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Review Highlights
“When a giant cruise ship is not parked out front, it probably has a great view of the river.” in 4 reviews
“(Make sure you check out the amenities - really cool sinks!) Hubby & I are creatures of habit and generally order the $68 tiered platter for 2 (brilliant, perfect way to sample the menu).” in 2 reviews
“If you're looking for five star cocktails in an environment that imbues a sense of occasion, then Byblos is an excellent place to go for drinks.” in 2 reviews
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Amenities and More
About the Business
Byblos Bar & Restaurant combines imaginative Mediterranean cuisine with lavish hospitality, luxurious surroundings, and a world class drink selection.
Recommended Reviews
Overall rating
16 reviews
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
- Ron B.Belo Horizonte, Brazil956202016Oct 19, 2014Updated review
Been here several times during my stay in Brisbane and have decided my original 4 should be upgraded to 5. It is true that the food has not always excited us, but is great as river side venue where it's good people watching and enjoying the sunset. The tunes are pretty decent also. However, Byblos truly stands out as cocktail bar with many unique creations on offer. The bar tenders are fun and produce consistently excellent drinks.
To ensure maximum enjoyment of said cocktails, it's best to go for Sunday afternoon happy hour from 3-7. Cocktails $10; beer/wine $5.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Feb 2, 2014Previous reviewNice place. Great location, creative cocktails. We haven't been too impressed yet (maybe unlucky) with mains, but the finger food is excellent. Excellent place to hang out on a sunny afternoon/ summer evening.
Ps. the pin on the map for this place is wrong (too far to NW; fix it yelp!) - Jenny L.Brisbane, Australia35467Apr 11, 2016
Wow! The food here is simply sensational.
From entree to dessert it was one taste sensation to another.
It was a cloudy night and we were seated outside and the attentive wait staff promptly found a seat for us inside once the drizzling started.
The noise level is a little on the loud side due to the bar scene but this is easily remedied with an inside seat. The cocktails and mocktails are lovely and not of the overly sweet variety.
Can't wait to come back again.Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Shannon M.Australia4302340Jan 18, 2012Updated review
It went to Byblos again last weekend with some friends. It was fantastic again! We each ordered a Mezza 1 and my god, you get some much food for just $45 each! Easily the best value on the menu, you get to sample a huge range of pastries, kebabs, dips and salads.
This time was also different because we booked in the lounge area, not in the restaurant. The atmosphere is much more relaxed and intimate. The lounges, cushions and decorations are warm and exotic and the girl who served us provided fantastic service. Although the lounge is one big half square, the small tables separate where each group sits and it doesn't feel crowded at all.
Definitely book for the lounge area though because they won't let you stay in the section if you haven't.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Dec 18, 2011Previous reviewI was lucky enough to get taken to Byblos by my partner to celebrate my birthday and I have to say that it was a memorable experience. It was a little hard to find being around the corner but it is right on the river with great views. The ambience in this place is something you need to experience!
We sat down and then were handed the menu for food and then drinks. The drinks menu looked like it went on forever with a vast range of cocktails, wine & scotch. The food was fantastic and I had a great time here. Will definitely be going back. It is middle eastern themed and it is perfect to go to if you are happy to try some new menu items. Original, delicious and superior service.
One thing though, be sure to book early as they get very busy! Especially around Christmas time they are booked for weeks in advance. - Nathan S.Brisbane, Australia232Apr 25, 2015
Byblos is host to a stunning location on the Brisbane River with with a relaxed yet classy decor with its feature being a beautifully presented central bar.
We had a table booking for a group of 10 and got a wide range of mouth watering dishes to share. I couldn't have asked more from the food as it really kept everyone pleasantly satisfied. Unfortunately from a classy establishment such as Byblos I expected more in the way of service. The waitstaff were very friendly and happy to oblige any requests but our table felt neglected in the way of service.
I personally found the beer selection to be poor but in saying that I am sure there would be something to satisfy any beer lover.its understandable that the beer selection is the way it is as judging by the bar it would seem they deliver a great range of cocktails and top shelf liquors which is more suited to the target demographic of an establishment such as this one.
Great place for a group booking with most dishes able to be shared amongst the table. There is also lounges available for a more laid back dinner vibe. Would definitely come back for the food as it was spot on.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Davina L.Australia6403Jun 6, 2012
I'm sorry guys. This was not my favourite place. I found the waiter a bit condescending and didn't really offer us much help with our selections. The food was ok. Mine was the worst on the menu and everything has so much salt to make you buy more and more alcohol. Don't get me wrong, I love a good bevvy - especially when their cocktails are pretty amazing - but I hate being forced to drink because your chef can't say no to a pot of salt.
Other meals seemed like a better choice than mine, but none of us were overly impressed. I hate to bag on a restaurant, but the only reason I'd go back here is for a good cocktail to finish or start my night.Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Tara R.Indianapolis, IN686541Mar 30, 2013
We have been coming here for probably five years. Byblos always hits the spot & is a brilliant venue - in terms of location & view, as well as menu (both drinks & food), interior design, fitout & vibe. (Make sure you check out the amenities - really cool sinks!)
Hubby & I are creatures of habit and generally order the $68 tiered platter for 2 (brilliant, perfect way to sample the menu). BUt, we have also been for a large group dinner & experienced one of the banquets, which was fun & took away the pressure of making a decision.
We also hosted a small-ish event here (my birthday party) last year and found it to be a venue that impressed our guests with a bit of wow. How can you not be impressed with a cocktail menu that is really a book & romantically lit bar wall stocked & shimmering with the finest spirits? (And at $16+ per cocktail, you want to feel impressed.) I found the event organisers helpful & solution-orientated. Everything was planned very well on the night, so it went off without a hitch. Even a hic-cup with an invitee's diet was able to be catered for on the spot - Delightful!
We have always been treated well by the staff. Maybe it's 'cause we generally know what we want. Would certainly recommend booking if you plan on eating - I think that helps.
The absolute only negative thing I have to say about Byblos (and, really, it' s minor) is that some of that I find some of the furnishings to be uncomfortable (Tall cushioned chairs near the outdoor dining area). But, decor-wise they suit. I found when seated in them, I regularly needed to stand rather than sit. As you can see from my star rating, it doesn't detract from my overall review of the place.
Go to Byblos. You will enjoy it.
Favourite drinks include the Lemon Meringue Pie Martini (when available) as well as the Mulled Wine (divine in the winter!)Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Steven L.Brisbane, Australia60376301May 13, 2014
I've been putting off reviewing Byblos, because i'd like to try out the food sometime, but this will do in the meantime.
I was looking for somewhere nice for drinks on a weekday, and a quick browse of Yelp turned up Byblos. I'd heard of it before but never been, so why not?
Being a school night it was pretty quiet, but there was still a decent number of people here. You can sit inside or out, and the majority were outside. Inside you've got everything from high tables to low couches to choose from. It's warm, inviting and looks incredibly cozy.
Drinks were no more expensive than anywhere else, and the staff seemed pretty laid back but friendly enough. I got served quite quickly at the bar (admittedly I was the only person at the bar at the time), and later the person collecting our empty glasses offered to bring refills.
I think i'd like to come back to try the restaurant side of things, but all in all, this is a great place for a quiet drink during the week.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Vj D.Brisbane, Australia506194Dec 25, 2013
I came here to have a few drinks with colleagues after work and I thought that the drinks were well overpriced. But it seems to be where people working in the area decide to go after work. We ordered a platter of fried calamari and other bits. It was okay, nothing special.
I do like the location and the crowd was a good mix of classy people of all ages, instead of the usual crowd of roided-up guys on the prowl who happen to just be angry at the entire world. I didn't have to wait long to be served at the bar and I found the staff quite courteous. I'm not a heavy drinker at all, but I just can't get over how expensive a beer was. I suppose the premium price keeps most of the trash out which is a good thing.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Anne-Marie S.Brisbane City, Australia35157120Jul 4, 2013
Love love love Byblos! From the yummy mocktails to the amazing food, it is such a great place to dine.
No matter when I go there, I always seem to over indulge but it is so worth it.
The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is for two reasons: (1) they keep putting dressing on the haloumi cheese when I ask for no dressing and (2) I came here once a year ago and the food was not up to their usual standard. Yes - I know I am being picky with that, but every other time, it has been perfect.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0