Em Sherif SEA Cafe — Restaurant in Port of Beirut

I rarely review restaurants being the business. But this review is not about the food or the service during the meal, but rather about the experience before we even sat down to dine. Unfortunately, our interaction with the head host/ server left a negative impression.

We arrived at the restaurant and politely requested a table for eight on the patio, hoping to enjoy the view of the ships, as we were visiting and wanted to make the most of the setting. The restaurant was not busy at the time, several patio tables were unoccupied, so we were surprised when the head server responded somewhat arrogantly and with a dismissive tone, saying only indoor tables were available.

As someone who works in hospitality, I understand how reservations work, and I expressed our willingness to tip and be flexible. He eventually agreed to offer us a table on the patio but pushed to the back, away from the view, essentially isolating us in a section with many empty tables around.

I asked him to hold the table while my sister and brother-in-law parked the car and we explored the area briefly with the kids. We returned 15 minutes later to confirm the table, only to be told, again with an air of arrogance, that the table was no longer available. When I asked what happened to holding it, he simply said he couldn’t, though this was never mentioned in our earlier conversation. The table remained empty, which made the situation more frustrating.

The issue wasn’t the table itself, it was his attitude. It felt as if he was offended we didn’t immediately take what was offered. Miscommunication is understandable, especially as I’m not fluent in Arabic, but his dismissive and condescending tone was unnecessary and unprofessional. My brother in law bring from the area was offended and told me let's go elsewhere.

I’ve heard great things about Em Sherif, and I was genuinely looking forward to the experience. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to find out. We ended up next door at Laila, where the host and server were welcoming and attentive, and the food was excellent. A disappointing start turned into a lovely evening thanks to their...

As a pescatarian, it’s safe to say I take my fish pretty seriously. Emm Shariff has not only exceeded my expectations but we were also blessed to have an outstanding waiter. Ali Daher went out of his way to make sure our experience was out standing. Em sharif is now officially my favorite restaurant in Lebanon, from the amazing fish burgers to the cauliflower and shrimp fatteh. Food here is a 10/10 and em sharif herself came to our table just to double check that everything was ok which is always a good sign. I would definitely...

I always have an excellent experience with Em Sherif Seaside from the moment I make my booking over the phone throughout the whole visit experience. Always with respect care and attention. Absolutely THANK YOU. I also would like to say I none of all of that happens with Em Sherif Cafe DT. I even stopped calling to book because I know from that point the experience is a failure. I even booked in person and there was a disaster in my booking. I wish Em Sherif management can explain why the major difference in customer service between...