Abu Naim — Restaurant in Ras Beirut

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...

I had't been here in six months because I was out of the country and upon my return I had an avocado salad and grilled Halloumi. Everything is so delicious, just as I had dreamt when I was away. When I bit into the cherry tomato brought as part of a side dish I felt like was falling in love all over again, but this time with a restaurant in my favorite city on earth - Beirut. Oh, I almost forgot the knefe. It reminded me of the first time I tasted it one early summer morning in Aley more than ten years ago. God's gift to man, knefe. My thanks to the kitchen staff and management.

People watching is also nice because it doesn't overwhelm the restaurant experience. Definitely a gathering place for intellectuals as well.

Come and then tell others about this secret in Hamra.

I look forward to reading...

This was a great little Lebanese restaurant that we discovered on Trip Advisor. You'd struggle to find it if you don't speak Arabic since the name is written in Arabic script on the sign, but look for the words 'Lebanese Restaurant' in English below. The owner waited on our table and he was extremely friendly and organised for us to have samples of several different items from the menu. Extremely tasty Lebanese food, good size portions and well priced. We had starters and mains, two beers and and an...