NoGarlicNoOnions: Restaurant, Food, and Travel Stories/Reviews

One of the Best Falafel in Town; Tabbara Beirut!

Lebanese/Middle Eastern | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

July 24, 2019

One of the Best Falafel in Town; Tabbara Beirut!

Pure fava beans, no chickpeas, a little tiny addition of garlic you won't even feel: that's what makes Tabbara's falafel so special. Open since 1914, the shop produces unique sandwiches all the…

July 24, 2019 | Recommended | Hamra & Verdun

The Cheesecake Factory Closes in Beirut: Goodbye to Another Franchise (Restaurant Closed)

News | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

April 30, 2019

The Cheesecake Factory Closes in Beirut: Goodbye to Another Franchise (Restaurant Closed)

I keep on repeating one sentence: “Lebanon is not a franchise country”. From the days' franchises started opening in Lebanon, I remember saying that they won’t work. Actually, they…

April 30, 2019 | Popular | Hamra & Verdun

La Foule: Traditional and Fresh, Lebanese Breakfast on Hamra Street

Breakfast & Coffee | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

April 20, 2019

La Foule: Traditional and Fresh, Lebanese Breakfast on Hamra Street

Have you ever had a traditional old breakfast in a beautifully decorated place, served by professional waiters, drinking San Pellegrino sparkling water and the soothing sound of a water…

April 20, 2019 | Recommended | Hamra & Verdun

Last Lunch at The Cheesecake Factory Beirut; Closing on April 30th (Restaurant Closed)

American | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

April 17, 2019

Last Lunch at The Cheesecake Factory Beirut; Closing on April 30th (Restaurant Closed)

When I heard that “The Cheesecake Factory” of Beirut will be closing down at the end of April, it was a must to pass by for the last time. My last lunch, sitting by the glass facade.…

April 17, 2019 | Restaurant Closed | Hamra & Verdun

Dar Bistro and Books: A Calm Breakfast in Beirut

Breakfast & Coffee | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

March 14, 2019

Dar Bistro and Books: A Calm Breakfast in Beirut

How great it is to visit on an early morning during weekdays. A place enchanted with vibes of positivity, calm and serenity nestled in the heart of Beirut. Facing the Clemenceau medical center l, Dar…

March 14, 2019 | Restaurants | Hamra & Verdun

Patchi Cafe: A Pleasure for the Eyes, Body and Soul! The Gourmet Chocolate Experience

Chocolate | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

March 13, 2019

Chocolate

Patchi Cafe: A Pleasure for the Eyes, Body and Soul! The Gourmet Chocolate Experience

Considered to be one of the world’s best and most prestigious chocolate suppliers, Lebanon’s Patchi has opened its first Cafe starting at ABC Verdun. From Lebanon to the world, Patchi is…

March 13, 2019 | Desserts & Sweets | Hamra & Verdun

Delivering Poke Bowls to Work: Aloha Poke

Asian & Chinese | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

January 20, 2019

Asian & Chinese

Delivering Poke Bowls to Work: Aloha Poke

Apparently, there’s a food district in Hamra called “The Food District” hosting Aloha Poke, Soul Food, Taco Diablos and City Wok. Craving a poke bowl, I ordered from Aloha Poke.

January 20, 2019 | Restaurants | Hamra & Verdun

Choco-Story: The Chocolate Museum Opens in Beirut

News | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

December 24, 2018

News

Choco-Story: The Chocolate Museum Opens in Beirut

Choco-Story, the middle east's first chocolate museum opens its doors in Beirut. Choco-Story, the chocolate museum, tells the story of the transformation of cocoa into chocolate and to promote…

December 24, 2018 | Travel & Tourism | Hamra & Verdun

Sunday Buffet at Le Bristol: My Kids and I Enjoy it so Much (Restaurant Closed)

International Cuisine | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

November 04, 2018

International Cuisine

Sunday Buffet at Le Bristol: My Kids and I Enjoy it so Much (Restaurant Closed)

Every Sunday, Hotel Le Bristol Beirut opens for lunch, a buffet, families will enjoy. Open from 1 pm; the generous buffet proposes a wide selection of local and international choices prepared by the…

November 04, 2018 | Recommended | Hamra & Verdun

Croissant Al Sheikh; Good Value For Money

Bread & Bakeries | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

June 04, 2018

Bread & Bakeries

Croissant Al Sheikh; Good Value For Money

Famous for its low priced croissants, Al-Sheikh serves a good quality while speaking the local language. Buttery and fluffy at the same time, the croissants have become Beirut's reference when…

June 04, 2018 | Hamra & Verdun

Breakfast and Lunch at La Petite Table, ABC Verdun are Worth Trying! (Restaurant Closed)

French Food | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

January 18, 2018

French Food

Breakfast and Lunch at La Petite Table, ABC Verdun are Worth Trying! (Restaurant Closed)

Enjoyable from the minute you walk in, having breakfast at La Petite Table is one of my favorite things to do whenever I’m planning my meetings in the morning. In the heart of ABC Verdun, under…

January 18, 2018 | International Cuisine | Hamra & Verdun

Semsom: Tasty Flavors of Lebanon... With an Enjoyable Twist

Lebanese/Middle Eastern | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

August 28, 2017

Lebanese/Middle Eastern

Semsom: Tasty Flavors of Lebanon... With an Enjoyable Twist

I've been a big fan of Semsom since I first discovered it in Achrafieh back in 2008. I love their signature twist on Lebanese cuisine, the colors in their dishes and above all their flavors!…

August 28, 2017 | Recommended | Hamra & Verdun

Grand Cinemas ABC Verdun is Now Open: Photos of the 11 Screens Entertainment Hub

News | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

August 28, 2017

News

Grand Cinemas ABC Verdun is Now Open: Photos of the 11 Screens Entertainment Hub

Grand Cinemas, opened its most spectacular theatre complex to date, at Beirut’s highly anticipated ABC Verdun. Grand Cinemas ABC Verdun’s 11-screen entertainment hub combines a…

August 28, 2017 | Hamra & Verdun

ABC Verdun: Now Open in the Heart of Beirut

News | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

August 05, 2017

News

ABC Verdun: Now Open in the Heart of Beirut

ABC Verdun, Lebanon's biggest and sexiest mall is now open in the heart of Beirut. Check below the first picture of this architectural masterpiece.

August 05, 2017 | Shopping Mall | Hamra & Verdun

ABC Verdun: Video and Photos of the Opening

News | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

July 28, 2017

News

ABC Verdun: Video and Photos of the Opening

They say, the opening ceremony costs by the hundreds of thousands... below is the video and photos of this big night!

July 28, 2017 | Popular | Hamra & Verdun

The J's: A Real Diner... Tasty Food in Hamra (Restaurant Closed)

American | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

June 25, 2017

American

The J's: A Real Diner... Tasty Food in Hamra (Restaurant Closed)

I was here before the opening when the menu was printed on paper and was a bit complicated... today I'm back to discover the real "J's" a year after the operation started. J's is Hamra's upscale…

June 25, 2017 | Burgers | Hamra & Verdun

Al Rayess Men Chtaura: A Kiosk on Hamra Street (Restaurant Closed)

Restaurant Closed | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

April 11, 2017

Restaurant Closed

Al Rayess Men Chtaura: A Kiosk on Hamra Street (Restaurant Closed)

Driving by Hamra street, a kiosk grabbed my attention: yellow and red, beautifully designed with wheels and heavy metal poles, AL RAYESS is all about dairy products and specialities from the…

April 11, 2017 | Sandwiches | Hamra & Verdun

ABC Verdun's Big Reveal

News | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

April 10, 2017

News

ABC Verdun's Big Reveal

You've been hearing a lot about the new ABC Verdun... Curious to see the reveal?

April 10, 2017 | Shopping Mall | Hamra & Verdun

Kaldi: A Coffee Experience on Jeanne D'Arc Street

Breakfast & Coffee | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

December 04, 2016

Breakfast & Coffee

Kaldi: A Coffee Experience on Jeanne D'Arc Street

Probably the first coffee bar in Lebanon is now open on Jeanne D'Arc street. It's called KALDI; a speciality coffee shop down a corner street on Bliss.

December 04, 2016 | Coffee, Wine & Drinks | Hamra & Verdun

The Hot Dog Faktory Beirut: Gourmet Hotdogs (Restaurant Closed)

American | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

November 02, 2016

American

The Hot Dog Faktory Beirut: Gourmet Hotdogs (Restaurant Closed)

From Geneva to Lausanne and now Beirut, The Hot Dog Faktory is a Lebanese concept that first opened in Switzerland is now open for lunch and dinner on Jeanne D'arc Street.

November 02, 2016 | Restaurant Closed | Hamra & Verdun

BreadBerry: A Cafe in Beirut with a Lost Identity!

International Cuisine | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

November 01, 2016

International Cuisine

BreadBerry: A Cafe in Beirut with a Lost Identity!

Breadberry is a casual restaurant located in Verdun. It is a cafe trottoir kind of place that serves a selection of sandwiches, salads, burgers and pizzas... Wood is almost everywhere around, white…

November 01, 2016 | Restaurants | Hamra & Verdun

J's: Beirut has a New Diner (Restaurant Closed)

American | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

September 09, 2016

American

J's: Beirut has a New Diner (Restaurant Closed)

An interesting and catchy first impression grabs you inside the latest diner to open on Makdessi street Hamra; it's called J's. J's is about good mood, positive vibes, a simple and modern decor.…

September 09, 2016 | Burgers | Hamra & Verdun

The Cheesecake Factory: Beirut’s Trendy Diner (Restaurant Closed)

American | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

July 14, 2016

American

The Cheesecake Factory: Beirut’s Trendy Diner (Restaurant Closed)

The Cheesecake Factory: Some love it while other fears it... actually fear the 260 items on the menu that's heavy in calories... But sometimes, you just want to let go, eat and enjoy some good heavy…

July 14, 2016 | International Cuisine | Hamra & Verdun

Shawarma w Saj: Now in Hamra (Restaurant Closed)

Lebanese/Middle Eastern | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

July 06, 2016

Lebanese/Middle Eastern

Shawarma w Saj: Now in Hamra (Restaurant Closed)

Yellow and black inside out, a Shawarma concept has newly opened in Hamra. It's called Shawarma w Saj and it has come all the way from Saida to offer the city some fine meat and chicken shawarma…

July 06, 2016 | Restaurant Closed | Hamra & Verdun

Appetito Trattoria Hamra: Trying the Pizza

Italian Food | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

April 08, 2016

Italian Food

Appetito Trattoria Hamra: Trying the Pizza

It has taken me sometime to come here but as they say it's better late then never. Appetito is the Italian trattoria down in Hamra, facing The Plaza Hotel and next to Ferdinand.

April 08, 2016 | Pizza | Hamra & Verdun

The Cheesecake Factory Beirut; I Like it Here (Restaurant Closed)

American | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

February 07, 2016

American

The Cheesecake Factory Beirut; I Like it Here (Restaurant Closed)

My first review of The Cheesecake Factory was on opening night and the experience was simply great. Tonight I'm back because my wife wanted to try it and because I had heard mixed reviews about the…

February 07, 2016 | Recommended | Hamra & Verdun

The Cheesecake Factory in Lebanon: The First Experience (Restaurant Closed)

American | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

December 01, 2015

American

The Cheesecake Factory in Lebanon: The First Experience (Restaurant Closed)

Tonight we feast at the Cheesecake Factory. I was one of the first people to be invited alongside VIP guests and media representatives to try this legendary place. On the first night, personnel from…

December 01, 2015 | Burgers | Hamra & Verdun

The Legendary Sunday Buffet at Le Bristol Hotel (Restaurant Closed)

International Cuisine | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

November 24, 2015

International Cuisine

The Legendary Sunday Buffet at Le Bristol Hotel (Restaurant Closed)

It's a place my parents used to tell me about, it's a majestic landmark in the heart of Beirut, it's aplace where big balls were hosted, where presidents used to meet, where Lebanon's history could…

November 24, 2015 | Recommended | Hamra & Verdun

Curli-Q's Cinnamon Rolls

Tasty Discoveries | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

October 20, 2015

Tasty Discoveries

Curli-Q's Cinnamon Rolls

It's cylinder and it's tasty. It’s a cinnamon roll with a dozen layers one on top of the other that’s carefully baked in an innovative oven that makes unique tasty cinnamon rolls.

October 20, 2015 | Hamra & Verdun

Japanese Whisky Paired with Sushi

Reviews | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

October 16, 2015

Reviews

Japanese Whisky Paired with Sushi

Invited by Shogun and the Lebanese Syndicate of Restaurants in Lebanon, Nikka Japanese Whisky, newly launched in Lebanon, wanted to celebrate Japanese whisky, food and culture.

October 16, 2015 | Tasty Discoveries | Hamra & Verdun

Benihana: Serving Japanese Food for the Last 22 Years in Beirut

Asian & Chinese | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

October 14, 2015

Asian & Chinese

Benihana: Serving Japanese Food for the Last 22 Years in Beirut

I honestly thought Benihana was closed. I haven’t heard of it in a while and haven’t heard anyone mention its name in a long time. I happened to be in the area when I spotted it and…

October 14, 2015 | Japanese & Sushi | Hamra & Verdun

Ferdinand Doesn't Cease to Amaze Me

American | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

September 26, 2015

American

Ferdinand Doesn't Cease to Amaze Me

Back in November of 2014 the experience started with a smile and ended with one. We were welcomed by the manager who ran to show us around with a huge smile on his face. He even went to get us a San…

September 26, 2015 | Recommended | Hamra & Verdun

The Beazbee: A Flavorful, Cozy Breakfast

Breakfast & Coffee | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

June 03, 2015

Breakfast & Coffee

The Beazbee: A Flavorful, Cozy Breakfast

The white purity, the red fabrics, the champagne bottles, the imprinted logos, the light breeze of air, the sunny spells... The English spirit. Welcome to Beazbee.

June 03, 2015 | Recommended | Hamra & Verdun

The Cupcakery: Mouthwatering, Moist, Flavorful Cakes (Closed)

Restaurant Closed | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

April 07, 2015

Restaurant Closed

The Cupcakery: Mouthwatering, Moist, Flavorful Cakes (Closed)

A trend taking over our country, cupcakes have become available in almost all bakeries around Lebanon. But a cupcake is not the easiest of things to do... A cupcake should be moist, should offer a…

April 07, 2015 | Tasty Discoveries | Hamra & Verdun

Ci Gusta: Good Looking Plates... (Restaurant Closed)

Restaurant Closed | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

March 07, 2015

Restaurant Closed

Ci Gusta: Good Looking Plates... (Restaurant Closed)

Down on Jeanne D'Arc Street in Hamra, next to my favorite Cupcakery, is a brightly lit cafe called Ci Gusta. Ci Gusta serves a large selection of crepes, waffles and pancakes, ice creams and frozen…

March 07, 2015 | Restaurants | Hamra & Verdun

Yeh! Waffles, Pancakes, Crepes and Frozen Yogurt (Restaurant Closed)

Restaurant Closed | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

March 07, 2015

Restaurant Closed

Yeh! Waffles, Pancakes, Crepes and Frozen Yogurt (Restaurant Closed)

Yeh! is not new to me considering my sisters used to tell me about this special concept that they enjoy in Montreal. They even wrote a Friends&Co review about it a while back describing…

March 07, 2015 | Restaurants | Hamra & Verdun

Osaka: A Renowned Japanese Restaurant in Beirut

Japanese & Sushi | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

March 06, 2015

Japanese & Sushi

Osaka: A Renowned Japanese Restaurant in Beirut

I'll spare you the introductions and get straight to the point. Osaka is one of my favorite Japanese places in town and the restaurant has the finest, simplest, least complicated rolls in town. I…

March 06, 2015 | Restaurants | Hamra & Verdun

Jai: Can't Get Enough of Exotic Flavors of Asia

Asian & Chinese | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

February 23, 2015

Asian & Chinese

Jai: Can't Get Enough of Exotic Flavors of Asia

I’m back, yes back in less than a month to enjoy one of the finest Asian cuisines in Lebanon. Just remembering my last experience makes me drool – awesome flavors, the simplicity of real…

February 23, 2015 | International Cuisine | Hamra & Verdun

Food Style: Don't Judge a Book by its Cover

American | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

January 25, 2015

American

Food Style: Don't Judge a Book by its Cover

I have passed several times in front of Food Style, but never ever felt that push to step in. It's weird how some places give off the wrong impression, just by looking at its name, logo or colors...…

January 25, 2015 | Recommended | Hamra & Verdun

Jai: Succulent Flavors of Asia in Lebanon

International Cuisine | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

January 22, 2015

International Cuisine

Jai: Succulent Flavors of Asia in Lebanon

Finally, yes, I did it! I'm trying Jai because honestly, to date, I didn't hear a single negative review about the place. To start

January 22, 2015 | Japanese & Sushi | Hamra & Verdun

Truffle Chocolate: A Collection of Truffles and Sweet Delights

Chocolate | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

December 14, 2014

Chocolate

Truffle Chocolate: A Collection of Truffles and Sweet Delights

I came across a place called Truffle Chocolate on Instagram. To my happy surprise I found them at Le Salon du Chocolat. I was so excited to taste and feel their creations… And let me tell you…

December 14, 2014 | Desserts & Sweets | Hamra & Verdun

Khass w Bass: Delicious and Nutritious Salads and Sandwiches (Restaurant Closed)

International Cuisine | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

December 11, 2014

International Cuisine

Khass w Bass: Delicious and Nutritious Salads and Sandwiches (Restaurant Closed)

A bizarre name, to say the least, but this restaurant and its healthy direction is guaranteed to amaze you. The people behind "Khass w Bass" loved the old Lebanese saying and put our name to complete…

December 11, 2014 | Restaurants | Hamra & Verdun

Ferdinand: A Gastropub and Tasty Food

Burgers | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

November 09, 2014

Burgers

Ferdinand: A Gastropub and Tasty Food

The experience started with a smile and hopefully will end with one. We were welcomed by the manager who ran to show us around with a big huge smile on his face. He even went to get us a San…

November 09, 2014 | International Cuisine | Hamra & Verdun

Cookielicious: Creative Cookies in Hamra

Tasty Discoveries | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

October 16, 2014

Tasty Discoveries

Cookielicious: Creative Cookies in Hamra

The name is mouthwatering... The logo just makes you want to come in... when I did, and I am going to be honest, I was not too impressed to see the cookies stacked in plastic Tupperwares. But…

October 16, 2014 | Hamra & Verdun

Bagel+: Great Bagels, Horrid Place (Restaurant Closed)

Street Food | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

October 10, 2014

Street Food

Bagel+: Great Bagels, Horrid Place (Restaurant Closed)

Here I am visiting Bagel+. Seeing their pictures all over the net, their Instagram photos show off beautiful edible creations that are mouthwatering; I imagined something different... Actually, let's…

October 10, 2014 | Hamra & Verdun

Le Talleyrand: One of the Last Fine-Dining Restaurants in Lebanon (Restaurant Closed)

French Food | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

August 11, 2014

French Food

Le Talleyrand: One of the Last Fine-Dining Restaurants in Lebanon (Restaurant Closed)

Welcome to Le Talleyrand, one of the last fine-dining restaurants in Lebanon that has survived beyond the French bistro craze. What a lovely restaurant and unique concept that has been around…

August 11, 2014 | Recommended | Hamra & Verdun

Flor: Tasty Ice Cream, Rich in Texture and Flavor (Restaurant Closed)

Ice Cream & Gelato | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

June 11, 2014

Ice Cream & Gelato

Flor: Tasty Ice Cream, Rich in Texture and Flavor (Restaurant Closed)

After publishing the review about my favorite ice creams in town, a ice cream place kept coming up on most comments, again and again:

June 11, 2014 | Recommended | Hamra & Verdun

Dar... Books, Food and Positive Vibes

International Cuisine | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

June 09, 2014

International Cuisine

Dar... Books, Food and Positive Vibes

Positive vibes is what Dar Bistro is all about. A few words I can use to describe this place include fresh, soothing, interactive, interesting and unique... a place where people come to enjoy food in…

June 09, 2014 | Restaurants | Hamra & Verdun

Sanayeh Garden: Enjoy a Green Haven in Beirut

Spotted Stories | Hamra & Verdun Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Beirut

June 04, 2014

Spotted Stories

Sanayeh Garden: Enjoy a Green Haven in Beirut

We all know that Beirut, and much of Lebanon, has a serious issue with a lack of green space. There are few places you can take your kids, our cities and towns often resemble concrete jungles. Th

June 04, 2014 | Hamra & Verdun