Restaurants & Cafés

A unique Asian menu – the ginger chicken and sweet chilli fish with ratatouille are well worth sampling, as is the piquant ginger crème brulée to finish up with.

This warm, welcoming coffee shop, with the coffee beans ground on site, is a Hamra institution and great spot to meet new people. Try the Chicken-Turkey Club Sandwich or their home-made cakes. Other branches available: Sodeco Square, Achrafieh (01 424515).

A casual and fashionable young Italian restaurant located at the ground floor of the hotel, Caffé Mondo offers a wide variety of pizza and pasta in addition to the daily specials. The restaurant also features a salad bar and an open terrace in summer.

On the rocks or not... Enjoy your spirits and cigars in the relaxing, luxurious atmosphere of the stylish lounge candles Lounge up on the 16th Floor at the Metropolitan Palace Hotel.

This reputed patisserie happens to be one of the city's finest caterers. Through Cannelle succeeds at perfecting anything that comes to mind in French pastries and sweets, it is especially known for its macaroons and croissants. Try the almond croissant or the 'pain au chocolat'. Also worth sampling are their delicious Eclairs with a rich chocolate or mocha filling.

Cappuccino is a franchise from Spain, offering a relaxed and chilled atmosphere. Enjoy the three different cuisines offered, including American, European and Asian. Diners may enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner or coffee while listening to the smooth jazz tunes.

A coffee shop with a heart, committed to a socially responsible supply chain for their coffee. It’s always busy here, on the leather sofas in the main room, the street balcony or the little room upstairs. Fantastic breakfasts, signature drinks and bakery.

It might not look like it on the outside but Carla offers a varied selection of pastries, chocolates, cookies, silver serving trays and decorative bowls and cakes. You can smell their sable and petit fours from a mile away. Ask for your custom order in advance and they'll work up a price deal for you for large requests.

A stunning restaurant serving Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Opt between indoor or outdoor seating, with the option of both a terrace and garden. Make sure to bring your four-legged pals with you, as they are welcome both indoors and outdoors.

Café with homemade gelato and daily specials. The carrot cake and breoscia della casa are great. Breakfast buffet served Sundays in winter.

Time Out’s hot pick for fusion cuisine and Sunday brunches. Great ambiance, blue-ribbon service and top notch quality, with rich dishes impeccably fused with Far Eastern inspired flavours.

Casper & Gambini’s in the Souks shows a canny knack for a well-executed, varied menu with big, bright, crowd pleasing dishes. The interior is characterised by a slightly chilly array of futuristic pale furniture and dark walls, but the tables outside are the draw. From the comprehensive Mediterranean menu you might start with a bold bresaola salad with oranges and almonds, then a filet mignon demi-glace with ratatouille and finish with a vast pain perdu with vanilla ice cream.

Founded in 1998 by Nicolas Cattan, Cat and Mouth caters for weddings, dinner parties, cocktails, and brunches with a menu that can be customized to perfectly match your event. Other branch available in Dekwaneh (01 512170, 03 627888).

Chic and reliable café by day, Cellini’s added draw is its 24 hour service and free WiFi, turning it into an all-nighters’ paradise. Cooly stylish furniture, artwork and plenty of sofa space make this a comfortable and inviting option.

A classic catering to all age groups. The setting is chic and the service is good. A mix of Lebanese/international dishes to choose from. Order the lasagna or the steak or chose from up to four plats du jours a day.

Enjoy a range of international dishes served in a modernised medieval setting. Chat-in’s menu includes a salad bar, appetisers, mains and a daily breakfast buffet. Sunday brunch available.

The catering company that offers you everything, from menu consultations to grocery shopping to diabetic recipes, Chef at Home, caters to your every wish. Weight-loss recipes? He's got 'em. Anti-aging formulas? He's got 'em. Call the company for your next party, business meeting, or even a simple brunch at home and you won't be disappointed.