If you are a fan of grilled meats and fresh cuts, Lebanon hosts a wide array of restaurants offering diverse experiences for all tastes. From traditional Lebanese spots famed for their kebabs, shish tawook, and raw meats, to luxurious steakhouses and American-style smoked meats, there are options to suit families, friends, and connoisseurs of fine dining.
This guide highlights the best grilling and meat restaurants in Lebanon, featuring the most popular dishes from each to help you choose your next dining destination.
Best Traditional Lebanese Grilling Restaurants
1. Abu Jihad Restaurant – Jal El Dib
Abu Jihad is renowned among Lebanon's grilling restaurants, famed for its expertise in serving charcoal-grilled kebabs, skewered meats, and kofta, alongside a wide variety of Lebanese appetizers and fresh raw meats.
Signature Dishes:
- Kebab Khashkhash
- Skewered Meat
- Grilled Kofta
- Raw Meat
- Fattoush and Tabouleh
2. Al Shams Restaurant – Anjar
Al Shams is known for spacious settings perfect for families and groups, offering a large variety of traditional Lebanese grills using high-quality fresh meats.
Highlights:
- Mixed Grills
- Armenian Meat Pizza
- Potato Soufflé
- Assorted Lebanese Mezze
3. Mashawiish Restaurant – Mar Mikhael
If you're looking for a modern twist on Lebanese grilling, Mashawiish offers innovative sandwiches and grilled meals while maintaining authentic Lebanese flavors.
Recommended Dishes:
- Kebab Arfulli
- Sujuk
- Mergez
- Shish Tawook
Best Smoked Meat Restaurants in Lebanon
4. Carneo – Jeita
Carneo is a famed destination for smoked meats, utilizing slow smoking methods to deliver tender, flavor-rich meats.
Signature Dishes:
- Smoked Brisket
- Beef Ribs
- Smoked Lamb Shoulder
- Wagyu Burger
5. The Smoking Barrels – Beirut
An excellent spot for American BBQ enthusiasts, known for using natural wood to smoke meats for extended hours.
Top Dishes:
- Beef Brisket
- Beef Ribs
- Wagyu Steak
- Pulled Beef Sandwich
Best Steak Restaurants in Lebanon
6. Skirt – Downtown Beirut
Known for luxurious steaks, Skirt offers aged meats and high-quality steak cuts, paired with a variety of sauces and sides.
Popular Choices:
- Dry Aged Steak
- Ribeye
- Tenderloin
- Bone Marrow
7. Swiss Butter
With several branches in Lebanon, Swiss Butter is famous for its simple menu focused on quality meat with a hallmark butter sauce.
Most Popular Dishes:
- Filet Steak
- Ribeye
- Chicken Breast
- Fries with Special Sauce
How to Choose the Best Grilling Restaurant?
Selection depends on the experience you're looking for:
- For Traditional Lebanese Grills: Abu Jihad, Al Shams, Mashawiish.
- For American BBQ: Carneo and The Smoking Barrels.
- For Luxury Steak Lovers: Skirt and Swiss Butter.
- For Families: Al Shams and Abu Jihad.
- For Fine Dining: Skirt and Carneo.
Tips Before Visiting Grilling Restaurants
- Make reservations in advance for weekends.
- Order mixed grills if it's your first visit.
- Try Lebanese appetizers with grills for a complete experience.
- Ask about the restaurant's specialty dish before ordering.
- If you prefer steak, specify your desired doneness level.
Conclusion
Lebanon abounds with grilling and meat restaurants that cater to various budgets and tastes. Whether you're after traditional Lebanese kebabs, luxurious steak, or American-style smoked meats, meat quality, cooking method, and service are key factors that make these restaurants preferred choices for meat enthusiasts from within Lebanon and beyond.