At Shaddai Fine Lebanese Cuisine, located at 9519 S Dixie Hwy, the neon-lit rush of the US-1 corridor fades into the background, replaced by the soulful, slow-cooked rhythms of a traditional Lebanese home. Tucked into a Pinecrest strip mall, this "hidden gem" is a masterclass in the "Mom and Pop" gourmet experience, where the food is as deep as the family history behind it.
The "Culinary Oasis" of Pinecrest
What makes Shaddai unique is its refusal to be "just another strip-mall eatery." It is an elevated sanctuary that trades corporate minimalism for Epcot-like, old-world charm.
The Decor of Dreams: The atmosphere is defined by "adorable" and symbolic touches—circular ceiling decorations with hanging flowers, small wooden camels, and walls adorned with swords. It’s a whimsical, cozy environment that transports you to a crossroads between the Mediterranean and the Middle East.
The "Tony and Elizabeth" Heart: The restaurant is run by Chef Tony Sammour (born in Bethlehem and cooking since age 8) and his wife Elizabeth (originally from Guatemala). Their partnership creates a unique cultural bridge—you might be greeted with a warm Spanish "Con permiso" while being served the best hummus of your life.
Handmade Heritage: Chef Tony is famously meticulous, once noting that he’d rather keep guests waiting than serve a bad meal. Every skewer and dip is a product of his 30+ years of professional experience, cooked with what he calls "love and tenderness."
Why Miami Foodies & Locals Loyalize
In a city with no shortage of Mediterranean options, Shaddai wins on texture, freshness, and the "unseen" details.
The "Bedsheet" Pita: The pita bread here is famously thin and pliable—described by The Infatuation as "thin as expensive bedsheets"—the perfect vehicle for their velvety, top-tier hummus.
The Signature Jawaneh: A local legend, their Lebanese-style chicken wings are marinated in fresh garlic, olive oil, and lemon, then crowned with a pale-yellow sauce that creates a "crisp-outside, moist-inside" perfection rarely found in SoFlo.
The "Shaddai Platter" Tour: For the uninitiated, this platter is the ultimate roadmap. It features smokey baba ghanoush, lemony tabouleh, and kibbeh with a subtle, sweet undertone that has become a signature flavor profile for the house.
Lebanese Wine List: Shaddai is one of the few spots in South Miami where you can pair your tender rack of lamb or lemon chicken with an expertly curated selection of authentic Lebanese wines, adding a layer of sophistication to a casual dinner date.
The Atmosphere
The energy is "Upscale-Casual & Welcoming." It feels less like a business and more like Chef Tony’s living room. You’ll find adorable water glasses, soft Lebanese music, and a staff that treats regulars like returning family. It is quiet enough for conversation but vibrant enough to feel like a culinary event.
Pro Tip: Parking in this plaza can be a "headache" during peak hours. If you're heading there for dinner, try to arrive a few minutes early to scout a spot, or consider parking near the nearby Trader Joe's. Also, don't leave without trying the Lentil Soup—it is widely considered a "slurpable surprise" that rivals any in the city.
SHADDAI means "God almighty" and at the award-winning SHADDAI restaurant, you'll dine on our carefully prepared Middle Eastern specialties, all in a peaceful, relaxed, yet elegant environment. We prepare the best Lebanese food, and we do so by using fresh products daily, employing traditional techniques in preparing our dishes.
Start with our renowned mezze (starters/appetizers) -- including our specially prepared olives imported from around the world, our "light as air" falafel, savory Kibbeh, the freshest salads, and our famous hummus, which has been described by various food writers as "a revelation, undeniably rich...silky...and impossible not to indulge."
You'll enjoy our popular entrees, including delicately marinated and grilled meats, rack of Lamb, poultry and seafood. Don't forget to end with any one of our popular sweets, including hand-made Knafeh. Be sure to partake in our selection of premiere Lebanese wines, and traditionally-prepared coffees.
We hope you'll agree with Guardian food critic Matthew Fort, who said:
"Each dish carried an authentic hallmark of proper Middle Eastern cooking - peppy spices, singing herbs, shining flavors, health and happiness in every mouthful...not a stale note, not a sloppy detail in evidence, even in standard items."
Also, if you are a vegetarian, vegan or pescatarian, or following a healthy "Mediterranean Diet,"you'll be pleased to find that SHADDAI offers a wide selection of delectable starters and entrees, all carefully prepared to order, using the freshest vegetables, spices, beans and ingredients. Our Lebanese cuisine includes many delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes, and our focus on the freshest ingredients, and grilling and baking rather than frying, make dining with SHADDAI not only delicious, but healthy!
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