Restaurants

Designed for a girly day in the town. With the coffee and tea served in this café, they also have a manicure and massage parlor for you to zen out after a wild night out. Though there are no regular offers, they do have deals for occasions, so you can have a wonderful experience Le Cashe style. If your not into going crazy at night and are more of a day person, go for it girls! Boys are invited too!

You'll know you've found Le Chef when he bellows 'welcome!' at you from across the street as though you have 'tourist' tattooed across your forehead, which may or may not be welcome. However, this is a perennial favourite for its cosy bistro-like interior and cheapo dishes of the day – they even do half-price half-portions. Starting in 1959, Le Chef was for years one of Beirut's only restaurants to specialise in these dishes; Moloukhieh and kharouf mahshi are among the star players. Serves breakfast.

Renowned French haute cuisine is brought in style to the Middle East and served complete with a panoramic Mediterranean view. Featuring marvelous French dishes at Le Ciel prepared by expert chefs and inspired by the culinary skills of France. The setting is both intimate and elegant and provides the perfect background for any special occasion.

A down-to-earth snack joint opposite Saint Stephen’s Church, Le Garage fuels the locals with tasty homemade lemonade, manouche, shish tawouk and other sandwiches while they play a spot of table football and pool.

Upscale restaurant offering French-Italian brasserie food. The steaks are great here, as is the fish. Service alone is worth the trip.

International haute cuisine veering on the French side. The foie gras starter is a masterpiece and main dishes are beautifully complimented by the sauces.

French cuisine in an upscale décor, mostly frequented by dignitaries. Order the sumptuous steak tartare or the Mérou for two.

This unpretentious seafront place does justice to Batroun’s reputation for excellent seafood. It’s open year-round, but unless the weather’s Baltic, eating on the terrace to the sound of the waves lapping below is a must. Booking is advised in summer. This is a great place to try Batroun’s specialities – the fish kibbe is stuffed with caramelized onions and unmissable. Another must-try is the kabees malfouf, pickled cabbage leaves stuffed with walnuts and chili – more exciting than it sounds. Our half-kilo of Sultan Brahim, or red mullet, was flash-fried to preserve its firm, tasty flesh. The chefs here have faith in the freshness of their produce, everything from the rocket salad – served with the merest drizzle of dressing, to the braised artichoke, was simply prepared.

Enjoy fresh fish and mezze overlooking the sea in a calm and quiet area. Prices are fairly reasonable.

A fixed menu starting with a light salad, followed by two portions of steak and French fries along with their famous unique sauce. Other branches available: Verdun (01 863111) Plaza Centre, Main Str; Downtown (01 990992) Maarad Str.

Cosy bistro with varied menu. Try the tenderloin on rocca and feta aubergine. Main course delights include steaks and Pizza Panzarotte. Great fondant. Other branches available: Makdissi Str, Hamra (01 353585).

Hottest in town - for sushi and Japanese food buffs. Extensive sushi menu; get your chopsticks around the Spicy Fever maki and the salmon on ice.

This boutique hotel has just begun executing its plan of catering to small lunches and the dinners of VIP clients. With the Michelin starred chef Richard Mebkhout joining the kitchen as the Hotel's executive chef, you can expect the finest of fine dining cuisine to be served.

Traditional Lebanese cuisine with an array of tasty mezze and grills. Choose to dine al fresco or in the homey indoor.

Serves delightful Lebanese food with new ideas in mezza, in a traditional Lebanese setting. Everything on the menu is standardised and delicious. Other branch available: ABC Mall, Dbayeh.

Daily selection of French pastries and delectable cakes with plats du jour on each weekday, one oriental and one European. Sugar free desserts available. Other branches available.

Offers traditional cuisine from abroad. Each dish on Les Vilains' menu is inspired by the cuisine of some country from around the globe and is exquisite. The restaurant boasts a charming ambiance with a décor of antiques and knickknacks scattered around.

Build your own burger or choose among Let’s Burger wide selection of burger creations, sandwiches, hot dishes, salads and desserts.

Restaurant/pub serving some really good Lebanese appetisers and finger food to the rhythm of oriental jazz and oldies. Li Beirut consist of two main floors: you can lounge on traditional sofas upstairs or grab a bar stool on ground level.

The owner and chef are Chinese, so the house promises an authentic taste. Seafood lovers try the sweet and sour fish. Spicy beef also recommended.