Beirut

For a truly authentic taste of Beirut's culinary culture, embark on a street food adventure through the city's neighbourhoods. This approach offers both exceptional value and genuine opportunities to connect with the city's famously welcoming residents, reflecting the region's characteristic hospitality. The districts of Hamra, Gemmayze, and Mar Mikhael feature lively streets where you'll discover some of Beirut's most delicious and affordable local specialities and sweets.

Once you’ve had your fill of Lebanese cuisine, head to Mamma in Cucina for some of the best Italian food in Beirut — a true slice of Italy in the Middle East. The restaurant is known for its attention to detail, which sometimes means the service takes a little longer, but every dish is carefully prepared and worth the wait. On the menu you’ll find authentic pizzas, a variety of pastas, burrata salad, goat cheese salad, and more. It’s best to arrive early, as the place fills up quickly.

Considered by gourmands and laymen alike to be one of the best restaurants in the city, Tawlet is a Beirut institution, known for the quality of the food and for its hip and elegant style. It only opens for lunch, offering a traditional sample buffet, made with the freshest organic ingredients.

This lovely and quirky local Armenian-Lebanese fusion restaurant has a welcoming and homey feeling to it, with great decor and ambience. On the menu are hearty servings of home-made specialities including kibbeh and kofta, meatballs in cherry sauce, among many others.