New this month

The Wine Library (01 993109) Beirut Souks, Downtown. Daily 10am-10pm. Savour some of the finest wines of the world at this new wine boutique. The Wine Library holds regular tasting sessions and a sommelier is present on site at all times to assist you in choosing the bottle of wine most suitable for your palate and occasion.

Balthazar (01 999223) Beirut Souks, Downtown. Daily 9am-11pm. Meal for two with drinks: LL100,000. Whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner, this extravagant restaurant is always busy with people. In the morning, try some of their delicious pastries. Their menu is loaded with gourmet selections, with some extremely tasty French specialties.

Satine (03 040906) Place de L’Etoile, Gemmayzeh. Tue-Sun 6pm-2am. Meal for two with drinks: LL90,000. This restaurant//lounge claims to have the best Bellini in town. On the menu are international favourites, starting with two types of pastas, salads and shrimp tempura, and leading up to the filet mignon and bar filet. The venue seats 120 persons and has got a cocktail bar adorning the cosy interior.

Li Beirut (03 803912, 03 286977) Hamra, Makdessi Str. Daily 12noon-late. Meal for two with drinks: LL80,000. 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