While the service was friendly, I don’t understand why this place gets such high reviews. This was my least favorite meal I had during my visit to Beirut. Comparing it to my favorite meal I had in Beirut at T-Marbouta just up the block, the portions were about half the size, the seasoning had about half the flavor, and the price was higher. Plus the restaurant was very hot and people were smoking inside with no ventilation and the windows closed. This restaurant was written up as one of the best Lebanese restaurants in many tour books, but next time I will follow my instinct by noticing that many other restaurants in Hamra were packed with locals, while this place just had a few tourists dining inside, and go where the locals go. Going back to T-Marbouta and comparing my favorite meal vs least favorite, I order the Kofta at each. At T-Marbouta it was $10,000 and the kofta were much bigger, more flavorful, and were served with fries and hummus. At Abu Naim, it was $16,000 and served with nothing. I really hate to give a bad review, but I just didn’t like this restaurant at all.