Midrange
Relais de LâEntrecôte
french, french-styled steak frites restaurant akin to the restaurant on rue marboeuf near parisâ famed champs elysã©es. not suitable for vegetarians as itâs only steak on the menu accompanied by salad. the steak sauce is the piã¨ce de resistance. for dessert try the delicious profiteroles and chocolate fondant. good selection of local and french wine. abdel wahab al inglizi street. 01 332 088. open daily 12.30pm-3.30pm, 7.30pm-11.30pm. meal for two with bottle of house wine: around $50.
Gems
french-mediterranean fusion cuisine in a pleasant and trendy setting. menu includes salads, sandwiches, pastas and meats. order the house special and innovative bonbons de foie gras which is served with a sweet wine sauce and mixed salad. generous portions of oriental and western brunch offered on sunday no ã¡ la carte for lunch. 29 achrafieh street, near al beydoun mosque. 01 330030. open tue-sat 12noon-12midnight; sun 11am-12midnight; closed mon. meal for two with wine: around $60.
Sô
asian, european, one of the best restaurants to offer a combo of asian and european dishes. the sushi belt is particularly popular and the fish fresh and well prepared. ask the chef if you have a particular favourite. if youâre in the mood for something heavier try the t-bone usda steak. the chocolate fondant is also a must. saint nicholas street. 01 336644. open daily 12pm-1am. meal for two with wine: around $45.
Al Mayass
lebanese cross armenian, fantastic armenian/lebanese mezza and main dishes with an aleppo twist. order the manteh meat stuffed ravioli in yogurt and sumac, the soujouk and basterma beef pastrami. the kafta in hot cherry sauce is a must. great service. meal for two with wine: around $40. rabaud str., ashrafieh. 01 215046. open mon-sat 12.30pm-4pm, 7.30pm-11.30pm; closed sun.
El Paladar
Spanish, mexican), pan-latin cuisine including dishes from argentina, mexico and spain in a hacienda-style setting. order the paella. thereâs also an extensive cocktail menu with drinks originating from chili and argentina. 20 per cent discount on lunches all week and on holidays. damascus road 01 335444. open daily 12noon-4pm, 8.00pm-12midnight. meal for two with wine: around $35.
Beirut Cellar
french cross italian, a city landmark, the restaurant has changed hands several times before settling in the right ones. catering for a slightly older crowd, the menu is a cross between italian and french cuisine â something for everyone basically. great steaks. shahadi way. 01 216990. open daily 12noon-12midnight. meal for two with wine: around $45.
Top end
Al Dente
italian, italian cuisine at this high-end restaurant decorated with chandeliers, thick drapes and faux renaissance paintings that feels like a royal dining room. pastas are either homemade or imported. if they are not on the menu, request the capellini with asparagus and white truffle oil or any of the risottos. albergo hotel, abdel wahab al inglizi street. 01 202440. open daily 12.30pm-3pm, 8.30-11pm; closed sat lunch. meal for two with wine: around $80.
Cocteau
french, the chic lebanese head for dinner at cocteau, the prettiest restaurant in beirut, where the walls are covered with the french artist's jean cocteau doodles and there's a waiter per person. sodeco, ashrafieh, beirut 00 961 1 616 617.
La Table D'Alfred
french,sursock street, french gastronomy and club lounge for lunch and dinner, you can discover an excellent french cuisine with the talent of the chef sylvain arthus and chef alfred asseily discover their wine cellar of more than 150 bottles of wine.
Maki Beirut
Upscale contemporary Japanese cusine. Good options include; Salads with raw fish and some without, five different plates that serve chicken, Black Angus teppanyaki or lobster drowning in creamy sauce. Ichijiku Tori TeriyakiFig Birds! or the rather eccentric selection of makiâs - over 100 different options.
Salmontini
fish, salmon is the name of the game at this stylish eatery. feast on smoked salmon and salad for starters and follow through with the sumptuous salmon with couscous and harissa sauce which is spicy without being hot. thereâs also salmon in white sauce for tamer taste buds. accaoui road. 01 337999. open daily 12.30pm-12midnight. meal for two with wine: around $130. set menu ll40,000.
Sushi Bar
japanesethe restaurant for sushi buffs and japanese food lovers. extensive and expensive sushi menu of maki, sashimi and sushi, get your chop sticks around the recommended spicy fever maki and the salmon on ice with special house sauce. for starters order chobu chobu seafood soup. abdel wahab al inglizi street, achrafieh. 01 338555. open daily 12.30pm-3.30pm, 8pm-11.30pm. meal for two with wine: $100.
Yabani
japanese, with a reputation as one of the best japanese restaurants in town, the sushi here is pricey but good. the menu is also varied so you get to try other delicacies - check out the unbeatable chilli beef ramen. an underground eaterie designed by architect bernard khoury, the seating is arranged in a circular fashion reached via a boudoir-styled elevator. damascus road. 01 211113. open daily 12noon-3.30pm, 8pm-12midnight. meal for two with sake: around $100.
Claudia's
italian, cosy and intimate chic italian fare. excellent service with decent and generous portions. extensive wine menu and good desserts â pick the panne fantasia french toast with warm caramel sauce, cinnamon and vanilla ice cream. 31 abdel wahab street. 01 218999. open daily 12noon-11.30pm. meal for two with wine: around $85.
Julia's
french, great food in a chic but relaxed setting. the menu is international in essence but youâll find french cuisine predominates. the steaks are cooked to perfection and highly recommended. reserve on the patio and you get to see beirutâs trendiest people drive and stroll by. abdel wahab al inglizi street. 01 219539. open daily 12noon-12midnight. meal for two with wine: around $80.
Gemmayze
Paul
Corleone Trattoria
Le Chef
Bar Louie
Adam
LaTabkha
Soto
Ashrafieh has a sense of old-style charm, evident from its old architecture and mature neighborhood. Eating in Ashrafieh will certainly be more expensive than the other districts, but if elegance and charm is what you're after, you'll love it. Below is a selection of the best places to eat: