Rabbath Bistro

The Verdict

With just 28 seats and 45-square feet total floor space, Rabbath, a contemporary Lebanese bistro, is officially the Gold Coast’s most intimate restaurant. Everything has been custom made; from the wine display racks that hang overhead, to the compact kitchen and bar combo that occupies a third of the venue. There are old world Mediterranean mosaic tiles, cosy corners and soft lighting that’ll make you immediately feel at home. 

We suggest you nab the best seats in the house, along the bar that front the kitchen. From here, you can interact with Lebanese-born owner Patrick and his smiling team. How many other top-end restaurants can you find yourself ordering direct from the source with your fresh-off-the-chargrill dishes hand-delivered across the pass? Entertainment and theatre is a cornerstone of Lebanese culture, and here, it is all on show. 

Opt for exotically named dishes like Khoubiz (house-made Lebanese flat bread) served with a sampler spread of Kafta (char grilled lamb with seven spice), Jweneh (char grilled chicken wingettes marinated in garlic and lemon) and the house speciality of Falafel (a vegan favourite). Each is paired with babaganouji, hoummus and tarator (tahini base) respectively. Next order the Bifteck eye fillet with samneh (cultured butter) and seven-spice crusted potato fries. And don't get us started on the home made Baklawa pastries... Drool. 

Image credit: Hayley Williamson for The Urban List