Authentic Lebanese Cuisine at Iakni

Pushed by the echo of a new restaurant in the neighborhood of Poble Sec, gastronomic cradle; We visit his new space called Iakni. A true Lebanese restaurant where Miguel and Ralph accommodate you in their space to accompany you on an unprecedented journey through your native culture.

A sense of belonging to a remote and unknown culture like the Lebanese one; that they have managed to take back with pride. Crossing the threshold of this small Lebanese meal house is a real trip to Beriut itself, a passageway to its streets between its food stalls.

The lack of authentic Lebanese restaurants in our city pushed these two brothers, engineer and publicist by profession; to open the one that has become the home of the Catalan Lebanese cuisine. A passion that began between the stoves of his own house feeding friends and acquaintances; and that now they have moved to a corner of Vilamarí street. This is how Iakni was born, synonymous with tradition and homemade.

Windows, terrace and a minimalist decoration that transmit that homely feeling that captures and seduces us; Chaining us to our seat forgetting the existence of another dimension beyond its doors.

Its reduced gastronomic offer includes just over four ingredients per dish. Simplicity in an ideal offer to share. While we wait for our Lebanese white wine offered by Ralph, we pick some pickles. So we began this gastronomic journey, followed by a Balila Hummus served with hot chickpeas and his Fattüsh vegetable salad.

Another batch of snacks! This time Baba Ganüsh and four units of Falafel accompanied by Taratór sauce. To continue with our selection of Mezzés, typical Lebanese dishes to share, we ordered Arnabit gratin vegetables; his pumpkin Kibbe and the star of the house, Musajan sandwich of echo chicken marinated in Sumac.

As tradition marks, Lebanese coffee with cardamom and Halva, a Tahina nougat based on sesame, pistachio and honey to finish our walk through Lebanon. And here they dare to read you the future at the bottom of a Lebanese cup of coffee, as your grandmother did.

It has never been so easy to travel to Lebanon; a lifestyle where gastronomy occupies the family axis; a way of understanding the kitchen that supposes becoming the ideal host. Long and relaxed gastronomic sessions in company, where you can lose yourself in time and enjoy a peaceful evening that ends at the bottom of a glass of Arak, a Lebanese liqueur similar to Anise. This is Iakni, tradition and wisdom in the heart of Poble Sec.