Cafe Munir: Lively Lebanese in Loyal Heights

Inside the restaurant, handmade metal lamps sent from Egypt by Gargour’s family dangle from the high ceiling and a gilded portrait of his son hangs on the wall.

Gargour has loved hosting his neighbors and friends in the cozy space and introducing them to traditional Lebanese cuisine.

Gargour has loved hosting his neighbors and friends in the cozy space and introducing them to traditional Lebanese cuisine.

Big windows let sunlight stream into the café, illuminating the bright paintings and the colorful bottles that line the wall behind the bar that leads into the open kitchen.

Big windows let sunlight stream into the café, illuminating the bright paintings and the colorful bottles that line the wall behind the bar that leads into the open kitchen.

Gargour’s family sent the eye-catching lamps over from Egypt.

Gargour’s family sent the eye-catching lamps over from Egypt.

Gargour likes to put his own spin on Lebanese classics—for example, his mukhaddara, a green incarnation of the traditional red muham’marra.

Gargour likes to put his own spin on Lebanese classics—for example, his mukhaddara, a green incarnation of the traditional red muham’marra.

Brassy bells hang by the doorway.

Brassy bells hang by the doorway.

Sweet and salty Mahallabieh, milk pudding flavored with orange flower water and topped with pistachios.

Sweet and salty Mahallabieh, milk pudding flavored with orange flower water and topped with pistachios.

Aside from the large whiskey collection, Café Munir also carries Arak, a traditional anise aperitif.

Aside from the large whiskey collection, Café Munir also carries Arak, a traditional anise aperitif.

Diners can watch their meal come to life in the kitchen.

Diners can watch their meal come to life in the kitchen.

Batinjan Josephine takes center stage, thick, creamy yogurt topped with roasted vegetable and bright parsley and olive oil.

Batinjan Josephine takes center stage, thick, creamy yogurt topped with roasted vegetable and bright parsley and olive oil.

The café’s painted signs hang in the large front windows.

The café’s painted signs hang in the large front windows.

A portrait of Gargour’s firstborn has a central spot in the restaurant. Of the gilded painting: "It’s a little over the top, but it fits."

A portrait of Gargour’s firstborn has a central spot in the restaurant. Of the gilded painting: "It’s a little over the top, but it fits."