From New Spots to Major News: Here’s a Round Up of Beirut’s Latest

Wondering what’s new in Beirut? Here’s a round up of Beirut’s latest, from new openings to upcoming events you don’t want to miss.

What’s new (or coming soon) to Beirut?

New places that are already open

House of Kalee, Lebanon’s first restaurant for dogs

Dog lovers, this one’s for you! Lebanon’s first-ever dog restaurant just opened in Mar Mikhael, and it’s a total treat for your furry friends. House Of Kalee serves home-cooked meals just for dogs, and every dish ordered helps feed a homeless pup in need.

Kenshō, a Japanese café, eatery and studio

Kenshō is a new Japanese café, eatery, and wellness studio in Beirut that blends mindful living with delicious homemade dishes. From onigiri bentos and donburi bowls to yoga and sound healing sessions, this spot is all about nourishing both body and mind.

HBYTALA, the first-ever K-beauty flagship store in Lebanon

From viral serums to cult-favorite creams, HBYTALA is bringing Korea’s top beauty brands straight to Beirut with its first flagship store. It opened on October 25 at the Weavers Center in Clemenceau, so you can pass by and start shopping.

The Brunch Club, a new coffee and brunch spot in Saifi

This new Saifi spot is a haven for coffee lovers and brunch goers, offering a selection of drinks and fresh bakes for you to enjoy while passing through the colorful neighborhood.

Places that are coming soon

Maison Dada, the most charming new boutique hotel

Coming soon to Saifi, Maison Dada is a boutique hotel designed by brothers Mario and Marc Dada. Blending the charm of a 1930s building with modern, art-inspired interiors, it’s set to become one of Beirut’s most creative new stays.

Qū, a new concept (perhaps a speakeasy) in the city

Details have not yet been released for this new spot, but we think it might be a new speakeasy or a new addition to Beirut’s nightlife.

MAIA, a new bar and terrace in Gemmayze

Opening November 5, MAIA is a new bar and terrace in Gemmayze with a focus on elevated drinks and bites. Little has been revealed so far, but the buzz is already building for this chic addition to Beirut’s nightlife.

Opra Theater, the biggest musical theater coming to Beirut Waterfront

Beirut Waterfront is set to welcome Opra Theater, the city’s biggest musical theater. While details are still emerging, it could bring a new cultural hub to the area.

November highlights

The Beirut Art Film Festival is coming back for its 11th edition!

The Beirut Art Film Festival (BAFF) is back for its 11th edition. Running from November 4–14, 2025 at Béryte Theater, it opens with Gaza Remains the Story, an initiative by The Palestinian Museum that highlights Palestinian art and storytelling.

After Beirut, the festival will travel across Lebanon from January to May 2026, bringing inspiring films to audiences nationwide.

AUB Art Galleries & Collections displays new art collection

AUB Art Galleries opened Open Walls: The AUB Art Collection—Chapter 3 on Wednesday, October 29 at the AUB Byblos Bank Art Gallery (Ada Dodge Hall). The exhibition brings together works from AUB’s permanent collection alongside pieces from other institutions, including the Saloua Raouda Choucair Foundation, the Archaeological Museum of AUB, and the Kamal A. Shair Central Research Science Laboratory.

It will remain on display until November 12, 2025.

The autumn festival season is finally here!

There are also so many festivals happening around Lebanon this November! Click here for the full November festival compilation.

Happening this week

Studio Ghibli’s “My Neighbor Totoro” screening at Metropolis Cinema

Studio Ghibli’s classic My Neighbor Totoro is coming to Metropolis Cinema. Follow two sisters as they move to the countryside and discover the magic of the forest, including the gentle, giant spirit Totoro. A heartwarming film for all ages, tickets are 400,000 LBP and available through Antoine Ticketing or at the box office from 4 PM.

Plays showing at Le Monnot Theater this month

Whether it’s Kezbe bil Sanieh, Shu Mnelbos?, Moujaddara Hamra, or Bi Barcelona, there are so many plays showing at Le Monnot Theater in November. You can check them out here.

Palestine Cinema Days at T-marbouta

Multiple screenings will be taking place at Hamra’s T-marbouta in the first week of November, featuring plays, documentaries, and other classics of Palestinian cinema.

Want to hear some good news?

The DIVAS Exhibition finally landed in Beirut

Running at the Sursock Museum until January 11, 2026, the show honors a century of iconic Arab female stars, from Umm Kulthum and Fairuz to Warda and Dalida. Expect a mix of film clips, vinyl, stage costumes, rare archives, and immersive audiovisual displays that trace their careers and the cultural scenes they shaped.

Read more about it here.

Le Monnot Theater launches audio description to make plays more accessible

Beirut’s Le Monnot Theater launched a first-of-its-kind project in Lebanon making live performances more accessible to people with disabilities. The initiative introduces audio description for visually impaired audiences.

Read more about it here.

Two new Lebanese thrifting apps are launching soon!

Two new Lebanese thrifting apps, Balaio and Doora, are making it easier than ever to shop secondhand in Lebanon. Both platforms let you browse, buy, and sell pre-loved items, giving a fresh spin to sustainable shopping while supporting the local community.

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