As the weekend rolls around, many of us here in Lebanon look forward to gathering with friends and family, and what’s better than doing so over a weekend brunch?
It’s the time of the week where we don’t have to be up at the crack of dawn, so why not have eggs at 12 o’clock? If you’re planning on brunching but don’t know where to go, we have eight great suggestions for you!
#1 The Happy Prince (Mar Mikhael)
Named after an Oscar Wilde’s short story, this whimsical nook off of Armenia Street in Mar Mikhael is a popular brunch spot on weekends, so you better make a reservation to ensure your place!
The atmosphere at The Happy Prince is a perfect blend of old and new, and the menu reflects that, as well. You can enjoy brunch classics like eggs benedict, a monte cristo, or buttermilk pancakes with a new perspective and all the fixings.
They also do their own twist on the classic bloody mary by incorporating green juice! Too soon for alcohol at brunch time, maybe, but worth the mention.
#2 Dar Bistro & Books (Hamra)
Dar is a great place to brunch, especially in the warmer months, as it has a lovely green-scape patio, and a little bit of everything on the menu, from eggs and sweet concoctions to sandwiches and everything in between.
If you and your party always have a hard time agreeing on a cuisine, Dar is excellent for satisfying a range of cravings. In addition, if you’re a bookworm, you should check out the well-curated collection inside the bookshop.
#3 Z I M I (Gemmayze)
This stylish eatery located on Gourad Street in Gemmayze is a tasty alternative to the classic western brunch. Z I M I offers a fresh take on the Mediterranean cuisine, with infusions like beet tzatziki and freekeh with sundried tomatoes.
They also have super fluffy freshly baked pita bread to go with your meal and a full bar with a range of cocktails to get you in the brunch spirit.
#4 Eat Sunshine (Monot)
Situated in one of the many side streets of Monot, near Achrafieh in Beirut, Eat Sunshine is an excellent brunch spot for the more health-conscious bruncher.
The menu consists of well-balanced options packed with flavor, such as the breakfast plate, matcha almond bowl, and banana buckwheat pancakes, so you can enjoy the indulgence without all the guilt.
The restaurant is also connected to the store, where you can find a variety of eco-conscious products, from clothing to lifestyle items. Quite a fascinating place to explore.
#5 Rassif (Tripoli)
Located in the northern capitol of Tripoli, Rassif Cafe and Restaurant is an American-inspired eatery that has a range of menu items, including a whole “Eggs” section.
Rassif offers a modern and airy interior as well as a comfy exterior dining area, so you can enjoy the nice weather if you feel like it. They also have a fresh juice bar to get you your boost of vitamins and minerals.
#6 Liza (Achrafieh)
Set in a majestic converted house in Achrafieh, Beirut, Liza offers a lovely brunch buffet on the weekends.
Traditionally, it is known for its delectable Lebanese food, and the brunch stays true to that theme with a selection of manakish, varieties of eggs with Mediterranean flavors, and hot and cold mezza.
It’s an upscale place to enjoy brunch with your family or friends in an authentic refined Lebanese ambiance and interior design.
#7 Villa Badaro (Badaro)
Another converted house, Villa Badaro offers a unique experience for brunch with both indoor and outdoor seating. It even has a small fountain in the garden.
As the name states, the restaurant is located in the Badaro area of Beirut, in between Achrafieh and Hadath.
They have a wide selection of day drinking-worthy cocktails as well if you prefer a little more edge with your brunch, and you can choose between a continental or Lebanese-style breakfast. A charming nature-inspired place to enjoy a happy brunch!
#8 Crepico (Zalka)
Crepico offers the perfect pop of color to your weekend brunch with its turquoise blue walls and colorful menu. If you have a sweet tooth, then this is definitely the brunch spot for you.
You can choose from a selection of waffles and crepes, drizzled with chocolate sauce or other sweet toppings. They also have savory items if you’re more in the mood for eggs.
It’s an overall cute place to have brunch in the Zalka area, north of Beirut.
Brunch is one of those special times where rules go out the window, and you can fully enjoy your weekend with good company and a good meal. With these eight recommendations, you’ll definitely have a brunch to remember in Lebanon.
Still hungry for more? Check out these 8 Romantic Dinner Places to Take Your Date to in Lebanon or these 12 Pubs in Lebanon You Must Check Out With Your Friends!