Food is no problem in Beirut. Lebanese food has a good reputation and deserves it.

Beirut Restaurants cater to every budgetary requirement, ranging from the most upmarket restaurants to local favorites built along the pavement. There is much more to Lebanese food than the globally-acclaimed mezze (appetizers). Beirut is perhaps the best city to explore authentic Lebanese food along with an opportunity to try some of the international cuisines that have a distinct Asian flavoring.

Beirut Restaurants: An Overview

The district of Gemmayzeh in Beirut is sprinkled with restaurants having an exotic appeal. Many of them ensure that there are dancers to gyrate non-stop as the guests order their meal for the evening.  Restaurants located in Place de L'Etoile are a great opportunity for outdoor dining. These restaurants are neatly packed, along the cobbled streets, and serve mezzes and grilled dishes through the night. This is a great place to try-out local favorites like babaghanoush and crumbly baklava (pastry-like, Lebanese sweet). Achrafieh caters more to people with a liking for international cuisine. Apart from these gastronomically-delightful places in Beirut, visitors should try eating at restaurants such as the:

Al-Sultan Brahim

Often regarded as Beirut's best offering in terms of seafood, the Brahim is an accomplished institution, having been operated for several years in downtown Beirut. The daily supply of fresh fare cooked over the grill includes mussels and crabs along with massive servings of a light, native dessert. The prices are very reasonable and backpackers can be often seen here.

• Hours: Daily, from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
• Location: Minet El Hasan Building in downtown Beirut, near Rue Omar Daouk

Abdel Wahab Restaurant

This is one of the few places in Beirut that has maintained the traditional style of Lebanese dining, complete with native games, such as backgammon, being played in the background. The view is splendid, particularly when seated on the rooftop terrace. The aroma of garlic confirms the food being cooked is in compliance with traditional recipes, and the people sharing ‘nargile’ (water-pipes used for smoking) further prove this restaurant’s native inclination.

• Hours: Everyday, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to midnight
• Location: 56, Abdel Wahab Inglizi Street, Achrafieh (along the famous Rue Monot turnaround)

Mayrig

This place was once a lavish mansion and its ambiance confirms its royal origins. The Mayrig is extremely cozy, a favorite haunt for the young and restless in Beirut wanting to spend to some quality time along with gorging upon some lip-smacking fare. The kebabs are served with unique dressings like sour-cherry spread. This place is packed-to-the-roof on almost every weekend.

• Hours: Daily, from noon to midnight
• Location: 282 Pasteur Road, Gemmayzeh (sandwiched between Charles Helou and Rue Gouraud bus stations).