Food is a universal language, and in the Middle East, in Lebanon, in particular, it’s a cornerstone of the culture. Lebanese cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines around the world for all the right reasons. So, if you ever find yourself in Lebanon, wondering what and where to eat, I’m here to the rescue with a complete guide to food there, including the best restaurants in Beirut!

I will do Beirut no justice if I tell you these are the only good places out there. So, instead, I’ll break down the information that I have, based on personal experience, as much as I can.

What Are the Best Restaurants in Beirut?

I’ve categorized your food options when it comes to Lebanese cuisine below, and in each category, you’ll find some must-try dishes and the best restaurants in Beirut that offer them.

Best Restaurants in Beirut for Street Food and Breakfast

Things You Need to Try:

• Falafel: Unlike the Egyptian ones, made of fava beans, the Lebanese falafel is made from deep-friend, ground chickpeas instead. So, it’s a whole different experience that you really must try.
• Msabaha: Hummus-based, the hearty dish is a cornerstone of the traditional Lebanese breakfast table.
• Manaa’ish: Another staple of the Lebanese cuisine is Manaa’ish. The dough served sliced or folded, can be filled with thyme or cheese. I personally love to order it with thyme and some extra chopped tomato.
• Lahme be A’ajine: As the name suggests, it’s another form of Manaa’ish, but filled with ground beef instead. The word “yummy” is an understatement.

Places I Recommend:

• BARBAR all the way! (Best manaa’ish in town)
• Falafel Sahyoun
• Zaatar w Zeit (for fancier options, but I love their lahme be a’ajine)
• Bayt Em Nazih

Best Restaurants in Beirut for Lunch/Dinner

Things You Need to Try:

• Fattoush: Mixed greens, tomatoes, and radish, with a strong hint of lime and pomegranate molasses. That, my dear foodies, is fattoush, my favorite Lebanese salad.
• Tabbouleh: Finely chopped parsley, with mint, tomatoes, onion, and bulgur. And of course, seasoned by salt, pepper, lime, and olive oil. That’s another popular choice of salad, known as tabbouleh.

• Kebbeh: Another staple of the Levantine cuisine are those patties/balls made of bulgur, ground meat, and onion.
• Lahm Ras Asfour: Small, fried meat cubes, soaking in a special sour sauce. I guarantee you’ll love it, but make sure to order it with rice to balance the taste.
• Chicken Liver with Pomegranate Molasses: Do I need to explain why this is a must-try?

• Kafta Sandwiches: Unlike the Egyptian kofta, where the meat is shaped into meatballs or elongated meatloaf, a kafta sandwich in Lebanon is round-shaped dough, lined with ground beef from the inside. Tastes, and looks, a lot like Egyptian hawawshi.

Pro tip: So, if the acidic/sour taste is your cup of tea, you’ll like food in Beirut. The Lebanese seem to fancy it.

Places I Recommend:

• Sandwich w Nos: This place is sandwich heaven.
• Malak Al Tawouk: For the best tawouk your taste buds will ever come across.
• Al Falamanki: Good food with a priceless view, overlooking the famed Penguin rocks of Raouche.
• Loris: Pricey, but definitely my favorite in Lebanon. Loris definitely wins when it comes to food and service.

Pro tip: For more options for food in Beirut, Zaitunay Bay has a handful of restaurants with a view, but pricey ones. On the other hand, Bliss street and Hamra boast a wide variety of restaurants of all sorts and cuisines. You can dine at places like Deek Duke, Roadster, or Sandwich w Nos.

For Your Sweet Tooth

• Sam’s: Both a diner and a mart, Sam’s just has everything; from satisfying your manaa’ish cravings and their salad bar to their colorful ice-cream display and dessert options. I tried their Nutella crepes and I’d have to say, they were pretty generous with the chocolate spread to the extent that my tummy and I both left happy.

• Tonino: No matter how Sam’s, or anyone else’s, crepes may be good, Tonino’s are by far the best I’ve ever had (apart from mine and those I had in France). I’ve had the one with Nutella, Kinder, and Hershey’s filling and it was OH EHM GEE! I’d do anything to have one more bite of that now.

Bonus tip: For incredible burgers, put some effort and head to Munchease. It’s only a 10-minute drive from Beirut and totally worth it.

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