Ilayya (Photo provided by the establishment)
Ilayya opened its doors on Dec. 15 in the Arcadia cluster, on the Avenue du Parc district in downtown Beirut, with the ambition of reinventing the Lebanese bistro in a contemporary, elegant, and confident version. The man behind the project is Rabih Daher, CEO of Global Catering Services, who decided to embark on a solo adventure backed by an investment of around $2 million.
"I am at the heart of Arcadia; my offering is special, different from other restaurants," he says. Spanning 550 square meters, including 105 dedicated to the kitchen, the space exudes a chic bistro atmosphere: 160 seats, 70 of which are indoors, and sofas designed for the outdoors, creating a configuration that welcomes both lunch and long evenings. "Since our opening, we have been fully booked every night," he says.
A premium segment that remains accessible
Open from 8 a.m. to midnight, and until 1 or 2 a.m. on weekends, Ilayya aims to be a vibrant space at any time of day. Behind this well-oiled operation is a sizable team: 22 kitchen staff and 25 in the dining room, which reflects the scale of the project.
At the heart of the concept, a Lebanese bistro with a fusion touch, modern without turning its back on its roots. Rabih Daher teamed up with executive chef Charbel Safi, to create a menu that revisits the classics. "We remain Lebanese, but we dare," he sums up. Hummus comes topped with caviar. Moutabbal is draped with a kebbeh covered in pomegranate syrup, while the fawaregh (tripe) is served sautéed — neither fried nor grilled — which challenges conventions. Even the desserts embrace this hybrid spirit: tiramisu with osmaliyé, mhallabiyeh accompanied by puff pastry, a delicious nod to tradition.
While the cooking is creative, the ingredients are firmly sourced locally. "All the recipes and the vast majority of the ingredients come from Lebanon," insists Rabih Daher. Meats are carefully selected for quality and traceability, following an approach that puts the product first.
With an average bill of around $50, Ilayya positions itself in an accessible premium segment, assuming an upmarket move in a high-income district. The establishment belongs to Blueprint Hospitality Management, the company that owns the restaurant.
While this is the first location, the venture is expected to expand beyond Lebanon. "We’re already looking outside Lebanon —probably the Gulf or Africa," reveals the founder, cautious but determined. Expansion is still in the planning stage, but it is part of a long-term vision.
Rabih Daher is known for his catering company, Global Catering Services, which operates in various countries around the Middle East. Rabih Daher has also opened several restaurants, such as Alya and Zahrat Lebnan in Abu Dhabi, as well as Verdura, a restaurant specializing in Mediterranean cuisine.
Ilayya has a clear identity: a contemporary Lebanese bistro, rooted in local produce and open to the world. "Our menu is special," Rabih Daher emphasizes. It’s a bold gamble launched in the heart of a steadily developing district.
