Bula!
I had no idea you could enjoy Lebanese food here in Fiji.
Recently, we visited Byblos at Radisson Blu Resort on Denarau Island. The food was lovely, but it was the time spent looking out over the sea that made me want to come back.
Dinner reservations are required, but we were lucky enough to get a table without one that evening.
What struck me first was the setting. The sea stretched out before us, and we had arrived just as the sun was beginning to set. Watching it slowly sink towards the horizon made even the wait for our food feel like part of the evening.
It was a lovely reminder that a meal can be about more than what is on the plate. Sometimes, it is just as much about the time you spend there.
When I think of Lebanese food, hummus is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Beyond that, I was not quite sure what to order.
The children had each chosen something from the kids’ menu, so I asked a member of staff what they would recommend as a classic dish for one.
Their suggestion was chicken shawarma.
The chicken was marinated in spices, with flavours a little different from our everyday meals. For a moment, it felt as though I had travelled somewhere new, without leaving Fiji.
And the portion was generous, too. There was something about that generosity that felt very much at home here.
We took our time over dinner, watching the sun go down over the sea. Looking back, that simple moment may have been my favourite part of the evening.
The staff had the gentle, welcoming manner I have come to know in Fiji. I felt comfortable asking about dishes that were new to me, and we could all relax and enjoy being there together.
As we were leaving, we happened to catch a dance show as well—an unexpected little extra to end the evening.
The sea, a Fiji sunset, and Lebanese food. Perhaps not the combination I would have expected, but somehow it all felt wonderfully at ease.
If you are looking for somewhere to have dinner in Denarau, Byblos is well worth considering. I would book ahead and arrive in time to enjoy the sea as the light begins to change.
Restaurant Details
- Name: Byblos ‘A Taste of Lebanon’
- Location: Radisson Blu Resort, Fiji Denarau Island, Resort Drive, Denarau Island, Fiji
- Cuisine: Lebanese
- Lunch: Daily, 12:00–15:00
- Dinner: Daily, 17:30–22:00; reservations required
- Enquiries: restaurants.fiji@radisson.com
- Official website: Byblos | Radisson Blu Resort Fiji
Opening hours and reservation arrangements may change. Please check the official website for current details. We happened to see a dance show during our visit; it is not guaranteed to take place on other evenings.
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