Have you ever tasted a city’s history on your plate? Welcome to Beirut, a city where every meal is a feast for the senses, bursting with flavors that reflect its rich tapestry of history and culture. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and warm hospitality, food in Beirut is a haven for food lovers, offering a tantalizing array of dishes that celebrate the rich flavors of Lebanese cuisine. From bustling street stalls serving delicious fast food to elegant restaurants showcasing exquisite Beirut Lebanese food, you will discover countless amazing dishes that will make you wonder: what will be the first dish that tempts your taste buds?
Food in Beirut: The Must-Visit Spots for Food Lovers
If you are searching for an unforgettable culinary experience, food in Beirut should be at the top of your list. The city is renowned for its rich tapestry of flavors and vibrant dining culture. Whether you prefer elegant restaurants or casual eateries, you will discover a delightful mix of dishes. Enjoy the unique taste of Knafeh for dessert or savor the spicy kick of Samke Harra. The best time to visit Beirut is during the spring months of April to May or the autumn months of September to November, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. As you enjoy the Beirut Lebanese food, take a moment to explore the bustling streets, where you can indulge in the best breakfast in Beirut and experience local markets.
- Fattet Hummus
- Baba Ganoush
- Samke Harra
- Moghrabieh
- Sfiha
- Knafeh
- Shish Barak
- Kibbeh Arnabieh
- Manakish
- Kebab Halabi
1. Fattet Hummus
Looking for the perfect dish to kick-start your day? Fattet Hummus is a delicious, wholesome combination of creamy chickpeas, tangy yogurt, and crunchy fried bread, often garnished with toasted nuts and a sprinkle of aromatic spices. This colorful dish, often served warm, is a popular breakfast option and is frequently hailed as one of the best in Beirut foods. With its harmonious blend of flavors and textures, what could be better than savoring a flavorful, filling breakfast before a day of exploration?
Restaurants Serving Fattet Hummus:
- Abu Hassan Hummus & Fool
Location: VFWF+MPM, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 7 am to 10 pm
- Kahwat Ras Beirut
Location: Paris, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 11:45 pm
- T-Marbouta
Location: HAMRA SQUARE, GROUND FLOOR, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 1 am
- Malek al Foul
Location: VFXH+3VP, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 4 pm
2. Baba Ganoush
Baba Ganoush is a delicious Middle Eastern dip made from roasted eggplant blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Its creamy and smoky flavor makes it a popular choice for appetizers or as part of a mezze platter. The eggplant is roasted until soft, then mixed with the other ingredients to create a smooth, flavorful dip. When dining in Beirut, you can find Baba Ganoush in many restaurants, showcasing the rich flavors of Lebanese cuisine. It's a must-try dish that perfectly represents the region's culinary traditions.
Restaurants Serving Baba Ganoush:
- Abu Naim
Location: VFWM+37Q, Abdel Aziz St., Hamra, Facing Piccadilly Theatre, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Saturday: 12 pm to 1 am and Sunday: Closed
- Kahwat Ras Beirut
Location: Paris, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 11:45 pm
- Bay Rock Cafe
Location: General De Gaulle, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Friday: 7 am to 2 am
Saturday and Sunday: 7 am to 3 am
- Thanna b beirut
Location: VGC8+5R8, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Sunday to Friday:10 am to 1:30 am
Saturday: 10 am to 3 am
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3. Samke Harra
Samke Harra, meaning “spicy fish,” is a specialty dish originating from coastal regions in Lebanon, particularly from Tripoli. This flavorful dish, popular in seafood Beirut offerings, features baked or grilled fish, usually sea bass or red snapper, topped with a rich sauce made from chili peppers, garlic, tahini, and lemon. It combines heat, tanginess, and creaminess in every bite. Garnished with pine nuts or coriander, it is often accompanied by rice or flatbread. A festive dish served during family gatherings and celebrations, it reflects the influence of the Mediterranean coast on Levantine cuisine.
Restaurants Serving Samke Harra:
- Al Mandaloun
Location: VGR7+W97, Charles Malek Avenue Achrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 12:30 am
- Em Sherif Deli
Location: VFXX+VJM, New Starco Building, Rizkallah Street, Minet El-Hosn, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 10 pm
- Ritage Garden
Location: Lebanon، Street 61, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday 12 pm to 12 am
- Oceanda Restaurant & Venue
Location: Sea Side Rd, Safra, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Saturday 12 pm to 12 am and Sunday 12 pm to 11 pm
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4. Moghrabieh
Can you imagine a comforting bowl of large, couscous-like grains served with succulent chicken or lamb, all enveloped in aromatic spices? Moghrabieh is just that, it is a dish that embodies warmth, community, and tradition. Perfect for family gatherings, it showcases the heart of Lebanese cuisine and is often served at festive occasions. Trying this dish is a fantastic way to embrace the rich, traditional flavors of Beirut Lebanese food. Will you be adding Moghrabieh to your places to visit in Beirut list?
Restaurants Serving Moghrabieh:
- Ahwet Zeitouna - Lebanese restaurant in Lebanon
Location: Zeitouna Bay, Minet El Hosn Beirut, District, Lebanon, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 1 am
- T-Marbouta
Location: HAMRA SQUARE, GROUND FLOOR, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 1 am and Sunday: 10 am to 12 pm
- Little Beirut Cafe Bistro
Location: Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 1 am
- Al Beiruti Downtown
Location: street Downtown, Rafic Salloum, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 1 am
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5. Sfiha
If you haven't tasted sfiha yet, you are missing out on one of the most popular fast food options in Beirut! Sfiha is a delicious fast food in Beirut. These small meat pies have a thin, crispy crust filled with ground meat, like lamb or beef, mixed with spices and herbs. They are often topped with pine nuts for extra flavor. It is perfect as a quick snack or a meal, sfiha offers a tasty taste of Lebanese cuisine that everyone loves. So, when you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Beirut, don’t forget to indulge in this delicious treat, it is a must-try that showcases the rich flavors of Lebanon!
Restaurants Serving Sfiha:
- Zaatar W Zeit
Location: Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Sunday to Wednesday: 8 am to 11:15 pm
Thursday: 8 am to 12 am
Friday and Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Al Ajami - Restaurant
Location: VFJJ+C7R, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
- Lakkis Farm - Beirut
Location: VFWW+H6H, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
- Sawani Falfoul
Location: Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 7 am to 11 pm
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6. Knafeh
Have you ever tasted a dessert that melts in your mouth and leaves you craving more? Knafeh is a popular Middle Eastern dessert made with a crunchy layer of shredded phyllo or semolina dough that surrounds a sweet cheese or cream filling. After baking, it is soaked in sugar syrup infused with rose or orange blossom water to give it a floral aroma. Topped with crushed pistachios, the dessert is served warm, so the cheese melts into the crispy exterior. It is often enjoyed during celebrations or family gatherings and is a favorite breakfast treat during Ramadan.
Restaurants Serving Knafeh:
- Mohamad Nemr Elwadi - The Original Knafeh
Location: Facing Sakanet Emile Helou, Corniche El Mazraa, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 7 am to 12 am
- Kahwat Ras Beirut
Location: Paris, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 11:45 pm
- Haitham Knafeh King
Location: VFFX+XWC, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Tuesday to Sturday: 5:30 am to 1:30 pm
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Monday: Closed
- Café Kunafé
Location: Gemmayzeh, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Thursday: 7 am to 11 pm and Friday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
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7. Shish Barak
Do you enjoy dumplings filled with savory goodness? Shish Barak are delectable dumplings stuffed with spiced meat, typically lamb or beef, and served in a luxurious creamy yogurt sauce. This beloved dish is often a highlight in Lebanese homes, representing warmth and family. As you explore the places to visit in Beirut, don't miss the chance to savor this traditional dish. The unique combination of flavors and textures will surely leave you wanting more.
Restaurants Serving Shish Barak:
- Beit Kanz
Location: Sursock, Beirut 20631111, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 12 am
- Bay Rock Cafe
Location: General De Gaulle, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Friday: 7 am to 2 am and Saturday and Sunday: 7 am to 3 am
- Sawani Falfoul
Location: Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 7 am to 11 pm
- Kahwat Ras Beirut
Location: Paris, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 11:45 pm
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8. Baklava
Baklava is a popular Middle Eastern dessert loved by many, especially in Beirut. It’s made of layers of thin pastry filled with nuts like pistachios or walnuts and soaked in sweet syrup or honey. Each bite is a delicious mix of crispy and nutty flavors. When you explore things to do in Beirut, make sure to try baklava from local bakeries. Many places have their own special recipes, adding unique twists that reflect the city’s culture. Enjoying baklava is not just about the taste, it is also a great way to experience the warmth and hospitality of Beirut.
Restaurants Serving Baklava:
- Zmrd Social Space
Location: Furn El-Chibek, Elias Medawar Str., Abou Jawdeh bldg., ground floor Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Open Hours: Monday to Friday: 12 pm to 12 am
Saturday: 12 pm to 10 pm
Sunday: Closed
- Kahwat Ras Beirut
Location: Paris, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 11:45 pm
- Bay Rock Cafe
Location: General De Gaulle, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Friday: 7 am to 2 am
Saturday and Sunday: 7 am to 3 am
- Ditto Beirut
Location: Gouraud, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12 pm to 1 am
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9. Manakish
Manakish is a beloved Levantine flatbread, often referred to as the “Middle Eastern pizza.” It is topped with a variety of ingredients, the most popular being za’atar (a blend of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac), cheese, or minced meat. The bread is traditionally baked in a stone oven, resulting in a warm, slightly crispy texture. Manakish is a versatile dish, enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack. It pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables, olives, and tea, making it a staple of Levantine street food culture.
Restaurants Serving Manakish:
- Zaatar W Zeit
Location: Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 8 am to 11:15 pm
Friday and Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Abu Shadi Lebanese Pizza Manousheh
Location: VFWF+VP3, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 6 pm
- Abu Shadi Lebanese Pizza Manousheh
Location: VFWF+VP3, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 am to 6 pm
- The Lebanese Bakery
Location: Salim Bustros, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 7 am to 3 pm
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10. Kebab Halabi
What’s better than juicy, grilled meat skewers seasoned to perfection? Kebab Halabi is a favorite for meat lovers, typically made with tender lamb or beef and served with fresh veggies. You’ll find this dish in many restaurants in Beirut.
Restaurants Serving Kebab Halabi:
- Kabab 365
Location: VGRC+GGX, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Saturday: 11 am to 9 pm
Sunday: Closed
- BBQ Al Halabi
Location: VFRQ+RRX, zarif next to toufic tabbara center, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:30 am to 12 am
- Em Sherif Cafe
Location: Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 am to 1 am
- Hayat Doner Alturki
Location: VFHX+CVC, Beirut, Lebanon
Open Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9 am to 12 am and Sunday: 11 am to 12 am
Food in Beirut is more than just a meal, it’s a celebration of life, family, and tradition. Every dish carries the essence of Lebanese hospitality, inviting locals and visitors to connect over shared flavors and experiences. Whether enjoying a casual falafel wrap on the go or indulging in a lavish dinner at a rooftop eatery, the city’s culinary offerings leave an unforgettable mark. Beirut’s dynamic food culture promises to linger in the hearts of food enthusiasts, enticing them to return for another taste of its flavorful treasures. So, why not explore these culinary treasures firsthand? A Beirut tour packages offers the perfect opportunity to dive into Beirut’s vibrant food scene and discover the dishes that make this city a true gastronomic gem.
Food in Beirut - FAQs
Some of the top tourist attractions in Beirut such as National Museum of Beirut, Zaituna Bay, Al Raouche Rocks, Mohammad Al Amin Mosque, and Corniche Ain Mreisse.
Many restaurants in Beirut offer vegetarian options, including dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, and stuffed grape leaves.
The local currency is the Lebanese Pound (LBP). You can exchange money at banks, exchange offices, and airports. Credit cards are widely accepted in many places.
The best time to visit Beirut is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer can be hot, while winter is rainy.
You can get around Beirut using taxis, ride-hailing apps, or public transportation. Walking is also a great way to explore the city, especially in central areas.
Beirut has a wide range of cuisine alternatives for all budgets, from affordable street food and casual eateries to high-end restaurants.
Beirut offers a range of accommodation options, including luxury hotels, boutique hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals. Popular areas to stay include Hamra, Gemmayzeh, and Downtown Beirut.
Knafeh is a widely loved dessert, made with pastry, cheese, and sweet syrup, often enjoyed warm.
First-time visitors should try mezze platters, knafeh, manakish, and grilled meats to get a true taste of Lebanese cuisine.
Yes, Beirut is great for food lovers. It offers tasty Lebanese dishes like hummus, grilled meats, and baklava. You can find everything from street food to fancy restaurants.
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