Lebanon is a country where food is more than a meal — it’s a celebration, a tradition, and a way people come together. Eating out here feels warm and familiar, whether you’re sitting at a long table covered with mezza, enjoying grilled seafood by the coast, or trying modern takes on classic dishes in Beirut’s lively neighborhoods. Restaurants in Lebanon carry the same welcoming energy you feel throughout the country: generous plates, loud conversations, the smell of fresh herbs and bread drifting through the air, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to stay longer than planned.
What makes Lebanon stand out is the range of flavors you can experience in one trip. You can spend a morning in a quiet garden restaurant overlooking the mountains, have lunch by the sea where the fish is grilled fresh from the water, and end the day in a cozy Beirut spot serving dishes that combine old recipes with modern ideas. Some restaurants focus purely on tradition, serving meals the same way families have done for generations. Others take Lebanese ingredients and present them in new, creative ways, adding a touch of style to the country’s rich food culture.
Every part of Lebanon has its own personality — from the coastal towns with seafood-rich menus to mountain villages known for hearty dishes and fresh produce. Beirut itself feels like a world of flavors, with restaurants tucked into old houses, busy streets, and seaside promenades. No matter where you go, the food feels thoughtful and full of character. Dining in Lebanon becomes one of the highlights of traveling here, offering a mix of comfort, variety, and memorable flavors that stay with you long after the trip ends.
Where to Eat in Lebanon: Top 10 Lebanese Restaurants
Em Sherif
Em Sherif is one of the most famous restaurants in Lebanon, known for its elegant atmosphere and rich, carefully prepared Lebanese dishes. The restaurant serves a set menu that brings dish after dish to your table, each made with attention to flavor and detail. You’ll find classics like hummus, tabbouleh, kibbeh, grilled meats, fresh salads, and warm pastries. What makes Em Sherif stand out is the depth of flavor in each plate — everything tastes homemade but elevated, reflecting the traditional recipes of Lebanese families. The décor is warm and stylish, with a touch of old-world charm, making the dining experience feel both luxurious and intimate. Many visitors consider it the best place to experience refined Lebanese cuisine in Beirut.
Tawlet
Tawlet offers a different kind of dining experience by focusing on regional Lebanese recipes prepared by cooks from different villages around the country. Every day features a different theme, bringing forward flavors from areas like the Bekaa Valley, the mountains, the coast, and the south. The dishes feel honest and comforting — stews, rice dishes, home-style salads, and specialties you often won’t find in typical restaurants. The open kitchen and buffet-style service create a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere where you can eat at your own pace. Tawlet is especially known for its generosity, fresh ingredients, and warm hospitality, making it a place where travelers feel a strong connection to traditional Lebanese home cooking.
Abdel Wahab
Abdel Wahab is a well-known restaurant that blends classic Lebanese dishes with a lively, friendly environment. The menu includes all the favorites — fattoush, baba ghanoush, vine leaves, grilled kebabs, and fresh seafood — served in large portions perfect for sharing. The restaurant’s location in Beirut’s Achrafieh district adds to its appeal, with streets full of cafés, shops, and old buildings nearby. The setting is comfortable and elegant without feeling formal, making it ideal for families, groups, or anyone who wants a relaxed dinner with great food. It’s one of the most reliable places to enjoy Lebanese cuisine in a pleasant neighborhood atmosphere.
Liza Beirut
Liza offers a more artistic approach to Lebanese dining. Located inside a beautifully designed old house in Achrafieh, the interiors are filled with patterned walls, soft colors, and detailed décor that gives the restaurant a chic, creative feel. The food is a modern interpretation of traditional dishes, focusing on lighter preparations, fresh combinations, and stylish presentation. Plates like grilled halloumi, pumpkin kibbeh, and aromatic rice dishes stand out, along with beautifully arranged salads and creative takes on classic recipes. Liza is perfect for travelers looking for a memorable meal in a space that feels both modern and deeply connected to Beirut’s heritage.
Al Falamanki
Al Falamanki is one of Beirut’s most charming and nostalgic restaurants. The setting feels like an old Lebanese garden café, with trees, vintage décor, and an atmosphere that stays lively from morning until late at night. It’s a great place for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or simply tea and pastries. The menu includes manakish fresh from the oven, grilled meats, traditional appetizers, and comforting Lebanese dishes that taste familiar and satisfying. The space feels relaxed and cozy, with people chatting over shisha, playing cards, and enjoying long meals. Al Falamanki captures the everyday social life of Beirut in a warm, casual way.
Le Pecheur (Jounieh)
For seafood lovers, Le Pecheur in Jounieh is a great choice. Sitting near the waterfront, the restaurant offers fresh fish, shrimp, calamari, and mezze served with a view of the bay. The atmosphere is peaceful during the day and beautifully lit at night, with the sound of the waves nearby. Lebanese seafood dishes like grilled fish with herbs, fried calamari, and octopus salads are favorites here, and the freshness of the ingredients makes every dish enjoyable. For travelers wanting a meal with coastal scenery, this restaurant provides the perfect combination.
Mounir (Beit Meri)
Located in the mountains overlooking Beirut, Mounir offers one of the most scenic dining experiences in Lebanon. The restaurant is surrounded by gardens, pine trees, and open views of the valley, creating a peaceful setting for lunch or dinner. The menu features traditional Lebanese dishes with generous portions and a focus on grilled meats, fresh salads, and classic appetizers. Many people choose Mounir for weekend family outings or special gatherings because of its combination of nature, space, and flavorful food. The fresh air and wide terraces make the experience feel like a break from the busy city.
Babel Bay
Babel Bay is a stylish seafood restaurant located on Beirut’s coastline. The architecture and interior design give the place a modern, coastal feeling, and the menu emphasizes fresh ingredients prepared in creative ways. Dishes include grilled fish, seafood platters, soups, and modern mezze with sea-inspired flavors. The restaurant brings together traditional Lebanese coastal recipes with refined presentation, making it stand out among seafood spots in the city. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a combination of quality food and a sophisticated atmosphere.
Ferdinand
Ferdinand is a small, atmospheric restaurant in Hamra known for its warm feel and creative approach to Lebanese-influenced cuisine. The menu mixes international flavors with local touches, offering dishes like burgers with unique Lebanese twists, flavorful appetizers, and inventive salads. The restaurant has a cozy interior, making it a great place for a casual evening with good food and quiet conversation. It’s one of those spots that feels personal and friendly, with dishes prepared thoughtfully and served with attention to detail.
Mayrig
Mayrig specializes in Armenian-Lebanese cuisine, offering flavors that are rich, comforting, and full of history. The restaurant highlights dishes like manti, sujuk rolls, and eggplant specialties, along with beautifully prepared salads and grilled meats. The interior is warm, with soft lighting and a mix of traditional and modern touches. Visiting Mayrig gives travelers an introduction to a cultural side of Lebanon that blends seamlessly into the country’s food scene. The dishes are flavorful without being heavy, and the service is known for being welcoming and attentive.
Restaurants in Lebanon reflect the country’s diversity, creativity, and deep connection to food. Whether you choose a traditional spot filled with classic flavors, a modern restaurant exploring new ideas, or a coastal place offering fresh seafood, the experience is always generous and memorable. Meals here are moments to enjoy slowly, surrounded by people, conversation, and the feeling that food is a meaningful part of everyday life. Dining across Lebanon becomes one of the highlights of any trip, giving travelers a real taste of the country’s warmth and hospitality.
