Gemmayze Street, also known as Rue Gouraud, is one of the most vibrant and famous streets in Beirut. It combines old Beiruti buildings with modern restaurants and cafes that attract locals and visitors throughout the day.
The cafes in Gemmayze are distinguished by their great diversity; some specialize in specialty coffee, while others recreate the ambiance of old Beirut. There are also modern cafes suitable for work, study, or meeting friends.
Top Cafes on Gemmayze Street
1. SIP
SIP is a distinctive cafe in Gemmayze, located in an old Beiruti building with a design blending heritage details and modern touches. It offers a variety of specialty coffees, including filter coffee and lattes, along with baked goods and desserts. The space provides an ideal environment for working on a laptop or enjoying a quiet moment, especially for those who prefer informal cafes.
2. BN Coffee Bar
For specialty coffee lovers, BN Coffee Bar is a worthy choice in Gemmayze. The focus here is on the quality of the coffee and preparation methods, with baristas dedicated to presenting coffee precisely and explaining the characteristics of different types of coffee and extraction methods. Options to try include milk-based coffees like flat white and cortado.
3. Neighbourhood
Neighbourhood offers a warm and simple atmosphere suitable for morning coffee and informal meetings. It features a comfortable social vibe, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a relatively quiet cafe away from the hustle and bustle. It's also pet-friendly.
4. Levant
Levant stands out from many modern cafes in Gemmayze by focusing on authentic Lebanese identity. The local touch is evident in its decor, combining woven chairs, old Lebanese tiles, and details inspired by traditional houses. The experience isn't limited to coffee, as the place offers a selection of Lebanese and Eastern sweets, perfect for those who wish to pair coffee with traditional desserts.
5. KAHWET 60
KAHWET 60 transports its visitors to an atmosphere inspired by 1960s Beirut. The decor has a cinematic and nostalgic vibe, with music and settings that help evoke the image of old Beirut. The menu includes options from traditional Lebanese breakfast and Arabic and Turkish coffee, along with a variety of Eastern sweets.
6. Rise
Rise offers a modern experience focusing on healthy options and ingredients suitable for modern lifestyles. The place is characterized by a calm and elegant atmosphere, making it suitable for studying, working, or informal meetings. Notable options include matcha-based drinks and baked goods with healthy ingredients.
7. Stir Social House
Stir Social House blends between a cafe and a social space, with its atmosphere changing depending on the time of day. In the morning, it serves breakfast and work-friendly settings, transforming later into a social space perfect for meeting friends and enjoying music and vibrant vibes.
Best Cafe for Specialty Coffee in Gemmayze
If your primary goal is specialty coffee and quality preparation, SIP and BN Coffee Bar are top choices to experience. If you're looking for a combination of coffee with Lebanese identity and traditional desserts, Levant and KAHWET 60 offer a different experience.
Best Cafe for Work and Study in Gemmayze
For those seeking a place to work on a computer or study, focus on cafes known for their quiet atmosphere and comfortable seating with good internet connectivity. SIP and Rise are options worth considering, but it's important to check the level of quietness and internet availability on the day of your visit, as ambience might vary during peak hours.
How to Choose the Right Cafe in Gemmayze?
Choosing a cafe depends on the type of experience you're seeking. If you're a specialty coffee enthusiast, focus on the quality of the beans and preparation methods. If the ambiance is more important to you, choose a place that offers comfortable seating and decor that suits your taste.
For work or study, it's preferable to inquire in advance about internet, seats, and how crowded it may get, especially during evening hours and weekends.
SummaryGemmayze Street in Beirut offers a wide range of cafes catering to different tastes. From specialty coffee at SIP and BN Coffee Bar, to Lebanese ambiance at Levant and KAHWET 60, to modern and healthy cafes like Rise and social spaces like Stir Social House. This diversity grants Gemmayze a distinctive position among coffee destinations in Beirut, whether you're seeking a morning coffee, a quiet session, a place to work, or a Lebanese experience with a modern twist.
See AlsoBest Places to Start a Tourism Project in Lebanon

