Al Falamanki

This Beirut institution is a café/watering hole that was built as a son’s homage to his father. The owner Amis adored his father Khalil Al Falamanki, who was a wrestler before becoming the personal bodyguard of an Egyptian business tycoon with whom he traveled around the world. In this role, he met many movie stars from John Wayne to Frank Sinatra, and memorabilia adorns the walls of the original outpost near Beit Beirut, which has tables outside under olive trees. As those around you smoke shisha pipes, you will forget you are in the middle of the city. What Lebanese regulars and their guests come for is the old world atmosphere and the delicious Middle Eastern food, including some of the best mezze in the city. For a great lunch with a view head to the newer branch Al Falamanki Raouche, facing the sea by Pigeon’s Rock.