Bottomless brunches are popping up regularly in Brisbane these days, but Baba Ganouj’s new Garden Party Beirut Brunch brings something deliciously different to the table. Hosted on the last Saturday of every month at the South Bank institution, the experience combines a generous Lebanese feast, flowing drinks and a live DJ soundtrack that encourages guests to settle in for the afternoon rather than watch the clock.
I visited with a group of friends for a catch-up that had been sitting in the group chat for FAR too long, and within minutes of arriving we knew we’d found exactly the right setting. The restaurant had been transformed with garden-inspired styling, the DJ was spinning smooth tracks in the background and the atmosphere struck a sweet spot between lively and relaxed.
The feast arrives as a towering three-tier spread loaded with Lebanese favourites, immediately creating that shared-table experience Lebanese food does so well. Before long, we were passing plates back and forth, debating favourites and reaching across the table for just one more bite long after we’d already declared “OK THAT’S IT, I am REALLY done this time!”
Now let’s get down to the food. First up it was a trio of dips with flatbread; the hommus was wonderfully smooth and creamy, while the baba ganouj delivered that deep smoky flavour that keeps drawing you back. The labneh added a welcome tang that paired perfectly with warm bread, and together the dips made an excellent start to the meal.
One of the most memorable dishes arrived looking more like a centrepiece than a salad. Hidden beneath a crisp flatbread dome, the fattoush required a small wooden mallet to crack open the shell before we could dig in. It added a playful moment to the table and, once we’d demolished the salad, the shards of crunchy flatbread found a second purpose as the perfect vehicle for scooping up every last bit of dip left behind.
Then came the hot dishes.
The rekakat cheese pastries disappeared at an alarming speed, their crisp golden shells giving way to molten cheese inside. The falafel struck that perfect balance between crunchy and fluffy, while the lamb sambusek packed plenty of savoury flavour into every bite. From the grill, the meats were particularly impressive. The shish taouk skewers were juicy and beautifully seasoned, while the kafta brought warmth and spice without overpowering the dish. Even after working our way through what felt like an endless procession of mezze, we kept finding room for another skewer.
One thing that stood out was how accommodating the team was for dietary requirements. One of my dining companions is coeliac and Baba Ganouj provided separate gluten-free options for her without any fuss. It wasn’t treated as an inconvenience or an afterthought, which made the experience feel inclusive for everyone at the table.
As for the bottomless drinks, our group gravitated towards the mimosas and they went down remarkably easily. Glasses seemed to refill themselves throughout the 90-minute package as conversations stretched from catching up on recent news to stories we’d somehow never heard before. The combination of flowing drinks, generous food and an afternoon free from schedules created exactly the sort of atmosphere you hope for when organising a long-overdue get-together.
By the end of the sesh, our table was still talking, lingering over the last of the drinks and wondering how the time had disappeared so quickly. If you’ve been searching for a Brisbane bottomless brunch that offers more than a quick meal and a few cocktails, Baba Ganouj’s Garden Party Beirut Brunch is well worth adding to your weekend plans.
WHAT: Beirut Brunch Garden Party
WHEN: 12pm-5pm, Last Saturday of every month
PRICE: $75pp for 90 minutes, minimum two people
INCLUDES: Three-tier Lebanese mezze feast, 90 minutes of bottomless beverages, Live DJ and Garden Party styling and atmosphere. Add ons: Lychee Martini Cocktail Jugs +$25 (whole table)
BOOK: Book your Baba Gannouj Garden Party Beirut Brunch here.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
