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Here’s The Story Of Beirut’s First Italian Restaurant

Let’s step back in time to 19th century Beirut, when the smell of pizza and pasta were in the air for the first time. If you ever wondered how Italian cuisine reached Lebanon, we’re about to tell you a story about the iconic Battista Hotel and Restaurant in the heart of Beirut.

^{Credits: Old Beirut}

Back in 1849, an Italian man called Mr. Battista opened the first ever hotel and restaurant in Beirut. His love for sharing Italian delicacies with the world won the hearts of the Lebanese people and their beloved capital.

He introduced traditional Italian dishes from all over Italy, like Rome, Venice, and Naples. His pizza and pasta offerings offered a new culinary experience at the time, creating a love story between the Lebanese people and Italian cuisine that remains strong to this day.

Mr. Battista catalyzed a surge of Italian restaurants proliferating throughout the city, primarily concentrated in Verdun, Minet El-Hosn, and Raouche. Legend has it that Italian families who settled in Lebanon were behind the establishment of these beloved eateries.

The rise of Italian cuisine in Lebanon ushered in a new era. It was marked by the emergence of iconic restaurants like 222 and Quo Vadis. These culinary gems became renowned destinations, drawing in visitors from across the world eager to indulge in their delectable offerings.

^{Credits: Old Beirut}

In the swinging sixties and seventies, Quo Vadis and Popeyes were the go-to spots for aficionados. As the nineties rolled in, a new generation embraced Scoozi and multiple pizza joints that became increasingly popular at the time. Fast forward to today, and Lebanon boasts so many eateries that we lost count. But you can check them out here!

The span of over 2,000 kilometers wasn’t just bridged by the delights of Italian cuisine. It also welcomed other avenues through which Italian and Lebanese cultures intertwined, like fashion.

Did you know that Beirut celebrated “Italian Week” twice a year? During this event, Italian chefs and designers visited Beirut and met with some of the most established local designers.