T Marbouta

T Marbouta, or in Arabic  ة, was originally slated to open in July 2006 in its original location in Pavilion Center in Hamra.  When war with Israel broke out, the restaurant / cafe / community center quickly turned into a hub where activists coordinated relief efforts and made sandwiches for volunteers and refugees alike.  

The restaurant has retained its reputation as a community center and activist hub (as well as the accompanying clientele) ever since.  Now moved to a new, space in Hamra Square Center, ة regularly hosting formal and informal meetings, film screenings, academic and activist talks in its upstairs library and meeting room. Check the venue’s facebook page for weekly events.

Renowned for attracting a broad range of Beirut’s politically-committed, young and old, T Marbouta is perhaps more famous for its excellent Lebanese food.  As far as we are concerned, this cafe is leading the contest for the best mezze in Hamra (it’s a close race).

We highly recommend everything on the menu.  Notably, the Fattouch (8,500LL or 5,000LL for a small portion), Battata Harra (7,000LL), Hummus with Meat (10,000), and Grilled Meat Plates (try the exquisitely spiced Kabab Halabi 13,500 - served with a generous side of Tabouli and Hummus for an extra 3,500LL). The Chicken and Rice Fakhara (14,500), is also a must-try. It comes spiced artfully with saffron and nuts, and a flavourful tomato sauce, and served in a covered clay pot. The food is very reasonably priced, generously abundant, and consistently delicious.  Dangerously (as far as our diet is concerned), T Marbouta recently began offering a delivery service.

The venue itself is prettily decorated, shabby chic, with low tables and comfy, Arabic-inspired cloth covered benches, as well as higher small tables, perfect for reading a book over an afternoon coffee.  A lush garden area is also in service year round, where one can lounge with a coffee (Arabic and Italian are available), or a reasonably priced drink, and debate the future of the Lebanese Left, or just the movie you saw last night.