AMAL

AMAL

An Interview with Executive Chef Wissam Baki

When Michelin-recommended Amal, landed from wintery Toronto onto Main Highway in tropical Coconut Grove, it brought its heartfelt, modern take on authentic Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine and its chic supper club style with it. Since its arrival on Miami’s hot dining scene in 2022, Amal has attracted locals and tourists looking for sharable lunch mezze and celebratory dinners, breathing new life into Grove’s westside. Enjoy reading Slaashmag.com’s Interview with Executive Chef Wissam Baki.

Toronto Born Mediterranean Inspiration

Amal Toronto opened its doors in 2020, inspired by the Lebanese roots of INK CEO and Founder Charles Khabouth. This restaurant serves as a heartfelt tribute to Lebanon, capturing its charm and culture in every aspect of the dining experience. From the warm hospitality that greets you upon arrival to the fresh, shareable dishes and innovative drinks, Amal is a testament to culinary heritage. 

Notably, Amal boasts the largest selection of Lebanese wines in America, showcasing some of the most sought after wines in the world. This extensive wine list further enhances the dining experience, inviting guests to explore the rich flavors and traditions of Lebanese viticulture. 

Amal’s Vibe, Decor, and Atmosphere – A Perfect Fit for Coconut Grove

Miami is a beautiful city with a rich dining scene and incredible culinary talent. We’ve seen how Coconut Grove’s dining scene has continued to evolve and we were excited to introduce Amal into the community. Amal’s dining room was designed by award-winning design firm Studio Munge and the team perfectly encapsulated Lebanon’s charming coastal shores with the use of soft colors of dusty rose, muted terracotta, pastel blues and white. The restaurant showcases charming Mediterranean architecture that blends perfectly with natural elements found throughout the space. It serves as the perfect setting for a midday lunch to a late-night dinner. 

Amal’s Modern Take on Classic Lebanese 

Amal’s cuisine celebrates the vibrant flavors of Lebanese spices and ingredients. Our menu features a delightful array of shareable dishes, including hummus and mezze, alongside traditional favorites like beef skewers and kafta kebab. We also offer lavash wraps and exquisite seafood dishes, such as octopus. At Amal, our mission is to create an inviting atmosphere where guests can savor delicious meals with friends and family. To complete your dining experience, don’t miss our unique dessert selection, which combines traditional Lebanese flavors with a modern twist. 

Must Have Dishes

Some of our most popular signature dishes include the Truffle Rakakat, garnished with grapes, honey, mint, and pistachio, along with Amal’s Hummus. Other favorites are our Pistachio Kebab, featuring a mix of beef and lamb with a house spice blend, and the Chicken Shawarma Lavash Wrap (served with Amal’s signature hummus). We also offer traditional dishes like hummus, babaganoush, grape leaves, and garlic labneh. 

Amal features an extensive handcrafted cocktail list using some of Lebanon’s finest ingredients, while also fusing some of Miami’s signature flavors. Popular items include the Beirut Bliss made with Don Julio Blanco Tequila, agave spice nectar, and harissa passion fruit puree, and the Magenta, made with Tanqueray 10, ginger juice, lemon, lavender syrup, and butterfly pea powder. 

Nothing Like Amal in Miami

As a Lebanese restaurant, we pride ourselves on showcasing the traditions and essence of the culture. Amal embraces the love of family and the experience of sharing a meal made with fresh ingredients, full of soul. Our menu focuses on generous, shareable dishes, reflecting the way they would be enjoyed at a dinner table in Lebanon. Additionally, our attentive and welcoming service ensures each guest feels like they are part of our extended family, creating a warm and memorable dining experience that sets us apart from other fine dining establishments. 

Amal offers an unmatched ‘lunch break’ dining experience for guests to enjoy throughout the week. Perfect for a quick business lunch or a mid-afternoon break, diners can unwind and enjoy an entree and a dessert for just $28 per person. Menu highlights include Amal’s signature Skewer Platters (chicken tawok, kefta kebab, fattoush salad, hummus), Salmon (roasted red pepper hummus, cherry tomato, mint, lebanese rice), KeftaBurger (haloumi cheese, harissa aioli, tomato, cabbage salad served on a sesame brioche bun with fries), or a Vegetarian Platter (grilled vegetable skewer, spinach fatayer, grape leaves, falafel, hummus, fattoush salad). 

To end on a sweet note, Amal offers various dessert options such as Baklava (cashew, pistachio), Rice Pudding (walnut, cinnamon, rose water, pistachio), and the signature date cake (butterscotch sauce, vanilla ice cream, pecan tuile). 

Private Dining and Events

Amal’s spacious dining room can accommodate up to 65 guests for a seated dinner or 100 guests for a standing reception. The cozy setting, accentuated with rare textiles and muted pastels, lends itself to intimate soirées and memorable gatherings. Guests delight in watching Amal’s culinary team innovate and create in the open kitchen, offering a sublime sensory experience. 

On the right side of the restaurant is a smaller dining area and bar, which can be reserved for seated experiences of up to 42 guests or receptions for up to 80 guests. This captivating space features a semi-private bar area, perfect for mingling before sitting down to dinner. 

For large parties, Amal can accommodate up to 110 guests seated throughout the restaurant or up to 200 guests for a full venue reception. We also offer outdoor dining spaces in both the front and side of the restaurant, where guests can enjoy their meal in a relaxed, open-air setting. 

Accolades 

Amal Miami was honored with the 2023 Alfresco & Biophilic Design Award in the Global category by The Restaurant and Bar Design Awards. Additionally, our sister restaurant, Amal Toronto, which shares the same menu items and concept, has been open for two years and has received a Michelin nomination, further highlighting the excellence and consistency of our culinary and dining experience.