If you’re looking for a visit to Lebanon, Morocco and Greece then save yourself a trip to the Mediterranean regions and head to Maffei Kitchen in Koramangala

You will be delighted with a perfect harmony of contemporary yet authentic delicacies, traditional in taste with a modern presentation in an ambience that spells luxury and transports you straight to these magical Mediterranean nations.

They claim to be the only one authentic Lebanese restaurant in Bengaluru that you can find and we agree. Well, because every bite of their delicious dishes here cooked under the aegis eyes of Executive Chef Ammar Molki adds that flavourful touch. Don’t believe us? Just try their lip-smacking Mezze platter with traditional Hummus and you’ll know what we are talking about. Their Charcoal grilled lamb, chicken and seafood are gloriously divine too.

Chef Ammar Molki Award-winning Executive Chef, who carries with him 25 years of an exciting culinary journey, enhances each dish that passes out of the open kitchen every day with his creativity and innovative culinary skills. Cooking Lebanese and Moroccan cuisine has been his forte for many years and it is evident in the taste of everything he puts his hands into. His emphasis on quality and curating innovative menus featuring seasonal recipes inspired by traditional culinary styles, authentic ingredients and modern techniques is what makes him a winner.

The name Maffei comes from two unique galaxies visible only in red and infrared light, making them extremely rare. The restaurant takes inspiration from the galaxies’ rarity and envisions giving the same experientially unique and out-of-this-world experience. Maffei’s cuisine takes inspiration from the warm Mediterranean lands, culturally enriched and delicious Lebanese, Moroccan and Greek cuisine. The Maffei “The Fine Artisan Kitchen” offers an array of dishes, sourcing the finest fresh produce and seasonally acquired ingredients to create an extraordinary culinary experience. The beautifully marinated olives, feta cheese, smell of Moroccan spices and fresh rosemary with olive oil will take you on a food journey; you wouldn’t wish to return from.

From a quick Turkish coffee, a Lebanese bite to eat at lunch or a deliciously crafted Moroccan dinner, with their impressive wine list and exquisite range of cocktails, Maffei is the perfect place for every celebration. The menu features a selection of some of the best known and much-loved international dishes that are a great option for locals who want to discover other cuisines, expats and businessmen who have made this city their home.

There’s also a large Vegan Set, with a great selection of inspired Vegan dishes from Lebanon, Morocco and other Mediterranean regions. Even their portion sizes are served with swirling abundance and generosity.

Must try: Some of the must try dishes at Maffei Kitchen include the Lebanese Cold Mezze platter (assorted platter of six types of dips with pita bread), Harira (Moroccan Tomato & Lentil Soup), Spinach Fatayer (pie filled with spinach, onion, olive oil and seasonings), Kibbeh Sajieh (delicious Lebanese dish made with 2 layers of lamb meat and bulgur stuffed with spiced ground lamb sautéed with onion and walnut), Chicken Shish Tawook (a traditional marinated grilled chicken breast cube with garlic dip) and Lamb Adana Kabab (grilled minced lamb skewers with special spices from Adana turkey with pickles). If you’re a seafood lover you can try the Grilled Tiger Prawns and the Golden Fried Shrimps. The menu is very exhaustive and it will take you a few trips to Maffei to try all their signature specials like the Moroccan Lamb Shanks (melt in the mouth Lamb Shanks, slow cooked with all the aromatic Moroccan flavours), Chef’s Signature Burgers, Wraps, Brick Oven Manakeesh (Lebanese Pizza that comes loaded with lots of freshly cooked and hand pounded meat). Do leave some room for Kunafa (a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with spun pastry called kataifi, soaked in a sweet, and typically layered with Akawi cheese) or Baklava.

Where: Maffei Kitchen, No 23, Peace Vill, 5th Cross Rd, KHB Colony, 5th Block, Koramangala, Bengaluru.

By Namita Gupta