Villa Clara (Beirut, Lebanon)

 This restaurant is actually one of  my favorites. Even though the place is quite big, elegant and refined, the atmosphere is so charming and warm. The owners are so chill and relaxed, so far from being pretentious which made me love the place even more ! The french Chef is the owner, he has worked in one of the best restaurants in Paris. He is very experienced but he doesn't try to show off with his dishes. For entrees we had the escargot which was delicious, even better than the ones i have had in Paris and the tartare lieu jaune , was super refreshing and perfectly seasoned. As for main we had the cassoulet which is originally a traditional french dish that i only tried once in Paris and it was as good here. The steak was cooked perfectly, but not the best i have had. As for desserts we tried the famous meringue, it was not my favorite, too big but hey this is my personal opinion,  still recommend to try it. We actually had a very nice conversation with the owners and as far as i understood , they always try to use fresh local ingredients which is why they always change their menu. It is a somewhat a new concept in Lebanon and a change from what we are all used to. I have heard that they serve really good steak tartare and the chef actually prepares it in front of you, would definitely try it next time. The prices are good, not as expensive as everyone is saying. I definitely recommend this restaurant, super romantic and cosy especially the tables next to the chimney.

Prune (Beirut, Lebanon)

This place has been the buzz of Beirut for the past few months, always super packed and couldn't get any reservation. I was really eager to try it, so finally i went there and it was SUPER disappointing. To be fair, maybe i felt that because people have been talking about how amazing it was for quite a while so i expected the best. It is a nice charming french bistrot, lovely decoration. The menu was typically french. I had the oeuf cocotte with truffle cream, really less than average, the moules were ok, as for the steak, it was chewy, not seasoned well, just all in all very blah. But i have to admit the only thing that uplifted this dinner was the pain perdue, oh my just delicious, moist, tender yet crunchy drizzled with caramel. The service was very slow, the waiters were inattentive. I have been there only once so maybe it was a bad experience for me, would try it again though.

La Centrale (Beirut, Lebanon)

 La Centrale is actually one of my favorite places to have a casual drink there with my friends and a small bite. The bar has an amazing concept of opening to Beirut's night air. Until recently, i have tried the restaurant downstairs and i have to say it was simply delicious. Centrale’s cuisine is more into the french cuisine. Let me start by their starters, the goat cheese salad layered with a thin crunchy puff pastry, drizzled with honey and topped with toasted pine nuts, just delicious. My favorite was the gewy poached egg with creamy cepes sauce, really words can't describe the deliciousness of this plate ( i would kill for it.. ). I also tried the artichoke salad which was ok, nothing out of this world. As for the main, my advice for you is to have the brochette de boeuf with fries and bearnaise sauce ( they don't have it on the menu but only regular customers know about it). I also tried the truffle risotto, eiiinh it was more pretty to look at than eat, very blah, the seasoning was missing. Their service is impeccable. As for the prices, well you get what you pay for.

Magnolia Bakery Lebanon

Magnolia Bakery has originally opened its doors in Lebanon since December 2012.  They already have two stores located in ABC dbayeh and ashrafieh. Honestly i was not a huge fan of the American bakery, i am more into the french. I have to say that this place changed my whole perception of the huge fatty full of sugar american sweets. Let me start by the BANANA PUDDING, oh my ..
Simply foodgasmic. It has this perfectly sweet vanilla smooth custard texture with drops of banana pieces that literally melts in your mouth, and these wafers that are just a pleasant surprise that makes it all a party in your mouth. I also love their lemon squares, key lime cheesecake and humming bird cupcakes, just exquisite. What's also surprising is that they have a savory menu. My favorites are the tomato soup, it has this perfectly balanced flavors with the basil and a dash of lemon, the open faced Florentine eggs ( the eggs are perfectly cooked, runny just the way i like them) the chicken ceasar salad and pecan goat cheese, just yum !

Toto

Toto is an italian restaurant located in Mar Mkhael, Beirut. It has actually replaced the french restaurant Chez Sophie which was an epic fail (my personal opinion), and Halleluja for this smart move by the same owners. It has become one of the trendiest restaurants in Beirut . I loved the place and atmosphere, it is spacious but cozy at the same time. The food is really good . My only complain was the tiny portion they serve. I mean i always say that it is all about the quality and quantity but common this is an italian restaurant ! I don't want to see 2 pcs of ravioli on my plate !
So i have been there a few times and i can fully recommend as starters the carpaccio de bar, and vitello tonnato , just yummy in my tummy ! the veal is sliced very thinly and it really melts in your mouth with this mouthwatering salty capery tuna sauce. As for the main dish my ultimate favorite is the capellini with asperegus and white truffle oil. As for desserts, honestly nothing was super tempting, i had the crispy millefeuille with pistachio but found it a bit dry and dull. The service is perfect, and you can say that the price average per person would add up to 40 to 50 $ per person.

Goutons voir

Since its opening Goutons voir has been one of my favorite restaurants in Lebanon. It's your next door bistrot, small and cozy , with a perfect setting. As for the menu it's kind of basic but everything there is just delicious. I recommend you to start with the goat cheese tart, just a creamy goat cheese layered on top of a crispy buttery puff pastry and topped with dried tomaotes. As for the main course, their angus beef is so tender and juicy it just melts in your mouth, and you can have as sides the mashed potatoes wth truffle oil or fries with truffle oil and parmesan cheese..just yuumm ! They also have really good chicken mushroom, risotto with truffle oil and foie gras, and their specials are always a must try. As for desserts, they only have three options but just get them all, it's worth it ! they have really good pain perdue, macaron filled with mascarpone and strawberries, and finally the gewy melted chocolate fondant. The service is very friendly and prompt. As for their prices, you can say it can add up to 50 $ per person with wine, which is acceptable especially that you are getting a really good meal and service.

 

 

 

kampai

My favorite sushi place was actually sushi bar until kampai made its appearances. I just love that restaurant! It is simply elegant and bright. Their food is so fresh. You have to try their spicy crispy tuna that just melts in your mouth with little bits of crunch, the rocky shrimps that are just a party in your mouth , smothered in their special mayo sauce. As for the sushi part everything is highly recommended but my favorites are definitely the ones with jalapenos and the fried scallops rolls that are topped with the glazed salmon..simply foodgasmic. Now my favorite part here is actually the dessert. They serve a special japanese dessert called the mochi, these are just the greatest invention ever ! Different flavors of ice cream wrapped with pate de riz. Believe me they are much tastier than their description. You have all kinds of flavors but my favorites are the ones with rose, melon and chocolate/vanilla. The service is really good, the waiters are nice and very attentive even when its packed ( which is most of the times ). The prices are very reasonable because you are definitely getting what you are paying for which is ultimate quality ! Kampai is located in Minet el Hosn, Ground floor, Palladium Bldg, Rafic Salloum Str.