Lira Beirut: The Essence of Lebanese Cuisine Arrives in the Heart of Wynwood
- adriana
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
Miami is a city where cultures, flavors, and styles converge. Yet, until recently, authentic Lebanese cuisine had no place that truly reflected its essence. It was precisely this gap that inspired Farid Lutfi and Giovanna (Gigi) Mansi to create Lira Beirut, a restaurant that combines the soul of Beirut with the creative energy of Wynwood.
The concept was born in 2020, when its founders – both graduates of the prestigious École Hôtelière de Lausanne – noticed that while Miami offered many Mediterranean and fusion restaurants, few delivered a genuinely Lebanese experience. “We wanted to preserve that authenticity, but in a contemporary, approachable format where flavor and hospitality would take center stage,” says Farid, a third-generation Lebanese restaurateur.
The soul of Beirut, served in Miami
Lira Beirut captures the spirit of Lebanon’s capital through its menu, architecture, and atmosphere. Each dish tells a story – from the classic mezze and homemade hummus to the traditional shawarma, kafta, and desserts infused with pistachio and orange blossom water. Everything is prepared using carefully sourced ingredients and family recipes that evoke the warmth of a traditional Lebanese kitchen.
Located in the heart of Miami’s artistic Wynwood district, the restaurant was designed to transport guests to a traditional Beirut home with a garden. The exterior features travertine walls and the iconic three-arched trifore windows typical of Lebanese architecture. Inside, artisanal details such as hanging lamps, handcrafted pillows, and textiles imported from Lebanon create an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. A striking mural of Beirut’s skyline, painted by a Lebanese artist, visually connects the two cities and pays tribute to their shared creative spirit.
An experience beyond the plate
“Lebanese gastronomy is profoundly human,” says Giovanna Mansi. “Its hospitality is warm, generous, and familial. At Lira, we want every guest to feel at home – as if dining in a Lebanese grandmother’s courtyard, surrounded by good food, laughter, and music.”
Lira’s menu is defined by authenticity but also by adaptability. The flavors are mild, fresh, and accessible to all palates, featuring vegetarian and vegan options that align with Miami’s modern dining trends. The wine list includes a curated selection of Lebanese labels, offering diners a complete immersion in the country’s distinctive flavors.
This blend of classic and contemporary perfectly mirrors Miami – a city where cultural roots are constantly reinterpreted without losing their essence.
A hidden gem in Wynwood
Lira Beirut is, as its founders describe it, “authentic, hospitable, and a true hidden gem.” With its flavorful cuisine, evocative design, and inviting ambiance, the restaurant has quickly become one of Wynwood’s most distinctive spaces – where art, culture, and gastronomy meet to celebrate Lebanese heritage.
Lira Beirut – Lebanese Eatery
📍 Wynwood, Miami
📸 Instagram: @liramiami