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Al-Halabi, one of the oldest Lebanese restaurants in Lebanon and one of the few who restaurants that have continued on providing the same quality, taste and service for the past decades.
Whenever I think of going out for lunch on Sundays; Al Halabi is the first place that comes to mind. Its location is easy to access, on the roundabout which joins Antelias, Naccache, Jal el Dib and Rabieh. It used to be a simple old Lebanese house, until the building was refurbished about ten years ago to add an art gallery on the upper floor.
Al Halabi is Al Halabi. Authentic, clean, tasty with no added twists. It's pure Lebanese food, no fusion and no added sophisticated creations which most places today apply to their menus. The best thing is that you get the same taste every time you go there. No surprises! Imagine that, a couple of years ago, they removed their famous Mhalbiye, just because the chef who used to make them left. They didnt want to give their customers a different or less than perfect taste that they are used to... Now that they have perfected in house again they recently introduced it back.
I love Mhalabiye - its one of my favorite Lebanese sweets. I have it everywhere I go just to compare tastes, and still by far the best Mhalabiye is served at Al Halabi. Whenever you want to taste their famous raw meat, or the non garlic Hummus, their delicious fried birds or the renowned Moudardara, just head to Al Halabi. What's best about this restaurant is that the waiters are still the same since the days I remember. Professionals, old and experienced. When you get to know them, they become your friends, memorizing your name and welcoming you time after time with your title. It's always nice to go to a place where familiar faces welcome you. One of the things i love, as well, is the waiters. Old and experienced, the same waiters who served my parents 10 years ago, without forgetting the famous head waiter with his white suite and black tie. Unfortunatly Al Halabi closed his summer location in Ajaltoun and was replaced by the new Karam restaurant.
In my opinion, authentic and real Lebanese restaurants in Lebanon are becoming fewer.
I will state the top five list: Al Halabi in Antelias, Karam in Beirut, Mhanna Sur Mer in Amchit, Mounir in Beit Merry and Fakhreddine in Broumana.
