Beirut Star
Lebanese, 1081 Paisley Road West, Glasgow G52 1SP
£62 for a mixed grill for two, two starters, and a large pot of mint tea (including tip)
In search of a little sun-drenched escapism on a typically dreich Glasgow night, we found ourselves at Beirut Star, a Lebanese spot tucked away on Paisley Road West. It is not quite your well-trodden city centre haunt. Instead, you get a cheerful, unpretentious local with a loyal neighbourhood following and a warm whiff of Middle Eastern spices just a stone’s throw from King’s Park. But how well does this southside institution deliver on classic Lebanese comfort?
Atmosphere & Service
Beirut Star is what you’d expect if a Glasgow tenement lounge had a dalliance with a Beirut tea room. Classic Scottish cornicing, gleaming (faux) gold paint, exposed stone, gilded mirrors and grand chandeliers come together with bronzed cutlery and lilting Middle Eastern music. It’s oddly charming: sort of the architectural equivalent of hummus on oatcakes.
The atmosphere is laid back, the clientele reassuringly local, and there’s none of that “Instagram your food” fuss. As for service, we’d describe it as genuinely unobtrusive. Staff were attentive without hovering, ready when needed, and, importantly, no performative flourishes. You’re left to get on with your own meal in peace. It is a rare trait these days and surprisingly refreshing.
The Food
We kicked things off with classic hummus and Lebanese bread, and if we’re honest, the spark didn’t quite fly. The hummus had a pleasant silky texture but lacked the earthy, garlicky punch we crave. It was perhaps a whisper above supermarket fare, but not by much. The accompanying flatbread was a shade on the stale side, difficult to tear and definitely not the star of the show. Happily, the bread in the main course fared a bit better, fresher and more yielding, although perhaps aided by proximity to warm meat.
Our other starter (which, memory slightly foggy, we believe was the barak cheese pastries) was a crispy pocket with a mild, halloumi-esque filling. The texture was pleasantly fluffy, and we found ourselves polishing off the lot, though it stopped short of truly moreish.
For mains, we shared the mixed grill, a generous platter of chicken shawarma, chicken wings, skewers, lamb kofta, and cubes of lamb. The standout for us was the chicken shawarma (despite its slightly tepid arrival) and the deeply smoky, charred chicken wings. The lamb kofta was beautifully savoury and fragrant, if a touch dense, and the lamb cubes were tender for one of us and a tad chewy for the other. The meat was served with fluffy, well-seasoned rice (a Middle Eastern touch we always look for), a riot of sharply pickled vegetables, and a pile of not-quite-golden chips. Pleasingly salty but lacking in colour, they did their job but didn’t quite win us over.
And then there was the tea. Mint tea at Beirut Star is an affair worth shouting about: served in stately pots with both fresh mint leaves and proper tea bags, it was delightfully fragrant, sweet, and restorative. This was truly the highlight, piping hot and aromatic, poured into tiny cups that brought a bit of theatre to the end of the meal.
Final Thoughts
We left well-fed, a bit more minty-fresh than when we arrived, and lighter by £62 including tip. Beirut Star is not aiming for small plates mastery or the last word in culinary trendiness. It is a southside stalwart serving up solid, straightforward Lebanese food in a distinctly Glaswegian setting. Flaws? Certainly. But there’s warmth here, and a genuine sense you’re supporting a local institution. We wouldn’t make a regular pilgrimage but will almost certainly be back the next time a mixed grill and mint tea craving hits.
Three Things to Know
- Good for groups or casual nights: No frills, just hearty food and plenty of space. This is a reliable spot when you want to avoid city centre crowds.
- Order the mint tea: It’s outstanding, with a fresh herbal kick that lingers all the way home.
- Mixed grill is generous: Heavy on variety and portion, light eaters will struggle. Go hungry and don’t be afraid to share.
A solid 6.5 out of 10 from us, and that warm pot of mint tea almost pushes it higher.