7 Local Eats Everyone Needs to Try in Beirut

Beirut is a foodie heaven, with gems tucked into every street and alley. From go-to street bites to comforting classics, here are 7 local eats you seriously need to try next time you’re in Beirut.

1. Le Chef, Gemmayze

Le Chef has been serving up local delicacies since 1967, bringing a taste of home to every table. They’re known for their traditional Lebanese breakfast, and the best part is that they’re super affordable.

Simple, hearty, and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect spot when you’re missing home, visiting from abroad, or showing non-Beirutis around. Le Chef nails that nostalgic vibe without trying too hard—just good food, warm service, and old-school charm.

📍Location

Gouraud St. in Gemmayze, facing SLOT

Click here for the exact location.

⏰ Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday from 8 AM until 9 PM

📞 Contact

+961 1 445 373

2. El Soussi, Zeidaniyeh

One of Beirut’s most beloved local gems, El Soussi is the go-to spot for delicious foul w hummus. For years, this family-run place has stayed true to its original recipe, serving up rich, creamy dishes loaded with olive oil and fresh herbs.

In 2013, CNN named the world’s best breakfasts, highlighting 10 spots chosen for being deeply rooted in their city’s culture. Topping the list? None other than our beloved El Soussi, celebrated for its unbeatable fatteh.

📍Location

Dar El Fatwa St. in Zeidaniyeh

Click here for the exact location.

⏰ Opening Hours

Daily from 8:30 AM until 1 PM

📞 Contact

+961 1 312 145

3. Fern Ghattas, Achrafieh

Want to enjoy arguably the best fatayer in Beirut? This traditional Lebanese bakery has been serving up fresh bakes since 1958, sticking to time-honored methods and simple, quality ingredients.

Their dough is perfectly soft with just the right crisp, and the fillings—whether spinach, cheese, or meat—are always flavorful and generous. It’s a local favorite for a reason!

📍Location

Chafic Moukayad St. in Tabaris, Achrafieh

Click here for the exact location.

⏰ Opening Hours

Daily from 8 AM until 3 PM (until 12 PM on Sundays)

📞 Contact

+961 1 218 132

4. Snack Faysal, Bliss

You’ll find this Lebanese bakery on Bliss Street, where the smell of fresh manakish is strongest. No frills, just freshly baked goodness that hits the spot every single time.

Not only do people love their fresh manakish, they also come back for the fatayer sbenigh—perfectly baked and filled with spinach, tangy debs rumman, and a creamy dollop of labneh.

📍Location

Bliss Street, near Hobeich Police Station

Click here for the exact location.

⏰ Opening Hours

Open 24/7

📞 Contact

+961 1 367 281

5. Abou Hassan, multiple locations

Bourj Hammoud’s favorite foul w hummus joint that locals swear by, this beloved gem is a must-visit for a nostalgic bite. It serves up flavor-packed plates of traditional Lebanese breakfast that will make you feel right at home.

It’s dubbed by many as one of the best breakfasts in the city, so if you’ve been wanting to check off some good local eats off your list, this place is a must-try.

📍Location

Branches in Bourj Hammoud (the OG), Hamra, and Furn El Chebbek

Click here for their Bourj Hammoud location.

⏰ Opening Hours

Open 24/7

📞 Contact

+961 1 266 888 (Bourj Hammoud)
+961 1 750 227 (Hamra)
+961 1 293 977 (Furn El Chebbek)

6. Le Professeur, Mar Elias

Another must-try gem that has been a local favorite since 1993. Le Professeur is tucked away in Mar Elias, and though they’re known for their traditional breakfast, their kebbeh is not to miss.

Their commitment to traditional recipes is what makes them a go-to, with each dish crafted to perfection using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

📍Location

Maalouf St. in Mar Elias

Click here for their exact location.

⏰ Opening Hours

Monday to Friday from 8 AM until 3 PM

Saturday from 7:30 AM until 3 PM

Sunday from 7:30 AM until 2 PM

📞 Contact

+961 1 703 666

7. Abu Naim, Hamra

Known for their welcoming atmosphere and hospitality, this Hamra gem is the perfect spot to linger over good food, great company, and authentic Lebanese flavors.

They serve a variety of traditional dishes, but they’re best known for their fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned la7me nayye and arak.

📍Location

Abdel Aziz St. in Hamra, facing Piccadilly Theater

Click here for their exact location.

⏰ Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday from 12 PM until 1 AM

📞 Contact

+961 1 750 480

Enjoyed reading about these local eats in Beirut? You might also like: Falafel Abu Nabil: One of Beirut’s Oldest Falafel Gems. We also have an entire section dedicated to local eats in Beirut and all over Lebanon! Click here for more.