‘La Dolce Vita’ à la Libanaise: Beirut’s Remarkable Restaurants

No matter which time of day they find themselves in or what is going on in their lives or in the country as a whole, the Lebanese are known to always make time for a magnificent meal, preferably in a location that is as pleasing to the eye as its menu is to the other senses.

Although it’s easy to get lost in the maze of the many restaurants that offer local Lebanese cuisine, fantastic fusion and healthy vegan and gluten-free options, part of the fun is discovering them yourself by just randomly stumbling upon them, but some just cannot be missed. That’s why we prepared a handy little guide for you.

Beiruti breakfast

Relish the richness of an authentic hearty Lebanese breakfast by treating your tastebuds to such perfectly prepared local staples as fatteh, msabbaha and foul mdammas at local favourites Abou Hassan in Bourj Hammoud, El Soussi in Mar Elias and Abu Naim in Hamra. For healthier options head to all-day cosy breakfast spots Breakfast Barn or The Sage Parlour. Want to feel like a New Yorker in Beirut? Head to The High Llama, where you can feast on pretzels dipped in peanut butter and a selection of bagels.

Vegan & gluten-free restaurants in Beirut

Although the Lebanese cuisine offers quite a few vegan options in itself, Beirut offers a large array of vegan-only places, mostly in and around Gemmayze. Newly opened Meet the Veganz’ ‘fast food’ will certainly satisfy your cravings without feeling guilty. Plant-based restaurant KOHO Vegan Eatery serves innovative dishes that are also pleasing to the eye. Satisfy your sweet tooth with vegan treats while grabbing a coffee at urban escape Fina. Don’t miss out on Em Ali’s phenomenal gluten-free saj.

Makan (left) and Tawlet (right) restaurants, Beirut

Fusion

Make sure to reserve a table at Clap, a popular upscale sushi restaurant where you’ll also be treated to a magical rooftop view of Beirut. If you’re looking for something more down-to-earth, aesthetically pleasing and culturally enrichening Makan has new chefs offering different world cuisines every week, anything from Sri Lankan to Thai to Iranian. Electric Bing Sutt’s menu is as dizzyingly addictive as its captivating cocktails.

Zulü (left) and Electric Bing Sutt (right), Beirut

Lebanese late dinner

Head to a traditional family-friendly local institution like Ajami in Ramlet el Bayda or enjoy a more contemporary vibe and exquisite menu at Liza Beirut or Maryool. Café Em Nazih has the unique quality of making you feel like you’re at home with friends yet surrounded by people from all over the world. And if you can’t wait until the evening for a scrumptious smorgasbord of traditional Lebanese dishes, look no further than lunch-only eatery Tawlet, tucked away in a corner of Mar Mikhael, which offers a delightfully diverse and constantly changing menu prepared by cooks from different regions with fresh-off-the-farm products.

Armenian restaurants in Beirut

Let yourself be seduced by the alluring aroma of Lebanese-Armenian cuisine at hidden gems Seza and Nour Beirut. For late-night streetfood pass by Mano or Bedo in Bourj Hammoud for the city’s most exquisite sujuk shawarma and burger and their highly addictive basterma.

Seza, Armenian restaurant in Beirut

Try something new

Amar recently opened a third branch in Downtown where you can enjoy their amazing Lebanese food and satisfying seafood selection in a gorgeous setting while Nahreez in Verdun offers a mouthwatering menu of Lebanese fusion. Uniun Eatery also serves up Lebanese dishes with a twist in a modern yet warm ambience. If you’re still trying to stick to your healthy resolutions, head to Zulü eatery on Gouraud street for their vegan pancakes or a Buddha bowl boasting a Lebanese twist such as hindbeh [dandelion leaves].