Must-Try Internationally Acclaimed Lebanese Restaurants & Bars!

You’ll never find Lebanese businesses lacking when it comes to offering delicious food, excellent service, and unmatched hospitality. In fact, a number of Lebanese restaurants and bars have been recognized on the world stage because they’re just that good. These internationally acclaimed Lebanese spots are a must-try.

1. Baron, Mar Mikhael

Baron is a perennial contender on the list of the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants every year, ranking at #12 in 2022 and #16 in 2023. The eclectic Beirut farm-to-table gem, which recently opened a new location in Doha, was described as “a fun, unfussy, locavore neighbourhood joint hidden in the hip streets of artsy Mar Mikhael in Beirut”.

2. Em Sherif, multiple locations

A distinguished Oriental-themed restaurant and cherished Beirut gem, Em Sherif‘s delectable Lebanese dishes have taken the Middle East and Europe by storm. On the list of the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants, the restaurant ranked at #22 in 2022 and #20 in 2023.

3. Dead End Paradise, Gemmayze

Dead End Paradise quickly became a local favorite and was dubbed one of the best bars in the world, ranking at #68 in 2021 and #80 in 2022. One of Beirut’s trendiest social spots, it comes as no surprise that this hedonist tiki-themed dive bar would make waves internationally.

4. Liza, Achrafieh

Known for its exceptional food and remarkable setting, Liza translates its love for Lebanon into its dishes. Not only did the restaurant rank #21 on the list of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants back in 2022, but it was also listed in the 2024 Michelin guide.

5. Tawlet Mar Mikhael, Mar Mikhael

Souk El Tayeb’s Tawlet Mar Mikhael was listed #19 on the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2023. The open kitchen has a rotating weekly menu that spotlights local producers from all over Lebanon, and it is part of the Tawlet Family, which now has multiple locations across Lebanon.

6. Clap, Downtown Beirut

Earning the #47 spot on the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2022, the contemporary Japanese lounge is known for its Omakase-style dishes and exceptional cityscape views. Fresh seafood and meticulously decorated dishes are served along crafted cocktails, making Clap an excellent dining spot in the city.

7. Le Sushi Bar, Minet el-Hosn

Le Sushi Bar is listed on our guide to the 10 best upscale restaurants in Beirut for a reason. The iconic spot has arguably the best sushi experience in the city, applauded for its impeccable presentation and gorgeous interiors. So gorgeous, in fact, that it was the 2020 winner of the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards in the MENA category.

8. Ibn Al Bahr, Batroun

Though the Lebanese-owned seafood restaurant only recently landed in Lebanon from Dubai, it’s been up and running since 2016. The popular seaside dining spot has consistently been listed on the Bib Gourmand Michelin guide since 2022.

These internationally acclaimed Lebanese restaurants and bars are a must-try! If you want more recommendations, make sure to check out #TheBestOfBeirut.