Restaurants in Lebanon: From Mezze Houses to Modern Plates
AdvisorLB Team
Lebanese restaurants run the gamut from a chair on a Tripoli sidewalk for the country's best knefeh to white-tablecloth tasting menus in Achrafieh. Knowing the categories helps you plan a great trip.
Classic Lebanese mezze houses
Long tables, dozens of small plates, arak and grilled meats. Best shared in groups of four or more; portions are generous.
Modern Lebanese
A new wave of chefs reinterprets Lebanese ingredients with European technique. Smaller plates, careful sourcing, often paired wine.
Beach and mountain destinations
- Anfeh and Batroun for fresh fish lunches by the sea.
- Zahle's Berdawni river restaurants for old-school mezze in the open air.
- Trout farms in Bcharre and Ehden — kibbeh nayyeh, grilled trout, salads.
Practical tips
- Reservations are essential for weekend nights, especially during summer.
- Service charge is often added — tipping beyond that is appreciated for great service.
- Cash and card both work in most established restaurants; small village spots may be cash-only.
- Ask about set menus during holidays — they're often the best value.