Best Places To Eat In Beirut, Lebanon

In Beirut, Lebanon, immerse yourself in a vibrant culinary scene that combines Eastern Mediterranean flavors with a touch of French influence. Here are some must-visit eateries for an authentic taste of the city’s street food and local cuisine:

1. Al Mazzéck Al Bladi - Downtown Beirut

A traditional Lebanese market restaurant, Al Mazzéck Al Bladi offers a diverse selection of mezza dishes such as tabbouleh, hummus, falafel, and kibbeh. Don’t forget to try their delicious shawarma wraps made with tender, marinated meat cooked on a vertical spit.

2. Al Falamanki - Hamra Street

Al Falamanki is known for its mouthwatering manakish (Lebanese flatbread) with various toppings like zaatar, cheese, and jebneh (feta). The restaurant also serves delicious shawarma sandwiches filled with juicy meat, pickled vegetables, and tangy sauce.

3. Souk el Tayeb - Mar Mikhael

Souk el Tayeb is an open-air market offering fresh produce, artisanal products, and a variety of food stalls. Try dishes from different vendors, such as grilled halloumi cheese, tender lamb kebabs, or flavorful fish soujok (sausages). The market takes place every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

4. Street Food in Wadi Abou Jamil - Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael

Wadi Abou Jamil is a popular street food destination filled with vibrant eateries, bars, and cafes. Some must-try dishes include sfiha (mini pies with various fillings), kafta sandwiches, and Lebanese-style pizza called lahme bi ajine.

5. Al Hajj Hassan – Bourj Hammoud

Al Hajj Hassan is a renowned pastry shop specializing in traditional sweets like baklava, kunafeh, and namoura (semolina-based desserts). Their pastries are made from scratch daily using fresh ingredients, resulting in an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.

6. Abou Joseph – Hamra Street

Abou Joseph is a classic Lebanese restaurant serving traditional dishes like fattoush (salad with romaine lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and crispy pita bread), mansaf (lamb cooked in yogurt sauce), and maqluba (upside-down rice dish). The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere adds to the overall dining experience.

7. Jaj – Mar Mikhael

Jaj is a modern Middle Eastern eatery that offers a variety of mezza dishes, grilled items, and seafood specialties. Their famous street food-inspired dish is the falafel sandwich with pickled turnips, cabbage slaw, and tahini sauce.