SUD Mar Mikhael revealed its new extended rooftop bar this Spring just in time to welcome those perfect days of crisp weather in Beirut!
They even went through a rather noteworthy menu change!
Some favourites such as the Pain Perdu and the Parmesan Wheel were spared (there is a God!). Other favourites, however, including the beef tenderloin and my ultimate award-winning éclair at SUD Restaurant were unfortunately removed in this new menu (the latter was replaced with a giant caramel-filled one).
Some menu items were actually improved; the salmon tartar, for example, now comes in a beautiful marble bowl presented as sashimi chunks with creamy avocado and tortilla chips. Highly recommended!
An Early Dinner on the Rooftop at SUD Mar Mikhael
We started dinner that evening just before sunset with two glasses of Gavi di Gavi white wine. We paired it with some not-so-waist-friendly fried spicy nuts (which were awesome by the way). How about adding some sliced carrots to lessen the guilt?
T and I shared the Salmon Tartare (26,000 LBP) which, as I mentioned earlier, is highly recommended. We enjoyed eating it with the crunchy toritlla chips.
We also had the Buratta (28,000 LBP) with the classic Spanish tomato bread. The cheese was rich and buttery, pairing beautifully with the pesto and olive oil. However, the tomato bread needed some adjustments.
Bresaola & Parmesan Pita Pockets (16,000 LBP) came highly recommended by our waiter and we could tell why as soon as we took our first bite. The bread is so soft and fluffy – always a plus! I would order this again.
The Mains at Sud Mar Mikhael
We went with a seafood trend for our main course. T ordered the Salt-Crusted Sea Bass (38,000 LBP) which came with a homemade spicy tomato salsa. The fish, although a bit salty, was perfectly cooked and moist.
I had the White Cod Fish with olives and lemon (34,000 LBP) which is beautifully presented on a bed of puréed tomato sauce in a copper skillet.
As a side, we shared Ratatouille (8,000 LBP) which went perfectly with our choice of fish. However, I would have preferred it served hot and with less oil (and less onions).
The Artichoke and Macaroni Gratin (6,000 LBP) isn’t exactly the perfect pair for fish, I know. It was quite heavy, yet still tasty.
I also highly recommend two other dishes we tried the week before for dinner at SUD Mar Mikhael on their first opening night. The Truffle & Pistachio Ravioli (24,000 LBP) and the Parmesan Wheel Spaghetti for 2 (36,000 LBP) are NOT to be missed! I promise you will fall in love.
Now for the moment I’ve been waiting for all evening: Dessert.
One newly introduced dessert on the menu is the Oriental Galette and Mastic Ice Cream (14,000 LBP). The buttery crumbly shortbread pastry is stuffed with a “maamoul-like” pistachio filling with rose and orange blossom aromas. T loved this one since he’s a huge fan of oriental sweets.
SUD makes the freshest and most exquisite Vacherin I’ve ever tasted.
I’m a chocolate person, and this dessert won me over. We ordered the larger size (14,000 LBP for 2 / 18,000 LBP for 4) because it comes in a massive “wine glass”. I strongly urge you to stop what you’re doing and dial them up right now to reserve a table and order this masterpiece. I don’t care if you don’t like meringues or whether you don’t like fruit-based desserts. This dessert WILL win your heart (and make you gain 10 pounds because you’re gonna devour it all by yourself).
As I’ve mentioned again and again, SUD Restaurant remains a top and refined lunch or dinner choice in Lebanon.
Now that they’ve opened their new bar in Mar Mikhael (complete with a billiard table and live entertainment on some nights), there’s no stopping that sought-after ultimate experience! Trendy drinks, delicious food, a fun game room, and great music in a fresh summer ambiance make for a special night indeed.
Here are a few shots from opening night, one week prior to our visit:
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SUD Mar Mikhael
Address: Armenia Street, Facing Manar Gas Station, Mar Mikhael, Beirut
Contact: +961-1-560900 / +961-70-790001
For opening hours, check out SUD Mar Mikhael Beirut Facebook page or
Previous SUD Restaurant Visit Reviews:
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