NoGarlicNoOnions: Restaurant, Food, and Travel Stories/Reviews

The Wok Restaurant: Chinese Food Cooked Live in Mar Mikhael, Beirut, Lebanon

Asian & Chinese | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

April 16, 2020

The Wok Restaurant: Chinese Food Cooked Live in Mar Mikhael, Beirut, Lebanon

A wok is a versatile round-bottomed cooking pot, originating in China. It is one of the most common cooking utensils in China and similar pans are also found in parts of East, South and Southeast…

April 16, 2020 | Restaurants | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Mac n' Cheese: Street Food Macaroni on the Go in Mar Mikhael

Restaurants | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

July 25, 2019

Mac n' Cheese: Street Food Macaroni on the Go in Mar Mikhael

Mac n' Cheese, the famous street food stand that started at Souk el Akel, is now in Mar Mikhael. Proudly Lebanese, these macaroni cooked with saffron have impressed many, making it one of the souk's…

July 25, 2019 | Reviews | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Appetito Trattoria Gemmayze: Italian Spaghetti and Pizza I Enjoyed

Italian Food | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

June 06, 2019

Appetito Trattoria Gemmayze: Italian Spaghetti and Pizza I Enjoyed

Driving on the highway to Beirut you can’t but notice a blue house facing Beirut seaport. Located between The Gathering and Mayrig on Gemmayze Pasteur street, Appetito Trattoria has opened its…

June 06, 2019 | Pizza | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Green Junkie: Your Different Kind of Food Delivery in Beirut

French Food | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

May 15, 2019

Green Junkie: Your Different Kind of Food Delivery in Beirut

(Beirutista) For Angela Sawan, a nutrition and dietetics graduate from the American University of Beirut, healthy eating might seem second nature. But the 30-something food science expert, who…

May 15, 2019 | Restaurants | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Slate: Excellent Meats and a Pleasant Ambiance in Mar Milkhael

Grill & BBQ | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

May 15, 2019

Slate: Excellent Meats and a Pleasant Ambiance in Mar Milkhael

I was invited to Slate and enjoyed a sumptuous meal. The tomato salad, the burger, the pastrami sandwich, beef tartare, meat and desserts were all phenomenal.

May 15, 2019 | Recommended | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

MotherShucker: Oysters and Delectable Seafood

Fish & Seafood | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

May 15, 2019

MotherShucker: Oysters and Delectable Seafood

A handful of mouthwatering photos... enjoy the gallery below while I plan another visit to Mothershucker for a detailed review. Enjoy meanwhile!

May 15, 2019 | Recommended | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

The Gathering: Transported... in the Heart of Beirut! (Restaurant Closed)

International Cuisine | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

May 08, 2019

The Gathering: Transported... in the Heart of Beirut! (Restaurant Closed)

On a beautiful Monday morning, in the heart of Beirut, accompanied by my kids and lovely wife, we sat to enjoy the weather and soothing vibes. The Gathering, one of the “Downtown” group…

May 08, 2019 | Italian Food | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Cortado: Your Espresso Bar and Desserts Parlor

Breakfast & Coffee | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

April 13, 2019

Cortado: Your Espresso Bar and Desserts Parlor

I believe the first hundred meters of Gemmayze are tuning into “Asia Town” while the end from St.Nicolas stairs onward is becoming a destination for coffee lovers. Cortado is one of…

April 13, 2019 | Reviews | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Kaakeh Square: Traditional, Upscale and Tasty

Restaurants | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

April 13, 2019

Kaakeh Square: Traditional, Upscale and Tasty

"Kaakeh" for the famous Lebanese bread and "Square" for its shape. Kaake Square has taken our local conventional street food to another level; upscale and clean, Kaakeh Square serves a selection of…

April 13, 2019 | Reviews | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Walking Gemmayze: Look Up and Enjoy The Beautiful Old Street

Mechwar Videos | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

March 22, 2019

Walking Gemmayze: Look Up and Enjoy The Beautiful Old Street

Rue Gouraud is a mixed residential and commercial street in Gemmayzeh, a neighborhood in the Rmeil district of Beiru

March 22, 2019 | Travel & Tourism | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Bartartine: Breakfast Made me Smile! Food Filled with Passion.

Breakfast & Coffee | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

March 16, 2019

Bartartine: Breakfast Made me Smile! Food Filled with Passion.

Let’s go straight to the point... I was impressed by the food quality! Bar Tartine has always been a favorite but y

March 16, 2019 | International Cuisine | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Back to Baron: Food is Good!

International Cuisine | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

March 14, 2019

Back to Baron: Food is Good!

Back to this magical restaurant called Baron. I’ve been here not so long ago, leaving amazed and astonished by the food and ambiance. Casual, uncomplicated, simple yet gourmet and upscale;…

March 14, 2019 | Restaurants | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Merou Seafood is Back! Stronger and Bigger in Mar Mikhael

Fish & Seafood | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

March 13, 2019

Merou Seafood is Back! Stronger and Bigger in Mar Mikhael

Le Merou has been my favorite seafood address in Achrafieh on Sassine Square until they closed. After weeks of preparation, they moved to their new location in Mar Mikhael for a more significant and…

March 13, 2019 | Lebanese/Middle Eastern | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Lunch at the Sage Parlour in Mar Mikhael

International Cuisine | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

March 03, 2019

Lunch at the Sage Parlour in Mar Mikhael

Inspired by broad North American, European, and Mediterranean influences, the parlor lives up to the quirky wisdom of its namesake with a flavourful menu that infuses morning cuisine with a…

March 03, 2019 | Recommended | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Snack El Kbeer; Now Open in Mar Mikhael

News | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

March 02, 2019

Snack El Kbeer; Now Open in Mar Mikhael

EL KBEER, the new SUPER SNACK concept by 7management, is now open in Mar Mkhayel serving authentic Lebanese Street Food. The 7 diverse live-serving stations include manakeesh, shawarma, grills,…

March 02, 2019 | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Lunch at Marinella Beirut: Try the Bottarga Spaghetti

Italian Food | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

March 02, 2019

Lunch at Marinella Beirut: Try the Bottarga Spaghetti

Unfortunately for you dear Italian cuisine lovers, Marinella only opens for lunch. You'll have to find a way to escape work or simply come on the weekend... Five years have passed, and still,…

March 02, 2019 | Recommended | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Welcome Home; For a Memorable Sunday Sweet Breakfast in Mar Mikhael

Breakfast & Coffee | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

February 10, 2019

Welcome Home; For a Memorable Sunday Sweet Breakfast in Mar Mikhael

It’s home away from home, and it’s located in the heart of Mar Mikhael. Open the door to where the heart is, let yourself go to the soothing music and fresh aromas of food and coffee. A…

February 10, 2019 | Recommended | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Yakiniku: The Gourmet Japanese Grill of Gemmayze

Asian & Chinese | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

January 20, 2019

Yakiniku: The Gourmet Japanese Grill of Gemmayze

The “YA” family has taken over Gemmayze transforming it into “Asia Town” a concept after the other, and they are all awesome!!!! Mitsu-Ya has one of the best Sushi in…

January 20, 2019 | Japanese & Sushi | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Baron Beirut: It’s Magical, Simply Magical...

International Cuisine | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

January 20, 2019

Baron Beirut: It’s Magical, Simply Magical...

I feel sad that it didn’t happen to visit Baron before; confident to be good, Baron has no signboard and it’s hidden in the tiny streets of Mar Mikhael. Being the talk of the town for the…

January 20, 2019 | Recommended | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Ahi Poke: A Quick Healthy Lunch in Mar Mikhael

Asian & Chinese | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

January 13, 2019

Ahi Poke: A Quick Healthy Lunch in Mar Mikhael

You know by now that I’m a fan of Poke! I love it how the rice is topped with fresh ingredients, ready to be mixed like a salad, or enjoyed the way you want them individually. On Mar Mikhael…

January 13, 2019 | Japanese & Sushi | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Ramen-Ya: Real Flavors of Asian Noodles in Beirut

Asian & Chinese | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

December 26, 2018

Ramen-Ya: Real Flavors of Asian Noodles in Beirut

I’m a fan of Ramen, traveling the world for this bowl. After trying it in France, Dubai and New York, it was time to indulge in a hefty ramen bowl in Beirut. Let me tell you the story as it…

December 26, 2018 | Recommended | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Felicie: French Eatery in the Heart of Mar Mikhael (Restaurant Closed)

French Food | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

November 29, 2018

Felicie: French Eatery in the Heart of Mar Mikhael (Restaurant Closed)

Much more than a French restaurant, Felicie is a beautiful piece of architecture open in the heart of Mar Mikhael. Felicie is the baby of Raphael and Jihane, a happy couple that has left years of…

November 29, 2018 | Restaurant Closed | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Le Petit Gris: 7 Years of Bistronomy in Beirut

French Food | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

November 29, 2018

Le Petit Gris: 7 Years of Bistronomy in Beirut

When I noticed that I last came here in 2015, it was time to visit again one of my favorite French Bistros in town. Guaranteed satisfaction for as long as I remember, Le Petit Gris is one of the few…

November 29, 2018 | Restaurants | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

El Mexicano: Faraya’s Great Mexican Food Has Landed in Beirut (Restaurant Closed)

Mexican Food | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

October 24, 2018

El Mexicano: Faraya’s Great Mexican Food Has Landed in Beirut (Restaurant Closed)

From the high mountains of Faraya comes El Mexicano. In a restaurant where Mexican food is handled with love, visit for the music, the mood, the passion, and the experience. Prepared by Edith from…

October 24, 2018 | Restaurant Closed | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

The Original Em Ali: From Souk el Tayeb to Gemmayze

Lebanese/Middle Eastern | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

September 25, 2018

The Original Em Ali: From Souk el Tayeb to Gemmayze

“Oum Ali”, the one and only Saj Queen famous from (Souk el Tayeb) and (Souk el Akel) has opened a breakfast Parlour on Gemmayze street. A traditional eatery serving the same yellow dough…

September 25, 2018 | Restaurants | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Home Sweet Home: Enjoy Breakfast in Mar Mikhael

Breakfast & Coffee | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

September 25, 2018

Home Sweet Home: Enjoy Breakfast in Mar Mikhael

Celebrating one year this October, Home Sweet Home is your home away from home in the heart of Mar Mikhael. It feels like home from the minute you walk in: “welcome home shouts the manager out…

September 25, 2018 | Recommended | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

The Sage Parlour: Breakfast Extravaganza in Beirut

Breakfast & Coffee | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

September 23, 2018

The Sage Parlour: Breakfast Extravaganza in Beirut

I’ve had such good food in San Francisco, in New York in Paris and Rome... I’ve had amazing food around the world and wished I could experience the same feeling in Beirut! Arriving at the…

September 23, 2018 | Recommended | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Kahwet Ma’alem Arteen: Loved the Food, Loved the Vibes, Enjoyed my Dinner

Lebanese/Middle Eastern | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

September 06, 2018

Kahwet Ma’alem Arteen: Loved the Food, Loved the Vibes, Enjoyed my Dinner

Three stories up, on a roof in Gemmayze, comes Ma’alem Arteen. Armenian by nature, Lebanese by heart, this particular restaurant welcomes you, to enjoy fresh vibes inspired by the old Lebanese…

September 06, 2018 | Recommended | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

La Comida: Great Mexican Food in Beirut, a Must Try! (Restaurant Closed)

Mexican Food | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

July 29, 2018

La Comida: Great Mexican Food in Beirut, a Must Try! (Restaurant Closed)

Choose one of the Mexican-inspired traditional tables decorated with colors and start biting into some tortilla chips dipped in homemade pico-de-gallo sauce. Let’s start by introducing Bashir,…

July 29, 2018 | Recommended | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Toto: The Last Dinner in Mar Mikhael (Restaurant Closed)

Italian Food | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

April 30, 2018

Toto: The Last Dinner in Mar Mikhael (Restaurant Closed)

Is it a coincidence or destiny... I attended Sophie’s last dinner in Mar Mikhael before she moved to Montreal and tonight Toto’s last, before the restaurant’s new steps in…

April 30, 2018 | Recommended | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Tavolina: Casual Italian and Good in Beirut

Italian Food | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

March 15, 2018

Tavolina: Casual Italian and Good in Beirut

One of Beirut’s best Italian restaurants is located in Mar Mikhael next to Prune and Das-Kutche. Open for more than five years already, Tavolina is the baby of chef Dany Khairallah and…

March 15, 2018 | Recommended | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Das Kuche: Gourmet Sausages and Potatoes Now Served in Mar Mikhael

News | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

December 17, 2017

Das Kuche: Gourmet Sausages and Potatoes Now Served in Mar Mikhael

From Souk el Akel to Mar Mikhael, a gourmet concept is now open serving a wide selection of sausages, potatoes and imported beers.

December 17, 2017 | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Restaurant Loris: The Lebanese Fusion Experience

Lebanese/Middle Eastern | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

November 14, 2017

Restaurant Loris: The Lebanese Fusion Experience

In the heart of Gemmayze, on Rue Pasteur, is a Lebanese-Armenian, Aleppo fusion - if my description is accurate - restaurant called Loris. An old Lebanese house decorated in blue with fresh touches…

November 14, 2017 | Restaurants | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Brunch at Sud... A Vibrant Sunday with the Family

Breakfast & Coffee | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

November 05, 2017

Brunch at Sud... A Vibrant Sunday with the Family

Sunny side up, music, lively vibes, a sizzling mood... this Sunday, angels were passing by at SUD down in Mar Mikhael... flying over the rainbow, I felt transported by this positive dreamy…

November 05, 2017 | Recommended | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Souk el Akel at The Marathon Village 2017

Events | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

October 28, 2017

Souk el Akel at The Marathon Village 2017

You don’t have to be a marathoner or a sports lover to be involved in The Marathon Village, it is a hub for everyone that is either running the 2017 BLOM BANK Beirut Marathon or just curious…

October 28, 2017 | News | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Döner & Gyros: Tasty, Fresh, Juicy Sandwiches (Restaurant Closed)

Recommended | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

October 10, 2017

Döner & Gyros: Tasty, Fresh, Juicy Sandwiches (Restaurant Closed)

From the streets of Berlin and Chicago comes a new kind of fast food joint called “Döner & Gyros”. Bringing you the Berlin Döner and Chicago Gyro, you can now discover…

October 10, 2017 | Restaurant Closed | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Lobster Society: I’ve Had Better Lobster Rolls

Restaurants | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

October 10, 2017

Lobster Society: I’ve Had Better Lobster Rolls

A carton box with the restaurant’s logo on the sticker, a recyclable bag, white napkins and wooden cutlery, I was so excited to try The Lobster Society menu. Being a big fan of lobster rolls,…

October 10, 2017 | Reviews | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Souk el Akel at The Marathon Village 2017

Events | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

September 28, 2017

Souk el Akel at The Marathon Village 2017

The Beirut Marathon heads into its 15th year of bringing runners together from Lebanon and around the world for the greater purpose of peace and love. Meet Souk el Akel for a mouth…

September 28, 2017 | Souk el Akel | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Zalabya: Reviving a Traditonal Dessert (Restaurant Closed)

Desserts & Sweets | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

September 01, 2017

Zalabya: Reviving a Traditonal Dessert (Restaurant Closed)

Now open in Mar Mikhael, Zalabya is a small eatery reviving the old traditional homey dessert called "Zlebyeh". Feeling like a Lebanese doughnut, this sweet treat is made of deep fried sticky…

September 01, 2017 | Restaurant Closed | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Kharouf Beirut: Lamb Specialities and Much More

Grill & BBQ | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

August 28, 2017

Kharouf Beirut: Lamb Specialities and Much More

I heard about Lebanon's first "Kharouf" restaurant but I honestly was not expecting it to be as sexy as this! Kharouf, lamb in Arabic, is the first restaurant of its kind to serve the famous lamb on…

August 28, 2017 | Lebanese/Middle Eastern | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Mac n' Cheese: Macaroni Has Its Own Shop in Mar Mikhael

American | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

August 28, 2017

Mac n' Cheese: Macaroni Has Its Own Shop in Mar Mikhael

Mac n' Cheese, the famous street food stand of Souk el Akel, is now in Mar Mikhael. Proudly Lebanese, these macaroni cooked with saffron have impressed many making it one of the souk's most popular…

August 28, 2017 | Restaurants | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Meats & Bread: Hardcore Barbecue in Beirut...

American | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

August 22, 2017

Meats & Bread: Hardcore Barbecue in Beirut...

Very unconventional on all fronts, Meats & Bread is my kind of diner, my kind of food...I came here for the opening and am back to taste more of Riad's unique creations... Found on…

August 22, 2017 | Grill & BBQ | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Rod's Gemmayze: The Burger Place (Restaurant Closed)

Burgers | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

August 06, 2017

Rod's Gemmayze: The Burger Place (Restaurant Closed)

Rod's is 'the' street burger joint in Gemmayze. This brightly lit little place I discovered a few years back is still home to Rodolphe's wife preparing innovative burgers. I was back after a long…

August 06, 2017 | Restaurant Closed | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Meats & Bread: Now Open in Gemmayze

Grill & BBQ | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

August 06, 2017

Meats & Bread: Now Open in Gemmayze

After long months of waiting "Souk el Akel's" Meats & Bread has finally opened on Gemmayze street. Meats & Bread, by the self-taught chef Riad Abou Lteif, promises a pleasant experience…

August 06, 2017 | News | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Caramelized Banana Fritters: A Mouthwatering Dessert

Desserts & Sweets | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

July 10, 2017

Caramelized Banana Fritters: A Mouthwatering Dessert

Visiting Urbanista I discovered by pure coincidence they've launched a new menu... after having a couple bites, the manager offered us a dessert he says we have to try! OMG he was right.

July 10, 2017 | Tasty Discoveries | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Bread Basket Square Becomes Taqa

Bread & Bakeries | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

June 20, 2017

Bread Basket Square Becomes Taqa

In 2015, I wrote about Soumaya, founder of Bread Basket Square, a healthy wheat-free bakery... Today, BBS starts a new challenge, a new journey, changing the concept's name from Bread Basket to…

June 20, 2017 | News | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Malolo: Delivering Poke Bowls to the Office

Fish & Seafood | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

June 09, 2017

Malolo: Delivering Poke Bowls to the Office

Malolo is Beirut's first Poke restaurant inspired by Hawaiian culture. After the huge popularity Poke bowls have achieved in New York and other financial capitals around the world, this fresh seafood…

June 09, 2017 | Restaurants | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael

Frooza: Your Unconventional Ice Cream Shop

Ice Cream & Gelato | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

January 30, 2017

Ice Cream & Gelato

Frooza: Your Unconventional Ice Cream Shop

Yes, you can now enjoy and experience Frooza everyday in Mar Mikhael. This new ice cream concept is inspired by the street food markets of Asia and is a concept that was first introduced at "Souk el…

January 30, 2017 | Tasty Discoveries | Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael