Restaurants & Cafés

This delicious Lebanese restaurant chain was created by Toufic Khoueiri in 1993 and has since expanded to a number of restaurants all over Lebanon and the rest of the Middle East. When you enter, peek at the delicious selection of grilled kebabs with juicy meats, fragrant spices and fresh veggies displayed in front of the open grill and watch as their expert chefs cook up your meal of choice. Their hummous and tabbouli are particularly delish.

Having launched its fourth location in Gemmayzeh, this restaurant has brought a surge of cultural feel to the area. Serving a range of delightful Lebanese food with traditional mezze formulations, Kahwet Leila is also praised for its outstanding Narguileh.

A concept that has been popular worldwide, here you can pick your sushi from the rotating conveyor belt, using the colour-coded price tags to keep track of your bill. They have a full range of sushi options, plus an extra menu of Japanese dishes and some very chocolatey desserts.

Sophisticated Asian fusion from well-travelled chef Robert Muriel, who has produced a delectable international menu of bold dishes.

Karam Al-Bahr will be taking on the legacy of previous Karam, the family's restaurant that was present in 'Hayy el Zeitunay' over 60 years ago. Located by the beautiful Mediterranean, it is the perfect venue for lunch or dinner where one can enjoy a wide range of fresh fish and exquisite Lebanese dishes served to you by the creators of reputable names in the Lebanese food industry.

The students of St Joseph University’s Hospitality department get to try out their classes on guinea pig paying customers – you. Every aspect of the kitchen and restaurant is managed by students, and they do a great job – dishes like filet de boeuf and sea bass are good on their own, with the added bonus of supporting the students’ learning.

A very stylish French restaurant that’s self-consciously fitting in with its Downtown surroundings; vast white lilies on the bar and hopelessly beautiful staff. The menu is good, too, with classic specialities like calamari and black angus beef filet.

This French bistro features mouth-watering (hence the name) French cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The idea came to the owners as they were travelling in France and have brought the cuisine, as well as the atmosphere, to Beirut complete with classic French wooden décor. A menu highlight is the boeuf chablisienne.

The joy of not having to choose; it’s like being invited to dine by gourmet friends every night of the week. Open kitchen, big table and a changing daily set menu depending on the whims of the kitchen.

L'Oca Matta raises the game in Italian restaurants. They have mastered the art of creating a formal yet relaxed atmosphere. Emulating a smart European restaurant, diners may mistake their location. The 'Risotto ai funghi porcini' is the perfect quantity and taste. There's no mistaking the attention to detail.

Inside, panama hats and ceiling fans set the scene. The in-house bar, cigar humidor and summer terrace enhance the Cuban atmosphere. The live band even strum apt renditions of ‘Che Guevara’. The Bodeguita Filete offers a hearty serving of beef, marinated in coriander and lemon oil, leaving you savouring the taste. The flavours can be a little on the safe side for those familiar with Cuban cuisine. However, the cuts are tasty, dishes are well presented and overall the concept provides a fresh alternative to the city’s foodscape. Extra treats include a live band and the Ladies’ Cigar Night every Monday.

This steakhouse offers authentic cuisine prepared by a genuine Argentinian chef. Sirloin and tenderloin dishes are tasty and enjoyable with a freshly prepared feel. The drinks menu is on a par with food with well informed service, and the prices are decent. An experience that stays in the mind and has to be repeated.

Watching your calories? Trying to slow down on the carb intake? Pumping up on protein to get buff? La Fitness Diner offers a menu that caters to your individual fitness desires, while concentrating on proper nutrition and the perfect balance to help you reduce body fat, build lean muscles and replenish your glycogen stores. Their menu is full of tips on dieting as well as a detailed nutritional description of every dish they offer.

'Savoyez vos repas' at La Fondue is specialized in Alpine – Savoyard cuisine since 1997. The restaurant mainly offers Fondue Savoyarde, Pierrade, Raclette, Entrecote, Cote de veau and Reblochette in a warm and comfortable ambiance. The place is a no brainer and the ideal place for a meal after a day on the slopes.

This gastronomic sensation has finally landed in Beirut. Serving caviar on paper linen, luxury meets smart and casual at this celebrated destination. Founded in Paris over 50 years ago, the restaurant has maintained its reputation as an elegant venue, attracting only the finest of clientele. Dishes such as magret of duck with pink peppercorn sauce will surely satisfy your craving for extravagant cuisine

Located in ABC, La Mie Duree offers an international menu of entrees and international dishes. Give your credit card a break while you relax back with a coffee and delicious dessert.

Since 1964, family-run La Paillote has been serving guests seafood cuisine. Enjoy your meal at this seafront location, and finish with a stroll along the Corniche.