Comptoir Libanais to expand to the west Midlands this spring

The 100-cover restaurant will launch in the city’s Grand Central, taking the site next door to Indian street food specialist Mowgli, which opened its first Birmingham site in October.  

The March opening is an important one for Comptoir Libanais, which does not currently operate any restaurants in the west Midlands.

The restaurant will serve its signature mezze dishes, including hummus; fattoush; tabbouleh; falafel and halloumi, alongside tagines, grilled meats and salads. 

Besides the restaurant, the site will also have a ‘souk’ shop, selling ingredients, cookbooks, homewares and gifts. 

Since launching in 2008, Comptoir Libanais has expanded to become a 21-strong brand. It operates at locations across the UK, and has one international site in Utrecht, in the Netherlands. 

The group is also expected to be opening a new site in the capital, in the London Bridge area.

“I’ve always dreamt of creating a traditional Lebanese restaurant where everyone can eat and drink in humble and friendly surroundings,” says founder Tony Kitous.

“I am so excited to now bring the warm Middle Eastern hospitality and way of life to brand new guests in Birmingham.”

Part of the Bullring Estate, Grand Central is Birmingham’s largest shopping centre. It houses a host of restaurants, including Pho, Yo! Sushi, Browns and Jamie’s Italian.

Earlier this month, the Birmingham outpost of Cereal Killer Cafe closed down, having reached the end of its short tenancy in the Grand Central development.