Hummus, hope and a huge rooftop bar: New Lebanese restaurant opens in Coconut Grove

Tradition is the heart of the newest restaurant in Coconut Grove.

From the Toronto-based Ink Entertainment Group, which brought Miami Beach Byblos and Meet Dalia, comes Amal, a fine dining concept that highlights shareable Lebanese cuisine. The word “amal” means hope, according to restaurateur and Ink CEO and founder Charles Khabouth, who says he hopes to recreate the “hopeful,” upbeat spirit of his Lebanese roots throughout the restaurant.

“As a Beirut native, it gives me a great sense of pride that our deep-rooted traditions of sharing and making guests feel at ease and welcomed are ingrained in the Amal dining experience,” he said in a release.

The space is bright and airy, with plants scattered throughout the dining room and eye-catching light fixtures. The restaurant seats 180 diners and is located on the Grove’s popular Main Highway.

The menu, designed by Chef Wissam Baki, who has 15 years of experience, including working at the InterContinental in Beirut, focuses on dishes designed to be shared, the sort you’d find on any traditional Lebanese table, Khabouth says.

The journey starts with dips like hummus and Baba ganoush and moves on to skewers and salads. Traditional entrees will include classics. Think fish and lamb chops but also consider such specialties as truffle Rakakat, pistachio kebab and black cod Harra.

Later this summer, Amal will expand upward. The restaurant plans to open Level 6 by Amal, a 5,000-square-foot rooftop bar that will have views of Miami and Biscayne Bay. The bar will have its own unique menu of seafood and small bites as well as an elevated cocktail program.

Amal

Where: 3480 Main Highway, Coconut Grove

Reservations: 786-369-0846 or amalmiami.com