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 !