Restaurants & Cafés

This is the story of two brothers who introduced a city of average baked goods to the miracles that can arise in the kitchen of a genius. From macaroons to red velvet cake, the Gustav revolution has given every sugar-craving fiend something to look forward to. Probably most renowned for their sensational cake balls, this side street patisserie will surely keep you coming back for more.

Massive diner-style café/restaurant adorned with a kaleidoscope of design features. It is divided equally into a smoking and non smoking section and sells both international and Lebanese food – the kebbeh is particularly delicious. Kick back in the smoking area with one of their many narguilehs – the ‘hamra’ is made with a secret recipe.

Traditional Lebanese coffee shop that also serves local daily specials, a snacks menu and narguileh. The atmosphere is super laid back, with both indoor and outdoor seats.

Gigantic shareable desserts, delicious burgers and rock memorabilia make this an entertaining and classic eating experience. The extensive cocktail menu will keep you busy along. Mon 5pm-12mid: open beer & wings, Fri 9.30pm-12.30pm: karaoke, Sat: live bands, Sun 1pm-3pm: family fun day.

The trendy lounge has an utterly magical outdoor terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Come for sunset and fine cuisine.

American bar with a grill that will satisfy even a caveman’s appetite. With a fabulous cocktail menu and American tunes bouncing in the background.

Chef Hadid has become known amongst Beirut’s society as the crème de la crème of private chefs. His workspace, The Kitchen, is where he prepares and sometimes even hosts his dinner parties.

Sample a variety of Japanese cuisine specialties, which include hot plates and sushi. Modern elegant interior and lively atmosphere.

Traditional homemade pastas are the draw at this authentically Italian joint – with Italian-speaking waiters to prove it. Try their renowned Fettucine Parlameto.

Designed to allow you to experience the charm of Sicily, this three-storied Italian mansion is ideal for business lunches, family gatherings and romantic nights out. Aside from having authentic Italian specialties, from antipasti and pizzas right down to homemade pastas and desserts, Il Siciliano also offers a cognac and cigar lounge, a fresh pescheria and private areas with LCD projection screen. It combines art, nature, food and the history of Sicily through the centuries.

This urban café boasts an artistic vibe, in a colourful environment. Chalkboard covers one wall where the menu is listed, along with several expressions and quotes. The cuisine is mostly homemade, consisting of breakfasts, salads, sandwiches and burgers. There is an interesting selection of special blend coffee and drinks available. Ink Café Resto attracts a varied crowd, who seem to value the relaxed atmosphere.

Unlikely to inspire professional curry-hounds, the mains at Jaipur in particular are nevertheless well done, with big juicy portions of chicken tandoori or lamb rogan josh making up for the less impressive accoutrements, slightly so-so poppadoms and naan bread. A manouché and burger menu is also available, if for some reason you manage to confuse the purpose of being there.

Try the Asian delicacies cooked up at this restaurant's outstanding kitchen, all rich in flavour and cooked in all the right temperatures and seasonings.

The menu is international, but French cuisine predominates. Perfect steaks, fine wines and an inviting patio all add up to a tempting meal ticket.

There’s the handbag-shaped ka3k bread on the menu of course, filled with all manner of stuffs, and burgers, and this is also a favourite neighbourhood narguileh stop. Those in the know will order a comforting, cinnnamon-sprinkled mug of porridge-like sahlab, which comes with mini ka3k breads and will stave off any cold, rain or blue mood.