Urbanologist Samer Chamoun, co-founder of Middle Eastern cult eatery the Lebanese Bakery shares with U his favourite dining destinations in Beirut.

Liza

This modern Lebanese restaurant, set in the superb architecture of an old Lebanese house, offers amazing Lebanese Mezze with a twist. It also has great rice dishes; the 5 spices Lamb shank is a must. You get the full experience of Lebanon in one place with Liza.

Babel Bay

Gorgeous fish restaurant located in a beautiful Marina in Beirut, surrounded with some of our biggest, most magnificent yachts. Here service is at its very best, almost feels like you have your very own private waiter. Must try is the Thyme Salad with Bottarga sticks .

Em Sherif

Levantine dishes from the region extending from Syrian to Iraq, this is a culinary experience you will never forget - the set menu in particular ensures you have non stop food coming to your plate all night. Their speciality is their desserts, my favorite is the Em Ali, a sweet milk pudding which takes you back to your childhood.

Mayyass

Authentic  Armenian eatery hidden in one of the residential neighborhoods of Beirut, the homey old school interiors makes it very cosy and perfect for those colder, winter nights. A lot of rich spices used in their dishes, and that's what make them so special. Order the Kebab in yoghurt as a main dish - you will not regret it - and make sure you add their chilli sauce on top.

Kelly's Fish Lounge

This tiny fish place in the heart of Beirut (probably the only fish restaurant in Beirut that has no sea view), actually has some of the freshest fish in town, the owner happens to be a fisherman and he catches the restaurant fare in the morning. Don't be afraid to order your fish raw, and make sure you try the local clams.

Beirut-based brand The Lebanese Bakery have opened their first international flagship store in London's Covent Garden. The flagship eatery in is the brainchild of brothers Samer and Bassam Chamoun and despite having only been formed in 2016, has already gained a cult in Beirut for its delicious variety of traditional Lebanese flatbreads known as ‘Manousheh’.

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