City: Beirut
Top Restaurants in Beirut
Top 10 restaurants in Beirut, Lebanon
Often called "Paris of the Middle East", Beirut is a thriving hotspot for shopping, socializing and sightseeing, despite many wars and unrest. The city has been rebuilt several times, with modern architecture sharing space with Ottoman and colonial French buildings. Bustling streets such as Hamra and Ashrafieh provide hopping nightlife while the National Museum and the Gibran Museum give visitors a taste of the city's history. The Corniche is the place for activities like jogging and biking.
Things to do in Beirut
1. Abdel Wahab
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 361 reviews
Reviewed By HONkiev - Odessa, Ukraine
Let me make things short: the food we received was excellent, unfortunately we never received our main course, no sorry, no nothing, the older waiter just ignored us. Also while other guest were offered fruits, we didn't receive them.
Very good Shisha, with good shish-service. Unfortunately our waiter spoiled it all.
2. Mayrig
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 686 reviews
Reviewed By Ablingdon - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
This is a beautiful restaurant. The food is up market Lebanese and the menu is very impressive. I am not sure the flavour was that special though considering the cost compared to more local places. Most of the staff were delightful, but one waitress actually removed my appetiser plate whilst I had my fork in my hand and one item left on my plate. Then when I pointed out I wanted to eat the food, she just tipped the food onto my main course plate.
3. Ferdinand
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 207 reviews
Inspired by the story of Ferdinand the bull who liked to sit quietly under a cork tree, and smell the flowers rather than fight with the other bulls, Ferdinand, the bar, is conveniently located in Mahatma Ghandi street right in the heart of Hamra. Decorated in a warm and friendly atmosphere, the large leather couch may fool you into thinking that you are in Friends' Central Perk. Crowded with intellectuals, foreigners, artists and students, this place is the dream place for people who are looking for a new scene. Ferdinand the Bull is yet another symbol for peace, simplicity and happiness. Our Place allows admission for 21+yrs ONLY!! we serve craft cocktails and soul food !
Reviewed By Jon H - Markham, Canada
We read about this place on Both TripAdvisor and Zomato and on both sites, it has high reviews.
After eating here, we totally agree! We came on a Saturday night so it very busy but we managed to find a small table with stools for 5 people. The staff is helpful and gave recommendations but I came to try their signature Ferdinand burger, which is their famous burger with blueberry jam. It was absolutely mouth-watering. One of the best burgers I've had in a long time. The bun is fresh and soft. The beef patty is tender and juicy. The sauce and the jam was spectacular, it was something new and fresh. Just so delicious so you have to try it.
It comes with fries but you can change it to sweet potato fries as well.
We also got the duck patee. My wife liked it but it was average for me. The appetizer came with some fried bread or crackers.
The burger costs 22500 LL which is around $18usd. But well worth it.
The place is buzzing with people enjoying a few drinks. It's not a fancy place but the burgers are amazing. If you're around this area, you have to try it!
4. Onno Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
Reviewed By lb-Amy - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This place awed me, everything was done perfectly to start with the ambiance the atmosphere is cozy, nice outdoor area, chilled music.. service is impeccable the waiters are so focused, friendly and helpful with a constant smile you feel very welcome; food was absolutely excellent authentic armenian food, with a good variety. try the soujouk manti and the cherry kebabs this was splendid and a must try
will certainly return, keep it up!
5. Cru Wine Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
CRU is a lighthearted Wine Bar located in the Liban Post building on Makdessi Street in Hamra. It is a warm and cozy place where people of all ages can come to enjoy a glass of wine or share a delicious meal in a friendly and romantic setting. We offer our customers some of the best wines being produced by boutique wineries across Lebanon and a selection of fine wines from around world complemented by an exquisite menu of French-oriented cuisine. At CRU, however, we understand that people have a choice of where to eat and drink and this is why we pride ourselves on the personalized and warm service provided by our professional staff. CRU is an ideal place for a romantic evening. It is a place where friends can gather to socialize, drink and have a delicious meal. It is also the perfect setting for anniversaries, birthdays and corporate functions.
Reviewed By jvhkouklia - Manama, Bahrain
We found this place on a previous visit and headed back there last night for dinner. We ordered a meat and cheese platter which we both very good, though the cheese wasn't as varied as I'd expected, but all in all a pleasant meal. And the staff remembered us for the previous time.
6. Em Sherif Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 623 reviews
Em Sherif is a distinguished Oriental-themed restaurant providing its guests with an unsurpassed first class dining experience. Em Sherif herself carefully takes food supervising matters into her own hands and makes sure clients are served delicious food that is adoringly cooked daily with the freshest and highest quality products. The restaurant is intent on providing guests with the finest entertainment provided by a nightly live band. This restaurant is the perfect place for those seeking to enjoy 'Tarab' and traditional Oriental music played by talented band members on the time-honored instrument, the 'kanun' that magically infuses a sense of musical euphoria. Fabulous Oriental lunches and dinners are offered in set menus and served in a luxurious setting. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of the best French, Italian and Lebanese wine and champagne, along with quality Lebanese "Arak" in beautiful blue glasses. Em Sherif is the perfect venue for corporate lunches, family dinners, lunch gatherings and romantic dinners with a capacity of around 100 people. Operating Hours: Daily from 12.30 P.M. To 4:00 p.M. And 8:30 p.M. To 12:00 a.M.
Reviewed By Niscrine - Beirut, Lebanon
Though it’s a place with traditional and old fashioned dishes, but when it’s served, as if it’s the first time you see it: original, new, delicious and fresh The service very well synchronised (specialy in case of large group) and waiters alert 100% The atmosphere...MoreDear Niscrine, Thank you so much for such a wonderful review! We're extremely glad to hear that you have enjoyed your experience at Em Sherif Restaurant. Looking forward to welcoming you back for another wonderful evening with us at Em Sherif in the nearest future.
7. Babel Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 389 reviews
Reviewed By Zachary H - Laramie, Wyoming
It's an odd combination when you experience both pushy and slow service at the same time. Babel Bay achieved this tonight.
Service issues aside, the seafood is simply not that good. We believe people come here because of it's reputation, as the quality of food could not be the reason. To give an example, at one point while eating our assorted raw fish platter, I literally had to hold my breathe while swallowing for fear of tasting the smoked salmon they masquaraded as ceviche.
The outdoor Seating is pleasant, but that can only take a restaurant so far.
Babel Bay operates in a bubble. Enter at your own risk.
8. Appetito Trattoria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 402 reviews
Located in the vibrant City of Beirut, Appetito Trattoria is a cozy escape from the hustle bustle world, right in the middle of Hamra & Gemmayzeh. The design concept is a homey, rustic, Italian trattoria, and the food is wholesome and always fresh.
Reviewed By Bachibousouco - Ottawa, Canada
This little neighbourhood trattoria right off Hamra is very nice and quaint. All their pizzas are delicious and served very quickly. The staff is very friendly, courteous and accommodating. The one negative thing, which most places in that area might also suffer from, is lack of parking; which is to be expected in Hamra. They also deliver very quickly. Also, prices are reasonable.
9. Dar Bistro & Books
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 224 reviews
Dar Bistro and Books is an oasis tucked away in a hidden alley in Hamra. Dar is a place where one can dine, catch up with friends over coffee, or read and unwind in one of Beirut's last few remaining Gardens.
Reviewed By cayenne75 - Manama, Bahrain
As a book lover, I was looking forward to eating, Reading, chilling here but it is far too busy. The service is slow and scrappy. Big portions but entirely forgettable food. The bookstore was always closed when I went with the staff clueless about when it would open - "Maybe after 12 but I don't know" and "Maybe after 3 or 4 like this, not sure". Long wait for food. Lots of expat and local poseurs. Loud Americans too. Resisted the urge to roll my eyes a lot.
10. Abu Naim
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 220 reviews
We are a traditional Lebanese family owned and managed restaurant.Our dishes are made with only the freshest vegetables and meats, hand picked daily by Abu Naim himself.
Reviewed By Andyrock81 - Rockhampton, Australia
We came here for dinner on our second night in Beirut. We were thoroughly impressed overall. We had a selection of entrees including vine leaves, hummus and other assorted cold mezzes, Armenian sausages and my favourite, raw kibbeh. Table service was attentive and friendly, with delicious food. Highly recommended.
