Restaurants in Beirut

The Beirut outpost of the infamous Venetian restaurant is also dressed up like the eponymous original: all silver service and ivory-coloured tablecloths. The food is authentic Italian too with pastas and risottos aside its meat and fish dishes. Try the lobster spaghetti with a bottle chosen by the knowledgeable sommelier.

Although Mayrig is officially Armenian, it borrows heavily from Lebanese gastronomy, and looks across the Mediterranean towards Italy. Wildly popular among locals, the atmosphere is super friendly, while portions are hearty and unfussily presented. The spicy mezze is the main draw but don't leave without trying the Sou Berag (Armenian Lasagne).

Beirut's top spot for Japanese cuisine, Yabani is pricey by Lebanese standards but really knows its stuff. On the menu are typical Japanese dishes such as sushi, tempura and bento boxes, as well as a Nobu-esque take on black cod and utterly moreish slow-cooked salmon. The wine list, although heavy on the local brews, is extensive and excellent.

Serving a modern take on traditional Lebanese cuisine, the decor of Café Blanc mirrors its ethics with moucharabieh-style partitions matched by brightly decorated cushions. Even the waiters wear funky versions of the cherwal outfits. The beautifully presented mezze is worthy of your Lebanese pound, but don't miss the scrumptious Halawi Chocolate for dessert.

With its generous buffet, this is the place to go when you really need to fill up. The live cooking stations serve up every kind of cuisine imaginable, but the shawarmas (kebabs), which are served on Sunday, come highly recommended. Position yourself close to the huge plate glass windows for super views of the hotel grounds.

A fabulously chic juice bar with ultra-cool brushed steel fittings, Waterlemon does hearty salads, plus a smattering of less healthy classics such as steak and fries. The menu changes seasonally and the portions are generous. You'll need crampons and a pickaxe to get through the chef's salads. Round off your meal with tasty fruit kebabs.

Open 24 hours a day, Leil Nhar specialises in cheap but tasty Lebanese food. For breakfast, it's all about traditional manoushe flatbread, washed down with freshly squeezed orange or carrot juice. Later on, tuck into the mezze or the chicken cheese but leave room for the Leil Nhar knafeh (syrup-soaked cheese pastry).

This weekly farmer's market is open every Saturday from 9am until 2pm and serves up mounds of minty tabbouleh, tubs of spiced dumplings, pots of fresh blackberries, and jars and jars of brightly-coloured mouneh (preserves). For a taster, try Tawlet's wholesome kitchen, which is manned by a different chef each day.

Lebanon may be known for its thick, eye-wateringly strong coffee, but tea specialists, Thea Rituels de The, breathe life into the humble cuppa. Every continent is represented in the huge tea menu, but the one to try is the Jasmine Green with one or two of the homemade cakes and pastries. Non-smoking.