Sapa

Only 3 weeks old and already a hit! This new restaurant, opened in place of the old Zinc in Sodeco (a former iconic destination back in its day), is the talk of the town. Billed as a Peruvian restaurant, its menu is more of a fusion fare that combines influences from Japan, Spain and Latin America. Peruvian cuisine lovers (yours truly included) will be able to find such dishes as Ceviches and Causas but would do well to anticipate a distinctly trendy twist to these items. Sapa Causas look more like Maki rolls than the potato lumps sold on the streets of Arequipa. That said, Beirut’s Sapa and Peru’s cuisine have one major thing in common: the exquisite taste of their food.

Cocktails at Sapa also live up to the hype. Do not miss their Pisco Sour (the national drink in Peru) and don’t you dare skimp on the egg whites! You’ll have to try it to understand what I mean.

Named an Inca Emperor, Sapa, which means "the only one" seems well on its way to become one of Beirut’s staple locales for those seeking good food, good drinks and good vibes. Seating 130 people, the atmosphere has nonetheless been kept intimate (perhaps a nod to the old Zinc?) with a somewhat older more sophisticated crowd and good music to complete the experience. From Djs playing a mix of oldies and commercial hits to live entertainment twice a week, Sapa has something for everyone. It is not surprising their opening campaign headline read “don’t compromise”.

The service- though friendly- was somewhat erratic those first few days but who hasn’t had a few opening glitches?