Motto

A much needed relief from the pounding bass of the ever-mushrooming bars of Mar Mikhael. A breath of fresh air from the uppity brunch crowds sipping on mimosas and crunching tiny salads on oversized dishes. Motto is inspired by a vision for great food at a fair price. Famous for their “pay what you think is fair” philosophy and delicious ever-changing international food. You actually pay what you think is fair, food has no set price. Drinks are reasonable with a fine selection of wines and then the usual Al Maza.

Motto packs a lot of love, thought and variety into a tiny space with less than ten indoor tables. Soothing American jazz or quick Ethiopian tunes bounce from table to table decorated with finely selected upcycled handblown dishware. Some of the artwork and houseware at Motto is available for sale at the nearby Play Bey of the same owners.

If inside is full or the weather is great you can find a seat at marble topped table on the sidewalk sprussed up by a street garden of carefully potted plants. Enjoy tastes of Sri Lankan curries, French cuisine or Persian delicacies. Sri Lankan and Ethiopian are particularly popular and usually on the menu three days out of the week. Thai, Moroccan and Filipino have also made guest star appearances. Lunch is self service while dinner is a set course meal. Vegetarians and meat lovers are sure to find their satisfaction of three courses, at a minimum!

Long Saturday brunchs usually feature a fusion of Lebanese and another international flavor. Meal menus are set the week ahead and posted on their Facebook page and reservations should be made by text message at +961 70 954 057. Plan ahead as this place is popular, for good reason, and is often fully booked!

There is a no laptop after 8 policy but the in between hours, after lunch and before dinner, makes for a great spot to read a book or get some work done.