A Vibrant Lebanese Morning in Vienna

Day 3 begins exactly how Lebanese hospitality should feel: loud energy in the kitchen, sizzling pans, excited voices, and the aroma of familiar spices drifting through Vienna’s winter air.
Anthony returns to Elissar, where Chef Saaed is already preparing something special — a full Lebanese tasting menu, but with his personal twist.

The pride is visible. The excitement is real. This isn’t just breakfast — it’s a celebration of Lebanese culinary heritage brought to life in the heart of Austria.

Chef Saaed: A Story of Passion, Travel & Culinary Identity

One of the highlights of the day is hearing Chef Saaed’s story, and it is as rich as the dishes he prepares.
He talks about growing up in a family that loved food, learning from his mother and father, and starting his career in places like Tripoli, Beirut, and Dubai — across restaurants where he shaped his craft and strengthened his name.

His journey eventually brought him to Vienna, where he joined Elissar with deep admiration for Chef Elias Matar and a shared mission:
to celebrate real Lebanese flavors with the world.

Anthony captures this moment beautifully — a chef speaking from the heart, proud of where he came from, and passionate about what he is creating today.

A Bulgur Surprise: Reinventing a Lebanese Classic

Then comes the first big reveal of the day:
A dish that looks like risotto but isn’t — a seafood borghol (bulgur) risotto, a Lebanese twist on an Italian classic.

It’s unexpected, bold, and exactly the kind of innovation you can expect from a place that’s pushing boundaries.
The sauce is rich, silky, comforting; the borghol gives the dish soul; and the combination becomes one of the highlights of the day. A perfect example of how Lebanese cuisine can adapt, evolve, and surprise — even in Vienna.

Inside Elissar’s Kitchen: Lebanese, Italian & Everything In Between

The kitchen doesn’t stop.
Manakish, pizza, seafood, pasta, warm bread — the Elissar team blends Lebanese identity with Italian technique in a way that feels natural, joyful, and deeply flavorful.

The atmosphere is lively, noisy in the best way, filled with movement and emotion.
It’s a kitchen that feels alive — chefs laughing, communicating, creating, feeding, sharing.

This is the spirit of NGNO: discovering the heart of a restaurant by stepping into the fire, not just sitting at the table.

An Afternoon of Italian Elegance at Cantinetta Antinori

After the rush of Elissar, Anthony jumps into another world:
Cantinetta Antinori, one of Vienna’s beloved spots for refined Italian dining.

Here, he savors handmade pasta, perfectly cooked seafood, rich sauces, and delicate textures — a contrast to the morning’s Lebanese flavors, but equally memorable.

Even when the garlic becomes a bit much, the joy of the plate remains untouched.

The experience blends gracefully with the festive atmosphere — Vienna at Christmas is glowing, warm, magical, and every meal feels like part of the celebration.

A Day Filled With Flavor, Stories & Christmas Spirit

Day 3 wraps up with gratitude — for the chefs, for the food, for Vienna itself.
The city’s charm grows stronger with each walk, each restaurant, each story shared.
There’s a sense of discovery in every corner, and Anthony captures it with the same authenticity he brings to every NGNO journey.

Behind it all, the collaboration with Elissar continues to take shape, building toward the big Lebanese street food concept launching before the end of the year.
Day by day, dish by dish, Vienna is becoming the stage for something remarkable.

About NoGarlicNoOnions

NoGarlicNoOnions is a platform dedicated to discovering genuine food, unforgettable places, and stories worth sharing from around the world. Through authentic storytelling, honest reviews, and heartfelt explorations, NGNO has built a loyal community passionate about real food and real experiences.
Website: https://nogarlicnoonions.com

About Elissar Vienna

Elissar is a Lebanese restaurant and deli brand founded in Vienna in 2018. Known for its warm hospitality, generous flavors, and authentic Lebanese dishes, Elissar has grown into one of Vienna’s most recognizable Lebanese culinary destinations. Today, Elissar is entering an exciting new chapter — developing a modern Lebanese street food concept in collaboration with Anthony Rahayel, set to open before the end of the year.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elissarvienna/
Website: https://www.elissar.at/