Al-Diwan

Located in the heart of Achrafieh and housed in a two-story facility on Charles Malek Avenue, the street-level space offers a dining experience in a relaxed yet tasteful setting, while the upper dining room offers the same menu in a more formal setting, suitable for more distinguished occasions (and is available to rent for private parties).

Al-Diwan Beirut first opened its doors in 1999 and was originally called Diwan Al-Sultan Ibrahim (the later referring to the Red Snapper, a popular fish on Lebanese tables… not an Ottoman ruler in case you were wondering), only to be changed in 2009 to its current nomenclature and identity. If you are interested in trying more adventurous Lebanese meals such as “Fawaregh” (cow’s intestine stuffed with rice) or “Fattet makadem” (cow’s feet cooked in yogurt) then Al-Diwan is for you as it serves a variety of similar specials daily. It also offers a wide selection of more usual sandwiches, including shawarma, taouk, kebab, kafta and others.

The service can be slow, especially at peak times such as lunchtime on Sundays but the infamous Arabic atmosphere, complete with loud chatter and Arak galore might just make you forget the clock. Delivery service is available in the greater Beirut area with an elaborate menu to choose from.