This Longtime Sushi Favorite Is Taking Over a New Corner in Mar Mikhael

We’re always excited to not only visit new spots opening around the city, but also see local faves expanding. There’s something special about watching a place that’s been around for years find a new home in another neighborhood. And if you’re a sushi fan, you’ve probably already heard of Sushi Lover’s Express, which just opened its newest branch in Mar Mikhael.

For those who have been ordering from Sushi Lover’s for years, this definitely isn’t a brand-new name to discover. The Lebanese sushi brand has been around for 17 years, starting with its very first branch in Choueifat before expanding to Hamra in 2019. Now, with its newest location, the brand has three branches across Beirut and its surrounding areas: Choueifat, Hamra, and Gemmayze–Mar Mikhael.

The new location

Located in the heart of Mar Mikhael, right across from Bunman, the new spot brings a familiar favorite to one of Beirut’s busiest food neighborhoods.

The location sits on a (relatively) quieter side of Mar Mikhael, with Japanese touches woven throughout the space. Think decorative fans, red accents, wall art, and a hanging installation above the dining area. The space feels casual and welcoming without being too plain, making it just as suited to a quick sushi lunch as it is to a laid-back dinner with friends.

But beyond the new address, the brand is sticking to what it has been doing for the past 17 years: serving sushi made with premium-quality ingredients, freshly prepared on the spot for every order.

What to order

Since we’ve tried this spot MANY times, here’s our go-to order if you’re feeling lost.

Start off with: the crispy salmon salad and vegetable spring rolls. A fresh, light, and crunchy start to your meal.

Must-try items: The Flying Salmon, the Double Crazy, and Topaz Futo Maki are some of our favorites from their menu. The sushi portions are generous, with a great balance between the rice and the fish. You’re definitely not getting tiny pieces here.

Don’t sleep on: The Sushi Lover’s Mini Cake is severely underrated, but you won’t be able to finish it off with one bite. We’d be pretty impressed if you could, though. Their Geisha Gunkan is also perfect for those who love mango in their sushi.

Or if you’re looking for something to eat on the go, did you know they’re one of the few sushi spots that serve the viral push pop sushi? You can read all about it here.

Sushi Lover’s Express Is Turning 17

And because 17 years of sushi deserves a little celebration, Sushi Lover’s Express has launched a special 17th Anniversary Combo! It comes with 40 premium maki pieces for $35, making it a pretty tempting excuse to order a serious amount of sushi. The anniversary offer is available for two weeks starting August 24, 2026, across all three branches, whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeaway, or ordering delivery.

Seventeen years later, the brand is still sticking to the same formula: fresh sushi, quality ingredients, generous portions, and prices that make it accessible for a casual sushi fix.

Make sure to follow them on Instagram for more information! Who knows? They might have some activations planned to celebrate their big anniversary!