Kazbar

Kazbar is a Lebanese and Middle Eastern restaurant at Capital Square on Church Street, in Singapore's Central Business District. Meat is grilled over charcoal, the mezze is made fresh and the spices are flown in. The menu is built for sharing, so it suits groups as well as couples.

Kazbar has been serving Middle Eastern food in Singapore for more than two decades. Its founder and director is Angeles Herrero, who has a long background in restaurants, catering and events. The executive chef, Kamel Fakih, was born in Lebanon. He worked in leading Dubai kitchens, including the Burj Al Arab, before joining Kazbar.

What to order

Start with mezze for the table. Cold dishes include hummus, moutabel, baba ghanoush, labneh, muhammara, shanklish and tabbouleh. Hot mezze cover cheese and spinach borek, lamb sambousek, kibbeh, arayes, jawaneh (chicken wings) and falafel.

For mains, the charcoal grill is the focus. Choices include:

• Shish taouk, marinated chicken skewers
• Shish kebab, made with lamb
• Kofta dijaj, minced chicken kofta
• Joojeh kebab, a Persian-style chicken kebab
• Lamb chops straight from the grill

Fattoush and a feta cheese salad add something fresh. Larger groups can order sharing platters of cold mezze, hot mezze, mixed grills or sandwiches. On weekdays there is a set lunch, and set menus are also offered at dinner.

To drink, there are Lebanese wines, international beers and cocktails. Alcohol-free choices include iced mint lemonade, rose and pomegranate coolers and spiced teas.

The setting

Kazbar is on the ground floor of Capital Square 3. The air-conditioned dining room has an open front onto a busy alley, with tables outside as well. Inside, a bar sits in the middle of the room and the seating is relaxed and informal. Pets are welcome at the outdoor tables.

It works well for an after-work meal in the CBD or a long dinner with friends. The team also hosts private events, from a semi-private area to a full buy-out.

Good to know before you go

• Bookings: booking ahead online is a good idea, but walk-ins are welcome.
• Dietary needs: the restaurant says it always has vegetarian, vegan and gluten-aware dishes. Tell the staff about allergies, such as to sesame or nuts.
• Takeaway and catering: Kazbar offers pick-up, delivery and catering for small and large groups.
• Parking: there is parking at Capital Square 3, with access from Church Street.

You can see the full menu and book on the Kazbar website.

Nearby

Church Street sits among the office towers of the financial district. For a local lunch on another day, try Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang at Lau Pa Sat. For Korean food, Hyang Yeon on Telok Ayer Street is close by. After dinner, walk down to the river at Boat Quay.

If you want to stay nearby, The Clan Hotel Singapore is on Cross Street. For more ideas, browse our restaurants in Marina Bay and the CBD, our international restaurants and our vegetarian and vegan guides.