Sometimes a restaurant isn’t all about the food. Sometimes it’s just a place where you and your friends can catch up. A place with enough variety on the menu to appeal to that one fussy person in the group, and a cracking drinks list to ensure a good night out. For many in Brisbane, Byblos is that place.

The Lebanese bar and restaurant feels as special as it does laid-back with its mix of spaces to settle into: curtained-off lounge seating, a large dining room and riverside patio, all with a luxe souk vibe.

While it’s not going to set the world alight, the food at Byblos is reliably tasty, generous and filling. You can eat with your hands, which always brings a sense of rebellious satisfaction, and the friendly waitstaff know the menu inside-out, recommending a gamut of dishes whether you want to order a little or a lot.

The rekakat is a flaky filo pastry filled with melty mozzarella and feta cheese, intensified with chopped onion and parsley. It tastes as good as it sounds, and is even better after a few cocktails from the eclectic list of Middle Eastern-inspired creations.

Lahim meshwi (lamb fillet skewers) is an equally satisfying dish, especially when swiped through house-made garlic sauce that is so potent it could knock-out a vampire with a single sniff.

For something heartier, there’s meltingly tender braised oxtail with freekeh, carrots, apricots and pine nuts. Or try the aromatic vegetable tagine with tender root vegetables tossed through harissa for a hint of heat, while yoghurt and jewel-like pomegranate seeds gently soothe.

Skip the mushy chilli prawns and dive straight into dessert, which extends from Lebanese classics of baklava and ashtalieh (cream pudding) to everyday favourites including creme brulee and chocolate pudding.