Beit Kanz — Restaurant in Rmeil

As stated by a renowned individual of Lebanese descendance, "Should one be dedicated to Lebanese traditions, one must adhere to the rich tapestry of Lebanese heritage" - a figure of great significance. Rarely does a quotation resonate as resoundingly as the toll of church bells on a Sunday. While Beit Kanz sought to express their affection for Lebanese culture by implementing their own narrative and dare I say- spin - to it, regrettably, in doing so, they fell short of encapsulating the essence and grace exemplified by cherished household traditions. Lebanon is celebrated for it's cultural diversity and inclusive spirit. With that being said, Beit Kanz felt somewhat exclusive, resonating more with the bourgeoisie side of Lebanon. Setting personal sentiments aside, let us delve into the culinary experience. This particular journey was a mixed pallete – some dishes showcased exceptional quality, while others teetered on the edge of mediocrity, and a few leaned towards bad. To illustrate, the main characters of the day included batata harra, hummus, hot bread, and fatoush, each making its mark. Conversely, the Lebanese spring rolls and the tawook left much to be desired.

My primary concern that significantly hindered my experience was the exorbitant pricing. Given the portion sizes and, quite frankly, the standard of the ordered items, the cost bordered on flagrant exploitation. With the amount expended, one could feasibly sustain a family for a week, even with the prevailing inflation! A substantial reduction in prices, at least by half, if not a quarter, is imperative. Additionally, the sanction of indoor smoking without adequate ventilation in the presence of young children is certainly an inconvenience to put it slightly.

A significant letdown transpired with the disregard for the traditional grilled beef in the mashewe order, replaced by pan-fried shawarma. To not only ignore grilled beef but to incorrectly cook the shawarma is for lack of a better term- a crime. Despite the commendable quality of the shawarma, the omission of grilled beef is unmistakably a cheapskate.

It is noteworthy, however, that the staff displayed kindness, and the establishment maintained cleanliness.

In essence, it comes down to the fact that you don't expect or necessarily want a fancy Lebanese restaurant. This heavily diverges from the comfort that Lebanese cuisine offers. This place is beautiful, it's located in a beautiful area, but the prices severely ruin your experience.

Beit Kanz is trying far too hard to be something it is not: a traditional...

This is a first for me: A fancy Lebanese restaurant in Lebanon.

Most restaurants that serve Lebanese food have roots in Lebanese culture -- being quite humble and generous. I wouldn't use those words to describe Beit Kanz.

On a positive note, the restaurant's atmosphere and location are great. It has a nicely designed interior with great staff. This just doesn't quite fit with Lebanese culture and cuisine. On top of that, they aren't generous with their portions or their prices. This doesn't fit with Lebanese cuisine at all. I could get the same amount of food for half the price at most other Lebanese restaurants. If you're looking for an "elevated" Lebanese experience (although this isn't true to source material), this is the place for that. Be prepared to pay $30-40 per person.

The majority of the food tasted great. We particularly enjoyed the hummus and fresh bread. The fried cheese rolls tasted like they were pre-frozen and the grilled Taouk was rather bland. Most notably, they replaced the grilled beef on the mixed platter with beef shawerma. Although the shawerma was nicely seasoned, we did not agree with the substitution itself. We felt it was sly and a bit sneaky; particularly because they can't make actual shawerma without the proper equipment.

All in all a decent and new experience. Would highly recommend if only for the fact that they donate proceeds to a respectable Non-profit Organization.

IMPORTANT: My review would normally end there, but I unfortunately noticed a couple smoking in the interior dining room which is completely unacceptable. This behavior makes all guests uncomfortable and dangerously contaminates the food coming out of the kitchen. Even if we overlook all that, the smoking was permitted although a young toddler was in the dining room with their family. The staff should address this problem ASAP. There is a clearly designated outdoor section that is warm in the winter. Please escort smokers to that area....

Beit Kanz is one of those rare places I find myself returning to over and over again—not just for the food, but for the feeling it evokes every time I walk through its doors. It’s more than a restaurant; it’s a home. A sanctuary that captures the essence of Beirut in its most beautiful, soulful form.

Nestled in the iconic Tabbal building in Ashrafieh, Beit Kanz is a story of resilience and beauty. After the devastating port blast in 2020, the building was restored with such care and love that it now stands as a testament to Beirut’s ability to heal and shine again. The renovation preserved its architectural soul, and stepping inside feels like being embraced by Beirut’s rich heritage.

Every visit is a journey. From the warm service to the comforting aromas of authentic Lebanese dishes, everything is crafted with intention and heart. The food is simply exceptional—flavors that remind you of home, prepared with generosity and served with genuine care. And what makes the experience even more meaningful is the spirit behind it: Beit Kanz is powered by Beit El Baraka, a foundation dedicated to supporting the community, which gives your meal a deeper sense of purpose.

The staff are not only professional but deeply kind and attentive, making every guest feel like a long-lost friend. Whether you’re seated indoors, surrounded by vintage Beiruti charm, or enjoying the fresh air in the garden, you’re transported to a Beirut that feels timeless.

Beit Kanz is more than a dining spot. It’s a reminder of who we are, where we come from, and how even in difficult times, beauty, tradition, and kindness...