Beirut Bites — Restaurant in Carlisle

Beirut Bites is one of my favourite places to eat. The food is wonderful and I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. They play lovely, unobtrusive, middle-eastern style music, have smart decor as well as comfortable chairs.

The lady who runs the front of house works incredibly hard, taking orders efficiently, keeping tables clean, being an excellent host, checking how your food is/ if you need anything without being obtrusive. You can tell how high her standards are just from the precision with which she places the napkins and cutlery, as well as how perfectly she pours the mezza (to get the froth on top).

I’m working my way through each dish on the menu and have already developed favourites to order, including pickled turnip, cheesy arayes and halloumi. They have a good range of meal options - snacks, salads, wraps, burgers and mains - as well as a lovely drinks menu, which includes Lebanese drinks. Portion sizes are generous, even on the snacks. Food is flavoursome, fragrant and cooked to perfection. You wait a little while for it to be cooked, as there is just the one chef doing everything, but food always arrives in 20-30 minutes max (e.g. lamb chops) and it is absolutely worth that short wait. If you have a starter first or a salad/ snack it’s quicker. Personally I like sitting talking, enjoying a drink, while the food is cooked, it’s a time to unwind before eating. You’re also never rushed to eat or off your table, it seems to me that is not what the owners want. It’s not a conveyor belt experience, this is thoughtfully prepared cuisine, not a fast-food shop.

Beirut Bites is a welcoming, relaxing dining experience with top quality food...

I would highly recommend the lamb chops, which are really exceptional (possibly the best in the county). I’m British but the Italians and Middle-Eastern methods for cooking Lamb put ours to shame (though the quality of Cumbrian Lamb is often top notch). This is not fast food, this is quality food cooked right, it takes a little time but the end result is always worth the wait.

The service here is timely, mindful and considerate. I poked my head in to see if there was a free table and it was full but the waitress (unbidden) offered to take my number and call when she had a table available, we continued shopping and just 5 minutes later received the call and came to sit down to a wonderful meal. This is run by one of the most passionate and hard working couples you will ever meet. The lady looking after the front of house is always quietly and competently doing twenty things at once.

If i were to offer constructive criticism it would be that the dining space is very compact and in some ways it is “cheap and cheerful” however, upscaling the operation would come with significant compromises and challenges and it is very reasonably priced!

Ignore the one star reviews, I’ve travelled all over and eaten at hundreds of restaurants… this is definitely a...

Absolutely Amazing Experience at Beirut Bites! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you’re looking for the best Lebanese food in town, Beirut Bites is the place to be! From the moment you step inside, you’re welcomed with warmth and hospitality that makes you feel right at home. A special mention to Mihaela, who is truly a gem! She is always smiling, incredibly kind, and goes above and beyond to make sure every guest has a wonderful experience. Her energy and friendliness make the whole dining experience even more enjoyable. Now, let’s talk about the food—WOW! Every dish is bursting with authentic flavors, made with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection. From the heavenly hummus to the mouthwatering shawarma and the most flavorful babaganoush, everything is absolutely gorgeous.And don’t even get me started on the baklava—it’s pure perfection! The atmosphere is vibrant yet cozy, making it perfect for a casual meal or a special night out. The attention to detail in both the food and the service is truly impressive. Beirut Bites is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. If you haven’t been yet, you’re missing out. Huge thanks to Mihaela for making every visit...