Nestled in the heart of vibrant city life, Cafe Beirut stands as a culinary beacon for those seeking an authentic taste of Lebanon. The moment you step inside, the aromatic blend of spices, simmering meats, and freshly baked breads transports you to the bustling souks of Beirut.
Every dish tells a story—of grandmothers kneading dough by hand, of family gatherings around tables laden with delicacies, and of the timeless tradition of Lebanese hospitality. The menu at Cafe Beirut is a celebration of both heritage and innovation, offering time-honored favorites alongside contemporary interpretations.
Whether you are a devoted fan of Levantine cuisine or a curious newcomer, the variety and depth of flavors promise a memorable dining experience. From savory mezzes that encourage communal sharing to sweet confections that close a meal on a high note, Cafe Beirut’s menu captures the spirit of Lebanon’s culinary landscape.
It is more than just a place to eat; it is a journey of the senses, where each bite invites you to savor, connect, and explore.
Appetizers and Mezzes: The Art of Sharing
Lebanese dining begins with an array of mezzes, small dishes designed for sharing and savoring. These appetizers set the tone for the meal, inviting guests to indulge in diverse flavors and textures.
At Cafe Beirut, the mezze selection reflects a deep respect for tradition while welcoming creative twists.
The mezze table is a visual and aromatic feast. Classics like hummus, baba ghanouj, and tabbouleh arrive in generous portions, their freshness apparent in every bite.
Each offering is accompanied by warm, pillowy pita bread, perfect for scooping up dips and spreads. Mezzes are more than just starters—they are a ritual, a way to bring people together over shared plates and conversation.
For those seeking variety, Cafe Beirut’s menu includes both hot and cold mezze options. Cold selections celebrate the garden’s bounty, with dishes like labneh (strained yogurt with olive oil and mint) and fattoush (a salad of toasted bread, tomatoes, and sumac).
Hot mezzes, such as falafel, sambousek, and grilled halloumi, offer heartier fare and showcase the kitchen’s skill with spices and technique.
- Hummus: Creamy chickpea dip blended with tahini, lemon, and garlic
- Baba Ghanouj: Smoky eggplant spread with tahini and olive oil
- Falafel: Crispy chickpea patties served with tahini sauce
- Warak Enab: Vine leaves stuffed with rice, tomatoes, and herbs
“Mezze is not just food—it’s a celebration of community, a way to savor the present moment with those around you.” — Chef Nadim, Cafe Beirut
Signature Main Courses: Heart and Soul of Lebanon
Main courses at Cafe Beirut draw from Lebanon’s rich culinary tapestry, balancing robust flavors with careful preparation. These dishes are the heart and soul of the dining experience, each crafted to highlight quality ingredients and traditional methods.
The menu features a variety of grilled meats, stews, and vegetarian specialties. Charcoal-grilled kebabs are a standout, featuring skewered lamb, chicken, or beef marinated in fragrant spices.
Served alongside rice pilaf or roasted vegetables, these mains satisfy both appetite and palate. For a unique taste, the shish tawook—tender chicken cubes in a garlic-yogurt marinade—is a perennial favorite.
Vegetarians are equally catered for, with dishes like moussaka and mujadara providing satisfying, protein-rich options. The kitchen’s attention to detail ensures that each main course, whether meat-based or plant-forward, is a harmonious blend of flavor and texture.
- Mixed Grill: An assortment of lamb, chicken, and kofta kebabs
- Kafta: Ground beef or lamb, parsley, onions, and spices, shaped into skewers
- Mujadara: Lentils and rice topped with caramelized onions
- Sayadieh: Spiced fish with rice and fried onions
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Shish Tawook | Chicken, yogurt, garlic, lemon | Tangy, aromatic, smoky |
| Kafta | Beef/Lamb, parsley, onions, spices | Savory, herby, slightly spicy |
| Mujadara | Lentils, rice, onions | Earthy, hearty, mildly sweet |
Freshly Baked Breads and Pastries
No Lebanese meal is complete without freshly baked breads and pastries, and at Cafe Beirut, these items hold a place of honor. The scent of baking dough wafts through the air, promising warmth and comfort with every bite.
Breads are baked daily, ensuring a soft and fragrant accompaniment to any dish.
The menu features a range of traditional breads, from khubz (classic Lebanese pita) to manakish—flatbreads topped with za’atar, cheese, or minced meat. Each bite is a testament to the importance of bread in Lebanese culture, where it is both utensil and nourishment.
Pastries provide a savory counterpoint, with options such as sfeeha (spiced meat pies) and fatayer (triangular spinach or cheese turnovers). The delicate, flaky pastry shells give way to aromatic fillings, making them perfect for a light meal or afternoon snack.
- Manakish Za’atar: Flatbread with wild thyme, sesame, and olive oil
- Cheese Fatayer: Pastry filled with soft cheese and herbs
- Sfeeha: Mini baked pies filled with seasoned lamb
“Bread is the heart of every Lebanese table, the connection between flavors and the people who enjoy them.” — Lebanese proverb
Vegetarian and Vegan Delights
Lebanese cuisine is naturally abundant in vegetarian and vegan options, making it a welcoming choice for those with plant-based preferences. Cafe Beirut’s menu highlights the versatility of vegetables, grains, and legumes, transforming simple ingredients into memorable dishes.
Salads are a cornerstone, with tabbouleh and fattoush leading the way. Tabbouleh, a finely chopped salad of parsley, tomatoes, mint, and bulgur, bursts with freshness and bright acidity.
Fattoush combines crisp vegetables with toasted bread and a tangy sumac dressing, offering both crunch and zest.
Beyond salads, hot vegetarian plates like batata harra (spicy roasted potatoes), moussaka (eggplant and chickpea stew), and mujadara (lentils and rice) provide filling, flavorful choices. These dishes are as satisfying as their meat-based counterparts, proving that Lebanese cuisine is truly inclusive.
- Batata Harra: Potatoes sautéed with garlic, cilantro, and chili
- Fasolia: White beans stewed in tomato sauce with herbs
- Vegetarian Moussaka: Eggplant, chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices
- Stuffed Vine Leaves: Rice, tomatoes, and herbs wrapped in grape leaves
| Dish | Vegan | Gluten-Free |
| Tabbouleh | Yes | No |
| Batata Harra | Yes | Yes |
| Fasolia | Yes | Yes |
| Manakish Za’atar | Yes | No |
“Lebanese vegetarian cuisine offers a world of flavor—one that proves you don’t need meat to create a deeply satisfying meal.” — Nour, Cafe Beirut’s Head Chef
Seafood Specialties: A Taste of the Mediterranean
Lebanon’s coastal heritage shines in Cafe Beirut’s seafood specialties. The menu draws inspiration from the Mediterranean, celebrating the bounty of the sea with dishes that are both light and full of character.
Freshness is paramount, with seafood sourced daily and prepared with a deft touch.
Start with calamari grilled to perfection, seasoned with lemon and herbs. Samak meshwi, a whole grilled fish marinated in olive oil, garlic, and spices, is a centerpiece for those seeking an authentic taste of the Levantine coast.
Each dish is paired thoughtfully, often accompanied by rice pilaf, tahini sauce, or crisp salads.
Seafood mezze, such as shrimp provençal and octopus salad, deliver vibrant flavors and textures. These small plates are ideal for sharing, offering a refreshing contrast to the richer, meatier items on the menu.
The use of citrus, fresh herbs, and olive oil keeps each dish bright and satisfying.
- Samak Meshwi: Charcoal-grilled whole fish with garlic and lemon
- Calamari: Grilled or fried squid served with herbed aioli
- Shrimp Provençal: Sautéed shrimp with tomatoes, garlic, and parsley
- Octopus Salad: Tender octopus with potatoes and lemon dressing
| Seafood Dish | Cooking Method | Signature Flavors |
| Samak Meshwi | Grilled | Garlic, lemon, olive oil |
| Shrimp Provençal | Sautéed | Tomato, garlic, parsley |
| Octopus Salad | Boiled, marinated | Lemon, herbs, potatoes |
“The sea is Lebanon’s pantry, and its flavors are woven into every meal we serve.” — Cafe Beirut’s Seafood Specialist
Desserts and Sweets: The Perfect Finale
To end a Lebanese meal is to indulge in a world of desserts and sweets that balance richness with delicacy. Cafe Beirut’s dessert menu showcases both classic confections and inventive treats, ensuring a satisfying conclusion to every dining experience.
Baklava is a standout, its layers of crisp pastry, nuts, and honey syrup representing the height of Middle Eastern pastry craft. Each piece is meticulously prepared for a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness.
Maamoul, butter cookies filled with dates or nuts, offer a tender and fragrant alternative, while knafeh dazzles with its combination of semolina, cheese, and orange blossom syrup.
For guests seeking lighter options, fresh fruit platters and rosewater rice pudding provide gentle, aromatic finishes. The desserts at Cafe Beirut are more than just afterthoughts—they are celebrations of tradition, artistry, and the joy of sharing.
- Baklava: Phyllo pastry layered with nuts and honey
- Knafeh: Sweet cheese pastry with semolina and syrup
- Maamoul: Shortbread cookies filled with dates or walnuts
- Rice Pudding: Creamy pudding flavored with rosewater and pistachios
“Desserts are the memory-makers—sweet moments that linger long after the meal is over.” — Pastry Chef Layal, Cafe Beirut
Beverages: From Traditional to Contemporary
Cafe Beirut’s beverage menu is as curated as its food, offering traditional drinks alongside modern creations. These beverages are designed to complement the meal, refresh the palate, and provide a taste of Lebanese culture in every sip.
Start with mint lemonade, a tangy-sweet refresher that balances vibrant citrus with aromatic herbs. For a classic touch, order Arabic coffee, brewed strong and spiced with cardamom—a ritual that encourages lingering and conversation.
Jallab, a chilled drink of dates, rosewater, and pine nuts, provides a sweet and uniquely Lebanese experience.
The wine list features selections from Lebanon’s renowned Bekaa Valley, known for its rich reds and crisp whites. Local beers and international favorites round out the offerings, ensuring there’s a pairing for every palate.
- Mint Lemonade: Fresh lemon juice blended with mint and sugar
- Arabic Coffee: Dark roast coffee with cardamom
- Jallab: Date syrup, rosewater, and pine nuts over ice
- Lebanese Wines: Reds, whites, and rosés from local vineyards
| Beverage | Type | Key Flavors |
| Mint Lemonade | Non-alcoholic | Lemon, mint, sugar |
| Jallab | Non-alcoholic | Date, rosewater, pine nuts |
| Arabic Coffee | Hot beverage | Coffee, cardamom |
| Chateau Musar Red | Wine | Dark berries, spice, earth |
“In Lebanon, every drink tells a story—of family, of tradition, and of the land itself.” — Rami, Cafe Beirut’s Sommelier
Specialty Menus: Catering to Every Guest
Cafe Beirut recognizes the diversity of its guests and offers specialty menus tailored to a range of dietary needs and preferences. Whether you are seeking gluten-free options, require allergy-friendly meals, or are celebrating a special occasion, the restaurant’s commitment to hospitality shines through.
A dedicated kids’ menu features smaller portions and approachable flavors, ensuring young diners are well-catered for. Gluten-free diners can choose from a variety of naturally wheat-free dishes, such as grilled meats, fresh salads, and rice-based mains.
The kitchen is attentive to food allergies and will gladly accommodate requests for nut-free, dairy-free, or vegan preparations.
For group gatherings or events, Cafe Beirut offers curated tasting menus and family-style platters. These selections are ideal for sharing, allowing guests to sample a wide range of flavors and specialties.
Every menu is thoughtfully designed to ensure everyone at the table feels included and cared for.
- Kids’ Menu: Falafel bites, grilled chicken skewers, mini manakish
- Gluten-Free: Grilled kebabs, rice pilaf, fattoush without bread
- Allergy-Friendly: Customizable plates to suit dietary restrictions
- Group Platters: Shared mezze and mixed grill selections
“At Cafe Beirut, hospitality means making every guest feel at home—no matter their preferences or needs.” — Cafe Beirut Management
Conclusion: Experience the Essence of Lebanon at Cafe Beirut
Cafe Beirut’s menu is a tapestry woven from centuries of tradition and the vibrant pulse of modern Lebanese cuisine. Each dish, from the simplest mezze to the most elaborate main course, is crafted with respect for heritage and a passion for quality.
The diversity of offerings ensures that every guest—whether omnivore, vegetarian, or vegan—can discover flavors that delight and inspire. With its commitment to fresh ingredients, authentic recipes, and warm hospitality, Cafe Beirut invites you to experience the heart of Lebanon in every bite.
Dining here is more than a meal—it is an immersion in culture, a celebration of community, and a journey through the rich landscapes of flavor that define Lebanese cooking. The atmosphere encourages connection, whether you’re enjoying a leisurely lunch, a festive dinner, or a cozy coffee break.
Every visit offers new discoveries, from the nuanced spices in a favorite dish to the unexpected pleasure of a traditional dessert. At Cafe Beirut, food becomes a bridge—connecting people, memories, and traditions in a setting that is both welcoming and unforgettable.
For those seeking authenticity, variety, and a genuine taste of Lebanon, Cafe Beirut stands as a culinary destination not to be missed.
