If you are searching for Lebanon restaurants and hoping to find incredible dining experiences, you have come to the right place. We are talking about the country of Lebanon, not a town in Pennsylvania. This Middle Eastern nation produces one of the most delicious cuisines on earth. I have spent months on the ground eating my way through everything from early morning street food runs in Beirut to long, lazy seafood lunches by the Mediterranean.

As a professional travel writer who shed 27 pounds specifically to prepare for this feast, I can tell you that Lebanon is a food paradise worth every single calorie. Finding the best Lebanon restaurants is about more than just checking reviews; it is about immersing yourself in a culture that values hospitality above all else. Whether you are a seasoned foodie or a casual traveler, this guide will help you navigate the culinary landscape of this beautiful country.

How to Eat at Lebanon Restaurants

Before diving into where to eat, you need to understand how local dining works. Exploring Lebanon restaurants is not your typical American three-course meal experience. It is an entirely different social event that can make or break your trip. Understanding these customs is essential for enjoying the best Lebanon restaurants to the fullest.

11 best lebanon restaurants a food critics guide

The Mezze: A Shared Feast

Your first lesson when visiting Lebanon restaurants is that mezze is not appetizers in the American sense. This is a community approach designed to unite people around the table in a spirit of sharing. You will likely order 15 to 20 different small plates for the entire table to share.

You should expect to mix cold dishes like hummus and tabbouleh with hot plates like fried kibbeh and grilled halloumi. Use Lebanese pita bread as your primary utensil to scoop everything. Pace yourself because these meals last for hours over conversation. No one orders their own dish at traditional food spots; everything is shared.

The Arak Ritual You Need to Know

You will see tall, clear bottles of arak on most tables at authentic Lebanon restaurants. This is the national drink, an anise-flavored spirit often over 50% alcohol. Here is the critical ritual: mix it in a 1:2 ratio with water first. You will see it magically turn milky-white.

Only after mixing should you add ice. Never put ice in first, or the oils will congeal into an unappetizing film that marks you as an amateur. Arak is the perfect palate-cleansing accompaniment to mezze. It cuts through rich, garlicky dips and refreshes your taste buds for the next bite at your chosen dining spot.

Practical Dining Tips for Travelers

Check your bill before tipping because many Lebanon restaurants automatically add a service charge. If this is included, no extra tip is needed unless the service was exceptional. If there is no service charge, 10 to 15% is polite and generous.

Cash tips are preferred even if you pay by card. Bring US dollars, which are widely accepted and often preferred at most Lebanon restaurants. Dinner starts late here. Don’t expect dining rooms to be lively at 7 PM. Prime time is 9 PM or later, and meals are leisurely affairs where conversations can stretch for hours.

11 Best Lebanon Restaurants for an Unforgettable Meal

1. Em Sherif, Beirut

This is not a simple dinner; it is a performance. Em Sherif is your big night out among Lebanon restaurants in Beirut. It is set in an opulent room that feels like a chic, magical Parisian apartment, often with live traditional music. It is ranked among MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants, with chef Yasmina Hayek winning the prestigious MICHELIN Guide’s Young Chef Award. This place delivers world-class credentials.

You do not order from a menu here. You simply sit down for the set menu, and the feast begins. Dozens of mezze plates arrive in waves, each more exquisite than the last. This is hands down the best experience among Lebanon restaurants for a luxurious, all-encompassing meal that showcases the full breadth of the cuisine in one sitting.

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Critic’s Notebook

  • Pros: Delivers an unforgettable cultural experience with exceptional food quality that justifies the premium price.

  • Cons: This is a splurge meal. The formal atmosphere may feel too stuffy for travelers seeking a more casual vibe found at other Lebanon restaurants.

At a Glance

  • Best time to visit: Dinner reservations, 8 PM or later.

  • What to order: The full set menu experience (no à la carte needed).

2. Tawlet, Beirut

Tawlet is more than just a place to eat; it is a social enterprise and my number one recommendation for lunch. Among all Lebanon restaurants, this spot stands out for its heart. Founded by Kamal Mouzawak, who won the Foodics Icon Award, this farmers’ kitchen features a genius concept. Each day, a different woman from a different Lebanese village takes over the kitchen to cook her region’s traditional food.

You will find a huge buffet of real home cooking that changes daily. One day it is food from the South, the next from the North. I even took a cooking class here with Georgina, who was feisty and not afraid to swat your hand if you did something wrong. We made kebbeh batata and moutabbal from scratch. This is the single most authentic culinary experience you will find among Lebanon restaurants in the city.

A colorful buffet spread of authentic Lebanese mezze and home-cooked dishes at Tawlet restaurant in Beirut.

Critic’s Notebook

  • Pros: Unmatched authenticity, supports local communities, and features dishes you won’t find at other Lebanon restaurants.

  • Cons: The daily menu is unpredictable. The buffet can also run low on popular items if you arrive late.

At a Glance

  • Best time to visit: Lunch service, arrive before 1 PM.

  • Contact: Offers cooking classes; inquire in advance.

  • What to order: The daily buffet.

3. Restaurant Joseph, Beirut

This bustling street food counter in the Sin el-Fil neighborhood won a major award for the tastiest sandwich in the world. The Four Seasons concierge recommends it as a must-try. After eating there, I understand why this humble shop has earned such recognition among Lebanon restaurants.

I watched Joseph himself build my chicken shawarma. It featured juicy chicken with an amazing garlic sauce, bread with a nice crunch, and pickles that snap. It was like a chicken salad with herbs inside bread, but elevated to an art form. At less than three dollars, it is the best value meal you will find when searching for Lebanon restaurants in Beirut.

A close-up of the famous chicken shawarma from Restaurant Joseph, packed with chicken, garlic sauce, and pickles.

Critic’s Notebook

  • Pros: Unbeatable value and internationally recognized quality.

  • Cons: It is a bare-bones counter with minimal seating. The location requires a taxi ride from central Beirut.

At a Glance

  • Best time to visit: Lunch or early evening.

  • Location: Sin el-Fil neighborhood, Beirut.

  • What to order: Chicken shawarma.

4. Al Soussi, Beirut

This tiny, no-frills breakfast joint is the ultimate insider spot. As one food writer noted, it isn’t charming, but you are here for the food. It is one of the most celebrated casual Lebanon restaurants. Anthony Bourdain featured it, and CNN named it one of the best breakfasts around the world.

This is cheap, cheerful, and absolutely excellent. Order the fattey, a warm, garlicky yogurt-and-chickpea dish. Don’t leave without trying the hummus with awarma. It is heavy, rich, and the perfect fuel for exploring. It stands out among Lebanon restaurants for its history and flavor.

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Critic’s Notebook

  • Pros: Delivers authentic breakfast at incredibly low prices with celebrity chef endorsements.

  • Cons: Zero atmosphere with fluorescent lighting and plastic chairs.

At a Glance

  • Best time to visit: Early morning (7 to 10 AM).

  • What to order: Fattey and hummus with awarma.

5. Baron, Beirut

If Em Sherif represents classic dining, Baron is the new wave of Lebanon restaurants. This is the definition of cool. It is dimly lit, quiet yet laid back, and perfect for refined, modern dining that reimagines traditional ingredients.

This was a one-of-a-kind meal where simple ingredients are cooked to perfection. Skip the traditional stuff and go straight for the vegetables. The roasted halloumi served in a unique citrusy grapefruit and pistachio chili sauce was a revelation. It proves that Lebanon restaurants can be modern and innovative, offering excellent vegetarian and vegan food.

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Critic’s Notebook

  • Pros: Innovative takes on ingredients with impeccable execution.

  • Cons: The menu is smaller than other Lebanon restaurants. Some traditionalists might find the modern interpretations too bold.

At a Glance

  • Best time to visit: Dinner, 8 to 10 PM.

  • What to order: Roasted halloumi, vegetable-focused dishes, baklava.

6. Mounir, Broumana

This is one of the best food experiences I have had. Mounir is a 40-year-old institution set high in the mountains of Broumana. Among Lebanon restaurants with a view, this one is hard to beat. You enter through jasmine hedges to find massive gardens with waterfalls and panoramic views.

Diners overlook a terraced slope where produce is grown. This is true farm-to-table dining. Order the full mezze spread and the mixed grill. The tomatoes are fresh from the garden, and the bread is baked before your eyes. It is the quintessential mountain feast that distinguishes top-tier Lebanon restaurants.

A table covered in Lebanese mezze dishes at Mounir restaurant, with the Broumana mountain and sea view in the background.

Critic’s Notebook

  • Pros: Combines spectacular mountain views with fresh, garden-grown ingredients.

  • Cons: Reaching Broumana requires transportation since it is outside Beirut.

At a Glance

  • Best time to visit: Lunch or early dinner for best views.

  • Location: Broumana, approximately 30-minute drive from Beirut.

  • What to order: Full mezze spread, mixed grill.

7. Pierre and Friends, Batroun

This Batroun legend is a famous socializing hotspot. It is one of the most relaxed Lebanon restaurants you will find. Built on the philosophy that all clients are friends, it is a beautiful collection of terraces right on the pebbled beach. The vibe is a chilled-out pub meets beachside restaurant.

I love this place, but I need to set expectations. The vibe is perfect with sunset views and arak flowing. Order the simple catch of the day. However, do not go if you are in a hurry. Service does not always match the speed of other Lebanon restaurants.

Diners enjoy drinks and food on the seaside terrace of Pierre and Friends restaurant in Batroun during sunset.

Critic’s Notebook

  • Pros: Unbeatable seaside location and relaxed atmosphere near the beaches.

  • Cons: Service can be extremely slow.

At a Glance

  • Best time to visit: Late afternoon through sunset.

  • Location: Batroun, approximately 1-hour drive north of Beirut.

  • What to order: Catch of the day, arak, simple mezze.

8. Malak Al Tawouk, Jounieh

This famous 25-year-old chain is a local legend. I visited the location in Jounieh and discovered what elevated fast food looks like. Among quick-service Lebanon restaurants, this one reigns supreme.

The tawouk sandwich is the star. It is a wrap stuffed with grilled chicken chunks, coleslaw, garlic paste, pickles, and fries. The coleslaw gives it a nice crunch, and the chicken is juicy. It is the perfect late-night food and a staple of the nightlife scene.

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Critic’s Notebook

  • Pros: Consistent quality at fast-food prices with locations throughout Lebanon.

  • Cons: It is a chain, so you miss the family-run character of other Lebanon restaurants.

At a Glance

  • Best time to visit: Late evening or after midnight.

  • Location: Multiple locations; Jounieh is 20 minutes north of Beirut.

  • What to order: Tawouk sandwich.

9. Ichkahanian Bakery, Beirut

This is my hidden gem insider pick. Ichkahanian is an Armenian bakery. It is a little hole-in-the-wall spot that delivers one of the single best bites in the city. While it is different from full-service Lebanon restaurants, it deserves a spot on your list.

Go in the morning for lahme bi ajeen, which is basically pizza for breakfast. It is a thin, crispy base topped with minced lamb, chili, and pomegranate molasses. It is savory, tangy, and absolutely unforgettable. It offers a flavor profile distinct from typical Lebanon restaurants.

A round, thin lahme bi ajeen, or Armenian pizza, topped with minced meat and spices, from Ichkahanian Bakery.

Critic’s Notebook

  • Pros: Unique Armenian-Lebanese fusion flavors at an ultra-low price.

  • Cons: Bare-bones bakery with no seating.

At a Glance

  • Best time to visit: Early morning (7 to 9 AM).

  • What to order: Lahme bi ajeen.

10. Al-Shams Restaurant, Baalbek

After a hot morning exploring the Roman temples, this delicious gem serves as the perfect lunch stop. It is a popular spot that tour guides choose for good reason. Among Lebanon restaurants near Baalbek, this one is the most consistent.

The amount of food served was huge. I had perfectly cooked grilled fish accompanied by endless mezze. The most memorable detail was an on-site magician who entertained us. It was a quirky and welcoming experience that you won’t find at other Lebanon restaurants.

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Critic’s Notebook

  • Pros: Generous portions at reasonable prices with family-friendly entertainment.

  • Cons: Baalbek is far from Beirut, and the restaurant caters heavily to tour groups.

At a Glance

  • Best time to visit: Lunch after visiting Baalbek temples.

  • Location: Baalbek, approximately 2-hour drive from Beirut.

  • What to order: Grilled fish, mezze spread.

11. Centrale, Beirut

You go to Centrale for the vibe. This design wonder is set in a refurbished historical building. Among romantic Lebanon restaurants, this stands out. The real magic happens at the rooftop bar with a retractable roof offering glittering views.

The food is excellent modern French-international cuisine. While the meat can be inconsistent, the risotto is delicious. My advice is to treat this differently than other Lebanon restaurants; go for a high-end cocktail and the ambiance.

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Critic’s Notebook

  • Pros: Spectacular rooftop bar vibes and refurbished historical setting.

  • Cons: Food quality doesn’t always match the premium prices.

At a Glance

  • Best time to visit: Evening for rooftop bar and sunset.

  • What to order: Risotto, craft cocktails.

From the Paris of the Middle East to the food paradise I have come to know, Lebanon remains my number one recommendation for travelers. It is a country that feeds you with genuine hospitality. Whether you are diving into mezze at Tawlet or savoring shawarma at Restaurant Joseph, these Lebanon restaurants deliver experiences you will remember long after you have headed home.