Beirut Restaurant Tips by MM212 Top 5 Page for this destination

al Mandaloun sur mer: Seafood by the sea

Located at Biel (north of downtown Beirut) with strategic views of the Mediterranean and the mountains, al Mandaloun sur mer is perhaps Beirut's best Lebanese seafood restaurant. A delicious, but limited menu of mezze precedes a large selection of fresh catch of the day to be prepared as desired. As far as Lebanese restaurants go, al Mandaloun is one of the more expensive in town.

Address: Biel - Centre Ville

Comparison: most expensive

Phone: +961 1 999 330

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 4

Theme: Seafood

Marrouche: Since the 1920's

This family owned restaurant has been in operation since the 1920's. Although it is also a sit down restaurant with a wide menu, Marrouche is best known for its takeaway chicken sandwiches, deliciously prepared with pickles and garlic sauce. In the pre-war days, it used to be located directly across from the American University of Beirut (AUB) and was naturally popular among students, but it has since moved a few blocks away, still in the Hamra district. This is a great place for a quick lunch when visiting the Hamra area.

Address: Sidani Street, Hamra

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: +961-1-743 199

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Middle Eastern

Website: http://www.marrouche-lb.com

le Sushi Bar: Sushi in Achrafieh

Sushi has become a bit of a craze in Beirut. One excellent place to sample it is le Sushi Bar on Rue Abdel Wahab el Inglizi in Achrafieh. Decorated to look as though it's in Japan, the elegant restaurant contains a central bar that surrounds the area where the chefs prepare the sushi. All around the bar are individual tables. The menu contains a wide variety of sushi, sashimi and other authentic and well-executed Japanese dishes. If desired, le Sushi Bar offers a respite from Lebanese cuisine.

Address: Rizk Bldg, Rue Abdel Wahab el Inglizi, Achrafieh

Comparison: most expensive

Other Contact: +961 70 338 555

Phone: +961 1 338 5555

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 4

Theme: Japanese/Sushi

Tawlet: An extension of Souk el-Tayeb

Brought to Beirut by the founders of Souk el-Tayeb (the farmer's market), this casual, cafeteria-like lunch restaurant is a new concept in the city. Each day (Monday through Friday), a different chef comes to the restaurant from the villages of Lebanon to cook a home-made lunch as it would be cooked in his or her own home. These chefs are typically older ladies and grandmothers who possess authentic recipes passed down by older generations. Lunch is served on a buffet and may be accompanied by wine or home-made lemonade. The restaurant is located in Gemmayzé and a reservation is a must. Check out the website for the upcoming week's menu. On Saturdays a brunch is served, so it is best to eat here during the week.

Address: Chalboub Bldg, 12 naher street, Gemmayzé

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: On the ground floor facing Spoiler Center, dead end street at the corner of Anthurium flower shop
left side, corner bldg

Phone: +961 1 448 129

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.tawlet.com

la Posta: Italian Cuisine in Achrafieh

Located in the heart of Achrafieh, on the terrace and garden of a beautiful Ottoman-period mansion, la Posta serves authentic and well-prepared Italian food. It emphasises fresh ingredients and authentic recipes, all accompanied by Italian wines. Although it is considered a high end restaurant, the menu includes Pizza as well. In the months when the weather is pleasant, reserve in advance for a table outside.

Address: Rue Trabaud, Achrafieh

Comparison: most expensive

Phone: +961 1 209 909

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 3

Theme: Italian

Website: http://www.laposta-beirut.com

Lebneniyet: Casual, sleek & delicious

This casual and sleek looking restaurant is conveniently located in the Beirut Central District (downtown or Solidère), near Place de l'Etoile. It has outdoor seating on the pedestrianised street as well as indoor seating with views over the archaeological area behind the building. Don't let the casual dining room fool you for Lebneniyet serves perfectly prepared traditional Lebanese dishes. It is owned by the same group that opened the Italian restaurant, La Posta, and who are very particular about using the freshest local ingredients and the most authentic recipes. The first time I ate here I walked in by chance not expecting the best meal, yet every dish I tried was delicious. I would say it is one of the best in Beirut, and is also a tad less expensive than some of the fancier Lebanese restaurants.

Address: 287 Rue Maarad, Downtown Beirut

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: +961.1.970.597

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 5

Theme: Middle Eastern

Website: http://www.lebneniyet.com

Babel: A new star in Beirut

A newcomer to the dazzling Beirut restaurant scene, Babel (Arabic for Babylon) has quickly risen to the forefront. Its impressive architecture, enchanting atmosphere, excellent service, and intriguing menu have all assured it a place among high profile restaurants. A purposefully built modern structure, inspired by Babylonian architecture but combining stone with steel and glass and overlooking the Mediterranean, houses the spacious and airy dining room. To the music of a live violinist, elegantly dressed waiters rush around to serve plates from a menu consisting of traditional Lebanese dishes and numerous specialities that add a delicious twist to the typical roaster we know. Although these plates may seem unusual, they are in fact lesser known traditional recipes that come from various parts of the Levant, including Syria. Babel simply brought them to Beirut.

Address: Dbayeh Highway, Dbayeh

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Babel is located in Dbayeh, along the northern coastal motorway, about 15 minutes from the centre of Beirut.

Phone: +961 70 425888

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 5

Theme: Middle Eastern

Karam: Excellent Lebanese cuisine

Located in the Beirut Central District (downtown), Karam restaurant ranks among the top restaurants that serve traditional Lebanese cuisine in Beirut. The interior of the restaurant is as elegant as the outside area, but is still rather casual. Reserving in advance is recommended whether for lunch or dinner at this very popular restaurant.

Address: Rue Souk Bazerkane, Downtown Beirut (BCD)

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: +961.1.991.222

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 4

Theme: Middle Eastern

Abdel Wahab: Beirut's Best?

Set in an old Beiruti mansion in Achrafieh, Abdel Wahab is arguably Beirut's most reputable restaurant. It serves a traditional Lebanese menu of delicious mezze and the usual grills in a spacious dining room with a covered terrace. The restaurant has become so popular that a reservation is highly recommended. Although casual, people generally dress well, as is customary in Beirut. Abdel Wahab's success has led it to open branches in Gulf cities, namely Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai. If it's food is not the most perfect in Beirut, Abdel Wahab's atmosphere certainly makes up for it.

Address: 51 Rue Abdel Wahab el Inglizi, Achrafieh

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: +961.1.200.550

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 5

Theme: Middle Eastern

Brummana: Exquisite food with amazing views

A mere 20 minute drive from Beirut, up the hills, takes you to the beautiful hilltop town of Brummana. For years, it has been a summer retreat for Beirutis, known for several destination restaurants. These include Fakhreddine, Burj al-Hamam and Mounir, all of which serve exquisite traditional Lebanese dishes. Beiruti families come here in large numbers on weekends and holidays, particularly for lunch to enjoy breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains and the Mediterranean. For more on this town and its restaurants, check out my Brummana page.

Address: Brummana

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Broummana is about 20 minutes outside Beirut, up a windy road. A taxi should be able to drive you here.

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 5

Theme: Middle Eastern