Bab Sharki

This is where you go when you are craving excellent food but don’t want to break the bank. Opened in 2014 in the district of Sioufi, this Arabic restaurant prepares a mouthwatering selection of Lebanese, Syrian, Iraqi and Armenian food at reasonable prices. Don’t expect a fancy set up: the place is small with a few tables, high ceiling, an open kitchen and a large fridge displaying a variety of different meats.

The service can be dodgy at times but all is forgiven when you start sampling the menu. From the get go, the traditional bread and basket is replaced by an infinitely more interesting (and tastier) selection of chanklish, green olives, stuffed cabbage leaves, vegetables and pickles along with a basket of fresh home-made bread. The experience continues on the same flawless note through the main courses (do not miss the Armenian lahm bi ajin and the kabab karaz) and desserts. The crowing sweet jewel of the meal is their delicious cheese maamoul served with a selection of jams.