Habibi’s kebab — Restaurant in Saint Julian's

It’s hard for me to rate this place, but I’ll let you judge for yourself. My wife and I are Israelis, and we love Lebanese food (of course). Since the start of the war, I’ve had many encounters with Middle Eastern people around the world (I live in East London), and we’ve always managed to communicate peacefully, with mutual respect.

I can’t say anything bad about the food. The chicken shish was perfectly juicy, and the salads were fresh. I tried to say a few kind words to the chef — he accepted them gratefully, and we even shared a little chat with some jokes.

But then he asked me where I was from. I answered truthfully — Israeli is not my only national identity, but I don’t believe in hiding anything. His face changed. He started repeating: “Oh, Israel, Israel. No, no.” Then he said: “No way, we are not friends.”

The rest of the meal felt like a funeral. No one in the place would even look me in the eye.

This attitude toward my country didn’t surprise me. The war is a tragedy for the entire region — but so is brainwashing. Still, I believe that if you run a restaurant, you must not discriminate against people based on their passport. You can ask questions. You can make conversation. You can ask about my views on things. Or you can choose silence. But you can’t say “We are not friends” after someone tells you they’re Israeli — especially when you were sharing a warm moment just seconds before. That’s nothing but discrimination.

And I would be just as furious if I heard a story like this about an Israeli café treating a Lebanese guest the same way.

I write this with a heavy heart — but I still believe in the better side of...

I had high hopes for Habibi's, expecting authentic Lebanese flavors and warm hospitality. Unfortunately, the reality was far from it.

Food: The dishes were bland and lacked the rich, aromatic spices Lebanese cuisine is known for. The hummus was watery, the grilled meats were dry, and the portions were surprisingly small for the price. Even the tabbouleh tasted old and poorly dressed and not clean I found sand in it

Service: old man maybe also he is cleaning and cooking

Cleanliness & Atmosphere: The restaurant was noisy, poorly ventilated, and not very clean. Our table was sticky, and the bathrooms were in terrible condition—no soap, wet floors, and a foul smell.

Value for Money: This was the most frustrating part. For the price we paid, we expected much better quality, service, and hygiene. Unfortunately, it felt like a tourist trap with no genuine care for food or guests.

Final Thoughts: As someone familiar with real Lebanese cuisine and hospitality, I can confidently say this place is a poor representation. Save your money and your...

Stopped by Habibis Sliema for a meal and was pleasantly surprised. Ordered the shawarma combo, and it was delicious and filling. The portion size was larger than expected, making it great value for money. Definitely not one of those places where you leave still feeling hungry!

The flavors were spot on, with the meat cooked well and packed with seasoning. The ingredients tasted fresh, and everything was put together nicely. The combo was well-balanced, making it a satisfying meal.

The place has a casual and inviting vibe, perfect for a quick bite or takeaway. Even though it was a bit busy, service was efficient and friendly. They managed the crowd well, and I didn’t have to wait too long for my order.

It’s always nice to find a spot that delivers both quality and generous portions. The meal was filling, but not in a heavy way—just the right balance of flavors and quantity. Would definitely go back to try more from their menu.

If you're around Sliema and craving a good shawarma with a generous portion, Habibis is a...