Petit Café - Restaurant — Restaurant in Ras Beirut

I have a mix feeling about this cafe, we went there twice, the second time we got there by accident.

The first time we went there, it was on the lower floor, time was around 4:00 pm, we did not want to eat anything and just wanted to have some cold drinks, maybe even Shisha, we were not aware of the amazing view this restaurant has. We got a spot with a great view; however the space was a bit tight, i.e. the waiters passing us by could touch us if we were slightly out of the line.

I guess the issue started when we told the waiters that we only want cold drinks for now, and no food. They brought some water and snacks, we said to them we don’t want it. They weren’t happy, but they took it back. I guess they were annoyed that they wouldn’t be charging us for it. We weren’t aware of the charge, we just had a big lunch and were not interested in eating snacks and we had water.

The second thing was that the two of us were sitting on one table and the third was taking pictures of the Rouche rocks from another table. The waiters came and asked my friend to move away from that table since I suppose we weren’t ordering any food? My friend said to them that look I am only taking pictures and since there were no customers sitting there, he will move to our table once we get our drinks. They weren’t taking it and strictly asked my friend to move. My friend wasn’t happy but moved. Lastly, it was sunny and there was sun coming on us, so we moved back a bit. There was a couple behind us having a shisha, so the shisha guy came a few times to renew their coal and deliberately went past my friend so close that he would have burnt him, maybe the waiter wanted my friend to move back into his place, i.e. into the sun, away from the tiny walk way. We get it, the waiters needed to walk about, but we were hot, and they could have asked us politely, or moved us to a different location. The staff was extremely rude, unhelpful and that’s why we decided not to order the shisha and just leave as soon as we had finished our drinks. This was the first time.

The second time we were looking for a café by the sea side late at night perhaps around 1:00 am, we went pass by Petit café and said that we’re definitely not going back there. A few meters up ahead we saw Hookah Lounge (not sure if it was a name of a shisha bar or something, between Petit café and Bay Rock cafe) but anyway we got up, and just before sitting down, we said to the waiter that we have had our dinner and only wanted some drinks and shisha. The waiter happily agreed, sat us down and brought us the menu, to our surprise it was the same Petit café, the entrance was different, it was on a different floor and we thought it was Hookah lounge – shisha bar. Anyway, the waiter was nice and friendly and there weren’t loads of people, so we thought let’s give it a go again. To our surprise, this time round the staff we had a good experience. Maybe it was pleasant at this time of the night and that’s why the waiters were welcoming?

TLDR: Overall: 2 stars, 4 stars for the night shift staff (on the top floor) and minus 2 for the rude and arrogant day shift staff (on the main floor). Be sure to confirm and reconfirm the prices and whatever is brought onto your table, especially on the main floor, during...

I give all the stars to the stunning view (which by the way you can see anyhow on the stone platforms near the Rouche rocks). You are paying for the view instead of the service and food. Me and my companion sat on the terrace and were about to order cake slices and tea for we have just eaten full meal from another restaurant and therefore weren't so much hungry. We browsed the menu and saw that the food/desserts were decently priced. However, when we were about to order, waiter insisted that we have to take banquet of fruits (which accordingly is served to everyone) lots of cake slice etc. for the place is "expensive" apparently as he said. I have no problem in paying for food as long as I ordered for it and I was well informed. In other words, we were persuaded as if it is a must to order a lot even if you are not hungry (and they did not tell the price beforehand, a mistake on our behalf not to ask🤐) In this case, me and my companion felt betrayed because for once, this restaurant do not put on their website/menu that there is some sort of a "minimum order" that one should order. Very shady. It wouldn't have been a problem if we were hungry, but we were not. We just wanted to feed our tummies good desserts, tea and not just to splash out cash and waste food. In the end we payed more than 1 million Lebanese pounds for 3 slices of cake, 2 small cups of tea and small amount of fruit selections plus nuts on the side (which as expected, we were unable to eat coz we're quite full). Better stay away if you don't wanna get ripped. I do not recommend it. There's a handful of beautiful cafés near the Rouche and in any how you will...

Such a bad restaurant to visit in Beirut, the first time I came to this restaurant I’ve waited like more than 15 minutes for the waiter to respond. Moreover, the 2nd time I came hear as I thought that it would be better, the waiters refused to let me sit near to the sea view, saying it was taken by another people, as if that I’m eating on their own cost. Then I left the restaurant, and came that day at night with my cousin and his friend, the service was a bit better. Similarly, when I came the next day they refused to let me sit next to the sea view (same view mentioned previously) as if that if I am a single person I should sit in the corner and be such an outcast. Finally, when I asked the waiter (named abu hamze)to provide a seat he ignored me and said ‘’how come can I provide a table for him’’. However, when I argued with a person i think it’s the manager she said that these tables are not for whom is just siting alone, it’s for who wants to eat or whatever (high tables) as if when I came in the second time i was dancing or doing something else. I really got annoyed and ashamed to ask for more service as I was treated like as if I’m eating for free 🆓 on their own cost. For example, the same waiter said to the manager just let him leave .What a shame to have such a service in such a...