Lebanon has so much to offer us on any given day; its small size makes it easy to escape the city and transport yourself to a totally different place.
Whether you love the mountains or the sea, there is something for everyone – here are our favorite places to have lunch with a view.
La Crêperie
The newly re-opened restaurant in Jounieh is breathtaking, to say the least. Picture an old Ottoman house, high ceilings and arches, perched on a cliff that overlooks Jounieh’s city and harbor. The food lives up to expectations, too. Prior to the renovations, the restaurant had been open since the 1960’s and was consistently serving up everything from pastas to delectable appetizers and a wide selection of seafood dishes.
La Crêperie Main Road, Kaslik Jounieh Mob.: +96171202022
Babel Bahr
Babel Bahr in Amchit has, by far, the best Lebanese food in the country. If you haven’t tried their shrimp fatteh (blackened shrimps, eggplant, garlic yogurt, and fried bread topped with pine nuts,) you haven’t really lived yet. And the view is just as exceptional as the food; the restaurant itself sits below a huge lighthouse and overlooks the sea; it actually feels like you’re sitting in the middle of the Mediterranean.
A solid Italian restaurant, Margherita has been a go-to spot for food lovers for many years now. And Margherita Mare, located in Jounieh, does a great job of joining the food you know and love with an extraordinary view. There is nothing better than enjoying classic Italian favorites with a killer view of the Jounieh harbor.
Though the venue is casual, the view at Batroun’s Pierre and Friends beach remains unmatched. A long wooden bar overlooks the Mediterranean with simple tables lined up as not to obstruct the view. Pierre and Friends is primarily a beach, so come in your swimsuits and enjoy the sunny day before heading up for a late lunch around sunset – you’ll get the best of both worlds.
Located in the town of Chemlan in Aley, a short 45 minute drive from Beirut, Al-Sakhra restaurant offers great Lebanese food coupled with a magical view. The restaurant itself is an old house built in the early 1800’s, and has been open for business since 1936. It is the perfect getaway for lunch; conveniently close and guaranteed to help you escape the bustle of the busy city.
Al Sakhra Near Ain el Remmaneh Road Shemlane Tel.: +9615270369
