The guide’s ranking · Beirut

Best Mixed Grill (Mashawi)
in Beirut

Mixed Grill, or Mashawi, is the smoky, fire-kissed heart of Lebanese hospitality, representing the pinnacle of the charcoal-grilling art form. A proper Beirut mixed grill features a trio of skewers: tender cubes of marinated chicken (Shish Taouk), spiced ground lamb or beef (Kafta), and succulent cubes of lamb fillet. The meats are marinated for hours—the chicken in garlic, lemon, and yogurt; the kafta with onion, parsley, and a complex 7-spice blend—before being grilled over natural wood charcoal. It is always served with a mountain of fresh parsley and onions, grilled tomatoes and peppers, and the mandatory side of white garlic 'toum'. The trap is eating mashawi in a restaurant that uses gas grills or pre-cooked meats; the magic of the dish lies entirely in the interaction between the high-quality meat and the natural smoke of the coal.

مشاوير (Mashawi) · say “Mixed Grill (Mashawi)” ·

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“The most famous street food brand in Lebanon. Their cheese manakish is legendary for its stretch and generous portion.”

The guide’s verdict · Hamra

Queue: Corner of Spears and Hamra.

Go: 1:00 AM; it's a 24/7 institution.

Price: $

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Kabab-ji

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Verdict: A clean, reliable chain that serves a very high-quality 'Duo Shawarma' platter, perfect for those who want the street flavor with a bit more comfort. — various

Queue: Multiple locations.

Go: 1:00 PM.

Price: $$

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Abdel Wahab

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Verdict: A classic Beiruti spot for a long, formal mezze lunch. Their service is impeccable and their hummus is a textbook example of the Beiruti style. — Achrafieh

Queue: Famous dining street.

Go: 1:30 PM.

Price: $$$

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Al Mayass

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Verdict: Specialized in Armenian-Lebanese mezze. Their 'Hummus with Sujuk' (spicy sausage) provides a unique and spicy twist on the classic dish. — Achrafieh

Queue: Residential area.

Go: 7:30 PM.

Price: $$$

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Le Chef

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Verdict: A Beirut institution where the welcome is as warm as the food. Their hummus is perfectly smooth and served in a setting that feels like a family dining room. — Gemmayzeh

Queue: Main street location.

Go: 1:00 PM; for a classic Beiruti lunch.

Price: $$

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Em Sherif Café

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Verdict: A more accessible version of the ultra-exclusive Em Sherif restaurant. The mezze here is high-art, with exquisite presentation and the finest ingredients available in Lebanon. — Downtown

Queue: High-end district.

Go: 2:00 PM; for a luxurious and grand mezze experience.

Price: $$$

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Liza

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Verdict: One of the most beautiful restaurants in the world. Their take on mezze is light, creative, and serves as a bridge between tradition and modern fine dining. — Achrafieh

Queue: Located in a stunning 19th-century palace.

Go: 8:30 PM; for a sophisticated and beautiful dinner.

Price: $$$

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Al Falamanki

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Verdict: A massive, nostalgic cafe and restaurant with a large garden. It's the best place to spend an entire afternoon sampling small plates and playing backgammon. — Sodeco

Queue: On the old Green Line.

Go: 6:00 PM; for a long afternoon with an Arak.

Price: $$

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Karam Beirut

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Verdict: A high-end institution known for its consistency and quality. Their Fattoush and Hummus are benchmark dishes for the city's business elite. — Downtown

Queue: Inside the souks area.

Go: 1:00 PM.

Price: $$$

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Lorris

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Verdict: A trendy spot that blends traditional flavors with a modern, social atmosphere. Their mezze platters are designed for sharing among the neighborhood's young professional crowd. — Badaro

Queue: Easy.

Go: 7:00 PM.

Price: $$

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Onno Bistro

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Verdict: Their Kafta with a spicy cherry sauce is a standout dish that perfectly illustrates the fusion of Armenian and Lebanese grilling traditions. — Mar Mikhael

Queue: Easy.

Go: 1:30 PM.

Price: $$

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Babel Bay

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Verdict: A modern, upscale seafood and mezze restaurant with a stunning interior. Their Moutabal is uniquely presented and exceptionally creamy. — Zaitunay Bay

Queue: Easy.

Go: 8:00 PM.

Price: $$$

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Enab

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Verdict: A vibrant restaurant that feels like a traditional Lebanese village house. The mezze selection is vast and includes excellent versions of harder-to-find rural dishes. — Mar Mikhael

Queue: Industrial district.

Go: 8:00 PM; for a lively and colorful dinner.

Price: $$

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T-Marbouta

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Verdict: A cultural hub and restaurant that serves excellent traditional mezze. Their Moutabal is smoky and rich, and the vibe is perfect for students and intellectuals. — Hamra

Queue: Hidden in a small alley off the main road.

Go: 7:00 PM; for a social evening in the courtyard.

Price: $$

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Café d'Orient

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Verdict: One of the city's most historic spots, offering a classic mixed grill with a direct view of the Mediterranean and the setting sun. — Ras Beirut

Queue: Easy.

Go: sunset.

Price: $$$

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