Lebanon has long been known for its level of excellence in the Food & Beverage (F&B) sector, and also for its world-class nightclubs and their entertainment.
Many and not a few of its restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs have even earned global recognition, and for a good reason. Here are some relevant ones:
Baron
Located in Mar Mikael, chef Athanasios Kargatzidis’ Baron serves sophisticated dishes with a taste grown for 25 years and has been featured by many foreign media.
In February 2022, Baron ranked No. 12 in the first edition of the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants, with 4 other Lebanese restaurants!
The Grand Factory
Beirut’s The Grand Factory was recognized twice, in 2019 and 2020.
In 2019, it made it on the leading DJ Mag’s Top 100 Clubs List for 2019 and was voted the 99th best club on Earth by the publication’s readers.
In 2020, the famous club also made it on the Magazine’s Top 100 Clubs and was voted 86th worldwide!
Liza Beirut
Liza Beirut is ranked No. 21 among the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants.
The place, which is located in an Ottoman-era palace in Achrafieh, offers stunning decor, delicious Lebanese cuisine, and weekend brunches.
Kalei Coffee Co.
Kalei Coffee Co. made it on the Financial Times’ List Of The Best Independent Coffee Shops In The World in 2022, along with 28 other coffee shops worldwide. It serves a variety of coffee from different places around the world, including Ethiopia; Coope Tarrazu, Costa Rica; El Gallito, Peru; and others.
Financial Times described the place as serving “more than a caffeinated drink,” as “the mere smell of roasted beans conjures memories of blissful mornings spent on their grandmothers’ balconies.”
Le Sushi Bar
Originally established in 1998 by the renowned restauranteur Mario Jr. Haddad, Le Sushi Bar in Downtown Beirut has been announced the winner of the “Restaurant & Bar Design Awards” for the Middle East and Africa Restaurant Category in 2020.
The prestigious award seeks to recognize the best of food and beverage spaces in the region, including Lebanon’s Le Sushi Bar!
Clap
Ranking No. 47 on the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants, Clap in Beirut is a luxurious rooftop restaurant offering exquisite Japanese dining with a stunning view of Bierut’s skyline.
Central Station Boutique Bar
Situated in Mar Mikhael, Central Station Boutique Bar serves finely-made cocktails and appetizers in an elegant setting with a jazz ambiance.
It was acclaimed twice, in “The World’s 50 Best Bars 2016” list, where it ranked No. 26, and in 2018’s “Best Bar in the Middle East and Africa” and ranked No. 27 worldwide.
Em Sherif Café
The now world-famous Lebanese restaurant Em Sherif is spreading the Lebanese culinary culture across many countries, and also made it on the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants, ranking No. 22.
The owner was recently awarded the Lebanese Silver Order of Merit.
Restaurant Joseph
Lebanon’s famous Restaurant Joseph in Sin El Fil won Foodie Hub Award’s “World’s Tastiest Sandwich Award 2015,” in London.
For over two decades, the restaurant is known for serving the best falafel and shawarma sandwiches in town!
Le Phénicien
Le Phénicien was awarded by the L’Académie Libanaise de la Gastronomie in 2021 for its exquisite fish and seafood cuisine.
Established in 1973, Le Phénicien has two branches in Lebanon serving fine seafood, in Tyre and Horsh Tabet.
Additionally, in line with the Michelin Guide, the owner, Habib Hadid, received the EUROPA award (Europe United Reality Outstanding Personal Award).
SPINE Beirut
Spine Beirut was recognized with two awards at the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards contests 2019. The gorgeous rooftop made it on the “Best Overall Bar” and the “Middle East and Africa Bar.”
Located in Naccache, the place is a rooftop bar with a splendid view and an avant-garde setting.
Tawlet
Founded by Kamal Mouzawak, the winner of the first Foodies Icon Award, Tawlet in Mar Mikhael is an acclaimed restaurant, known for organic and freshly made food reflecting Lebanon’s culinary heritage
Tawlet Mar Mikhael also ranked No. 28 in the first edition of the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants!
The Gärten
Launched in 2012 in Downtown Beirut, The Gärten is a pioneer in Lebanon’s nightlife scene, hosting international and local talents in a hallucinating open-air venue, where partygoers can party all night long.
In 2020, The Gärten ranked No. 91 on DJ Mag’s Top 100 Clubs list.
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