For a change, I wanted to go and enjoy the old Byblos souks. The pedestrian village linked by ancient cobblestone alleys, table-studded courtyards come to life at night, with music, culture and more. The vibrant spirit of the area takes you on a journey of history and culture. I like it. That night we ended up at EddéCafe at EddéYard, a project spearheaded with love by Roger and Alice Eddé, is also reviving the city of Byblos as an accessible and exciting cultural and social center worthy of its destiny.
The éCafé is a mix of Italian eatery and french restaurant all in a relaxed and casual atmosphere around the patio. You can order any plate from any of the restaurants and enjoy it hot and fresh: they serve french bistro food with an emphasis on french ingredients: duck from batroun,figs from amchit,homegrown herbs. That night we chose to sit inside as the weather was really hot. The inner part of the restaurant is constituted of three distinctive high ceiling rooms where the stone arcades maintain a certain freshness. The first impression puts a smile on your face especially when Bassam, the manager with the white funky mustache and his Havana hat welcomes you warmly.
What I didn't like at éCafé:
- Candles on the tables were not lit.
- The bread served with pesto sauce to start with is not fresh and is very chewy.
- Their waiters are the most unpleasant and unprofessional staff I have ever encountered. They are literally counting the minutes for their shift to be over. It was obvious, serving us as if it was a punishment. No smile and no communication whatsoever with the customers.
- The plates are old and broken on the sides.
Even though the management needs to be restructured, I liked:
- The authenticity of this place.
- The relaxing spongy tables.
- The setup and architecture of the place.
- Their Italian pizza. Its freshness and crunchy crust.
- The salad's display.
- The seafood risotto.
We ordered:
- Seafood risotto.
- Mozzarella salad.
- Three different pizzas.
- Four cheese tagliatelle.
If you're visiting the historical Byblos and want to enjoy a night in the souks with a casual meal, then eCafe can be a good choice.
But unfortunately it's not what it used to be five years ago.
