Amal

Amal brings a glamorous, modern take on Lebanese cooking to Coconut Grove, a sister to the celebrated Amal in Toronto and part of the same hospitality group. Set in a lush, design-forward space, it channels the Lebanese spirit of joie de vivre: warm, generous and made for sharing, the kind of place where dinner stretches happily into the night.

The menu, led by executive chef Wissam Baki, is built around mezze, hot and cold small plates and house-baked pita, before moving to charcoal grills and showstopping mains. Signatures include the bright Monk Salad, the crisp truffle rakakat, the pistachio kabab and a memorable black cod harra. Everything is meant to be passed around the table, ideally over several bottles and a long, leisurely meal.

The mood is festive and social, with a buzzing bar, a stylish crowd and a lush patio that comes alive in the evening. It is a scene as much as a restaurant, glamorous without being stuffy, and equally good for a celebratory group dinner or a lively date. Prices are moderate to upper-moderate, generous value for the setting and the spread.

Amal is ideal for groups and couples who want warmth, colour and plenty to share. Book the patio, and reserve ahead at weekends when it is busiest. It sits in Coconut Grove, about a twenty-five-minute drive from the residence, an easy and rewarding trip from South Beach for a taste of Beirut by way of Miami.