Today we’d like to introduce you to Giovanna Mansi Farid Lutfi.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Lira Beirut Eatery was born from the shared vision of Farid Lutfi and Giovanna (Gigi) Mansi, who first met in 1999 while studying Hospitality Management at the prestigious École Hôtelière de Lausanne. What began as a friendship built on a shared passion for food and culture soon became a lifelong journey.
After graduating, they spent years traveling and working across the globe, immersing themselves in diverse culinary traditions and discovering how food has the power to connect people everywhere. Farid, a Lebanese native and third-generation restaurateur, carried with him the deep flavors and generous spirit of Lebanon’s hospitality culture. Gigi, half Italian and half Brazilian, lived in Lebanon for over a decade, where she fell in love with its warmth, architecture, and soulful cuisine.
Together, they dreamed of creating a place that would capture the essence of Beirut — its energy, generosity, and heart — and reimagine it through the lens of Miami’s vibrant Wynwood district. When they began shaping that vision in 2020, they noticed something missing in Miami’s booming restaurant scene: a truly authentic Lebanese experience.
And so, Lira was born — a bridge between Beirut and Miami, where authenticity meets creativity. More than just a restaurant, it’s a celebration of Lebanese heritage, shared around the table in a space that feels modern, welcoming, and full of life.
The design and atmosphere of Lira reflect Lebanese traditions while embracing a modern Wynwood twist. From the travertine tiles on the exterior walls to the iconic three-arched openings (trifore), the architecture and décor evoke the charm of a traditional Lebanese home. Inside, cultural details abound — hanging lamps, lanterns, handmade pillows, candle holders, and artwork by renowned Lebanese artists all contribute to an authentic experience. The modern Miami, or rather Wynwood, twist comes through in our art program. Our large graffiti mural of Beirut’s skyline, along with other contemporary artworks, creates a dialogue between the vibrant Lebanese art scene and Wynwood’s creative energy. This fusion of tradition and modernity allows guests to experience the warmth and heritage of Lebanon while fully engaging with Miami’s dynamic, artsy atmosphere.
A visit to Lira goes far beyond food — it’s a full Lebanese experience. We always play Lebanese music, and our playlists vary throughout the day. You might hear traditional songs during lunch, contemporary artists who blend Arabic instruments with Western sounds in the afternoon, and lounge or Arabic house music later in the evening or during our after-parties.
Lebanese culture is also reflected in our décor. The space is filled with authentic touches — from lamps, lanterns, and traditional coffee cups to candle holders and cookbooks that showcase our culinary heritage. Art is another key part of Lira’s identity, especially since we’re located in artsy Wynwood. Our patio features a graffiti mural of the Beirut skyline, highlighting the city’s most iconic buildings. Inside, one entire wall is dedicated to Lebanese artists, painters, and graphic designers. Each piece evokes the spirit of Lebanon — something locals and tourists find fascinating, and Lebanese guests find deeply nostalgic.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Introducing authentic Middle Eastern cuisine to the Hispanic market in Miami hasn’t presented many challenges. In fact, it’s been quite a natural fit. Many Hispanic families in Miami have Middle Eastern roots—particularly from countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine—so they’re already familiar with some of the traditional dishes. For many, it’s a nostalgic experience that reminds them of meals they used to share with their grandparents back home. This cultural connection has made it easier for us to introduce authentic flavors while still appealing to the local palate.
The biggest obstacles came before LIRA even opened its doors. The three years leading up to our launch were filled with endless challenges — navigating permits, dealing with contractors, and overcoming delays that tested our patience and determination. It was a true labor of love, and at times, a real headache!
Today, the hurdles are different. Running a restaurant in Miami means learning to adapt to the city’s rhythms — and summer is always the toughest season. The slower months bring their own set of challenges, from fluctuating customer traffic to managing staff schedules and costs. But each year, we take it as an opportunity to refine, reinvent, and prepare for the vibrant months ahead.
As you know, we’re big fans of LIRA Beirut Eatery. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Although Lebanese cuisine is often considered “ethnic,” it’s actually very approachable and delicate on the palate. The spices are mild, and the ingredients are familiar to everyone, which makes people connect to it quite easily. It’s also a naturally healthy cuisine, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options — something that resonates strongly with Miami’s contemporary dining scene. When it comes to hospitality, nothing compares to the warmth and generosity of Middle Eastern culture. At Lira, guests are made to feel as if they’re visiting someone’s home rather than dining in a restaurant. In today’s Miami, where many restaurants focus on being visually impressive but often feel impersonal, that genuine sense of welcome and connection is what truly sets Lebanese hospitality apart.
The core philosophy behind Lira Beirut is authenticity. From day one, our goal has been to stay true to our Lebanese roots in every aspect of what we do. Authenticity is reflected in our ingredients — we carefully source our spices, olive oil, and key products to ensure the same quality and flavor you’d find in Lebanon. It’s present in our recipes, which follow traditional methods that honor the way our grandparents cooked, while still fitting naturally into Miami’s modern dining scene. Our commitment to authenticity also extends to our beverage program, with a curated selection of Lebanese wines and beers that showcase the country’s growing and diverse winemaking culture. And finally, the décor completes the story — from the architecture and design details to the art and music, every element is inspired by Lebanese heritage. At Lira, authenticity isn’t just a word — it’s the foundation of our brand and the essence of the experience we want to share with every guest.
How do you think about happiness?
When guests visit Lira, we want them to feel transported to Lebanon — to experience the same warmth, comfort, and sense of belonging you’d feel when dining with family there. Our atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious, inviting guests to relax and truly enjoy themselves. The heart of the experience is always the food — authentic, flavorful, and prepared with care. Everything else, from the music to the décor, is designed to complement that feeling of being somewhere familiar, genuine, and full of soul. And when guests thank us for their experience or tell us, “It feels like home,” that’s the greatest reward we could ask for
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.liramiami.com
- Instagram: @liramiami
- Other: TikTok Lira Beirut Eatery
Image Credits
Cleveland Jennings
