As you’re driving along the coast from Maameltein to Tabarja, a seaside fish restaurant named l’Ancre (“anchor” in French) perches over the waters just north of the Casino. The goldenrod paint and a threshold festooned with plants beckons you in to a beautiful all-glass space with unobstructed panoramic views of the Jounieh bay. You’ll have to return in warmer weather to enjoy the serene terrace, evoking the French Rivera dining scene, but for now, console yourselves with the impeccable seafood marvels l’Ancre offers. The generous Salade Ancre is essential, brimming with a fresh catch of fruits de mer like calamari, octopus, and shrimp. The melt-in-your-mouth kibbet samak requires no introduction, and your mother will delight in the tableside presentation of the seabass (“lokkos”) baked in salt.
