La Cucina

A fine Italian restaurant in Beirut’s Downtown, one must book well in advance to be seated in La Cucina. But the payoff is worth it. Nestled between Yabani and Metropole, the restaurant is frequented by Beirut’s posh crowd. The restaurant offers gourmet varieties of Italian staples such as pasta and pizza and includes special offers seasonal specialties. Decadent fresh black truffle is always at hand.

The corner venue has a sleek and modern black and white interior design concept with lofty ceilings and a spacious outdoor terrace, perfect for a midday summer lunch or romantic candlelit dinner. Pizzas are oven-baked and hefty, and include classics like margarita and pepperoni to seafood and burrata. Try their artichoke and poached pear salad or parma ham served with pickled gherkins to start. The zucchini fries also make for an excellent appetizer before the main course. Patron favorites include the saffron risotto with veal, linguine with lobster served in bisque sauce or the tagliatelle served with fresh black truffles from Piemonte. For the less indulgent wholesome food seeker, the chicken or veal paillard, both served with roasted potatoes, makes for a lighter option.

The restaurant also serves a delicious array of steak made with Black Angus Beef, the finger-licking good pepper sauce variety comes highly recommended. End the meal with a rich chocolate soufflé or pain perdu. La Cucina also offers brunch over the weekend -  black truffle eggs and mozzarella sticks for the self-indulgent is included.

La Cucina certainly caters to the tastes of Italian food lovers first, and puts great emphasis on fine quality ingredients. The restaurant is a great first date or anniversary option for couples.