastern-inspired cocktails.

Each meal begins with a complimentary loaf of welcome bread, hanging above a bowl of sesame oil. The bread has a light, airy texture, making it easy to rip pieces off and dip them into the sauce.Other sauces, such as hummus and mutabal, can be added to give the bread a stronger flavour. These dishes are collectively known as cold mezza and can be purchased individually or as part of a platter.

Hummus ($12) is by far the most popular mezza — and for good reason! This chickpea-based dip is soft and spreadable, with a distinctive flavour that keeps customers coming back for more.

Mutabal ($13) is made from a mixture of tahini, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice and grilled eggplant puree. It has a strong, smoky taste, which provides an interesting contrast to the rich, nutty hummus.

Last but not least is labneh ($13), a creamy, yogurt-like dish, topped with dry mint and pomegranate seeds. Though slightly milder than the other types of mezza, its light, refreshing taste helps to balance out some of the stronger flavours.Habibi Fattoush ($18) is a type of Lebanese salad, made with mixed greens, pita crisps and pomegranate molasses. I'd recommend this dish to anyone who enjoys tangy flavours — doubly so if they're looking for a lighter meal.Smoked Lamb Shank ($36) is served on a bed of brown rice, with freekeh, raisins and chopped nuts piled on top. A flavourful cinnamon sauce is drizzled over the meat, adding both spice and sweetness to the otherwise savoury dish.As its name might imply, the Mixed Grill for Two ($52) is a large platter meant for sharing.

In addition to the standard array of sauces, salads and flatbreads, this platter comes with two pieces of chicken tawouk, two pieces of kafta and a large beef tenderloin.The Lebanese Lemonade Spritz ($19) is a fun, fruity cocktail that combines lemon juice, grenadine, soda water and arak al shallal, a type of liqueur made from distilled aniseed.The Beirut Breeze ($21) is slightly stronger, but no less colourful. Empress gin and lavender bitters are used to give it a soft purple hue, while egg white and lemon juice are added to reduce the harshness of the flavour.

The final touch is a dried lime wheel, which rests on a layer of velvety foam.

Shishas are available from 3:00 pm until close. Many are garnished with citrus fruit, which gives the smoke a slightly fruity flavour. Other garnishes can be added upon request.

Hawa Beirut is located at 466 Adelaide Street East.