10 Years Of East Village: An Interview With Chef-Restaurateur Chris Karam

The Beirut eatery East Village we all know and love is celebrating a decade of flavor! From its small-scale beginnings to becoming a staple in the city’s dining scene, this local gem has captured hearts and tastebuds.

What better way to celebrate the 10-year milestone than by reflecting on the journey of East Village with the owner, Chef-Restaurateur Chris Karam?

Did you know? East Village has one of the BEST brunch menus in Beirut. You can check out our favorite dishes in this video:

What was the idea that brought East Village to life?

After visiting the East Village neighborhood in New York back in 2014, Chris returned to Lebanon with a love for the unpretentious yet high-quality food, dimly lit charm, and effortless service. “I wanted to bring that same experience to Lebanon—a place where great food and a cozy atmosphere come together, with no shortcuts and no pretension.”

And you’ll notice those vibes as soon as you step in.

Chris’s passion appears in every corner of East Village, and also, in every ingredient. Its bold and unapologetic personality is rooted in craftsmanship, and everything is made entirely in-house. Including their breads, sauces, and ice creams!

“We get this by never cutting corners; we perfect each step and work hard to get the results we want. Meat is also at the heart of our identity, a very New York thing,” he adds.

How has the food scene in Beirut changed since you first opened 10 years ago?

Based on how Beirut.com has witnessed the food city evolve from Chef Karam’s very own hands-on experience, we can confidently say that it changed a lot.

He says that restaurants are getting better and sourcing high-quality meats, ultimately elevating the food scene in Lebanon. “Back in 2015, we were one of the first to introduce the Angus burger to the market. It took off fast, became a city favorite (still is!), and soon, others followed.”

But when it comes to the chef’s favorite dish that he always recommends, he finds it hard to narrow down his choices. But here are some of his top picks depending on his mood:

If he’s sticking to a healthy routine: “The quinoa vegan superfood salad with a protein—either adding chicken, pairing it with one of our tartares, or going for the miso salmon.”

If he’s out with friends: “It’s all about sharing. The dips are a must—spinach artichoke never gets old—then maybe a steak, a burger (always with our fries), and often the risotto.”

If he’s craving dessert: “Impossible to choose. I’m a big ice cream person, so the frozen cheesecake is a favorite, but I’ll also say this—I don’t think there’s a better pain perdu out there than ours.”

Should we put their pain perdu to the test? Make sure to check out the #BeirutReviews section for our honest reviews!

If you could open a new branch anywhere, where would it be and why?

“Dbayeh is our top choice because we believe the people there will connect with what we do—just like our Beirut crowd. It’s also far enough from Beirut that some diners don’t make the trip, so we want to bring the experience to them.”

Chef Karam believes their concept could work almost anywhere. Quality food, good vibes, and effortless service sounds like every Lebanese person’s dream.

We’re not sure if this means there’s a new branch in the works, but we can keep our eyes pealed. Make sure to check out the #What’s New section—we would probably announce it there.

How are you celebrating this milestone?

“Hitting the 10-year mark is a big milestone for us, and what better way to celebrate than by growing? The concept is solid, the brand is well-established, and despite the challenges of the past few years, we’ve stayed strong—so it feels like the right time to expand.”

Of course, this also means giving back to the beloved East Village fans. Like their Steak & Fries Mondays, where you can enjoy an impeccable steak dinner for two at a good price.

Make sure to follow East Village on Instagram for more information and updates!

Opening Hours

Achrafieh – 9 AM to 12 AM

Badaro – 12 PM to 12 AM

Contact

Achrafieh – 01 327 375

Badaro – 76 838 386

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