Our Story
Good food, gracious hospitality, and a pioneering spirit. These are all aspects that we have taken from our cultural background to bring you one of the most unique experiences that you will encounter. We hope you enjoy your journey with us at Rabbath.
Our family escaped war torn Lebanon during the civil war of 1975 and settled in Australia. Like many before us seeking a peaceful life, Australia welcomed us with open arms, and right from the moment we arrived we called this beautiful, sacred land our home.
Our family escaped war torn Lebanon during the civil war of 1975 and settled in Australia. Like many before us seeking a peaceful life, Australia welcomed us with open arms, and right from the moment we arrived we called this beautiful, sacred land our home.
Our passion in cuisine became part of our everyday life while growing up in Australia. The Syrian and Lebanese backgrounds in our parents’ heritage meant we were influenced by world-class cuisine and culture.
Our background is very individualistic, ‘showing off’ what we know with a great sense of humility. It is through the meal that we would express our generosity and hospitality. Before every meal we would give thanks, then say to each other “sahtain!” which loosely translated from Lebanese means “may you enjoy it in double health!”. It was not simply about the meal but also about the people. It was an experience to have a meal at the Rabbath household.
That is our life. We love to eat. We love to serve. We share all we have. Regardless of whether it is through a simple cup of coffee or an elaborate multi-course meal, it is the journey that matters most, being centered around a spirit of gathering.
Our mum, Thérèse, and brothers Christian and Patrick in Beirut. It is to our mum and dad that we owe our knowledge and love we bring to our bistro
Having settle in Canberra in 1977, this beautiful and welcoming country quickly became our home. Being the youngest of three brothers, I was privileged to have been guided by my elder’s inspirations and interests.
Our Father, Jean (French for John), was an incredible pianist and musician. Having studied in Paris and Siena, and achieved the title of Professorship in virtuosity and pedagogy, he became locally known in the Canberra musical community, and established his own reputable Piano Tuition Academy.
Dad was most remembered for his unique interpretation and performance of classical piano works from the Romantic Era. When he played music composed by artists such as Chopin, Schumann and Rachmaninov, one was just in awe at the energy of love coming through his music. One couldn’t help but feel connected through one’s emotion.
Indeed this skill ran through all his siblings, who were all musicians. We are privileged to still have Dad’s brother, my Uncle, François Rabbath, who still conducts masterclasses in Double-Bass.
Our Mother, Thérèse, focussed on raising us and taking care of the Piano business. She was a master at managing finances, being practically-oriented and helping us become established in real-life experiences.
She was also a master at Lebanese cuisine, often hosting guests and friends to break bread with us. It is from her influence that we received our passion in cooking, and the inspiration for Rabbath
In 2017 Rabbath Lebanese Bistro was created in the heart of Burleigh. Not only would I like to pay homage to our parents for the inspiration for this restaurant, but I would also like to acknowledge my brother, Pascal, and his wife, Liezl, for the tireless help they gave me when I first started.
Since it’s creation, our promise has been to help our guests enjoy their time with us, and enhance their joy of life through good food and gracious hospitality
Whether our guests choose to dine with us, or take their food away, we promise the same superior Rabbath quality, every single time.
Being an intimate, open-kitchen, we love sharing our knowledge of our cuisine, so our guests can in turn share it with their friends and family.
This is the Lebanese way, and the Rabbath way.